Worldbuilding
General World
Set in a world similar to our Earth, but in which creatures that only exist as a fantasy to us are very much real. All kinds of creatures live alongside humans in a society designed to support all life forms. However, as tends to happen when enough voices from different backgrounds are present, things are becoming restless. In Agnacia, one of the world's most powerful regions, discontent with the current political landscape is bubbling to the surface. Power-hungry aristocrats become bolder and bolder with their choices, and a notorious terrorist group known as Eden becomes bolder and bolder with their attacks.
Creatures living in this world can be classified similarly to the way we do on Earth, with some fantasy/fictional additions included
Mythical creatures such as mermaids/sirens, demons/imps, nymphs, elves, fairies, goblins, and the occasional "fallen angel" (although theories on where they fall from differ largely) exist in this world. Other more obscure creatures exist here too, as well as more animalistic creatures such as unicorns, griffins, and dragons. There is a lot of mixing between compatible species, and so new creatures are constantly being discovered
GIFTED HUMANS
About 20% of the human population are further evolved than the remaining 80%, called "gifted humans". Those with gifted parents are more likely to be gifted themselves, as the gene is generally recessive.
Gifted humans possess special abilities that their bodies have adapted to host. The type of ability ranges, and isn't always the same as that of one's birth parents (although it is much more common). More abilities continue to be discovered, but generally fall into the following categories:
Ability with a physical form that is summoned by a person (e.g. weather summoning, illusions, many nature-drawn abilities)
Ability without a physical form that is channeled through a person (e.g. extreme strength, telepathy, necromancy)
Already-existing matter that can be manipulated by a person (e.g. fire manipulation, potions/runes, telekinesis)
Many abilities blur the lines between these three categories, but for the most part, can be classified into one or the other. No ability is all-powerful and every ability has its limits and/or downsides, generally in relation to its category.
For example, abilities that rely on already-existing matter are unable to create new matter, only control what's already there. An unseen ability channeled through a person will only be as strong/effective as the person's proficiency with their ability. A physical manifestation summoned by a person will only last as long as the thing used to summon it, and will often eat away at that thing to maintain its vitality
Each gifted human is born capable of assuming an alternate form in which their ability is stronger and more easily channeled. The alternate form is generally more animalistic and tends to be a very abstract reflection of their life. This is because every gifted human's abilities are more easily channeled through heightened emotion, and so their alternate form is essentially the sum of all of their strongest emotions and experiences
BELIEFS
This world is larger than Earth, although not a huge amount so. This has resulted in a wide range of beliefs across the planet.
In the more rocky, mountainous areas of the world, beliefs tend to focus on a collection of less individually powerful but more numerous deities. Communities in this part of the world have less contact with each other, therefore making it harder to assimilate with each other, so their beliefs have merged into a bit of a disorganized amalgamation of gods, spirits, and powerful beings. Small temples are built throughout the forests for travellers to stop and pray to the resident deity of that area. Most people have beliefs, but they do not place as big of an emphasis on them as in other parts of the world because surviving in the climate requires most of their focus. Their deities are usually turned to only for guidance or in times of need. In the deep forests and mountains, creatures and animals evolve to be larger and more powerful themselves, and many beliefs stem from sightings of these creatures. Folklore runs rampant in this part of the world
In the flatter, grassy areas with thinner forests, beliefs tend to be quite monotheistic, focusing on one, sometimes two or three, all-powerful deities that stem from the natural world. Inhabitants of these lands place a great significance on their beliefs, raising animals in the finest ways possible in order to offer them to their god(s). People who follow this belief are regarded as caretakers of the land, created to watch over the world and keep it strong and healthy for their creator, who is simultaneously its own being and also the land itself. A strong emphasis is placed on balance within the natural world so as to not upset the god(s), and communities are very in-tune with natural patterns and signs of oncoming bad times (crops wilting, cloud shapes, moon phases/position in the sky, etc.)
Nearer the ocean, spirits embodying and ruling over specific things are popular. A spirit of the ocean, a spirit of the sand, a spirit of the ground, etc. Offerings are not made to these spirits but prayers are said in hopes of being brought bountiful and safe times. Prayers are often said before killing other living beings (for food, usually) too, so as to ask the spirit's permission/forgiveness before taking a life. Meditation is also popular in these areas, as it is believed to bring one closer to the spirits and heighten one's senses and abilities
Most areas believe in an afterlife or embodiment of death in some way, shape, or form. Many also believe in the opposite -- of an embodiment/bringer of life. Even those who do not follow a specific belief tend to have this core belief, as symbiosis and the circular nature of life is leaned into much more in this world
In more urban areas, there generally tends to be a mix of beliefs. Depending on where one is situated, the beliefs may lean more towards one than another, but usually there are enough resources to support everyone's way of life. However, it doesn't mean it is necessarily accepted
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