Artificer Reality

It is a time of stupendous magical technology.   Aether-powered airships dot the skies above mostly peaceful farm towns. A new magical industrial age is underway.   Fortune and glory are up for grabs as would-be Adventurers make their way to The Front. An area where power artifact weapons are being uncovered. Like a pilgrimage, Adventurers from all nations are converging on The Front. Most are freelancers, but some are back by powerful organisations. The roads to The Front heave with Adventuring parties and whole industries have sprung up to support and exploit them.   In order to prevent every farmboy from running off and probably dying very quickly thus depriving the labour force, Adventurers are heavily regulated. After passing a trial to prove their competence, Adventurers must provide an appreciable contribution to their country before they are given permission to leave. This contribution is measured in Adventuring Tickets, a form of currency equivalent to favours from the nobility.