New Arcanum
Scope
The motivation behind building New Arcanum
This world is being built to stage one or more stories reimagining fairytales as spy thrillers or the like.
The goal of the project
I am hoping to square away the parameters of the world, and the rules of the local magic in the context of the new genre.
New Arcanum's Unique Selling point
This world is a parallel Earth where magic and associated fantasy creatures exist, and magic is in the category of Sufficiently Advance Technology.
Theme
Genre
The genre is fantasy, but set in a parallel modern world where magic exists alongside (or rather, mated with) technology and different factions vie for control of the world behind the scenes.
Reader Experience
World feels exciting, with danger constantly in the background. Humanity has managed to parse out how magic works, but there are beings who are better at it and not all of them are friendly.
Reader Tone
A bit on the dark side. There are wonders, yes, but these wonders can bring dangers if misused.
Recurring Themes
Roiling shadows under a glittery shell.
Shifting alliances between human and nonhuman groups.
Sparks of magic across towering skyscrapers.
Character Agency
I want the setting to feel dangerous and thrilling. Individual characters might not be able to significantly shift the status quo, but they can help stave off disaster for a time and maintain the balance.