The New Republic of ISS

10/01/4040

Sometime after the near destruction of our Earth due to climate change and warfare, the human race moved to space--rebuilding and repurposing the ISS to travel through the vastness of the universe to discover new and habitable planets in its travels.   The time spent in space had a unique effect on human evolution and brought back what most describe as magic. Most with magic are welcomed and treated no differently, or perhaps even a little better than the non-mag humans. There are five groups of magic, relating to the five non-scientific elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Blood.   Earth magi are often seen helping as farmers, architects, and artists. Wind magi are often seen helping as musicians, green-electricians, and star-sailors (as they can generate currents even without the presence of natural wind). Fire magi are often seen helping as chefs, firefighters, and entertainers. As such, these magi feel welcomed, and society sees them as productive and useful members of the community.   But Blood Magi deal in death. They can raise the dead (but only for twenty minutes at a time--they risk losing a piece of their soul if they keep the dead longer.) They can kill with a snap of their fingers. And they can force the living to be their puppets. Blood Magi only work with police or in the morgue--because of this the Blood Magi are known as oibrithe an diabhal and are outcast in society. Traveling within the Universe has brought the new humanity across many new species, but so far none of them intelligent in the way we understand. That being said, the star-sailors go out and fish in the plentiful ocean of the stars. Animals such as star-squid, starfish órga, and bláth réalta have become regular cuisine among the ships. It is common to drink star-squid ink which is a beautiful deep purple with flecks of silver and is said to taste like fruity wine. It has an intoxicating effect, but only mildly so. Just enough to make someone relax after a long day. Those who live in the New Republic of Iss have given up hope of ever leaving the ship and have worked hard to make this station their home.