An Explanation of the World So Far!
Here is the post for all the world building we have so far! We will continue to update this as we remember and/or make more of the story, so please stay tuned!
What World?
Probably Earth still lol, we’re still deciding, but Earth is the current setting for now. Probably in America too, but the characters do travel often, so we’ll probably get to see other places
World Building
Apples to Ashes takes place in a world where magic and powers are different yet very much real. Witches, Warlocks, Sorcerers, whatever you would like to dub them, have become common place and more or less accepted in modern day society. However, there is an innate power residing in some individuals that give them stunning powers, which have been previously classified as magic but had been proven to be something else entirely. These “super-powers” were given the name “Calculated: Burden”, or Caliburs. Though most individuals are normal people without magic or Caliburs, one cannot say with absolute certainty that seeing someone with either magic or a Calibur, or sometimes even both, is a rare sight. Both magic and Caliburs have become everyday occurrences, and have been known to be used to the advantage of the wielder be it for good or evil.
In addition to Caliburs and magic, the world saw a sudden appearance of monsters. Some were benevolent and sought to help humans--others chose to kill without purpose or drive simply for the sport of it. In an attempt to prevent the extinction of humanity, those wielding magic and/or Caliburs took up arms and their powers to protect the innocent from the malicious forces that wish to destroy humanity. Because of their efforts, magic and Caliburs became more widely accepted, and thus persecuting those with these powers became banned worldwide.
In addition, monster dungeons also popped up, containing hordes of monsters and varying in difficulty.
In order to properly defend themselves against malicious monsters, academies have been built to teach wielders of both magic and Caliburs how to use their potential for good. How each academy teaches their students is up to them, but they always give their students a code name of sorts based on something relating to them. (e.g. A girl who can inflict status ailments such as poison or paralysis might be given the code name Arachne). These code names, supposedly, are for the purpose of getting students ready for real world missions.
Calculated: Burdens
Caliburs were given their name due to the trouble that initially came with it. During the days when people were scared of magic and persecuted those who possessed it, Caliburs were understandably mistaken for magic as well due to it being a supposedly “unnatural” power. Thus, depending on how apparent your power was, they could become a bigger burden, hence the name. The most notable difference between those who wield magic and those who possess a Calibur is how hose with magic can branch off into many different categories, such as elemental, summoning, stealth, so on and so forth. Caliburs, however, are a permanent and singular power that does not have room to give you something different. In addition, Caliburs are unique powers. No two people can have the same Calibur and be alive at the same time. It is possible to have the Calibur of someone from the past, however, said person must have already passed away by the time the Calibur manifested into its new wielder. Additionally, Caliburs seem to come with a sort of “spiritual object”, more often than not a weapon. The type of object depends entirely on the person. Said object can be called upon at any given time with enough practice, and can just as easily disappear when wanted. It is possible to have both magic and a Calibur at the same time, though it is uncommon.
Scan Ability Ordinance
A Scan Ability Ordinance, or Scabbard for short, is a part of a person’s Calibur embodied into an object. The type of object differs from person to person, and although most are weapons, there are some that aren’t. Scabbards can range between heavy guns to simple sticks, and can be called upon at any given time with enough practice. They are essential for those who wish to take up monster slaying, considering these objects are usually stronger than their normal counterpart.
Injury Ward
An Injury Ward is a magical hex placed on people who go into combat. It acts as a protective barrier to shield the wearer from any physical damage (e.g. Without the Ward, one can easily be cut by a blade. However, with the Ward on them, though they will feel a small amount of pain, they won’t be wounded and blood won’t be drawn). The ward is not permanent and indestructible, however. A Ward can usually last for only one long, drawn out battle, and that’s if it isn’t hit. The more damage the Ward sustains in place of the wearer, the more fragile it becomes. Eventually, with enough hits, the Ward can shatter and the wielder can become susceptible to any permanent damage.
Academies
The academies are located across the world, with at least one on every continent. The fame and prestige of each academy differ between how well they teach to which famous person graduated there, but the one we focus on the most is Caladbolg Peak (name courtesy of my brother), most famous for being the first academy to have been established. The academies cover basic studies such as math and science, but also include Combat Classes, Calibur Control and Use, Magic Defense and Offense, and anything else related to the profession. The years do not have a certain age requirement, and it usually takes around five years to graduate. The first year course is strictly for students to learn how to control their magic and/or Calibur so not to unintentionally endanger the public. After controlling their power, students are given the option to leave the school top pursue a different career, or continue on and partake in the monster slaying profession for the next four years. The youngest age to qualify for the first year class is 12, while the second year (the beginning of combat classes) must be at least 13. However, by the age of 18, those who have not mastered their magic and/or Calibur are required to take classes to control their power.
Students are allowed to take on quests from the school mission board. First years are only allowed to take up Basic Level Missions, which are all non-combatant. Half way through students’ second year and above, they are allowed to take on missions which require an understanding of combat. Second Level Missions are for Low-Ranking criminals and monsters, nothing too dangerous. Third Level Missions are for the experts only, and not only include High-Ranking Criminals and Monsters, but Dungeon Exploration and Mapping (DEM). Each mission has a reward given at the end depending on the contents of the mission and how it was executed.
Dungeons
Monster Dungeons are ancient structures, be they natural or manmade, that are generally unexplored and dangerous, but ultimately contain valuable items and resources. They can be ruins, caves, temples, towers, and the list goes on. Although Dungeon Exploration and Mapping does not sound too hard, it can actually be a very dangerous mission, especially when entering a new and unexplored one. Many Demons crawl the dungeon levels, and the further you go, the worse they become. To complete a DEM mission, you must explore and/or map the dungeon to its deepest level. You get an bonus reward if you can map it to its entirety, including the rooms, traps, monsters and such, so these missions become even more hazardous to the more ambitious and arrogant hunters. However, they tend to be rather rewarding, and you find yourself coming out alive stronger than before should you be successful. Some of the most famous monster slayers are actually very successful dungeon crawlers.
Stay tuned for more!!