setting

• Some sort of variation of earth except mythical creatures exist and some humans have evolved to wield special abilities. Creatures living in this world can be classified similarly to the way we do on Earth, with some fantasy/fictional additions included

• Mythical creatures such as mermaids/sirens, demons/imps, nymphs, elves, fairies, goblins, and the occasional "fallen angel" (although theories on where they fall from differ largely) exist in this world. Other more obscure creatures exist here too, as well as more animalistic creatures such as unicorns, griffins, and dragons. There is a lot of mixing between compatible species, and so new creatures are constantly being discovered

• about 20% of the population are these evolved humans, labeled as "gifted humans". those with gifted parents are more likely to receive an ability upon birth, as the chance of an ability largely depends on if it runs in the family

GIFTED HUMANS

• About 20% of the human population are further evolved than the remaining 80%, called "gifted humans". Those with gifted parents are more likely to be gifted themselves, as the gene is generally recessive

• Gifted humans possess special abilities that their bodies have adapted to host. The type of ability ranges, and isn't always the same as that of one's birth parents (although it is much more common). More abilities continue to be discovered, but generally fall into the following categories:

  • Ability with a physical form that is summoned by a person (e.g. weather summoning, illusions, many nature-drawn abilities)

  • Ability without a physical form that is channeled through a person (e.g. extreme strength, telepathy, necromancy)

  • Already-existing matter that can be manipulated by a person (e.g. fire manipulation, potions/runes, telekinesis)

• Many abilities blur the lines between these three categories, but for the most part, can be classified into one or the other. No ability is all-powerful and every ability has its limits and/or downsides, generally in relation to its category.

  • For example, abilities that rely on already-existing matter are unable to create new matter, only control what's already there. An unseen ability channeled through a person will only be as strong/effective as the person's proficiency with their ability. A physical manifestation summoned by a person will only last as long as the thing used to summon it, and will often eat away at that thing to maintain its vitality

• Each gifted human is born capable of assuming an alternate form in which their ability is stronger and more easily channeled. The alternate form is generally more animalistic and tends to be a very abstract reflection of their life. This is because every gifted human's abilities are more easily channeled through heightened emotion, and so their alternate form is essentially the sum of all of their strongest emotions and experiences

• Gifted humans have a higher chance of finding work because their abilities can improve their performance. There is a range of different abilities (and more continue to be discovered), but if one is in an environment that their abilities benefit, they will have an easier time

  • For example, the Flores family is known for being exceptionally skilled in the use of fire and heat, as their bloodline contains many humans gifted in heat manipulation. As a result, their family is able to thrive in the fire region, Agnacia, and their exports make up a significant portion of their district's - and region's - yearly revenue

• It's also important to bear in mind that just because someone is born in a specific region does not mean they must go into a line of work specific to that region's resources. just like on Earth, products are made globally, but some have more success than others

BELIEFS

• This world is larger than Earth, although not a huge amount so. This has resulted in a wide range of beliefs across the planet

• In the more rocky, mountainous areas of the world, beliefs tend to focus on a collection of less individually powerful but more numerous deities. Communities in this part of the world have less contact with each other, therefore making it harder to assimilate with each other, so their beliefs have merged into a bit of a disorganized amalgamation of gods, spirits, and powerful beings. Small temples are built throughout the forests for travellers to stop and pray to the resident deity of that area. Most people have beliefs, but they do not place as big of an emphasis on them as in other parts of the world because surviving in the climate requires most of their focus. Their deities are usually turned to only for guidance or in times of need. In the deep forests and mountains, creatures and animals evolve to be larger and more powerful themselves, and many beliefs stem from sightings of these creatures. Folklore runs rampant in this part of the world

• In the flatter, grassy areas with thinner forests, beliefs tend to be quite monotheistic, focusing on one, sometimes two or three, all-powerful deities that stem from the natural world. Inhabitants of these lands place a great significance on their beliefs, raising animals in the finest ways possible in order to offer them to their god(s). People who follow this belief are regarded as caretakers of the land, created to watch over the world and keep it strong and healthy for their creator, who is simultaneously its own being and also the land itself. A strong emphasis is placed on balance within the natural world so as to not upset the god(s), and communities are very in-tune with natural patterns and signs of oncoming bad times (crops wilting, cloud shapes, moon phases/position in the sky, etc.)

• Nearer the ocean, spirits embodying and ruling over specific things are popular. A spirit of the ocean, a spirit of the sand, a spirit of the ground, etc. Offerings are not made to these spirits but prayers are said in hopes of being brought bountiful and safe times. Prayers are often said before killing other living beings (for food, usually) too, so as to ask the spirit's permission/forgiveness before taking a life. Meditation is also popular in these areas, as it is believed to bring one closer to the spirits and heighten one's senses and abilities

• Most areas believe in an afterlife or embodiment of death in some way, shape, or form. Many also believe in the opposite -- of an embodiment/bringer of life. Even those who do not follow a specific belief tend to have this core belief, as symbiosis and the circular nature of life is leaned into much more in this world

• In more urban areas, there generally tends to be a mix of beliefs. Depending on where one is situated, the beliefs may lean more towards one than another, but usually there are enough resources to support everyone's way of life. However, it doesn't mean it is necessarily accepted

• human-occupied land is sorted into regions based on the resources available there. regions are divided into districts (provinces) based on living conditions, imports/exports, border/tribe disputes, weather, and other factors. each district contains a handful of cities, towns, and/or villages

  • for example, the fire region specializes in blacksmithing, heating services, metalworking, etc. the richest district is where the region exports the most of its goods, and is also home to the Flores family, which is possibly the most well-known name in the fire/heat business. poorer districts export fewer/lesser quality goods because of the resource availability around them, but still exist due to population demands

• on a worldwide scale, each region's government must attend to the needs of its districts to assure that no one falls into starvation or poverty. however, the gap between most regions' wealthiest and poorest districts is still far too large

• it's very much possible to climb your way up through the districts, starting in a poorer district, but it requires a lot of resolve and patience (also money and a good job), so a lot of the poorest districts are stuck in a cycle of poverty while the richest districts don't take matters into their own hands to help because they're rich so what else do you expect lol

• districts are numbered based on their age, so the oldest district will always be the 1st. the oldest district also usually contains the capital city of the region

• a region with many districts is seen as progressive, but one with too many is seen as greedy or expanding too quickly for its own good

• a region can contain as many districts as its government wishes or needs, as long as they have the finances to support all of them to at least the minimum standard, and the money and space to expand their region if need be

• each region has their own name, but must still use the one named after their main resource when referring to official affairs

  • a region would refer to themselves as [chosen name], the [resource] region

  • ex: Tarnora, the Stone Region

• same goes for districts

  • [chosen name], district [number] OR [chosen name], district [number] of the [resource] region

  • ex: Subara, District 2 / Subara, District 2 of the Stone Region

• other regions contain tourist attractions, entertainment, and education as well, although a good portion of it is designed to cater to the region's resources

  • in the sea region, tourists go on whale-watching trips, or enjoy seafood with a view of the waves. education services available like to focus on practical, useful skills such as fishing, boating, swimming, or cooking

• moving regions and districts is completely fine, and people do this as freely as we in our world move cities, states and provinces, or countries. however, by moving regions, one will expose themselves to an entirely different way of life, especially in the workforce and education system, due to their new home being focused around an entirely different resource.

(outdated uniforms)

the school (unnamed) is located in the capital, in one of its richest cities. it is a well-known, widely-renowned school for gifted humans, magic users, and other mythical beings. students attend this school starting at age 16 going on 17 (end of grade 10), and graduate at age 20. therefore, it can be compared to a vocational school of sorts. (replaces grades 11 & 12, plus first 2 years of uni)

students' special abilities are honed here and they are opened up to opportunities better suited to their skillsets. they earn university credits so that they do not fall behind, should they choose to pursue further education afterwards. other schools of this sort exist, but this one is the most highly regarded, and offers the best resources, teaching, and future opportunities.

nothing here yet because i am lazy

nothing here yet; will update when i have the time

just like a shit ton of trees and snow idk what to tell you man