Fractallus Basics

Scientific facts

The Eidru Empire exists on a huge Gas giant, Fractallus. It’s the most magically endowed planet in its solar system, and thousands of massive continental plates float on the buoyant surface of the swirling magical gases composing the middle planetary layers. The Eidru Empire is located on the landmass Harctelion, the center of continental plate Xeocun.

Fractallus has three visible Moons. Khito is the green moon due to the lush jungle covering its surface. It is one of two moons that affect the tides on Fractallus. Several of the Insectoid species apparently come from Khito.

Affial, the red moon, is beautiful to look at and is associated with Affiallion, the War God of surprise tactics and winning at all costs. Only the more educated know that Affial is an automated artificial satellite made tens of thousands of years ago, still operational and still blasting incoming objects of all sorts from the atmosphere on approach.

Lafeya, the black moon, affects the tides and moods on Fractallus. Those in the know are aware that it causes those with the curse of Lycanthropy to be forcibly shifted from their original form to their beastly one. Many cults worship it, thinking it will one day come crashing down, destroying dozens of continents and potentially activating some sort of catastrophe at the core of the planet. Of course, that is all conjecture.

There’s another moon, Arch Surge. The transparent moon affects the tide of magic across Fractallus, allowing powerful rituals to become more potent at certain times or powerful magical barriers to become penetrable during specific parts of the year to those with the knowledge and ability. Only those with magical ability can detect or even know it is there. It has no physical mass or effect.

Magical Phenomena

Another significant facet of Fractallus is the plentiful mysterious realm fonts. Dimensional rifts connect to every realm and dimension in existence. Plumes of fire and explosive gases pour through holes to the elemental plane of fire, and rock pours from the plane of the earth, creating islands. Water and air, light and darkness, plumes of acid, and coruscating lightning bolts. Pouring through at various points around the planet. Many are marked, and some have had their power harnessed in some way or another. All are unimaginably powerful reminders of the infinite magic source Fractallus represents.

There are hundreds of magical species, minerals, and plants on Fractallus. Some are endemic to the planet, some have been drawn to it due to its overabundance of magical energy, and some have been created through it's power.

For example, the elves on Fractallus are incredibly rich in color and magic. Their most notable traits are the rainbow hues they come in. It is a recessive trait much like human hair or eye color, only much more complex with so many shades, and the concentration of magic found in their population.

If only a tiny fraction of the human population has the potential or capability to excel and wield the most powerful magic, those numbers are inverted for elven populations. Elves are encouraged to train their magic first and foremost, only then to seek out other pursuits and learn secondary trades or lifepaths. Most elven societies are incredibly rigid and focused on tradition and order. Many elves and half-elves are born all over Fractallus outside Elven communities without these values or access to shared tech.

Dwarves are another inherently magical race. They are connected to the elements of the world on a molecular level. These beings, with wisdom and magic flowing through their veins, are capable of manipulating stone, fire, water, and air to the most minute capacity. They make creations that seem to have grown from the very planet itself: flying stone citadels, mines so expertly worked that underground cities form in their wake.

Many people see gnomes as little elves; they’re colorful and harness the magic flowing through Fractallus. In reality, they are quite different. Related to Goblins and Halflings. Where Halflings value tradition and practice herbalism, Gnomes are naturally drawn toward the creation of mechanical objects and using Alchemical magic. They are progressive, always driven towards change. And unlike Goblins, they are driven towards ordered creation, making blueprints, and living by probability tables and statistics charts.

Fairies abound on Fractallus, pouring through wibbly Fonts to and from the fairy realm. They are some of the only creatures able to easily reverse travel through the Fonts. The same goes for elemental beings slipping through the stream of matter into Fractallus’ atmosphere.

Tech Level

There is a vast array of technology levels and cultural theories in play on Fractallus, from what we might call primitive tribes all the way up to Type VI-minus civilization, not just harnessing the power of the magic flowing through the planet but rewriting the very physical structures and most basic building blocks that form life on Fractallus.

For the most part, technology is classified as mechanical, magical, and cyber. Mechanical works through physical principles of force and motion and through the consumption of fuel. Magical technology harnesses Fractallus’s natural magical energy and transforms it into many forms. Cyber technology refers to any advanced solid-state computerized technologies that do not run off moving parts, primarily powered by electricity. Transformers exist, allowing the inhabitants of Fractallus to convert one form of energy to another; just like we might have a gasoline generator to give us power when and where we need it, a Fractallian mage can get a spell converter to power cyber tech.

Cyber tech uses up valuable resources and pollutes the quicker you set it up and the more you expand, which is why some societies have chosen not to use it. Spell casting also uses up resources; the higher the spell, the more precious the resource it consumes. Not to mention that many tech items, though they need an extremely high level of skill to create, except the most complex, can be used by anyone.

Many argue they are essentially of equal cost when compared on the surface, leading to profound and lengthy debates. Some may assume the lines are drawn young vs. old, but that isn’t necessarily the case, as numerous factors are at play.

One significant example of tech-level spread is vehicles. Seafaring vessels range from the most simple of rafts to shield-damped warships. Natural bone and wood floating vessels made from materials known to cross the great air expanses between continents exist, and extraordinary technological achievements have been made by magically adept races, cyber technology, and combinations. Balloons and Dirigibles are even popular amongst gnomish populations.

All over Fractallus, there is evidence of an advanced race having lived on and colonized the entire planet only to face some catastrophe. Similar ruins have been discovered under the settlements and empires on almost every continent on the planet, and new discoveries are being made constantly.

Multiple adjacent continents will share the same months, the same gods, and be inhabited by the same peoples. Trade and battles will occur between great flying ships and slapdash floating refuse islands. Giant mobile enemies, natural and constructed, will roam the vast air expanses between the continents.

Daily Life and Time

The months and seasonal changes of the year, as known on the continent Xeocun:

Gueseron: (January) The year’s birth is counted from Harmonian Isle, the center of the Xeocun. The previous year’s snow thaws pave the way for a fertile new year. Many across the continent and in the Eidru empire host Family reunions this month in honor of Guesis, The Father of Humanity and God of civic duty, family stewardship, and loyalty.

Theinary: (February) The heavens prepare the ground, first a drizzle to wet the surface. This is a month for taking accounts and inventories in honor of Thienta, the goddess of developing high culture and spreading commerce.

Dryoneon: (March) Thunderous storms stir and awaken monster and man throughout the lands. A time known for war and attacks. Peasants spend rainy days inside making new scarecrows dedicated to Dryone or Trinsia, Goddesses of storms and the fields, respectively.

Heganar: (April) Work balanced with rest brings a bountiful harvest. Hagenar is the month of the spring equinox. People across the continent have parties with two-toned costumes of pink and green, food, decor, etc., and celebrate the beauty and abundance of life on Fractallus.

Ziakene: (May) The weather and skies are clear as the second round of many crops are oversown and the spring crop ripens. Open-air markets are overflowing with produce. Some private events are held this month in honor of Zikaos, the god of dreams, madness, and psychic energy. These are usually nothing more than parties of rich folk to take illicit substances and dream of other realms. On occasion, it is said they make contact.

Agetus: (June) The first fruits are born and harvested as the next are tended in the fields. Many farmers still make an offering to Agetunetius, the god of law, order, and judgments, this month, so that they and their families might see fair dealings all year.

Qulnar: (July) Warmth starts to blossom and spread across the land, and Masquerades are held during this time. Most hold them in honor of Qulnia, the ungendered deity of secrets, desire, illusions, and revenge, though many have forgotten or choose to ignore the deeper meaning and see them only as fun parties.

Dretruary: (August) The second round of crops ripens as the third round of crops is planted. It is touted as the Birth month of Dretrix, Mother of Heroes, Goddess of honor, glory, and heroism. Most kingdoms on Harctellion, including both the Eidruian Motherland and Reophate, hold her in High esteem and claim she originated on their streets.

Omnipuron: (September) Youths are ripening along with the mid-spring fruits and grain in the fields. They are gathered by their professors as the mid-spring fruits are gathered from the fields and tended much the same way. Back-to-school events are held. In more technologically advanced societies, these events take on a tone of worship towards Omnitrican, the god of circuitry and cyber technologies.

Solember: (October) The Summer solstice arrives as a holiday, giving academics, farmers, and the aristocracy a time to gather and celebrate this longest day of the year. Solemni, goddess of sunfire, war tactics, and battlefield healing, and Fusirrion, god of suns, energy production, and nuclear reactions, are associated with this joyful but fiery time.

Dylember: (November) begins the hottest period. Many farming communities take a break for soil replenishment and rest. Carnivals and other traveling shows are popular diversions during this month, which shares its name with Dylenan, the god of Arcane magic.

Vidia: (December) The temperatures soar across the continent, and rainfall returns, again saturating the soils. One of the most popular celebrations on Xeocun, Franzipangian, is when people create handmade gifts for loved ones, go on community picnics, and schools hold picnics for students, allowing them to craft gifts for each other. All in honor of the third triune sister associated with this month. Vidionne, Wentra, and Franzian are the goddesses of love, beauty, and art — triplets with portfolios covering love and compassion, art and performance, creativity, and crafting, they are known as the divine splendors.

Syrfen: (Anti-December) Refreshed hands plant fall crops into refreshed lands. Major planting events happen on farms, field hands are hired, and planting parties are held to feed and entertain the bloated farm staff.

Khitonolary: (Anti-November) The end of the hot summer arrives as fall crops take root. Druids and other nature-connected folks take to the fields during this time, distributing beneficial insect habitats and teaching natural pest deterrents in honor of Khitonal, the god of intelligent insects worshipped as the giver of life to Khito, the green moon and creator of all intelligent insect races.

Yette: (Anti-october) Temperatures drop sharply during the month of Yette. Autumn arrives with drizzles and wind. Many sports are taken up in this cool part of the year before the main winter precipitation picks back up.

Affialiary: (Anti-September) Autumnal equinox. This month, war memorials are held in honor of the lost, and Affiallion, the god of the red moon, surprise tactics, winning at all costs, and keeper of those fallen on the field. Children play war games, and services are held at Barracks and cemeteries.

Braxalate: (Anti-august) Magical winter crops are planted in preparation for fall harvest. A popular holiday this month is mainly for young ones; it involves parents teaching children about the seasons and the magical effect fire and ice can have on certain monsters. Some rural communities arm themselves with fire enhanced weapons and hunt ice monsters that come out of hiding.

Sertaltian: (Anti-July) Autumn crops are harvested as the first frost falls. Harvest fairs dot the land. Many offerings to Trinsia, the goddess of the field and plow, are made then.

Lamentrary: (Anti-June) Cold weather sets into the daytime, and breath starts clouding up, showing in the space around one’s head. This month was named in honor of Lamantrera, the deity of natural laws and inherent scientific principles.

Crendulces: (Anti-May) First snow falls, and hibernation begins for many of Xeocun’s magical and non-magical animals.

Wenprotro: (Anti-April) moderate snows blanket the winter crops, ripening them. Festivals to Slintong, god of ice and frost, blow in with winter across the lands. Different cultures celebrate differently, but hot food and drink, colorful garb, and gathering with family and friends figure into all of them.

Ewada: (Anti-March) Snow stays on the ground during the sustained coldest time of the year, as the winter solstice brings the longest night. People stay up all night on the winter solstice, sending out prayers for protection in the nights of the coming year to Ewadan, the God of darkness and the night. Superstitions proliferate about the bad luck you will face if you fall asleep before the first light.

Emnion:(Anti-February) The days start to lighten up on their temperature, and the farmers start harvesting their winter crops as soon as the snow recedes.

Oroson:(Anti-January) The animals and monsters that hibernate start awakening. Preparations for the new year are made of anything people want to rid themselves of from the year before, even symbolically disposed of in bonfires. Some seek answers from soothsayers or fortune tellers on their fate in the new year. Many across the continent revere Oros, the deity of Oracles, prophesy, soothsaying, and other forms of prescience represented by a great floating eye.

With a twenty-four-month calendar, Schools in Harctellion use a year-round schedule. Going four months at a time with two-month breaks. Omnipuron through Vidia makes up the first term. Yette through Sertaltian for the second term. Wenprotro through Fotsory makes up the third term. Coming around to the beginning of the year, Dryoneon through Agetus fills out the final academic term. The other eight months of the year are spent at home.

Compared to humans on earth, Fractallian humans mature at a similar rate, but with a 24-month calendar, making everyone's birthday equal to 2 of ours. Adulthood typically occurs around nine or ten years, but with magic flowing through the soil and air of Fractallus, their life span is nearly double, reaching ages in digits similar to those of humans on Earth naturally. With magic, the possibility for the rich does make for even more extended lifespans past that.

K.B. Silver