Nideon Meta (World Anvil Summer Camp Prep)

Why did I create Nideon and what makes it so special?

I wanted a world where magic was an everyday occurrence, but stories could take place modern day--think Hogwarts without Voldemort or Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series brought forward in time.
I also wanted a world where physical features do not determine ethnicity, meaning there is no reason to have a cast that is all white, etc.

How do you know you're on Nideon (as opposed to other worlds)?

Magic is both common and diverse. About one half to two-thirds of people on Nideon have an in-born talent for doing some type magic, but just like any other skill, you don't have to have an in-born talent to learn how to do it. Some schools specialize in the study of magic, and magic is used alongside modern technology to carry out every day tasks. For example, there are doctors and healers, homes can be lit by electric wires or by magic, and while there are still cars, trains, and boats, airplanes are uncommon due to the existence of transport stations.
There are some sentient, non-human species, but all of them (even the dragons) have humanoid features to some degree. None of them are found in my other worlds.
Evolution is a conspiracy theory. Due its odd history, Nideon has no real evidence of evolution, or any other origin for life, in particular sentient life. Thus, almost everyone believes in some form of creator, except for a handful of astromythologists who think that people used to live on a different planet. Unfortunately for everyone else, they're right.

What makes Nideon different from Urban Fantasy?

Urban fantasy often takes place on Earth. Nideon is not Earth, and is not intended to be an Earth analog (though it is not entirely different either.)
Urban fantasy tends to be dark and gritty. Nideon tends towards the brightness of YA fantasy. It leans toward the light and hopeful, but is not afraid to punch you in the gut (i.e. the protagonist's family getting burned alive in chapter 1.)

How big is Nideon and what is the worldbuilding scope?

Nideon is a planet that is similar to Earth in axial tilt, rotation, and revolution.
The story really has a global scope, but with regards to the current project, worldbuilding should start with the countries and cultures that the protagonists are from:
Ethion , in particular, the treatment of the Pelan and its relationship with Suxad
The Thisaazhou , in particular their relationship with the different southern countries
Alaj , politics in particular
Agrona , politics in particular
Antarand , in particular its relationship with Florarova
and Nefrale , in particular Faraday School for Wizards and the surrounding area

What are some current events which will have bearing on the current project?

Ethion is steadily mistreating the Pelan refugees within its borders, as well as sending propaganda to allied nations. This will soon cascade into a global war.
Alaj is in the midst of a mostly political, but sometimes physical internal conflict
Antarand is claiming independence from the Florarovan government, while Florarova denies this. They have become "the equivalent of two kids sticking their tongues out at one another."