30 Days of World-Building - Day 18 - Spec and Society

Exercise 18 - Revise your cultural write-up you've developed in the past two weeks to include your speculative element, and to answer the above question. As a bonus, you can get back to your character sketch and figure out where your protagonist and supporting cast fit into your speculative elements and society.

South-Eastern Region - After the events that transpired during the Shadow War, the common people of this region are generally dismissive about magic. They know it exists, and they understand what is capable of, but they wish to have no part in it. Some more zealous citizens even go so far as to denounce Brel as a breeding ground for the dark creatures that plague Kasova. The citizens of Brel, on the other hand, come face-to-face with magic everyday. To them, it is commonplace, and almost essential.

North-Eastern Region - To these traditional people, magic and the resulting aftershocks of its' power are viewed as dangerous and violent. Feared and despised by most, those born with the taint are often shunned by their peers. In the more tribal societies, people born with the taint are sacrificed, in attempts to rid the forests of the cruel magic that wracked the region decades ago.

Middle Region - While pure magic and sorcerers are not as prevalent in this region, the trade of the magically-infused gemstones plays a major impact on the upper-society. Nobles commonly bid against each other for a chance to acquire the best gemstones on the market. Merchants who can acquire these rare gemstones can become major players in the market, and can easily bend the scales in their favor.

South-Western Region - This region is one of the rare places on the mortal realm that hasn't been affected by the taint of the Shadow Realm. While the many tribal societies depend on ritual leaders and chiefs for their religious ceremonies, none possess the true taint of the Shadow Realm - which could be both good and bad. However, they are fascinated by the power of the rare gemstones, and some tribes deep in the jungles revere the ancient group of dragons referred to as "Gem-Scales".

North and North-Western Regions - Magic is as widespread as the numerous traditions that preside in this region. Some families are afflicted with the taint, and others are not affected at all. The oldest of these families claim that their family history can be traced back to the Gem-Scales and the first men born from the dragons.

Southern Islands Region - Even in this tropical island setting, the taint exists and grows among the people. Most that possess magical talents are seen as gifted, and are sought after for various reasons. Many seafarers seek those with magical talent to serve aboard their ships, and are willing to pay a pretty sum in order to one-up their opponents. These seafaring sorcerers perform tasks ranging from tying and maintaining ropes in dangerous situations, to magically propelling the ship through control of the currents or the winds.

Mountainous Regions - Among most societies living here, magic is seen as weak and cowardly. These rugged people prefer the bulk of a sword or a hammer to the flightiness of a sorcerer's spells. Anybody born with the taint are often ostracized, ridiculed, and (in the worst cases) killed by those who fear the taint and anybody associated with it. These people also separate themselves from the Gem Trade, as the objects are seen as instruments of dark association. They openly mock Brel, Valthiem, and pretty much any other city that has "given in to relying on the whims of forces they can not understand".