the balance of Bryxia

high magic, renaissance vibe. limited technology. magical creatures live among humans as equals and parallel citizens integrated into one society. the government is a monarchy where the royal family (humans) have held the throne for centuries. The realm is filled with mystical areas and landmarks and geographical locations. These areas can harbor dark malicious magical entities. magic is seen as a gift that is bestowed upon all creatures alike. The realm exists in a delicate harmony. no gods or higher beings anymore, just magic and the potential for beings to have more magic than others (something at any time is the most magical and the least magical) the most magical is not necessarily the leader. you can acquire more magic through substances such as plants, gems, relics, and the siphoning of magic through murder, or consumption of magical creatures' souls. every mythical being and monster exists one way or another in this continent. some rarer than others.

There is one central high city in which the monarch resides in the center of the continent that acts as the capital. There are 6 distinct smaller cities that surround the capital. They are separated by varying geographical barriers and features that give each city distinct character. Each city has unique elements that are native to that land. There is only one giant continent in this world, the rest is sea, or at least as far as we know. the nation is also called Bryxia. Each city has it's own high family that oversees the affairs of their city - approved by the monarch but appointed by its people. the high people are generally well-loved apart from the mountain city. The mountain city harbors the most powerful of the magics. The high family in the mountain town was personally appointed by the monarch, rather than voted in. To recap, 7 total cities - one of them being the capital central city.

there are humans and humanoids and other sentient beings that are diversely integrated in all cultures. Each being a distinct race. There is slight racism and oppression between the groups, hence the delicate balance of peace.

It's not the monarch oppressing it's people as the main conflict, it's more so interpersonal relation and the pursuit of higher magical power. the distinct cities are protective of their natural magic and conflict arises when neighboring cities siphon from their distinct magical opportunities native to their cities. Those who take magic from across the realm rather than their own native land are seen as criminal. The proper way to Garner additional powers is through gifting, or earning honorably. a poor way of garnering magic would be by purchasing unethically earned magic.

no religion - the main belief lies in a hierarchy of magical prowess. more magical = better, and more magical beings are generally more well-respected. there were once gods that roamed the continent among all beings. a long time ago, they disappeared, there are different beliefs as to why and if they are still around - hiding. a very small percentage of beings hold hope for the return of the gods, but it is not popular. In terms of magic - it is beloved to be produced and extracted from the land and bestowed upon beings by the ancient gods and there are some creatures that have a distinct magic that they are born with due to their specific genetics such as: mermaids who can talk to fish, sprites who can speak to trees, witches who specialize in alchemy, wardens who specialize in protective magic, paladins who specialize in healing magic, gnomes who have a green-thumb etc. powerful magical beings tend to have a more diverse collection of magical abilities. Each being has their own personal capacity to how much magic they possess or are able to acquire. certain species or races of beings are generally known to be less or more so magical than others but doesn't always have to be the case. the humans are the most unpredictable in their magical capacities. The fae type is extremely rare and is most magically affluent generally with nearly no limitations. magic is very organically based. and manifests in ability and skill. the most magical being is able to acquire and articulate the all of the magic from every organic source in the continent. There hasn't been anyone in record that has been able to bring back someone from the dead or instantly kill someone with magic, however there are rumors that it is possible. the slang term for the most magical and powerful being (which can be any race) is the prysimistia, but it is obviously difficult to objectively know who this being would be.

it is widely unclear

The first known age is the Age of the Gods, where god's supposedly walked among the beings after creating the continent. they are thought to have been the originators to magic in this time, but have since disappeared one way or another.

coins of varying value. Wealth discrepancy and hierarchy does exist, aka classism. Some beings sell magic through the black market but it is prohibited. each city produces specialized goods native to its land.

each city has it's own volunteer-based guards but are overseen by the personal armies of the monarch. There is one prison in the capital city, it is a slave labor prison. One one prefer death rather than going there. Societies are skeptical but not hostile to adventurers merely because they are cautious as to the adventurers motivation. Some adventurers are viewed whimsically. Adventurers tend to keep their motivations private if able, as to avoid conflict and suspicion of prohibited motives.

there are some dark magical beings and dark magics that reside in various areas between or outside of the cities. they are generally kept in check and remain uninhabited by the general populace. citizens are encouraged not to interact with dark magic or interact with the areas it resides in, but some paths of travel require passage.