Welcome to Gaia! ::

The setting for the main rp thing will go in here. I'll modify this main post as modifications are made, and possibly also add a sort of chronology for any major events.

During this discussion phase everyone should chime in about ideas for the setting, since a world that not everyone enjoys playing in is not a world everyone will... enjoy... playing in?

Right, so.

Currently my proposal is the version of earth I use in my stories based on earth. It is for all intents and purposes identical to ours on the surface, and the real differences (Unless I'm in tune to unseen forces for real) are mostly unseen.

A key feature borrows from mythology and philosophy and uses the "Many Worlds" concept. In short, beyond earth there are multiple, parallel worlds. Important ones include the Fairy World, where creatures that require ether (mana) to exist reside, the Netherworld (named Nifleheim cause I like norse) where the dead reside, Valhalla/heaven, and Hel/Hell. Most beings from one world cannot interact or be sensed in another world.

In this world there are a lot of secret societies of magic users, often gathered in terms of blood or simply friendship. Very few people know of or believe in magic because not only do very few individuals know how to use it, only a certain number of people can even be affected by it.

The way magic works here is that it manipulates an energy called "ether" or "mana" depending on who you talk to, which flows between worlds, into a form that affects a target. Like any other energy, mana cannot be created, only molded and transferred. Most magic that appears elemental is usually an illusion - true elemental magic is incredibly rare.

The strongest individuals are people who at trapped between worlds. For instance a vampire, or any greater undead, is trapped between Niflheim and a living world. a True Witch/Warlock - someone who has given their soul to another being in exchange for being able to invoke their strength, is trapped between two living worlds. Mediums are similar to vampires, in that they tap into nifflheim while being alive. Etc, etc.

With those rules established, possible races include:

Humans: The bread and butter race. They exist everywhere, though originally on earth.
Fey: These include fairies, nymphs, elves, all manner of beings of the Fairyworld. Most of these creatures descended from humans who slipped through into the world, and were changed by the abundant and thick ether.
Undead: Primarily ghosts and vampires. Greater undead are beings who are able to keep their Self even after death, rather than mindless apparitions. Generally once you head to the netherworld, you're lost.
Ascendents: Angels and Demons basically. Generally these would prolly be too powerful, except in special circumstances.

Questions? Comments? Tomatoes? Let's have them all!

EDIT: Key Terms

While writing Lorelei's bio I decided to throw out some key terms. You don't have to use these in any way, but if you wanna be lazy and pull from this list you can ^ ^

Limited Flight: This is flight with the use of magic. Enchanted brooms, levitation spells, etc. It cannot be sustained indefinitely.
Flight: This is flight either without the help of magic, or that can be sustained as long as needed.

Mystic magic: This is magic involving spiritual forces. Mediums, seers, enchanters, and traditional witches will likely fall under this category. Mostly using indirect means like curses, charms, or wards, mystics also rely heavily on the spiritual power of their surroundings for their spells.

Black/Arcane Magic: The name black magic is something of an archaic misnomer, as there is nothing inherently evil about it. Black magic refers to the school of magic that directly affects change in targets, be it damaging or not. While this magic may take the shape of something like a flame or lightning, the spell itself actually creates the reaction (Such as igniting the air and pushing it forward, as a "fireball.")

Elemental Magic: The act of actively controlling elements. The most common variety is Pyromancey, the ability to generate magic flame that can be freely controlled and never doused, without material to burn. As elemental magic requires changing ether into a completely different form while still maintaining the ability to manipulate it, true elemental magic is rare due to difficulty. Though the difference in raw power between it and black magic is fairly minimal, elementalists are deeply respected for their skill.

Resilience, Recovery and Immunity: Resilience is simply the ability of a body to take more of a beating than a normal human before shutting down. Resilience is often coupled with or replaced by recovery, which is accelerated healing. Immunity is the combination of the two, found in beings like True Vampires which simply cannot be killed by normal means.

True Vampire, True Witch, Noble Blood, etc: These are all distinctions made for people who belong to the most traditional set of a group. Usually passed on by blood or some form of siring, they tend to have special powers that others lack - even if their overall potential for power may not be so much higher in some cases.

Yes, just have to let the story allow it. Anything from being summoned by a mage to accidentally tripping and sliding down the rabbit hole can get you from one "world" to another. The general rule of no interaction is there to explain why people in South River aren't catching mermaids, etc

Tomatoes