Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2019 19:57:47 GMT
THE WORLD OF MIDION
What is Midion? Upon their arrival humans pondered this question and what they learned was that it is another dimension, in what is most likely another universe. It is not Earth, rather a coexisting version that could best be defined as that imagined realm that harbours all manner of myth and legend. The event, which more and more people are beginning to understand, caused Earth and Midion to temporarily occupy the same space and in doing so, left part of Earth imprinted on the corresponding areas of Midion.
The natural state of Midion is a chaotic mishmash of timeless myths repeating and clashing. It is an entirely different form of consciousness, one that was created by the dreams of Earth. One could call it the "Faerie Realm", or perhaps the "Dream Lands". The "Event" imposed a form of reality in the world which in a sense "Wakes up" those entities of Midion who cross into it. Once their consciousness is altered and they become aware of linear time it becomes difficult to return to their natural state, in a sense, falling back into the "Dream Existence".
For an Earthling to perceive the true world of Midion their state of mind has to change. They literally have to travel to the edge of their reality and then, as so often happens, they never return. This is why explorers that have ventured into the "Midlands" rarely return, and those few that do, cannot articulate their thoughts and make sense of what they encountered. When Earthlings wander into the dream of Midion their reality is like a bubble that will eventually collapse. This is why human society presses very slowly into the unknown, and why what they "awake" in the gloam is often hostile, like a sleep-walker being suddenly thrust into consciousness.
What is known for sure is that Earthling consciousness, be it human or another species that entered the world, generates an amalgam of the two realities. The mythic beings of Midion experience time and self-awareness, foggy at first, but the longer they're exposed the more they begin to make sense of their reality. Depending on what creatures are encountered the situations could either be beneficial or detrimental. Often it's the latter.
Travel by air doesn't reveal much of the world below. Humans will see what they want to see, not what actually is, not unless they encounter creatures in the air. Dragon encounters do happen, and often end in tragedy, which is why air travel is extremely risky.
The other common occurrence, previously touched upon, are the fleeting memories of Midion. Once an Earthling returns to their original state (defined as such because animals which are less intelligent than humans, that don't define their reality by constructs, still carve out their own version of Earth-reality) their mind purges the conflicting reality. This phenomena answers why just about all paranormal encounters on Earth end in confusion.
Midlanders are the best example of amalgamated reality. These Earthlings have returned to mythic period of their culture that is imbued upon their DNA. This generates a new reality in the world, one surrounding their beliefs, and effecting all those who enter it. They can, however, travel back and forth between this amalgam and Earthling reality with no memory loss and no deviations in their awareness. In fact, they bring their myths and legends with them into world of Earth.
Confusing? It's meant to be. The world of Wrought Iron is not meant to be a puzzle to fit together neatly, rather oil and water chaotically blending and repelling one another. Those Faerie and beings of Midion that choose to wake-up and live among the Earthlings only make sense of who and what they are by studying the literature of humans. Only then do they draw parallels and develop some semblance of past memories, and that's all they will ever have.
THE HUMAN WORLD
The Human population of this transferred-replica-world stay within or near to their walled city centres. The country side is hostile, mythic monstrosities of all manner stalk the lands, a reality that is always in the back of the minds of people as they go about their daily lives. The memories of WORLD WAR II and the Earth that was still linger.
Despite all appearances populations all over the world know what lies behind their walls, what lurks in the dark of night and roam the lands beyond. They fear it, avoid it, and so many prefer their encapsulated existence to exploring the world and understanding it. Over the past 70 years the monstrosities of Midion have been ever permeating the Earthling world of the Humans, keeping them in check, constantly testing the waters.
Beyond the walls are more walls offering protection to farmlands and satellite communities. They are connected by a vast network of tunnels both underground and above, winding their way through the country. Many of these cement tubes housing railways or roads are overgrown with vegetation becoming part of the landscape.
Engravings, tarnished or green with verdigris ward the power of magic, keeping Faerie at bay... most of the time. Throughout every city they're found on every surface, on walls, doors, streets. They limit the power of magical influences but unfortunately will never be able to eliminate it. In order for the fire in their machines to work, to keep their guns firing, magic is required.
Other societies are more accepting than others. The Scandinavians for instance, appease Faerie-kind with offerings rather than antagonizing them with aggressive wards. Their philosophy like many others into live in harmony, when possible. The dangers of the Faerie are still well known, as are those of Demons and other fowl creatures that infiltrate the Human world.
As time went on, Faerie-kind and other creatures began to live among Humans, some benevolent, others not so. They were tolerated just as Mancers and Demi-Humans (who were human enough) were accepted into society. Magic still had purpose and so long as laws were abided all manner of creatures that appeared to be Human had a place. Bigotry and prejudice would, however, always exist. Non-humans do not advertise their differences, they make an effort to blend in, to conceal their gifts. For Faerie, of course, this is far more difficult and those who choose to walk among Human-kind do so at their own peril.
NORTH AMERICAN MAP
The red line represents the railway / road system that is the economic life's blood of the land. It is the greatest achievement of the Earthling's time in the world of Midion. A two-way rail systems combined with a highway that are either encapsulated in tunnels or go underground in hostile territories.
Engines often pull a combination of passenger cars and freight cars to be economical, but there at times exclusive services. There are a number of tributary rails as well.
Engines and train cars are easily twice the size of what were on Earth. Massive behemoths of iron thundering their way across the land.
Engines often pull a combination of passenger cars and freight cars to be economical, but there at times exclusive services. There are a number of tributary rails as well.
Engines and train cars are easily twice the size of what were on Earth. Massive behemoths of iron thundering their way across the land.
TO VIEW LARGER - OPEN IMAGE IN NEW WINDOW
NEW YORK — MAIN SETTING
The boroughs of New York city are all individually walled. It is one of the most well fortified cities in the world and a melting pot of various races all living and working together. It is where the organization known as “Cypher” was born, a law enforcement agency devoted to the protection and security of the public where magic is concerned. Cipher agents are highly skilled and decisive in their purpose which is to prevent an intolerance for magic by striking down those who threaten the peace. They also assist in policing the city from those supernatural beings who have slipped through the cracks and prey upon unsuspecting citizens. Many monsters have realized that the best hunting grounds are in plain sight of the sheep. Vampires, werewolves are just the tip of the iceberg and Cypher along with local law enforcement and other agencies are constantly working to to maintain the facade of safety. The truth is, organized crime that allies itself with whatever forces would give it an advantage is rampant. The Nazi Reich, is still very much active and alive, slithering through the bowels of the city, seeking out whatever refuse would join it. The world is far more dangerous than people can fathom.
Your characters will be pulled into this reality. They will see behind the curtain and will either become a victim or a vigilante of these dark truths.
AMERICA
The southern states are permeated with CONFEDERATISM and NAZISM is on the rise. These powerful factions use disinformation and warped religious views to promote authoritarianism. Most northern states are more progressive, providing safe havens for philosophies of acceptance, thus most Demihumans tend to congregate in places like New York where they are not persecuted. There is a very distinct divide in America, and country is on the verge of CIVIL WAR stemming from very conflicting ideas among it's citizens.
BEYOND THE WALLS
What lies behind the bastions? Few people know, or want to know. They see enough on TV, the news showing video of yet another monster of mythical origin attempting to breach defences. Some have began to wonder if the stories are true. Are the powers that be are simply making it all up to keep them contained? The conspiracy theorist that journey out into the world and are never seen again, because the truth is, that world is in fact a deadly place for those who lack understanding of it.
The Faerie are not Human. They abide by different laws and possess an understanding of magic that allows them to co-exist with one another. There are Demons and monsters straight out nightmares. There are Dragons, Giants, all manner of creatures both malevolent and benign and it is the ability to know the difference that can assure a person’s survival. There are also Demi-humans, transformed Humans such as Native Americans who have returned to the old ways and have found the strength and power to defend themselves in the wilds with their shamanism.
Factions of tribal creatures exist, such as Goblins, Hobgoblins, Kobolds and the like. Many of these malevolent creatures allied with the Nazis during the war and still worship the symbol of the swastika. They dwell in abandoned cities and towns, clans bound together under the rule of warlords. These creatures bring death but there are also many treasures in the form of magical relics existing among more advanced Faerie cultures. There are also Elves of various races both tall and small, and Dwarves all of which as the myths suggest are skilled with the ability to craft magical weaponry. And where there is power and profit to be had, there are always Humans. Adventurers, mercenaries and criminals that travel beyond the walls to trade or conquer. Whether their intentions be good or bad they all bring the influences of the outside world into the cities.
GEOGRAPHY
The rule that we follow to depict the geography of the world is that the structures and constructs of Earthlings came with them. In America and Canada, the vast amount of the interior cities DID NOT transfer and needless to say, there were many places on the coasts that never came through as well.
The "EVENT" can be viewed as two dimensions of Earth momentarily overlapping. Some structures were copied, while sentient beings were re-dispersed. The structures that transferred seemed to have been brought along with the Earthlings.
It is surmised that in North America, the FAERIE mainly populate the interior, which is why most of the Earthling population appeared on the coasts. This is not to say that a random town might not have appeared in the interior and if those Earthlings became DEMI-HUMAN, they may yet live. For those people that transferred into a hostile area, isolated from society, the chances that they survived are slim to none. Explorers have in fact, come across the remnants of towns, over grown with foliage, the citizens long dead. There may even be Faerie or other creatures dwelling in these ghost towns.
MIDLANDERS
There are also the Demihumans of Human origin, those who "returned". They exist in worlds untouched by time and have adapted to to their environments, often living in harmony with their benevolent and malevolent neighbours. Through the years contact has been made but they know little beyond their own microcosms. Often their gods and myths have a boundary, and they, like those in the cities, rarely go beyond. Distinct parameters have been set.
MYTHIC BORDERS
It has been made obvious to the humanoids of the world that they are living in defined regions, as if their very reality possesses a range. As long as they remain within these parameters a balance remains, but go beyond, and calamity always seems to follow. For decades this constant has kept the peace, but now creatures from beyond and humans alike are crossing the borders and tempting fate.
WORLD DYNAMICS
Without a global internet and radio, news travels slowly between continents. Travel is dangerous, whether by air or sea one never knows when their path might cross a creature of immense proportions. Magical scrying crosses the distance but such methods are rare and costly.
Most other countries are in the same boat as America and Canada, their populations condense round their major cities and developing a durable and protected rail system that ensures the safety of travellers and freight. Conflict between nations is rare, they're all far more concerned repelling invading monsters and policing their cities. There are more than enough resources to go around.
There's only one antagonist that seems to cross borders and travel vast distances and those are Nazis. Their hate seems to know no bound and they continue to spread their supremacy and gather ignorant followers across the globe. Once more, Aryan supremacy is on the rise in Germany, as all the Nazis that went into hiding are crawling out of their pits.