World Encyclopedia

Certainly! Here's an introduction that sets the stage for your worldbuilding setting, capturing the wonder and mystery of Avalon, the magical upheaval, and the integration of magic with modern technology:   ---   **Introduction to Avalon and New Arcanum:**   Once, Avalon—a mystical realm brimming with fey magic and enchanted creatures—existed alongside the mortal world, a realm of dreams and legends where magic coursed through the air. But the dawn of the Age of Reason in 1685 marked the end of an era. As humanity embraced logic, science, and the pursuit of understanding, the two realms grew distant. What was once an intimate bond between Earth and Avalon shattered, giving birth to an age of rationality known as the Mystic Separation.   For centuries, Avalon and Earth remained apart, each world developing along its own path. But in 1863, a catastrophic event known as the **Magic Upheaval** brought the realms crashing back together. Fey lords, dragons, and magical beasts were thrust into the mortal world, creating chaos in cities and villages alike. At the same time, ordinary humans found themselves pulled into Avalon, where they were forced to navigate its otherworldly politics and arcane wonders.   The upheaval didn’t stop there. The very fabric of reality was warped, and the boundaries between species began to blur. Plants mutated, animals gained strange abilities, and humanity itself became infused with magic. The careful study of these newfound powers gave birth to **magitek**—the fusion of magic and technology that revolutionized the Industrial Revolution and reshaped society forever.   In the modern age, the lines between magic and machinery have all but disappeared. Dragons soar through the skies alongside airships powered by arcane energy. Beastfolk walk among humans in bustling cities, and the fey—always elusive and often inscrutable—have woven themselves into the fabric of human politics. Magic is in every corner of life, from enchanted streetlights to spells that power transportation. The city of **New Arcanum**, located on the site of its mortal counterpart, New York City, stands as the epicenter of this magical renaissance, where the ancient and the modern collide in a dazzling tapestry of wonder and intrigue.   In this world, where reality is more fluid than ever before, magic is as much a part of everyday life as the technology that drives it. But beneath the surface, shadows linger—ancient forces, forgotten gods, and the enigmatic fey continue to shape human destiny. The story of Avalon is just beginning, and it is one of arcane secrets, political intrigue, and a world forever changed by the convergence of magic and mankind.   ---   This intro sets up the key events, the atmosphere, and the relationship between the magical and mundane worlds, while also hinting at the larger mysteries and conflicts that your story could explore. Feel free to adjust details to fit your vision further!