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Quick Guide to the world of Radiant
The world of Radiant, Pharenos, is different from Earth in nature and geography.
Some concepts to be aware of:
Fantasia -
A mysterious energy found in the atmosphere. Manipulating Fantasia is necessary for magic. Its true nature is something of a mystery, though it appears to be generated from nature, particularly from special trees. In ancient times, it was much more abundant. In low concentrations, it is harmless, but to most lifeforms, it is deadly when concentrated. Among humans, only the Infected can use Fantasia.
Nemeses -
Monsters that fall from the sky in eggs and spread destruction. No two Nemeses are alike, and their forms include animals, plants, abstract shapes, and humanoids. Some are as small as bugs, while others are so enormous that a single one can threaten a country. So far, none have been seen with noticeable intellect, but they are not mindless and can sympathize with other living beings. Nemeses can use and possibly generate Fantasia, and they often have some kind of special ability, such as breathing ice, spreading fog, or firing lightning. Nemeses can only be killed by magic (and possibly the miracles of Thaumaturges) and will regenerate from all damage eventually unless killed. In most cases, contact with a Nemesis is fatal, in the form of a deadly shock. For a small number of people, they survive and become Infected. Though Nemeses are all unique, some come with "Echoes" that are minor versions of the "Source" Nemesis. Only Source Nemeses have a deadly touch and therefore create Infected. Where they come from is unknown. Those who seek the source call it Radiant.
Infected -
Humans who survive a Nemesis' touch become Infected. They undergo some kind of change called an infection, which can be physical, psychological, or abstract. Some examples include horns, scales, unusual sizes, multiple personalities, a below-zero body temperature, being a hand puppet, and so on. Usually, the most an Infected can hope for is a manageable infection, and very few have one that is useful. In exchange, they become immune to a Nemesis' touch and can use Fantasia to become a wizard. Most wizards need to use special materials to use magic, sourced from feather trees, curious plants that grow feathers instead of leaves and thrive where Nemeses live. Seth is unusual in that he can use magic with his bare skin. Infected are discriminated against almost universally and derided as devil worshipers or diseased. Though being an Infected is not a crime in itself, outside of wizard-led societies, magic is. They can expect little protection from the law in most places, to the point where murder will probably be overlooked.
Geography -
Pharenos does not have oceans but rather islands that rest on pillars extending out of a sea of clouds. People get around with airships and flying brooms. Most landmasses are their own states, though some of the larger ones have absorbed their immediate neighbors into satellite kingdoms. What precisely lies below the clouds is unknown, other than horrifyingly enormous "creatures from below" that usually only rise if something falls beneath. These creatures are not Nemeses.
Artemis Institute -
A floating city, unlike the other islands. Seth lives here when he's not off questing and is fairly famous. It has a majority Infected population. The Institute is effectively a city-state, ruled over by Master Lord Majesty, a conman catman who, despite appearances, is a powerful and cunning wizard. The goal of the Institute is to find a cure for Infection, with no success beyond treating symptoms thus far. People are free to live there without being members of the Institute, and officially joining involves signing up to unfair contracts. They study Nemeses and other magical topics.
The Inquisition -
The largest military in the world, based in Bôme. It was founded during the Time of First Wizards when Nemeses first started to fall. The Patrem Inquisitor, their founder, led normal people to victory over the tyrannical early wizards with his miraculous powers. The Inquisition is a religious organization devoted to protecting people from the Infected and Nemeses. While many of their members are genuinely trying to help, just as many are hate-filled bigots. They spread a lot of misinformation about the Infected, including that they willingly make deals with Nemeses for their powers, partake in devilish rituals, and are inherently dangerous. In many places, their influence has effectively replaced local government. The Inquisition is a sexist organization that accepts men but forces women to prove themselves with years of work in the Bôme royal guard. Their most capable and loyal members are made into Thaumaturges.
Thaumaturges -
Inquisitors who undergo a special, as-yet-unknown ritual can be granted one of the miraculous powers held by the Patrem Inquisitor. By reciting a prayer to the Patrem Inquisitor, they can use a powerful special ability that does not require Fantasia.
Some concepts to be aware of:
Fantasia -
A mysterious energy found in the atmosphere. Manipulating Fantasia is necessary for magic. Its true nature is something of a mystery, though it appears to be generated from nature, particularly from special trees. In ancient times, it was much more abundant. In low concentrations, it is harmless, but to most lifeforms, it is deadly when concentrated. Among humans, only the Infected can use Fantasia.
Nemeses -
Monsters that fall from the sky in eggs and spread destruction. No two Nemeses are alike, and their forms include animals, plants, abstract shapes, and humanoids. Some are as small as bugs, while others are so enormous that a single one can threaten a country. So far, none have been seen with noticeable intellect, but they are not mindless and can sympathize with other living beings. Nemeses can use and possibly generate Fantasia, and they often have some kind of special ability, such as breathing ice, spreading fog, or firing lightning. Nemeses can only be killed by magic (and possibly the miracles of Thaumaturges) and will regenerate from all damage eventually unless killed. In most cases, contact with a Nemesis is fatal, in the form of a deadly shock. For a small number of people, they survive and become Infected. Though Nemeses are all unique, some come with "Echoes" that are minor versions of the "Source" Nemesis. Only Source Nemeses have a deadly touch and therefore create Infected. Where they come from is unknown. Those who seek the source call it Radiant.
Infected -
Humans who survive a Nemesis' touch become Infected. They undergo some kind of change called an infection, which can be physical, psychological, or abstract. Some examples include horns, scales, unusual sizes, multiple personalities, a below-zero body temperature, being a hand puppet, and so on. Usually, the most an Infected can hope for is a manageable infection, and very few have one that is useful. In exchange, they become immune to a Nemesis' touch and can use Fantasia to become a wizard. Most wizards need to use special materials to use magic, sourced from feather trees, curious plants that grow feathers instead of leaves and thrive where Nemeses live. Seth is unusual in that he can use magic with his bare skin. Infected are discriminated against almost universally and derided as devil worshipers or diseased. Though being an Infected is not a crime in itself, outside of wizard-led societies, magic is. They can expect little protection from the law in most places, to the point where murder will probably be overlooked.
Geography -
Pharenos does not have oceans but rather islands that rest on pillars extending out of a sea of clouds. People get around with airships and flying brooms. Most landmasses are their own states, though some of the larger ones have absorbed their immediate neighbors into satellite kingdoms. What precisely lies below the clouds is unknown, other than horrifyingly enormous "creatures from below" that usually only rise if something falls beneath. These creatures are not Nemeses.
Artemis Institute -
A floating city, unlike the other islands. Seth lives here when he's not off questing and is fairly famous. It has a majority Infected population. The Institute is effectively a city-state, ruled over by Master Lord Majesty, a conman catman who, despite appearances, is a powerful and cunning wizard. The goal of the Institute is to find a cure for Infection, with no success beyond treating symptoms thus far. People are free to live there without being members of the Institute, and officially joining involves signing up to unfair contracts. They study Nemeses and other magical topics.
The Inquisition -
The largest military in the world, based in Bôme. It was founded during the Time of First Wizards when Nemeses first started to fall. The Patrem Inquisitor, their founder, led normal people to victory over the tyrannical early wizards with his miraculous powers. The Inquisition is a religious organization devoted to protecting people from the Infected and Nemeses. While many of their members are genuinely trying to help, just as many are hate-filled bigots. They spread a lot of misinformation about the Infected, including that they willingly make deals with Nemeses for their powers, partake in devilish rituals, and are inherently dangerous. In many places, their influence has effectively replaced local government. The Inquisition is a sexist organization that accepts men but forces women to prove themselves with years of work in the Bôme royal guard. Their most capable and loyal members are made into Thaumaturges.
Thaumaturges -
Inquisitors who undergo a special, as-yet-unknown ritual can be granted one of the miraculous powers held by the Patrem Inquisitor. By reciting a prayer to the Patrem Inquisitor, they can use a powerful special ability that does not require Fantasia.