The Iethea project is located within a large basin surrounded by mountains on all sides that form a barrier to the outside world. The mountains form a singular extensive mountain range that would take weeks to cross with peaks that are so tall, even The Missing with their extensive powers and hardened bodies couldn't survive. No one knows as to what lies beyond the unyieldingly harsh environment and few have tried to find out.
The basin itself is relatively large, taking around 3 months to walk from one side to another. It is more popular to ride on horseback, though many horses are instead utilized for pulling carriages and caravans. Efficient caravan groups, no matter the total number can cut the journey down by a month and are often safer, with hired guards.
Geography
The terrain is a varying landscape, untamed and wild. Grassy plains and soft rolling hills are a frequent sight around the basin and are common focus points for settlements. The soil is rich and fertile as well as easy to till in preparation for fresh crops. During the spring and summer months, the fields are awash with colour. Various grasses and wildflower compete in a loud array of vibrancy, accompanied with various pollinating insects, birds and mammals. Deer and wild horses graze alongside sheep and cattle, while herders keep a lazy watch nearby. As autumn washes away the summer pallet, the grass moves like waves in the cooling winds, a hypnotic view that leads into the frigid grasp of winter.
Forests make up a good majority of the basin. It is unknown how long it has been since the last occupying species and the arrival of The Missing was, but the years have certainly proved in their favour. Unobstructed by nothing but the elements, the trees have dug deep into the fertile ground, nourished by unpolluted air and water. They grew tall and vast, and even the smallest forests can take days if not weeks to pass through depending on your direction. These dense spaces take on a life of their own, the atmosphere changing in an instant. Magic has heavily imbued itself here, and it makes itself known.
You can find respite in the littering of groves and copses, providing safe spaces for fire lit camps. Grottos line the floor and in rocky outcrops. With lush vegetation, many have fallen trap to the sudden drop that surely wasn't there before. Few who travel are surprised by the skeletons that lay forgotten at the bottom, slowly engulfed by the life that brought them such fate. The entrances formed in the outcrops lead down to small caves and naturally formed pockets of water. It's a game of Russian roulette though for those who step down into the darkness. Many are occupied, none of them friendly. Despite the dangers, the forests are the best bet of survival during the winter if you can't find a settlement to belong to. The deeper into the depths you go, the more fresh meat and editable plants to be found all year round. Little snow can break through the thick canopy above, leaving the forest floor immune to the ice that covers the landscape outside.
Despite how barren the mountains are, many have been trying to make a home on the edge of the mountain range for hundreds of years. For some, the mountains are their home, for others, it is an escape from the brutality that is human nature. Yet very little grows there, and only the hardiest of animals scrape by day to day. There are, however, small valleys rarely found in the nooks and crannies of the grey stone landscape. If you can find them, with the right supplies then habitation can prevail. If the isolation doesn't drive you crazy anyway.
During the winter, the mountains become impassable from snow. When spring breaks, so do the temperatures keeping the snow in check and so begins the melts. Ice cold yet purified water makes its way to the basin below, urging life into action once more. Despite the vast amount of snow, there is minimal flooding. Though no one has found any evidence of it, it's believed that an exceedingly high volume of water ends up underground before reaching the base of the mountains. It begs the question of how vast the underground is. You know when you're reaching the edge of the basin and the start of the range thanks to the stone runs formed by the ice year after year.
The basin wouldn't be complete without the network of water that snakes its way across the landscape. From soothing brooks to rivers and even thunderous waterfalls, without any of it life would be hard to find. Shallow lagoons are perfect for grazing animals, ponds make way for small amphibians and mammals and full on lakes provide a wealth of fish. In fact, Lakewell castle is named as such thanks to the largest lake in the basin in which it backs onto. It has formed as one of the biggest opportunities to make a living there and with the right people, has formed big business in the Northern Market.
Very little is known about the underground, other than a great potential for natural resources. The only available means of reaching down below within the basin is through the Northern Mine, however, the abandoned halls from a time long gone are highly dangerous and not much beyond the first few levels have been explored.
I know I responded to a prompt about seeing the future already, but here's a more in-depth and polished look on the subject!
The Seers
Seers, a name given to those who can see into the future. It is, for the most part, an uncontrollable ability. As the future is an entity that can change completely with a single action, word or thought, Seers often do not experience visions until certain conditions or triggers are met. Some things, however, can seem as irrefutable as the ground beneath our feet. No matter how often you try to fight it, even when you think you've won, all things must happen. There is a balance to be kept and be it now or in thousands of years time, the requirements will be met.
The means of which visions are received vary from Seer to Seer. There have been reports of dreams, trances during meditation, fits and hallucinations to name a few. The most powerful born Seer Iethea has ever known is able to see the future of anyone they touch and even the rippling effects it has on the rest of the world.
They were once revered and treasured, called prophets and saviours. At the dawn of the era of The Missing, they were capable of seeing snippets of things to come, saving lives from the harsh reality of an unknown world and its secrets. But as their powers matured and more arrivals came from Earth, their visions turned dark and bloody. Chaos reigned, the death toll rose and fear carried like the plague. The saviours had become the harbingers of death.
Fear turns to panic, panic to despair and the birth of desperation drives even darker thoughts. To some of The Missing, in order to stop the events the Seers foretold, they must be killed before it comes to pass. Blood spilt, fires burned and those who weren't killed faced exile or isolation. Shunned, delusional, cursed.
Over 500 years have passed since the first day of awakening. Rare to begin with, the ability is now believed by most to have died off completely. Yet, the locations of the few that remain are trusted only to select individuals, still living out the exile set to them so long ago.
A long post but worth a read! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it
Earth
An Earth Manipulator is a common occurrence, being the most practical and arguably most versatile element in Iethea. Despite all having a connection to the earth beneath their feet, specialities tend to be quite prominent. There are three subcategories that most tend to fall under.
Agriculture.
Even the weakest in this category are able to encourage the growth of the plants they touch, allowing for all crops to thrive and produce bountiful harvests. Many are able to till sections of land, ready for farmers to plant or sow seeds, others are able to move large obstacles such as rock outcrops and boulders. The strongest are able to reach deep into the earth, circulating minerals and nutrients. They strive to ensure a healthy and balanced ecosystem is kept. As well as being able to circulate minerals, they can help to locate and extract pockets of valuable ores such as iron and copper.
Builders.
From simple mud constructs to cobblestone walls and towering stone keeps, they build, fix and maintain essential structures. The stronger the builder, the more they can break down and reform material. Got a large boulder and the need for stone bricks? They can make it happen.
Artists.
Though not seen as essential, the artists are able to make paints and plasters in multitudes of colours, textures and consistencies. These are made with extremely fine particles of soil and clay as a base, allowing them to apply and manipulate it however they please. More of a luxury, you may see simple coloured walls or small painted sections to add a bit of life to a home. Like the builders, the stronger they are, the more they are able to break down and reform material. Unlike the builders, however, their talents lay in reforming it into non-functional items.
General.
Earth Manipulators are labelled as nurturers of life, having played a large part in providing food and shelter. But as much life as they bring, they can end. A happy wielder will keep your crops growing and your walls strong. Give them a reason and they can take it all away, leaving barren land and ruins in their wake.
It is often stereotyped that Earth Manipulators are emotionally stable, providing calming, nurturing energy. They are patient and hard to anger but when they do finally snap, no-one can hide.
Water
A Water Manipulator is almost as common as Earth, being the most essential element for any settlement. As water is absolutely everywhere it is possible for even the weakest of Manipulators to produce water from seemingly nowhere. Water manipulators can pull water from underground to form wells to small lakes. They help with irrigation, drainage and sewage. The more powerful they are, the bigger the body of water they can control. If they are especially adept, they can even separate even the smallest of particles from water, making it clean and pure.
General
Water Manipulators are labelled as the lifeblood of elementals, bringing down the rate of death from disease and thirst drastically. Blood is just as easily spilt though. They can send back what they brought forth, contaminate and in some reported cases, drain living people of all moisture. You don't need to embalm someone to mummify them.
It is often stereotyped that Water Manipulators are determined, yet stubborn. Once they settle on the path they feel is right they will stick to it, even when it's not the best or even the easiest route. They can normally be made to compromise but when they reach that peak of true stubbornness, no one is safe.
Fire
Known as the flashiest of the elements in Iethea. Unlike the Earth and Water Manipulators, Fire wielders are uncommon but well sought after. Although they are not determined by speciality like Earth, there are categories that they are known for.
Hearths.
An affectionate nickname for the wielders that assist settlements. Put a candle outside your doorstep a few hours before dark and return to find it lit by the time the sun starts to sink below the mountain tops. Your normal fireplace not providing the heat you need in the coldest hours? Call a Hearth. Simple though it may seem, these jobs help to keep a settlement running well after dark. Since their flames are clean burning and hotter than normal flames, the output is more efficient and longer lasting. For those with impairments, it makes their lives a little easier. They do have bigger jobs they attend to, from lighting forges and ovens to festival fires and in some instances funeral pyres.
Poi Dancers.
They are the entertainers of the elementals, creating elaborate displays in the dark hours of the night. The strength of the wielder determines how well they can control their flames, from size, shape and even colour. From firework-like explosions to dragons that fill the sky and even more well-known acts of dancing with and eating fire. Since Wielders can't be hurt by their own flames, it has allowed them to be even more creative then they could be on Earth.
Flares.
Named after the devices back on Earth, they are your go-to when out in the wild. They have saved many lives since The Missing first arrived on Iethea. From sterilising water to cauterising wounds, they can light up even the darkest of paths and keep you from freezing in the ice cold temperatures of winter. They have led many a search party for those who don't return by nightfall and are great deterrents against creatures that roam the night.
Since Fire Wielders are great offensive types, they are paid well by traders to guard them or caravans against the Crows and Lurkers.
General
Fire Manipulators are labelled as the Heart of the elementals, providing heat not only from their flames but from their kindness. Beware though that even the strongest of hearts can bleed, for the fire will consume all in its path, leaving only ashes behind.
It is often stereotyped that Fire Manipulators are passionate and protective, but if not kept in check, will obsess and devour.
Air
Often remarked as the useless element of Iethea, it's anything but. Due to the subtlety of their results, much of what they do goes unnoticed. Yet even the weakest of wielders can create air currents that help to carry heat around the room. In terms of numbers, they are rare compared to their Earth wielding brethren.
Their powers can be as unpredictable as the element itself, watching the strongest of Air Manipulators throwing tantrums when the currents move far slower than their liking is a hilarious affair. They can clear sections of overcast skies to cast light on crops and direct rain clouds where needed, as long as your patient enough to wait. Providing cool breezes in the summer and thermal columns for Drifters is another undertaking that goes unappreciated by most.
They are also the most reliable form of meteorology in Iethea. Though not 100% accurate due to the natural variables of the world's atmosphere, they can detect changes in the weather and update their predictions accordingly. In some settlements with Air wielders, they have a forecast board that is revised as often as needed. If there's one ability that The Missing can't deny about Air Manipulators, it's this.
There have been reports on how their abilities affect their bodies. It's been confirmed that they are able to intake large amounts of oxygen and hold it for long periods of time. One case provided an insight into this when they stayed submerged in water for an hour before coming back up for air. It's theorised that the body adapts to be more efficient when processing oxygen. Another theory is that they develop air sacks which work in a similar fashion to birds. Regardless of how it works, it's assumed they would make for great deep sea divers, though this cannot be proven without access to a body of water with the required depth.
General
Air Manipulators are labelled as the whisperers by those who believe in their skills, due to the subtlety of their abilities. But even whispers can turn to screams when rumours of uprising carry on the breeze.
It is often stereotyped that Air Manipulators are the most laid back of the elementals and are driven by a strong desire to travel. Drift too far without a purpose though and one can easily lose themselves.
Energy
The rarest of the elements, it is to control energy in its rawest form. It is unknown as to why it's as rare as it is. There have only been a handful of records that account for Energy Manipulators with two predominant theories. The first is that due to its nature, the human body would struggle to adapt to take the strain of high amounts of unbridled energy. The other is that due to the high death count since The Missing originated, many die before they are even aware of their power or have the time to develop. It is arguable that both have contributed to this and as such, we know very little in terms of its potential and practical application.
Even Ceres doesn't know what he's fully capable of but he has provided detailed accounts and demonstrations of his available knowledge and experience. His abilities so far fall into three categories.
Kinetic.
In its kinetic form, Ceres is able to travel long distances at high speeds. This creates the illusion of being able to teleport, as he can move faster than the eye can keep up with. There is a limit to how far he can go, however. The more weight he's carrying, the lower the speed and distance. Carrying people is a last resort, as it can slow him down immensely and cause strain to his passenger's body.
It's also helpful for fighting as it can push targets away. Combined with his ability to travel, it provides the extra power behind punches and kicks. The more force exerted, the farther they go. When it comes to stronger, sturdier opponents it can decide the match. Since this power can be concentrated, for example in the heel of the palm, instead of pushing the target away, it causes hard-hitting internal damage.
Light.
Whereas Fire can produce both heat and light, Ceres with Energy can create small, compact orbs of light. They provide strong illumination despite their size, to the point of being remarked as miniature suns. Aside from lighting up a room or blinding someone, they are otherwise useless.
Electricity.
Another aspect of the element that Ceres uses for offensive purposes. His body becomes a conductor, able to hold and transmit electricity as he desires. Combined with the kinetic aspect, he can apply the electricity to dissipate across the surface of the target, causing pain and even burns with a high enough voltage without causing internal damage. Concentrated, the effects internally can be utilised to temporally or even permanently impair a target. For example, this can affect eyesight, motor function, cause numbness and is theorised to disrupt the brains' ability to process information. However, it is an unpredictable ability when focused internally and can produce undesirable results. As such, it is only in rare circumstances that Ceres uses concentrated application.
A reported situation in which Ceres has used this ability is when a villager collapsed due to cardiac arrest. The local healer quickly ascertained the need for a defibrillator, without the patient had a low chance of survival. Since Ceres is able to control the voltage of the currents generated in his body, he applied his ability under the instruction of the healer. The villager survived.
Another offset to this ability; charging electrical items from Earth such as his iPod. The Missing arrive here with a few personal items located within their pockets on time of entry, though 99% of these are impractical and hold only sentimental value. This is an inherently instinctual ability, in which he has no idea how to control. So long as these objects are on his person they charge as they would be plugged into the mains.
General
Since they are so rare they do not have a label or a stereotype in which The Missing to fall upon.
