[b]+ The World +[/b] The world is a web of floating pieces of earth. The metal pathways that once connected the shards do not remain, most of the metal salvaged for kensai production. The numbered shards are mostly covered with skyscrapers in the middle. The outer ring are usually reserved for parks with trees creating a 'wall' between the edge and the rest of the shard. Water is pulled out of the Rift, as Ara had stored it there. It still rains and snows on occasion, water escaping from the rift and creating clouds and other various weather features. Most things are powered by crystals, which seem to have a perpetual energy source. They do not take from anything, but will fade over time before 'resting' and restoring themselves to full power. It is unknown how they truly work but it is suspected it is due to Ara's spell. If there are any other questions about the world, please ask. And do read the intro.... --- [b]+ Gifts +[/b] Certain people of Arlanian blood are capable of minor magic. If you do have spells, you need to clarify them with me. Gifts, however, are something more innate. It is something that can be done over and over (particular restrictions). Only certain people have them, but they can be gained through Arina si Kasezia, who has the power to give Gifts. Gifts should not be overpowered and should learn along the side of things like Shimi Megumi's ability to synthesize information from books, or Li-ebe's puppetry abilities. --- [b]+ Geography +[/b] --0-------0------0-----31------0--------0-----0 > --------16------------------30------------------ > --------------15--------25------8-----------29- > ---1-----14-------26----10----------7--------- > -0-----------------------------24-----------0----> -----17---------9-------3-----6------11--------> 0------------------13--OO--27---28-----------0-> ---------2------------------12------------23-----> ------0-----------21----19-------------4---------> ---------18--------------------22------------0---> 0----0----------5-------20-----------0----------> -----------0-----------0-------------0-------------> The world is made up of floating pieces of earth, suspended by a peculiar magic. The 2d image that is above only really indicates the distance between them one way. Each of those spins around the two cores in the center. The Arlanian Empire controls the 'Southeast' part of the world, comprised of Shards 7, 11, and 4. It is consider a solitary nation. The UN is separated into 5 nations for political purposes. Shards 20, 22, and 23 make up the Era, being predominantly comprised of pieces of Old Japan. They are one of the few nations to maintain a name from before the Merging. The name actually stood for, at creation, Eastern Revival Alliance. The name, however, was dropped with the creation of the UN. They kept the territory as one nation and the name was changed to a word, rather than an acronym. The capital is on Shard 22. Shards 2, 21, 18, and 5 make up Elencia, a self created name that has no particular origin. It was one of the first created after the Merging. It is rumored that Elencia was the name of the wife of an influential force in creating the nation that it is. However, there is no proof that this is true. The capital is on Shard 21. Shards 25, 30, 10, 8, and 29 is known as the Republic of Artemis. This nation was one of the few that was not created until the creation of the CIA and the UN. As the other world 'nations' converged, they forced the mostly autonomous shards to create the nation of Artemis. They were given the name, rather than it being chosen, as a reference to their contribution to the CIA. The capital is on Shard 8. Shards 1, 14, 17, 15, 16, and 26 is known as the Nation of Deichtine. Many of the shards that make up this nation were formerly Arlanian. They are noted for having a high prominence of those with 'gifts'. It is further rumored that this was the original birthplace of Arina si Kasezia. The capital is on Shard 1. Shards 9, 13, 3, 19, 12, 27, 28, 24, and 6 are known as the Ouroboros. Both Elenican and Ouroboros were created at similar times and the argue of age is one that cannot be ended. Ouroboros, however, stakes the claim that it would live forever and it is one of the key elements of the people that make up the nation. The capital is on Shard 3. --- [b]+ Political Powers +[/b] Arlanian Empire – In an attempt to prevent complete eradication of the Arlanian ways and people, the Arlanian Empire was created. The run the more 'eastern' region of the shards, taking the major shards of 11, 7, and 4. The capital is on Shard 11, their largest shard. Unified Nation – This group, basically synonymous with the CIA, controls basically whatever it can, controlling the major shards 1-30, except for what is controlled by the Arlanian Empire, The Ravens, or are owned by private people (mostly insignificant ones). They also have very limited control of the Outer Reaches, which is controlled by a group called the Ravens. These Shards are broken into various 'nations'. The Ravens – a scavenger group that has no 'home'. They are the shards furthest away from the center and receive very little in benefit from the UN, who they frequently take from. They have only one numbered shard - Shard 31.