In the continent of Arcanum — a land ruled entirely by mages — magic wasn't always the only path.
Once, this continent had belonged to all. Warriors, priests, and arcanists lived under one banner, a vast empire united in strength. But that golden age ended with a single event.
The Great Divergence.
A calamity so immense that it tore the world apart. Rips in reality opened without warning, and from them came beasts and monsters never seen before. They descended in waves, destroying everything in their path, wiping out nearly 80% of the population. The empire collapsed overnight.
The world fractured into four.
One became a continent of martial prowess, where the sword reigned supreme.
Another devoted itself wholly to arcanists, masters of all things magical.
A third was built upon faith, where divine authority governed all.
And the last served as a fragile hub — a neutral ground meant to connect them all.
In this divided world, your place of birth dictated everything. Your path, your power, your identity — predetermined from the moment you drew breath.
Free will didn't factor into it.
At the very top sat the Trinity — a council of the strongest from each domain.
The Martial Saint, the Great Magus, and the Prophet.
These three leaders had been the first to resist the monstrous invasion. The balance of the world depended on them — and their fragile alliance.
Even after the initial outbreak was contained, monsters still emerged through the rifts. Battles became a constant reality. Each continent responded by doubling down on what it knew best.
(Oh, and to keep in mind, the overall setting is a mix of steampunk, classic fantasy, with a bit of modern vibes!)