Introduction to Spira

NOTE FOR READERS

This world is a heavy WIP! Many articles are stubs, but are quickly being filled out. Please check out the ones which are currently done, and have fun!

Overview

Spira is a fictional setting set in the empire of Freymoor, a victorian-esque empire of provinces that operate semi-independently of each other, which is home to guilds, monsters, magic and plenty of adventure. The name Spira originates from the word Aspire, a synonym for Hope, which is a major theme of the setting. It also is a corruption of the word Spire, which is the form the multiverse takes, a towering spire of which each plane is a level. I am creating this setting purely as a passion project, and as a world-bible for any potential stories, games or film I create in the future.

Genre and Themes

Spira is a MagiPunk Fantasy setting taking place technologically in the early 1800s, with some innovations provided by magic that make culture and technology look similar to our modern day. Magic and the Paranormal are everyday occurrences, with magic being treated simply as another facet of the scientific world. In this world, rifles and automata exist alongside fireballs and dragons.
The core tenet of this world, the theme which guides everything else, is Hope. Secondary themes include a lack of true good and evil, societal prejudice, and learning to coexist with others, despite their differences.

Setting

The scope of this world is set mainly within the continent of Nevarine, A massive supercontinent which has climates ranging from temperate and fertile fields to the harsh winters of the north or the terrifying jungles of the south. The Continent is primarily ruled by a massive empire known as the Imperial Republic of Freymoor. The continent is living currently in the shadow of war, having just finished a long 40-year conflict that killed millions and ended in the detonation of the single worst magical weapon in the history of Men and Mer.

Races of Men

The races of men have come to embody the strength and creative power of the material plane. Humans rule over vast swaths of land, their fleeting lives full of wonder and magic as they burn the candle at both ends. Dwarves live intellectual lives that push the bounds of science and culture into the modern era. Havlin work hard and live virtuous lives worshipping the New Gods and all they embody. Gnomes live on the boundaries of Fey and Material, learning new skills and living explorative lives. All the races of men, having spawned from the creative efforts of the New Gods forming the first ones from mud and dust, consider themselves the true inheritors of this world. They are indigenous, and some think of their Elvish brothers as invaders of their rightful land.

Humans

Humans are the most widespread of the many races, breeding quickly and building skills and techniques faster than any other race. This quick spread in number has caused much cultural deviation over the years, leading to many different ethnicities of humans.

Offshoot Races

Races of Mer

Other Races

Powers

There exist many major powers that control this world. From powerful countries and empires, to ever-expanding and corporatizing guilds, the lives of men and mer are controlled by forces that are much more powerful than they could ever imagine.
The countries which rule the continent of Nevarine are as follows