The world Myths of Arcana takes place in has it's own sets of rules and standards for modern life. While it is inspired by multiple fictional realities as well as the real world, MoA has it's own unique place when it comes to concepts such as technology, medicine, education, law & order, pop culture, and the ecology of the world.
When it comes to technology and how the world has advanced, MoA relies on a blend of science and magic. Science as it traditionally exist in our world, exists in MoA as well, just less advanced compared to the modern day of the 21st century. Magic is the supplement to this handicap, and is the power source for most industrial situations. For example, traditional cellphones may not exist, but a magic mirror like device power by an Arcane gem would function in the same way.
When it comes to the social setting of MoA, the world is incredibly progressive and accepting compared to the real world. Discrimination of any kind is openly frowned upon and not tolerated to any capacity by the majority of the population.
MoA has a rich cultural background as the Empire itself has spanned hundreds of years. It has had the time and diversity to create some incredible traditions and events for the populace. Ranging from the arts, to sports, to culinary cuisine and more.
This also applies to the magical aspect of the group, cultural events and ways of life are built around the magic that engulfs all aspects of MoA. After all, the world was built around magic itself, and this shines through every element of the natural world. The local wildlife even has magical properties.
All in all, the world of MoA is a very complex environment, rich with history and depth. This page of the website hopes to answer common questions related to world building. If you have further questions or would like more information related to a specific subject, please do not hesitate to ask the moderators, and we will get back to you asap!
Science and technology exists in MoA just as it does in the real world with a few key differences. Due to the loss of knowledge from the Doctrine War and the Great Freeze, science based technology has advanced to the 1880s-1920s at best.
To get around this handicap, a hybridization of magic and science has occurred which is more in line with the modern way of the world. For example, even though telegraphs are the current best communication device to have been invented, the best form of communication is actually a magic device known as a holo-mirror, which is a small compact mirror device that unfolds into an arcane projector which functions like a modern-day smart phone. To reiterate, the only things that cannot exist in MoA are pure science based modern technology. So an airplane cannot exist, but a magic flying ship certainly can.
Computers and video games can also exist in this hybridized magic and science based tech. Instead of electricity, the hardware runs on magic energy and Arcane crystals that are harvested from the mines of Kestramore. These crystals are pure magic energy to their core, and are very valuable.
Due to the Arcane energy crisis that the Caledonian Empire is experiencing, Arcane tech prices have skyrocketed and there are mandatory energy curfews in place to preserve Arcane resources. The discovery of Goldenrod Valley has the general population and leadership hopeful that more resources can be discovered in order to curb the energy crisis and trend of dying/weakening magic.
In the world of MoA, the planets, stars, and constellations exist just as they would in real life, except for planet earth, which is replaced by the planet of Terr-Oryn. The only key difference is that Terr-Oryn is larger than the earth, and has three moons in orbit, two large moons, and one smaller moon in a figure eight orbit, also known as a lissajous orbit, around the two larger ones. Hassen, Mok, and Elyria are the names of the moons, the two larger ones are Mok and Hassen, with the smaller one being Elyria.
Space travel has been theorized, but has yet to occur. Landing on the moon(s) has yet to happen and will probably not happen for a very long time due to the energy crisis and lacking technology.
Medicine is the single most advanced technology in the world of MoA, to the point it is even more advanced than the real world. This is due to the fact it was the only technology that survived the eradication of the Doctrine War. This is credited heavily to the area of Breckenridge and their emphasis on Oral Tradition, the medical marvels of the ancient world were able to survive through their generally untouched healer population.
Modern medicine has advanced to the stage that it is possible for transgender individuals to fully undergo operations in order to physically become the gender they identify as. It is also possible for same sex couples to conceive and give birth to biological children through a surrogate parent or laboratories.
Care for mental health, disabilities, elders, and chronic diseases are also quite a deal more advanced in the world of MoA compared to the real world. These are highly prioritized and heavily funded fields that are constantly coming out with affordable new innovations and treatments for the people who live with such conditions.
Those with healing powers are usually urged to take up positions in the healthcare fields. While people without healing magic do exist in the medical world, it is predominately dominated by those who do have health and care based magic.
Arcane based technology is the lifeblood of the world of MoA. It is a field which combines the practices of science and magic to make a hybrid technology capable of standing on it's own. The scope and range of the technology is incredibly diverse, with new innovations popping up rather frequently. The only thing that has made this march of advancement slow down is the energy crisis and the fact magic seems to be weakening in the world of MoA. Nevertheless, there are still those who would continue their march.
Despite this, real world modern technology would be possible to transfer into MoA so long as you are using Arcane based tech. You are able to come up with any technology you would like if you feel like it would fit within the world of MoA, and you have the approval of the moderators, just remember to keep advanced tech Arcane based.
Though a number of Arcane based technology providers exist, the most prominent one that's risen to power over the last ten years would be Elysium Inc., whose founder and CEO, Cedric Aurendight, has been regarded as a leading figure in the Arcane technology world. This is especially true in terms of the research and development of runic scripts that almost stand on the same level of power output as Arcane crystals, though still fall a bit short of the purer power source. Through trial and error, along with the acquisition of other companies who's stock values fell, Elysium Inc. has managed to develop a myriad of tools and amenities geared towards all, be they wealthy or poor, while also constantly bringing on new talent to be cultivated. Many mainstream devices that use runic scripts instead of Arcane crystals, for example, have been produced by the company. Outside of the Arcane technology, the company also appears to have several branches that specialize between a range of things, so it's safe to assume the founder is rather ambitious.
Following after Elysium Inc., there is also the solely technology focused Ambrosia Corp, seen as the second titan in the industry and for good reason. Through innovation and constant backing from both the Karim and Snærós families, along with a number of shareholders, Ambrosia Corp has managed to be a powerhouse in the field and a household name for generations. Due to a reliance on Arcane crystals, the company itself has fallen behind a bit in innovations in recent years and their products have seen a price rise. While a number would argue their reliance on Arcane crystals is a bold and risky choice given the energy crisis, though many of their loyal consumers continue to purchase their wares all the same, citing that their performance was well worth the gold.
Even with these titans standing atop the industry, there are still other companies who exist that attempt to meet the needs and desires of the people despite the energy crisis. A number of them have attempted to switch from Arcane crystals to runic scripts, though their results have been mixed at best for the most part, with those who succeed still not getting the same output as the leading brand.
In the world of MoA, all districts and cities offer free education plans, be it in person or online, to the age of eighteen. Higher schooling for university, college, or trade school, or vocational school is scholarship, apprenticeship, and application based. If the higher education involves training with magic or Arcana, training will be provided to aide the students to customize and hone their abilities for their desired career path.
Arcane Theory, Dæmonology, and Magic Mastery are mandatory classes all students under eighteen years of age are required to take. This is enforced in order for students to learn the balance of the Elemental Houses, the user to discover their Dæmon's unique powers, and to control their own Arcane affinity and powers so accidents will not occur. If an individual's power is too great to control, there are suppression bracelets provided for free in order to prevent any Arcane based accidents.
The world of Myths of Arcana has no instances of wide-spread systemic oppression or discrimination when it comes to an individual's identity. This meaning racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, prejudice are not government sanctioned or tolerated in the environment. Characters will find support and acceptance for belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, having chronic illnesses, being neurodivergent, belonging to a different race or culture, having a disability, etc.
The only exception to this would be religious intolerance, since there is only one religion in the entire empire. Atheists and agnostics are still treated with respect and dignity, just pitied extensively.
However, pockets of discrimination can still exist in the world. This meaning that player characters can experience these types of situations in their history if so desired. It is strongly recommended that members take care and caution when handling sensitive topics such as this. The moderator team would also like to gently remind everyone that, in the world of MoA, these types of viewpoints are considered extremely offensive and will not be tolerated or condoned by the majority of the populace.
The governing power of the Caledonian Empire defaults to the Royal Family, Caladium Court, and the Noble Houses. Each Noble house governs a specific district, with the Royal Family governing the capital city directly. Caladium Court is the overruling parliament for the Empire, and is the highest legal governing branch, dictated to directly by the Royal Family. The Court has a representative from each of the Noble Houses in order to best advocate for all the districts of the Empire.
Player characters cannot be directly related to any of the Noble Houses, Caladium Court, or the Royal Family. Player characters cannot come from these environments, and neither can immediate family members.
If you desire for your character to have a connection with the Noble Houses, it must be through the Vassal Houses. These being smaller, less prestigious family houses that directly serve their individual corresponding Noble House. Think of them as smaller houses that have sworn complete fealty to their corresponding Greater Noble House. They have no governing legal power over the populace, but have strong social influence and slight prestige.
Criminals in the world of MoA are treated in a similar manner to how they are in the real world. They are to be arrested, prosecuted, charged, put on trial, ordered to serve time, or fined. There are two major differences however, the criminal justice system is structured mainly around the concepts of rehabilitation and charity work, and drug use is decriminalized. More attention and focus is given to the mental-health care of criminals with the end goal being that of reformation from bad habits and behaviors.
However, one slight contingency is held with the fact that all incarcerated individuals are put on a magical suspension. This meaning that individuals magic is suppressed to the point they are unable to use it. This is accomplished through a bracelet, similar to a house arrest anklet, that makes it impossible for the wearer to use magic. This method of control is considered slightly controversial in the world of MoA, as citizens of the Empire do view it as a human's right violation to rob someone of their dæmon for a period of time.
When it comes to more atrocious and reprehensible crimes, such as murder or arson, individuals will receive a more brutal punishment. In these cases, criminals are either sent to prison isolation camps with magic suppression bracelets or conscripted into the army to patrol more dangerous areas. In fact, there was a small selection of these individuals who first colonized Goldenrod Valley in service to the Empire.
Due to the higher standards of law enforcement compared to the real world, most individuals hold a relatively positive opinion towards them. There is much more scrutiny for law enforcement to work appropriately and correctly for the safety of every party involved in a crime. It is very uncommon for misconduct or mishandled situations to occur, but if the worse were to happen, it would be dealt with immediately and appropriately by higher-ups to win the trust of the people back.
Different districts have different ways of handling crime, some are more lax while others are more critical, but the core values and ethics are always the same. Caledonia Proper, The Kestramore Tundra, Ebudæ River Delta, & Khartoum Desert tend to be much more stern and harsh when it comes to punishments and rules, while The Isles of Ebony, Okacho, and Breckenridge are very liberal and permissive in comparison.
While all districts are governed under the rules and guidelines of the Caladium Court, each district has their own police forces, fire fighters, military, first responders etc. This means that each district, while held to the core principles and rules of the Empire, has their own unique governing methods and laws. All are still required to follow established guidelines and legislation laid out by the Caladium Court.
Not all districts have an established navy or military force though, it mainly depends on the culture and environment of the district. Caledonia Proper has a rather large royal guard program and secret police force, while the Ebudæ River Delta has a rather large naval program. The Kestramore Tundra has a wilderness ranger program and coast guard, with heavy emphasis on search and rescue. Avalon also has an established guard and navy, while Breckenridge has a mounted police force. The Isle of Stars has a large naval program with individual third party protection forces on each island/settlement. The Guardian Tropics have a similar field ranger program to Kestramore, with an anti-poaching subdivision. Okacho has small, personalized police forces for each settlement, with emphasis on community rotation and volunteering. The Khartoum Desert has a mounted police force as well as several check point stations for the caravans. Finally, the Isles of Ebony have one of the most extensive naval forces in the Empire, with multiple ports and stations across its many islands.
Since the Empire is united into one sovereign nation, the military is not used for warfare at this point in time. It is to keep the peace between the districts and uphold civil order. Border skirmishes over jurisdiction may occur every once in a while, and militant based organizations may be deployed to help more isolated areas in times of need, but other than that, it's very rare for the military to be active.
Martial Arts or Self Defense is really only actively taught in a mandatory sense to the military/district forces. Other than that, it's as common as it is in the real world. There are competitions just as we have on earth, and several that combine the use of Arcana with hand to hand combat.
Due to the technology only really advancing to the 1920s at best, weaponry from that age would be the most scientifically advanced pure weaponry. Guns and the like are starting to be favored more than Arcana based combat, as it is more reliable and way easier to train soldiers. Magic seems to be becoming obsolete in the face of The Decline and with science advancing. While Arcana based weaponry is equally devastating if not more powerful than pure science based weaponry, the general consensus of the military is starting to not favor it as heavily. As it's too hard to refine and train individuals when magic is dying in the world. This doesn't mean that specialist divisions do not exist! There are several incredibly advance Arcane based military units.
The pop culture of MoA changes between the districts and cities of the world. Depending on which part of the world you are currently in, the cuisine, music, media, festivals, celebrities', and fashion will be drastically different. Some of these could be incredibly well known across the districts, while others are only known locally or to the general area.
The world of MoA is blended to have representation from any and all cultures present in the real world. The moderators request you to refrain from making references to real world media, politics, events, celebrities', etc. unless you are able to have it fit the general world setting.
For example, books and movies from the real world could exist in MoA without little need for alteration, while real world people would most likely be impossible to slip in without breaking the immersion for everyone else.
Cultural traditions and events take place all across the empire depending on which district you are in. While some are celebrated unanimously, these type of events will be expanded upon in the group, others are more likely to only be known to a small grouping of locals. You are able to come up with any traditions you would like if you feel like it would fit within the world of MoA, be it Arcane based or otherwise.
As stated before, MoA hosts any and all cultures of the real world, which allows for flexibility on traditional festivals and important events to give your character cultural background.
The moderator team would like to gently remind everyone to treat other cultures with the care and consideration they deserve. Cultural appropriation/fetishization will not be tolerated.
Due to the existence of Arcana in MoA there are many different and unique sports that hybridize physical activity with magic, the limit is only your imagination.
Examples that already exist in the world of MoA would be the Arcane Pageantry Contests, which got their start in Caledonia Proper in order to entertain the elite. Individuals use their Arcane abilities in a creative manner to wow the crowd as they grace the stage with their presence. Think of it as a magical talent competition, where the most decadent performance wins.
An event like the Olympics is also held in the world of MoA, these are referred to as the Divine Immortal Games. It's quite similar to the Olympics in every sense except that it also hosts Arcane based subdivisions for events. A different district hosts these games every 5 years, which makes it a very big event whenever it comes around.
It is already a known fact in the world of MoA that magic isn't necessarily hereditary, as a couple with an Inferno Arcana and Aquarion Arcana may have a child with a Terron Arcana, or any other of the known elements. However it is common for lineage and bloodlines to play a slight roll in determining one's magic. Specific spells and powers can pass down from generation to generation. In fact, one's family Arcane lineage used to play a big part in the pervious times of arranged marriages. However, this is rather outdated in these modern times.
The same is true for dæmons, as family lineages often play host to the same type of species of dæmons. Whether this comes from genetics or the environment an individual grows up in remains to be seen. However, an individual's true inner self will always shine through when it comes to the animal form their dæmon is destined to take.
Discovering one's dæmon and unique magical powers is an exciting life event for all individuals to undergo. Arcana comes with age and experience, it can take time for an individual's magical abilities, and the form of their dæmon, to be revealed. Sometimes this change happens spontaneously all at once, as if overnight. Other's have their abilities develop over a period of time, sometimes years.
Growing into one's magic is commonly grouped together with puberty, as both stages usually take place during the same time. It can be messy and embarrassing, overwhelming and strange. Sickness and growing pains from this magical growth can be fairly common for individuals as well.
Most individuals discover their powers and dæmon's form by their teenage years, but some have been known to wait until their early 20s. Arcana is always flowing and changing, as such it is fairly common to experience changes with their inner magical abilities at multiple times during their life. Magic is the reflection of the soul after all, and the soul is always changing.
As the world of MoA is imbedded with magic to it's very core, it is fair to assume the plant life of the world plays host to elements of magic as well. There have been naturally growing magical plants for centuries, which have been studied incredibly in depth. Experts in the fields of botany have also been able to crossbred and create incredible plant life of all kinds, including but not limited to, flowers, fungi, grains, trees, fruits, vegetables, and algae.
Magical plant life can range from having healing properties, to harming ones, some are purely aesthetic, while others have something completely different! Of course, there are also other types of plants used by the drug trade, this is a type of underground industry that doesn't have proper clearance from the government, and lacks research when it comes to health and safety.
There are several endangered species and protected species of plant life as well. It is considered a crime to poach, destroy, harvest without a permit, or mistreat them in any way.
Common animals in the world of MoA can have the same magical properties and appearances dæmons can, all-be to a lesser extent. As these are animals not completely made of magic, their powers and abilities are far less concentrated compared to a human and dæmon. However this can change if the animal is imbued with Arcana to it's very core, such as with mythological creatures.
Common animals can also just have no magical traits at all. This isn't anything spectacular, in fact it's quite normal in this day and age for most wild animals to not have any magical abilities. Magic seems to be dying off in the world, andnature was the first victim to it.
As with dæmons, common animals can be crossbred and become hybrids. Whether this is done through artificial or traditional means doesn't really affect the results, but it allows for incredible mixes when it comes to pets or wildlife.
Humans are unable to bond with common animals the same way they can with their dæmons, but that doesn't stop the pet trade from growing every year. Exotic pets are viewed as unique and collectable among the wealthy, especially if they are imbued with Arcane Elements.
As mentioned previously, all mythological creatures exist in the world of MoA, and have very potent magical abilities. However they seem to have disappeared in recent times, and it is very rare to see a true, wild, creature of myth that isn't a dæmon. Mythological creatures are protected under law for this very reason, it is illegal to poach them or keep them in captivity without a special permit from the government.