🌓 Present

A small number of large cities have been established which are mostly safe from the larger threats. Depending on the culture the area around can be somewhat safe.

In most cultures your political power is based on your ability with magic. Magic is something you are born with but is not hereditary and manifests randomly. Only those with magic hold power and those without have little influence. Entire “houses” can cease to exist when their Matron/Patron dies.

A small few of the most powerful are able to enter a shared Dream, allowing some vision into the future. This group has absolute control over civilization. Because of the Dream, scattered cities are now stable. The area around them is safe from huge threats, though clever creatures are able slip through.

The ruins of the elder empires contain structures and artifacts built to channel, store, and harness energy. This attracts stronger creatures who feed off the residual energy left in the machines or from the remaining artifacts. Promises of treasure and magic also attracts adventures and fortune seekers.

The races have recently re-discovered the material energy source. It can be used by anyone willing to train making power accessible to any. A democratic military-industrial complex has formed around mining the substance. The material also has the effect of suppressing magic, which the council of dreamers despises. The council believe the material will disrupt the dream, meaning there’s once again tension between those with magic and those with material.