(The map is in-progress, but is super hi-res, so I suggest zooming in and panning around to explore)

The world stands on the precipice of transformation. For centuries, well-established kingdoms and magical houses have governed in harmony, their structures untouched since the event known as The Shock. This cataclysmic moment reshaped the world, unleashing an explosion of magical potential that heralded an unprecedented age of prosperity and innovation. Though the immediate aftermath of The Shock was fraught with chaos and hardship, it ultimately led to a flourishing era of stability and abundance. Now, 400 years after The Shock (ATS), civilization thrives on industries and social constructs deeply intertwined with magic.

In this world, magic permeates every facet of daily life. Steam is generated by wizards laboring in enchanted boiler rooms, city-wide cooling systems hum with magical energy, and agriculture flourishes through arcane cultivation. Even transportation networks and water systems owe their existence to magical ingenuity. From the grandiose projects of construction to the mundane tasks of minor repair and accounting, magic fuels society’s wheels. Roughly one in ten citizens possess some degree of magical talent, making the arcane a pervasive force in civilization. Yet this distribution of power has created a stark divide: the magically gifted generate the lion's share of value and wield societal influence, while the ungifted majority rely on the generosity of the magically elite to share the fruits of their labor.

However, this equilibrium is no longer unshakable. For 400 years, technological advancement has been stagnant, stifled by the overwhelming utility of magic. Now, a modern surge in technological growth is beginning to empower the ungifted class, challenging the established order and threatening to upend centuries of magical dominance.

The geopolitical landscape reflects the unique interplay of magic and governance. Instead of sprawling nations defined by rigid borders, the world is organized around powerful city-states. Each city-state is ruled by a governing body closely tied to a dominant magical house, with the seat of power for that house residing within the city. The outlying rural areas are loosely affiliated with the nearest city-state, but their strategic value is often minimal, resulting in little meaningful oversight. In a world that has not seen large-scale warfare for centuries, disputes are resolved through courtrooms rather than battlefields. The focus of governance lies in patrolling and managing key assets—towns, farms, and people—rather than enforcing territorial boundaries.

Above this patchwork of city-states stands the nominal authority of the Imperium. The Imperium does not claim extensive lands; its dominion is limited to the Imperial City and the grand plateau upon which it stands. Yet its influence is profound. Acting as the sole standing army, the Imperium provides peacekeeping forces and infrastructure support to all nations. With unmatched military might and the contributions of all city-states, the Imperium ensures a fragile balance of power and stability across the land.

Exceptions to this city-state paradigm exist. In the untamed northern regions, the Free States have formed a traditional federation of unified territories. These states pride themselves on a rugged independence, maintaining a way of life less entangled with magical governance. Meanwhile, along the coast, the sprawling metropolis of Jakaruku dominates the region. Centered around Tidehaven, a vast coastal hub brimming with trade and innovation, Jakaruku operates under a hierarchical system that intertwines strict capitalism with social obligations. Its citizens believe in fulfilling their roles within society, with the promise that anyone can rise to the top through hard work and ingenuity. Tidehaven’s skyline is a testament to its ambition, featuring towering spires and intricate canals powered by both technological ingenuity and magical artifacts. In Jakaruku, the tension between magic and emerging technology is at its sharpest, creating a unique cultural dynamic where innovation challenges tradition.

The stage is set for conflict and change. As technology surges forward, threatening the dominance of magic, the world’s tightly woven tapestry begins to fray. With city-states competing for resources, the Imperium striving to maintain order, and ideological divides growing sharper, the future remains uncertain. The age of transformation has begun, and nothing will remain untouched.

• The Jazel Empire
• The Collective
• Jakaru

The inhabitants of Arkadia form a society that is strikingly homogeneous, where race rarely determines one’s station, influence, or treatment. This cultural integration stems from a deep-rooted belief in the interconnectivity of all beings, shaped by the magic that binds their world. Aligning too selectively with one’s own race is considered both archaic and socially taboo, a notion reinforced by the conviction that magic itself transcends physical differences. To overly limit one’s associations is seen as an affront to the unifying principles of the magical houses that govern Arkadian life.

Instead of racial divisions, society organizes itself around the alignment to the magical houses. A person’s identity, purpose, and influence are deeply tied to their house’s domain—be it Wind, Verdancy, Light, or others—and their standing within it. Wealth, magical aptitude, and political power often serve as the primary metrics of an individual’s status, creating a meritocratic but highly stratified society.

Years of safety and a lack of large-scale conflict have shaped a population where violence is seldom a consideration for resolving disputes. Arkadians have grown to value challenges of commerce, wit, and social acumen over physical confrontation. Each house fosters an environment where competition is encouraged, but often within the boundaries of rules and decorum—a reflection of their long-standing peace. However, this sense of security is not absolute. The sky lanes, crucial to trade and travel, are menaced by rogue organizations and airship pirates. These outlaws operate outside the rigid structure of the houses, embodying a rare but persistent source of violence and chaos.

Yet, the greatest source of societal tension lies within the growing divide between the magical elite and the ungifted. Those born without magical talent—referred to as the ungifted—struggle to find their place in a society so deeply entrenched in magical power. While the ungifted are not ostracized, they are often relegated to the periphery of influence, unable to ascend the ranks of the houses or fully participate in the grand competitions that define Arkadian culture. As technology advances, some ungifted individuals have found solace in industrial innovation, creating tools and systems that mimic magical effects. This burgeoning technological class challenges the supremacy of the magical elite, sowing seeds of discontent and raising questions about the future balance of power.