The Realm of Opposites

This is a world where both very powerful magic and modern technology exist. However, magic and technology do not work very well together, magic disturbs technology, and technology disrupts magic.

The Kingdom of Arcadia is ruled by a queen by the name of Quinne Shadespinner. The capital is called Mayhan. Other major cities are called Burlan, Magehaven and Clarion. Arcadia is the kingdom of magic, and technology is banned. Most of the kingdom is covered in very thick forest, with its cities either being build between the trees or underground. The Republic of Grokhar is ruled by a president named Helena Peters. The capital is named New Haven, and major cities are Ashpolis, Gothholm and Milbern. Grokhar is focused on technology, and the use of magic is forbidden. The cities of Grokhar are large and modern, building tall buildings of concrete. The Free Cities of the Shadows are ruled by the Council, consisting of on representative for each city. There is no capital, but there are five major cities named Shadeburrow, Darkholme, Shadowpath, Duskveil and Brightsun. Technology and Magic are both allowed here, but the council attempts to keep magic and technology separate to avoid conflicts. The Free Cities of the Shadows are located in an area of unnatural, permanent darkness

The races of Elves, Drow, Changelings and Fae are part of the Kingdom of Arcadia. Elves live above ground, while Drow generally live in the cities underground. There is a rivalry between them, but not outright hostility. Changelings and Fae are relatively rare and live in the forests. Most people are wary of them, since they are known for their trickery. The races of Humans, Dwarves and Orcs are part of the Republic of Grokhar. Humans and Dwarves work very well together in harmony. There is some racism from both towards Orcs, as Orcs are often considered second class citizens. This causes friction, and is the topic of frequent political debates. The races of Vampires, Shades, Demons and Lichs are part of the Free Cities of the Shadows. Some of the other races also live here, but they are mostly servants and have no political influence. The four main races live in relative harmony. Shades and Demons tend to prefer technology, whereas Vampires and Lichs tend to prefer magic.

Both Grokhar and Arcadia are wary of the Free Cities of the Shadows and often send operatives there for sabotage and political destabilization. The Free Cities of the Shadows are upset about this, and often raid border towns to kidnap citizens to use as servants and slaves. Grokhar and Arcadia also share a long border, and tensions are high, since Grokhar likes to use their machines to fell a lot of trees in the area of Arcadia. Arcadia has a tendency to respond with magic specifically designed to disrupt Grokhar's communications. Recently, this loss of communication caused two passenger airplanes from Grokhar to collide in the air, killing hundreds of people. This has caused outrage especially on Grokhar's side.

Magic is part of the fabric of reality and can theoretically be used by anyone. However, some races naturally have a higher affinity for it. Humans, Dwarves and Orcs, have a very low affinity for it and even with a lot of study are usually very bad at using magic. Elves, Drow, Changelings and Fae however have an extremely high affinity for magic and can learn it very easily. Often, even babies will already be able to cast small spells. Vampires and Lich are also good at using magic, whereas Shades and Demons find it more difficult.

There are three main currencies. The Arcadia Crown is used in Arcadia. The Grokhar Franc is used in Grokhar The Shadow Dubloon is used in the Free Cities of the Shadows. There is very little cross-border trade. Economy in Grokhar is similar to a modern economy, with large corporations and small businesses, as well as factories and large industrial farms. Economy in Arcadia is more small scale, with many tradespeople offering services. This can be anything from food and farming to enchantments of items. Economy in the Free Cities of the Shadows is a mix. There are some larger corporations and industries, but also a lot of small tradespeople.