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Magisteria Mods ([personal profile] magisteriamods) wrote2024-01-11 06:28 pm

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Magisteria City Settings


Magisteria is the name of an island city-state, capital of the world of Medeas. The island is sub-divided into ten districts and bordered on all sides by the Sea of Katas, which is itself surrounded by a clear, impenetrable barrier. The urban regions which give the city-state its distinctive neon skyline tend to be concentrated more towards the center of the island.

The western and eastern rivers are named Gihon and Pishon, respectively.

The History of Magisteria within the Central Library has a page for an eleventh district. The page, however, is blank.



District Summaries

A. Agrarian Enclave
B. Sacred Nexus
C. Neoporta Vista
D. Eden 6
E. Mysticaire District
F. Elysian Grove
G. Aetherium District
H. Enchantech Assembly
I. Mystborne Mountains
J. High Rise Village
K. TechnoArcanum Plaza
L. Lake of Souls
M. Sea of Katas

A. Agrarian Enclave
The district for agriculture, Agrarian Enclave, encompasses most of the southern region of Magisteria, particularly the southeastern and southwestern wings of the island. It is bisected at the coast by Neoporta Vista.

The large structures within the Enclave are known as climate-controlled domains. They integrate magic and technology to replicate the ideal conditions for plants from diverse ecosystems. The district is home to nature, such as fields, meadows, hills and streams, as well as many unique communities, businesses, and agrarian establishments.



B. Sacred Nexus

The Temple District, whose proper name is the Sacred Nexus, comprises the northernmost part of Magisteria. Known as the district which holds the keys to things ancient: home to sacred shrines and mysterious fauna. Along its north coast, the district is bordered by the Mystborne Mountains, a haunt of even more shadowy creatures.

Should one venture into this district, they might glimpse sights from the foundation of the city of Magisteria.



C. Neoporta Vista

Neoporta Vista is the name of the Harbor District, a narrow strip at the center of the southern coast. This district is home to the Magisteria Convention Center, as well as numerous trendy bars, restaurants, cafes, eclectic boutiques, and art galleries. The entrepreneurs in this area pride themselves on unique, one-of-a-kind items and craftsmanship. Because of that, prices tend to run a little higher than average. The beach itself, however, is free and open to the public. Unable to resist a seaside view, some of Magisteria's wealthiest citizens make their home here. Those in the know can point out celebrities' beach houses, and the condos in this district are some of the city's hottest and most coveted real estate. After all, what could be better than living within walking distance of the beach?

Vessels of all sorts can be glimpsed in the harbor, from mammoth pleasure cruise ships to much smaller boats.



D. Eden 6
Located in the central part of Magisteria, to the west of the Gardens, the Entertainment District boasts all manner of extravagant attractions. The denizens of the city put their considerable talents to use in the pursuit of their pleasures. This sector houses restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments to coffee shops – sometimes with a touch of enchantment to the fare – as well as gaming centers, theaters and production houses, bars, nightclubs, and speakeasies. Its very name connoting paradise, Eden 6 showcases the brightest of Magisteria’s immense neon displays: every corner radiates cool blue, vivid purple, vibrant green, and a plethora of other hues, in addition to video screens, a good many of which host interactive AI guides who will be happy to give you directions and recommendations so that all may sample the boundless joys of this sector.

Tourists are invited to try the street food which is abundant throughout the district and which reflects diverse societies, including the various cultures of Earth and some non-human cultures alike. For those who desire pleasures of an adult nature, the red-light district is home to brothels, strip clubs, and sex shops. Sex work within Magisteria is LGTBQ+-friendly and workers are fully empowered under the law. As with the natives in all walks of life in the city, they are multi-racial and range in species, including humans, AI, fairies, yokai, and others.



E. Mysticaire District

Mysticaire District is controlled and maintained by the Order of Mysterium. Though much of the rest of the city has advanced with the times, many of the buildings here are constructed of wood and stone, rather than metal and glass. Trees and a variety of other flora are spread throughout the district, and though many roads are either unpaved or made of cobblestone, they are perfectly maintained. In the evenings, the district comes alive as lights made of heatless flame illuminate the night.

As for those who dwell in Mysticaire, maintaining magic as a family heirloom is of the utmost importance. All from the lowest hedge witches to the most powerful sorcerers closely guard their secrets and work diligently to maintain and enhance their magical lineages. They have very little use for technology or its complexities, which is why there is none of it to be found here. Inhabitants use magic to accomplish everything from enchanting dishes to wash themselves to manipulating space or time. They are suspicious of outsiders and tend to associate only with others who have magic in their blood.



F. Elysian Grove
To the East of the Entertainment District, the Central Gardens, also called the Elysian Grove, are perhaps the most enchanted space in the city proper. Surrounded by stone walls which obscure this space of pristine nature from the remainder of the city, when a visitor steps though one of the gates, they will behold a location brimming with primeval greenery which stands in stark contrast to the ultra-technological urban environment.

Flora and fauna of highly unique character and contours may be observed -- or not observed, as the case may be, because within the Gardens, things have a tendency to apparate and dissipate seemingly at whims. Even the stele, fountains, and other solid objects may not always be where you remembered them during your last visit. At times, it can feel as if the gardens have something of a playful nature, as the trails and pathways also shift. However, despite all this, visitors need not concern themselves with getting lost: no matter how winding the maze, it always terminates in a clearing or an exit from the gardens, depending on where the traveler desires to end their journey. The Elysian Grove always seems to know when the mystery of the maze has gone on long enough.

In this special secluded area, the spirit world is closest to the world of humans, and the land can feel so charmed that possibilities seem to come alive and even dreams may manifest.



G. Aetherium District
To the north of the city's urban area, and bordered by the Government and Market Districts, the Aetherium District showcases the fusion of technology and innovation. It is a realm where the Council for Technological Advancement (CTA) reigns supreme, driving the relentless pursuit of progress and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The district's skyline is adorned with sleek, avant-garde skyscrapers, their designs harmonizing form and function. These architectural wonders house cutting-edge laboratories, research facilities, and bustling centers of technological discovery.

The inhabitants of the Aetherium District are quite eclectic in their backgrounds, but their shared commonality lies in their collective pursuit of excellence and technical expertise. Adorned with the latest technological accessories, they embrace innovation and seamlessly integrate advanced gadgets into their daily lives. Some among them have even undergone cybernetic enhancements, their bodies transformed into marvels of machinery, living embodiments of the district's commitment to pushing the boundaries of human potential.

In this realm of gleaming circuitry and digital wonders, meritocracy reigns supreme. Talent, innovation, and a tireless dedication to progress are revered above all else.



H. Enchantech Assembly

North of the Aetherium District, the seat of power of Magisteria is a place that inspires awe in visitors primarily because it boasts a distinctive blend of both futuristic technology and mystical influences. This district serves as the administrative hub where the governance of Magisteria is conducted. The monarchy, the parliament, and the military all reside within this sector, and though some areas are open to the public, others are not.

In general, the Enchantech Assembly is characterized by a mixture of modernity and magical might. The buildings are interconnected by bridges and walkways, forming a network of high-tech infrastructure that facilitates the efficient functioning of the government's administrative operations. Nature is also given representation here as there are gardens, trees, and flowers interwoven into the futuristic landscape.



I. Mystborne Mountains

A mountain range that runs along the northern coast, the Mystborne Mountains are a pale, snow-capped expanse of rock. Like Mt. Hieros, this is a location which is rumored to be linked to great mystical influences, and within the city proper, little is known of what may dwell, or exist, within or around these peaks.





J. High Rise Village
To the east of the Gardens, the Business District is yet another of the centrally located sectors of Magisteria. Much of the district consists of buildings on the grid system, many with elaborate and unique designs: conventional rectangular skyscrapers are juxtaposed against globular structures, ones with rolling, hill-like shapes, and pyramidal towers, all with brilliant illumination. The architects of the district seem to also have been great artists, and the limits of imagination in design are fully on display, as even some of the more traditional skyscrapers are encircled by sky-rings which offer additional features and spaces.

Business in Magisteria is not dominated by large corporations or visible brands. Rather, somewhat anonymized agencies train groups of citizens to be able to perform public services and ensure goods are created to meet the needs of the population. The names, nature, and dealings of these entities might be somewhat opaque to outsiders, and even natives are likely not well-versed in much beyond their own immediate occupations, unless said occupation is as one of the administrators and overseers behind the training, staffing, or production process. Even then, there are likely other sides of their organizations with which they are unfamiliar. Work tends to be a combination of remote (conferencing) and in-office, with the city running on a primarily hybrid model.

In addition to the business sector proper, this district is also home to Magisteria’s grand library, museum, aquarium, and the city’s most significant apartment complex.




K. TechnoArcanum Plaza
With so many possibilities, so many practices, and so many cultures merging in Magisteria, it’s no surprise that the Market District holds an unbelievable amount of wares and services that can be bought, hired, or even bartered for.

Upon wandering into the Market District, one is immediately bombarded with the sensory overload of crowded streets lined with vendors and storefronts displaying an overwhelming abundance of goods. The environs are just as varied as the wares that can be found, though it’s easy enough to see that the types of goods tend to correspond to the areas the market is closest to.

As it bends closer to the Mysticaire District, the things to be found are more magical in nature, from spellcrafters selling health potions in carefully-crafted vials to clothing that can bend to your whim by whispering the right words with the image in your mind. The storefronts are usually crafted of stone or wood, rooftops sometimes thatched or layered with clay tile.

As the plaza stretches northward toward the Aetherium District, structures change to glass fronts and screens displaying advertisements, stores that have no walls but forcefields projecting from metal beams with sensors that watch for shoplifting. There, you’ll find your gadgets, your gizmos - your umbrella that appears as a glowing shield that floats over your head, or the latest in biomonitoring clothing that will issue a warning and administer a mild first aid before you get to the hospital. And don’t forget the street vendors with their walkable food or the tiny restaurants that a local could point you to - if you’re lucky. As one proceeds further through the labyrinthine streets, the buildings become more modern, with elaborate, brightly lit arcades displaying mannequins decked out in the latest fashions. This is sophisticated, haute couture from Magisteria's most famous designers. While the aesthetics are always over the top, the clothes usually have a tech or magicwear component as well.

The third and final sector of the market district features more distinctly Magisterian-style neon-lit stores selling mass produced commodities, particularly electronics. Holographic advertisements beckon consumers towards the latest and greatest in tech.

Exploring the TechnoArcanum Plaza is a multi-day affair, and by the time you’ve looked at everything, you’ll probably need to start over again, because who knows what’s changed by the time you’ve gone through? There’s always something new in the TechnoArcanum Plaza.




L. Lake of Souls
Nestled in the southern realm of the Mystborne Mountains lies the Lake of Souls. Since time immemorial, this sacred site has commanded awe and reverence, its existence tracing back to the very foundation of the world.

As visitors approach, they find themselves surrounded by a grove of luminous trees. The Lake of Souls itself remains as still and smooth as glass, perpetually suspended between day and night.

No one is sure what lives in the depths of the lake, but at night, Lumens can often be seen drifting about, illuminating the waters. Understood to be a window between this life and the next, the waters themselves are said to be connected to the Eternia, a river of pure Bios flowing deep below the planet’s surface. Touching these hallowed waters is forbidden, though every year, there is at least one story about someone who has foolishly fallen in with devastating consequences. Some say that those who draw close enough to see their reflection will behold their true nature reflected in its depths, and others claim that one can see the souls of the dearly departed staring up at them from beneath the mirror-like surface.




M. Sea of Katas
Named after one of the kings of Magisteria, the Sea of Katas surrounds the island on all sides. Though luxury ships and other vessels can often be seen off the southern coast, one can only travel a few kilometers away from the mainland before encountering a barrier. A clear field that shimmers like a mirage, it is impossible to break or circumvent.

Another landmark is Mount Hieros - a volcanic island off the northern coast of Magisteria. Said to be a gateway to the realm of the gods, many have tried (and failed) to approach it. Rumor has it the sovereign sometimes visits Mount Hieros to commune with the gods, but the truth of the matter isn’t known.

As for what lies beneath, all manner of creatures, both large and small, make the sea their home. The deeper one goes, the more dangerous it is, though, so diving and exploring is strictly monitored by harbor authorities. The locals claim there are ruins down there – and monsters – left behind from some ancient war, but none of them have seen the evidence of it.