Description

The Simulacrum is a vast city established and maintained by Simulacra, Edeia of Artificiality. It is blended with Simulacra's Abstraction, allowing it to be much larger than the space it takes up in the mundane plane. It has a sort of concentric layout, though when one enters the altered space, they are first brought to the center. The center is a pristine place, every detail and every structure, every individual designed and redesigned by Simulacra herself. There are elegant white buildings composed of smooth curves, and trees with polygonal appearances and geometric leaves. 

At further concentric regions away from the center, the Simulacrum is less purely artificial and may have other explorative elements. Different sections of the same "ring" may be different, such as a layer with a cyber-futuristic appearance as well as a glass and metal futuristic area. Outer regions may seem mundane, though with various aspects of artificiality integrated into lifestyles, such as artificial plants, advanced magic technology, and various other things. 

Most residents in the Simulacrum have some aspect of artificiality in their form. Anyone is free to visit any section for as long as they like, though actual residency requires a certain level of artificiality in their being. Those in the outer rings can be entirely or almost entirely organic, though some might begin enhancing themselves with artificial replacements or augmentations. Residents of the very center of the Simulacrum must not be organic at all—they must have chosen to redesign and remake their very being.

Currency

Currency of the Simulacrum is simulons, sometimes referred to as simuls or sims by the residents. Simulons are universal across a sub-areas of the Simulacrum, and are given by the Simulacrum for advancing "artificiality," whether by conducting research, becoming more artificial, providing services that make others artificial, and more. As the needs of residents vary depending on their area and personal lifestyle, some may earn and spend a great deal, and some may earn a great deal without spending. 

Credits can be used in the Simulacrum, and simulons can be used in reunited society, at a rate of approximately 1 simulon = 10000 credits (100 USD). They are often used in decimal amounts, as many decimals as is appropriate for a transaction (written as, for instance [0].000.1 S = 1 credit, said verbally with metric prefixes; this could be stated verbally as 100 microsims. Dots are used to separate every three digits from 0, e.g. [10.015].001 S).  

Simulacrum Research

The Simulacrum has many subgroups that often collaborate with ERA researchers. Most work involves augmentation of living beings, with varying involvement with magic, biology, medicine, technology, and magitechnology. The Simulacrum is the most prominent developer of magitech and magibiotech prosthetics and enhancements.

As of 2027, Simulacrum Research has affiliated with the ERA. Most individuals who seek to work in the area of prosthetics and enhancements would come to the Simulacrum to conduct their work. 

Interactions with United Society

Though the Simulacrum is not part of united society and thus does not receive its benefits of protection and resources, they are affiliated and engage in trade and exchange of information and resources. For instance, products or innovations developed in the Simulacrum may be sold or shared in united society; Data does not have access to the wealth of information in the Simulacrum, save for a small portion that Simulacra allows. 

The Simulacrum also advertises services to united society, such as offering the means to enhance and restore one's physical form in any way they desire—whether through biological, cybernetic, magical, or any other combination of means. Some services are offered at no cost, while others charge credits, which can then be used in united society. 

Description

The Arbor of Renewal, sometimes simply called the Arbor, is a vast forest that is home to many of the Sylves created by Sylnae, Edeia of Renewal. Sylves are beings that have undergone renewal by Sylnae's power, beginning as a Sylve tree or plant that has grown from where a creature has died.

The Arbor consists primarily of Sylve trees and other vegetation that formed from Sylnae's magic. In the Ancient Ages, it was a mysterious place that featured in many tales; travelers would come to the forest seeking knowledge and/or immortality. Some found no answers and left, disappointed; some were offered renewal and were reborn—but many, then, chose to stay. In the Age of Secrecy, it was made into a Sanctuary, and the Sanctuary around the Arbor consists in the present Age of Reunion as well, though Sylnae has made an entry on the Arbor in the Registry. 

The Sylves have something of their own society within the Arbor. It is a peaceful society that focuses on personal growth and healing—processing and acceptance of old memories and old lives, finding meaning in existence. The Sylves pursue art, music, dancing, and storytelling, weaving their self and their emotions into creativity. There is minimal technology in the Arbor, with Sylnae's energy interfering with many external forces, and the Sanctuary further strengthening its isolation. 

All living creatures that perish in the Arbor become Sylve trees/plants—the Arbor does not naturally expand or shrink otherwise. After being made into a Sanctuary, the Arbor's expansion has had no impact on the external geography—it can expand limitlessly within the Sanctuary. 

Some Sylves leave the Arbor; some come and go freely. A number of Sylves hid themselves in society during Secrecy, and some exist as they are in Reunion.

Interactions with United Society

Since the Age of Reunion, the Arbor has been registered in the Registry. The Arbor is open to visitors, and the Sylves are hospitable hosts. The sap of the Sylve trees can feed any living creature, and can be used in various ways to cook dishes. Many are glad to share their stories to visitors. If an individual seeks immortality or renewal as it is, the Sylves will not deny them—but they will note that they must be in the Arbor when they die. 

There is no currency system in the Arbor; that which can be given in the Arbor is often given freely—within reason. 

Description

Avimus is a magical society that has existed since approximately 200 BCE, when Amiron entered power in the nation Avimus used to be. Geographically, it is on the European continent—though it was hidden in a Sanctuary during the Age of Secrecy, which it has not dissolved. 

The architecture of Avimus blends marble and gold in towering buildings, giving the impression of being an ancient monument—though magitechnology is deeply integrated into the functions of the buildings and lifestyle of residents, allowing for a life of many "modern" conveniences, such as a magical intranet, banking system, and magical "inventory" that does not require citizens to carry any sort of physical wallet or bag. 

After Amiron and Thaene's Actualizations in 1769, they ensured that long-term measures for governing Avimus were in place, with officials managing most governmental matters. 

Avimus Research

Avimus Research was established several years after Amiron became the official leader of Avimus. From the start, the research was extremely secretive, with Amiron first recreating certain advancements they developed in the Calamity Continuity before establishing a system for further research and careful release and usage of their developments. 

Avimus Research focuses on magitechnology and magimedicine, with many devices they make artfully constructed to suit the culture of the eras in which they were released, sometimes to the extent of having subtle effects to improve health and quality of life. 

Prior to the Age of Reunion, their research was not widely shared with society; at present, only some findings are shared. In 2029, Avimus Research was certified by the ERA.

Interactions with United Society

In the Age of Reunion, Aviron and their official registered Avimus with Data, allowing others to visit—though gaining Avimus citizenship has various requirements, including residency and contribution to their society. Avimus has active trade with united society, with credits allowed for purchases and Avimus's currency, virs, able to be used in united society (1 vir approximately equal to 1000 credits / 10 USD). 

Description

Gold is a nation-city within Profit's Abstraction, a glittering city of modern skyscrapers and glass buildings. The sky is in an eternal golden twilight. Streams of gold light pour from the sky in straight lines, and the air is filled with glittering gold particles. 

The city is inhabited by residents from all across Ideation and other dimensions, including humans and non-humans. Every resident is in the pursuit of profit, though they are more cooperative than competitive. There are corporations and small businesses, artists and consultants—any occupation, any role, so long as they hold a doctrine of "profit for all, profit for Profit" in their hearts. 

Time is strange and nonlinear—those who need more time will have more time, and those who wish for time to pass faster will experience time passing faster. Those who wish to rest can rest as long as they like, and still be on time for work. In some cases, some will be able to be present in multiple places at once or step back in time to remedy a mistake, though this requires authorization from Associates that handle governance of the city. Associates can also authorize a "storefront," which involves that business merging a door, room, or other part of their venture with a physical location to interact with united society or extradimensional societies.

Currency

Gold accepts any currency, with one of Profit's core agencies—the Bank—having a log of the values, conversion rates, and predicted trajectories of every currency they know of. All currencies can be exchanged for G (which stands for, unsurprisingly, gold), with approximately 1 G = 100 credits = 1 USD. Gs can be stored as a record in a citizen's magic "wallet" or manifested into shining gold coins made of magic. 

Interactions with United Society

Gold is considered an independent magical society by united society, though there are deep, active financial connections and a rich ecosystem of business and trade. Many individuals in united society who wish for financial success apply to move to Gold, which is fairly straightforward so long as they abide by the doctrine of "profit for all, profit for Profit." 

Description

Ifrei is a preserved fragment of an ancient civilization maintained by Istor, Edeia of Plot Armor. What appears to be a typical ancient Mediterranean society is in actuality a carefully maintained "story" being perpetually lived by souls bound to reincarnate within its borders. The architecture, social structures, and daily life closely resemble those of the original civilization. 

Culture

The culture of Ifrei is heavily centered on philosophical study and textiles. Each citizen creates a "Life Tapestry" throughout their life, adding to it at significant milestones. When they die, the tapestry is stored in a central Library of Life. When a citizen comes of age, they journey to the Library of Life and are able to pick one thread from any tapestry to weave into their own Life Tapestry. Under Istor's influence, the individual is always drawn to the tapestry of their previous life. Ifrei does not have strict class distinctions; instead, they use certain weaves, colors, and styles to indicate their philosophical or other contributions to society. 

The Unraveling

The Unraveling is a phenomenon imposed on the souls of Ifrei, partially on purpose by Istor for their entertainment, and partially due to the instabilities caused by Istor overtaking their natural reincarnation process. It is called such due to its manifestation of madness, where victims "come apart at the seams." 

In initial stages, the affected individual becomes more obsessive and compulsive. This progresses to memory distortions, where they begin to experience their past lives without being able to distinguish past memories from present experience. They experience emotional disturbances, which could lead them to cause harm to others or damage to surroundings. Eventually, they collapse and transform into monstrous beasts that appear like a dark, distorted amalgamation of numerous silhouettes. This process can be slowed through psychological intervention, but the only way to "cure" it is to end the individual's life, sending them to their next incarnation. Ifrei's martial forces mostly dedicate their efforts towards hunting the Unraveled. 

Not all individuals are affected, but the longer they live, the more likely they are to be. 

History

Ifrei is the last remnant of an empire that fell over 3,000 years ago. When their capital city was destroyed by invaders, Istor took interest in a hero who fought desperately to save it. Enraptured by their determination and "compelling storyline," Istor preserved the souls of the fallen society within a region partially blended with their Abstraction, where the residents would reincarnate according to Istor's design rather than natural metaphysical laws.

For millennia, the civilization developed in isolation, unaware of the outside world or the existence of magic. Cultural and technological development was subtly guided by Istor to maintain the aesthetic and social structures of the original civilization, creating an endless series of stories for Istor's entertainment.

During the Age of Reunion, the civilization's hero, who had reincarnated numerous times, recovered memories of past lives and realized the truth of their situation. After a dramatic confrontation, Istor lifted the "veil" upon Ifrei... and then watched the chaos unfold as they were exposed to united society and the whims of curious Edeia, threatening their safety, lifestyle, and cultural identity. The chaos led the High Council to plead to the hero to help them once more, and the hero reluctantly turned to Istor. In the end, a compromise was reached: the civilization would gradually reconnect with the outside world, but Istor would still limit outside influence. The hero and their subsequent reincarnations would serve as intermediaries, free to travel beyond Ifrei's borders; this soul would be given the title of Wayfarer in each incarnation. 

Interactions with United Society

Ifrei is registered with the Registry and accepts limited tourism. Visitors must adhere to strict rules including appropriate attire and technology restrictions. Most citizens cannot leave permanently, though temporary educational visits are permitted for scholars and artisans.

The civilization struggles with technological and magical disadvantages compared to united society. Despite access to modern medicine and some technology through designated trade centers, most of the society maintains traditional ways of life.

Description

Cime is a society that rejects magic for culinary pursuit. At the core of Cime is a philosophy of seeking to preserve mundane methods and skills that do not rely on magic, only mundane tools, skills, and innovations. 

Omephagos has provided protection, a location, and support for the people to construct the nation, but it minimizes magical interference to respect their wishes to be mundane as much as possible. In their present state, they do not need as much support from Omephagos, but Omephagos still might help procure funds or resources, especially if it wants to see how Cimans handle a strange ingredient. 

Cime is located at a harbor on the American continent. The region was was originally uninhabitable before being restructured by Omephagos (or as some say, before it chewed up and spit out the area). 

The nation is structured around three main regions:

• The Core: Restaurants, culinary academies, and marketplaces. Lifestyle resembles the city life of the 2020s. 

• The Belt: Farms, vineyards, and specialized food production facilities. 

• The Harvest: Managed wilderness for foraging, hunting, and preservation of traditional food gathering.

Culture

Cime's culture centers entirely around food and its creation through mundane craftsmanship. Residents believe that true culinary art comes from the limitations of mundane methods and that magic removes the fundamental human connection to food production. They view cooking as a form of meditation and self-expression that cannot be replicated through magical shortcuts.

The society operates several culinary academies that not only trains residents in any culinary trade they desire, but also attracts students from throughout united society. These institutions focus on both preserving traditional techniques and innovating within mundane limitations. Graduation involves creating a signature dish that demonstrates both technical mastery and personal expression.

Social hierarchies in Cime are primarily determined by culinary skill and contribution to the community's food culture. Master chefs, exceptional farmers, and innovative food artisans hold positions of greatest respect, with many serving on the governing council. Omephagos is respected as the "Patron" of Cime, and it is considered a great honor for it to dine at one's establishment. 

Currency

Cime's primary currency is the épice, which can be in the form of coins and banknotes. Épices can be exchanged for credits, which are sometimes used in the Core but mostly for transactions with united society or tourists. They have currency exchanges at their borders, which are the only places Data is permitted access in Cime without further authorization.

History

Cime emerged during the early Age of Reunion as culinary artists, chefs, farmers, and food traditionalists grew concerned about the preservation of mundane cooking techniques. As magical food production became increasingly prevalent, many feared the loss of skills and traditions that had defined human culinary arts for millennia. The society began as a movement of restaurants and culinary schools that adhered to "purely mundane means" in their craft. Omephagos soon discovered them and offered its support in protecting them and their mundane way of life. As societies were becoming more integrated with magic, the to-be Cimans felt more threatened, and Omephagos provided land and resources for building their own society. By 2022, the region established itself as Cime, a national entity independent from united society.  

Omephagos traveled around to gather other individuals at risk of losing their culinary arts, including high-profile chefs and rural villagers that employed unique techniques. Over the years, Cime grew and expanded into its three regions - the Core, the Belt, and the Harvest. Once the Registry was established, Cime's leaders registered the nation as well. 

Interactions with United Society

Cime maintains a complex relationship with united society. While they reject magical food production within their borders, they actively welcome tourists and visiting food enthusiasts. The community operates several visitor centers where outsiders can sample their creations and learn about their philosophy.

Cime conducts regular trade with united society, primarily exporting artisanal food products and importing raw materials that cannot be produced locally. They have established a reputation for creating some of the finest mundane cuisine in the world, with restaurants throughout united society paying premium prices for ingredients bearing the Cime seal.

While some schools of culinary art reject modern advancements, some residents and groups in Cime welcome all non-magical technologies from united society. Cime also educational exchange programs where Cimans can temporarily visit united society to learn new techniques while united society citizens can study at Cime's academies.