Long before nobles schemed behind velvet curtains and empires rose to dominate the skies, Etheria was a land shaped by the flow of ancient magic. Elemental forces carved its continents, and arcane beasts once ruled its skies. Over the centuries, kingdoms rose, magic evolved, and bloodlines formed the ruling class.
Etheria is now ruled by power—magical, political, and ancestral—and divided into five great realms, each shaped by its culture, magic, and elemental essence.
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The Five Realms of Etheria
1. Valeria – The Heart of Nobility (Serena's homeland)
Ruled by highblood families and ancient traditions.
Home to the Celestial Academy where nobles are trained.
Magic is regulated; systems are whispered about but feared.
Serena's house, the once-prestigious House Valen, resides here.
> Specialty: Spirit magic, court rituals, illusion enchantments.
Elemental Affinity: Light, Wind, and Illusion.
Known For: Political intrigue, duels of honor, arranged marriages, betrayal.
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2. Draxis – Land of Flame and Steel
A war-forged land where only strength earns respect.
Military families rule here, and magic is fused with combat.
Arena battles are legal, and system users are often drafted or hunted.
> Specialty: Fire, Metal, and Blood magic.
Elemental Affinity: Flame, Earth, Blood.
Known For: Mercenary guilds, elemental forges, and monster-infested wastelands.
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3. Yulana – Empire of Ice and Wisdom
Located in the frozen north, it is a realm of scholars and ancient bloodlines.
Their mages guard arcane knowledge, long-lost spells, and relics.
Systems are sometimes preserved and studied like artifacts.
> Specialty: Ice, Time, and Sealing magic.
Elemental Affinity: Ice, Spirit, Chrono.
Known For: Secret libraries, spirit binding, and memory-altering enchantments.
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4. Zar'eth – The Wildlands
A chaotic land ruled by clans, beasts, and wilderness magic.
Spirits and divine beasts are worshipped.
Systems are seen as "gifts from the gods"—or punishments.
> Specialty: Nature, Beast-taming, and Shamanic rituals.
Elemental Affinity: Earth, Lightning, Beast.
Known For: Familiars, hidden ruins, and ancient curses.
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5. Nytherra – Realm of Shadows and Secrets
A shadowed continent said to lie between the mortal and spirit world.
Assassins, forgotten bloodlines, and cursed nobles reside here.
Systems thrive, and system-born rulers rule from the dark.
> Specialty: Shadow, Poison, Soul magic.
Elemental Affinity: Darkness, Death, Phantom.
Known For: Forbidden rituals, system cults, lawless blood games.
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Magic in Etheria: The Path of Power
Magic in Etheria flows from one's spirit vein, but cultivating it is a slow, grueling path unless one is born blessed—or bound to a system.
Cultivation Ranks
(From weakest to strongest — most die before reaching even Tier 4)
1. Essence Vein (Stage 1–9)
2. Core Bloom (Stage 1–9)
3. Mind Bond (Stage 1–9)
4. Soul Thread (Low, Mid, Peak)
5. Shadow Flame (Low, Mid, Peak)
6. Crown Pulse (Low, Mid, Peak)
7. Ethereal Monarch (Low, Mid, Peak)
> Normal cultivators need decades or centuries to progress.
System users (like Serena) can leap entire ranks—but at a cost.
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Elemental Stones & Economy
Etheria's economy is powered by both coins and magic stones.
Currency:
Copper → for food and common trade
Silver → clothes, tools
Gold → noble trade
Platinum Crest → land deeds, spell scrolls
Elemental Stones (used to boost cultivation):
Rank Name Color Power Use Coin Equivalent
1 Spirit Shard White Entry-level 10 copper
2 Element Stone Blue Early cultivation 1 silver
3 Core Crystal Red/Green Breakthrough aid 10 silver
4 Arcane Orb Violet Soul Thread+ 1 gold
5 Mystic Flame Core Black-Gold High-level rituals 100 gold
6 Monarch Tear Silver Shine Mythical use Priceless
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Bloodlines, Houses & System Users
Noble houses often control entire cities.
Bloodlines carry unique elemental affinities or ancient weapons.
System users are feared, revered, or hunted depending on the realm.
> The House Valen once carried a rare spirit illusion affinity, but after Serena's downfall, their name has faded.
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Final Note
System users are rare. Most awaken them in tragedy, betrayal, or near-death.
Serena's system was born in blood, humiliation, and the moment she lost everything.
But Etheria is vast. And before her story ends, she will leave her name in every realm—either in glory... or in ashes.
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