Theme And Setting

History

TRI, a flat planet drifting through space, each separate continent holding its own physical laws of nature.

Legends and myths say that a few thousand years ago the original inhabitants of TRI held godlike power over both science and magic, and the planet was once a beautiful sphere of lush greens and gorgeous oceans where the artificial intelligence Big Sister coexisted with the Council of Magi. Then the war started, and the planet was broken. Three massive continents cast out of their orbit and sailing into the far reaches of space. While both sides blamed the other, time was short as the distance from the sun caused life to rapidly die. No one truly knows what happened, but some say Big Sister calculated the energy and formulas for a grand spell to be cast by the Council of Magi, thus forming an artificial star to give life to the three continents, and an artificial moon to give light to the night. Furthermore, the energies are said to be what causes the differing physical laws from continent to continent, and why the very nature of the astral planes, universes, and dimensions are warped and draw entities from other existences to it.

Western Continent: Synthatek

The western continent is dominated by the massive gigaopolis, Synthatek. Here science fiction is the norm, and all things technology are accepted, and in some cases, worshipped.

Synthatek is ruled by an AI known as 'Big Sister'. Big Sister monitors everything, from the air you breathe to the food you eat, she sees and knows all that you see, do, and possibly even think. Order and purpose are enforced here, and citizens are allowed little freedom in their day to day lives. Still, if one can accept the domination of Big Sister, one can live a relatively comfortable and easy lifestyle.

Law and order are maintained by armed androids, who are willing to use deadly force for even minor offenses. Although each android is its own AI entity, Big Sister is in control of them as well.

So why would you want to live in such a place? Well, Synthatek makes living easy. Food allotments are distributed daily, housing is free, and any medical needs are met, as long as you have a job. Synthatek doesn't tolerate the homeless or those unwilling to contribute to society, but once one works, one is fed, housed, and cared for. What's more, there are pleasures to enjoy. Lonely? Visit the local AI Companion store and never want for a friend or lover again. Want entertainment? There's any number of holo rooms to let you live out any fantasy you desire. Just make sure to get to work on time, lest you find yourself imprisoned for not being a proper citizen and consumer.

The continent itself has many organizations and corporations, small and large all across it, either holding a piece of land as a base of operations, or running various shops and industries. As long as they pay their credits to Big Sister, all is well, though she won't tolerate wars between such people. However, they're free to take their battles over to Senta or Distant Oceans.

Center Continent: Senta

The center continent consists of forest, lakes, small hills, a few mountains, and the place most people live, Center City. Here all magic and technology function, and those who can't handle the controlling Big Sister of Synthatek or the lack of modern medicine in Distant Oceans, find themselves with no option except to live here.

One of the drawbacks of the center continent is its lack of law and order. Mafia groups, crimelords, thugs, mad magicians, dragons, and other things maintain their territory, shaking down the locals for protection money or whatever they please. Turf wars are common, and getting in the middle of one of them is incredibly dangerous. However, the groups generally know that the community is needed, and while it's not completely safe to wander about, as long as you've paid your share of protection money, or whatever tithe is due, you can walk about without being accosted. Lack of any police or law has also given rise to many who are willing to fight for their fellow man. There is always a ray of hope from day to day, and a cry for help doesn't always go unheard.

Most people of the center continent live in Center City. A combination of modern day buildings and medieval ones, the past, present, and future all exist side by side here. There are multiple kingdoms spread across Senta, some medieval, some technological, and some a combination of them both. A few places have kingdoms with pockets of anti-technology or anti-magic beliefs, attempting to stay pure amidst the terrible temptations of the world! And, they're generally at war with one another.

Synthatek Space Station

A miles long space station made of ceramasteel in a geosynchronous orbit floats over the center continent. Spacedocks, research and devleopment buildings, and all manner of science, magic, magitech, and technology crafters make their home there, intent on the next discovery or breakthrough.

While the station was created by the AI Big Sister, hence the name Synthatek Space Station, only part of the station is operated as if it were ruled by the western continent, where armed androids trained in hand to hand combat patrol the long hallways and elevators. Still, as long as you have credits to spend there, you're more than welcome to those parts of the station. Multiple spacedocks allow for spaceships to find harbor, repairs, and maintenance here.

Eastern Continent: Distant Oceans

The eastern continent is known as Distant Oceans, although its land mass is just as large as the other two, there are many islands that litter the ocean around it. Here is the land of fantasy and magic, where princesses rule and dragons roam the skies. No technology can function on the eastern continent, and any brought immediately ceases to function.

Enchanted forests, rolling mountains, beautiful lakes, and wonderful ocean beaches are staples of the Distant Oceans continent. Castles are common, and there are multiple kingdoms that rule the lands. There was a point in the distant past where the entire continent was under the banner of a single empire, the old capital of which still stands as neutral ground to all the modern kingdoms. Distant Oceans Village is near enough to this ancient capital city of Valis that it enjoys the protection of its neutral status, and thus is respected by the current kingdoms as off limits to hostility.

Of all the continents, Distant Oceans is considered the safest, as long as you take residence up in the right kingdom, or within the borders of the old capital district, such as Distant Oceans Village. However, without technology, one has to rely on healing magic, and there are some who just can't live without the convenience of computers and cell phones. That isn't to stay its completely safe. Rogues, thieves, and pirates roam about the lands and oceans, looking for easy prey when the guards and soldiers of a kingdom aren't keeping a watchful eye.

After Life

There are places to go after death, in order to live out the rest of your life in the Overworld, Underworld, or The Void. Or perhaps you'll be reborn again upon the world of TRI? See the I Died, Now What? section for more information.