While Eternity sang from on high, Perpetuity plotted in the shadows below—its existence not just logical, but inevitable to those who could perceive the grand designs of the universe. The hand that penned this world saw fit for the experiment to run unaltered, unaided, and unabated—an act of divine constant, like tides of a night-black sea or the clockwork rotation of Multaestellae stars. In the heart of this gloom lies the vast Starlight Ocean, surrounded on all sides by islands chained to the machination of its Doctoral Review Board—prominent houses that prohibit degeneracy and magic in all forms. Great distilleries of the new fuel source, Inanis, dot the coast, drawing the power from the sea itself to fuel the wondrous innovations, free from the blight of Scintilla, however existing works of magic were not necessarily destroyed. Instead they tended to be retrofitted to accept Inanis as a fuel source instead.
The Prohibition of the native magic did not stop the innovation at the heart of Perpetuity, it changed the nature of innovation. The reliance on Scintilla gone, a great era of invention and rebuilding was entered and still continues today. Tenebris have been rising to greater influence with their entire lack of ability to perform Scintilla giving them an air of respect to their inventions, leading them to new wealth and prestige, along with those Incipia that have little affinity for Scintilla. Smooth lines and breathtaking works of engineering are all the rage as the people of the realm learn to create, once again, with their own hands.
As one strolls down a cobbled street, the gentle thrum of Crux resonates around everything like a lullaby. Its warm glow can be seen in the engines of magically propelled streetcars, through the open windows of glimmerguide boutiques and beaumancer salons, and even in the corner bodega selling keepsakes infused with minuscule Crux shards. It powers Dramatique skyscrapers and fuels everything from luxurious opera houses to steelmule farms in the countryside. Streets bustle with life--Emmauri in tailored suits, artisans carrying toolboxes brimming with Cruxite paraphernalia, and young apprentices rushing through alleys with scroll tubes containing diagrams of the latest Cruxtech innovations. In this world where creativity is the most cherished currency, even the common folk wield incredible potential. Factories hum with activity, as craftsmen—perhaps less inspired but no less important—follow intricate schematics to breathe life into magitech wonders. Such marvels have leveled the playing field, giving even those without the touch of innate artistry a stake in this new age of possibilities. This is a land not of limits, but of limitless potential, bounded only by the confines of one's imagination.
But there is a growing raucous, like notes being played by a sinister saxophone. It drifts on the wind from the shadowy side of society, harmonizing only with the feeling of an encroaching doom. In this kingdom of glamour, questions buzz like rumors in a speakeasy. A series of unsettling events—vanishing citizens, graffiti on masterpieces, and mysterious fires—have shattered the realm's tranquility. The ruling family has responded with heightened security, casting a shadow over the pastel landscapes, but one problem rises above all others. Marked by the mysterious "Hex," the Gaspard have become subjects of social ambivalence. As unsettling occurrences trouble the realm, these individuals, often labeled as 'self-centered,' find themselves navigating a complex web of societal attitudes ranging from pity to fear. The Monarchy assures its subjects that medical care will be provided to those who are suffering the worst, though none can say exactly what that will entail. Yet hope persists, sparkling as brilliantly as the Crux that lights the streets.
The Prohibition of the native magic did not stop the innovation at the heart of Perpetuity, it changed the nature of innovation. The reliance on Scintilla gone, a great era of invention and rebuilding was entered and still continues today. Tenebris have been rising to greater influence with their entire lack of ability to perform Scintilla giving them an air of respect to their inventions, leading them to new wealth and prestige, along with those Incipia that have little affinity for Scintilla. Smooth lines and breathtaking works of engineering are all the rage as the people of the realm learn to create, once again, with their own hands.
As one strolls down a cobbled street, the gentle thrum of Crux resonates around everything like a lullaby. Its warm glow can be seen in the engines of magically propelled streetcars, through the open windows of glimmerguide boutiques and beaumancer salons, and even in the corner bodega selling keepsakes infused with minuscule Crux shards. It powers Dramatique skyscrapers and fuels everything from luxurious opera houses to steelmule farms in the countryside. Streets bustle with life--Emmauri in tailored suits, artisans carrying toolboxes brimming with Cruxite paraphernalia, and young apprentices rushing through alleys with scroll tubes containing diagrams of the latest Cruxtech innovations. In this world where creativity is the most cherished currency, even the common folk wield incredible potential. Factories hum with activity, as craftsmen—perhaps less inspired but no less important—follow intricate schematics to breathe life into magitech wonders. Such marvels have leveled the playing field, giving even those without the touch of innate artistry a stake in this new age of possibilities. This is a land not of limits, but of limitless potential, bounded only by the confines of one's imagination.
But there is a growing raucous, like notes being played by a sinister saxophone. It drifts on the wind from the shadowy side of society, harmonizing only with the feeling of an encroaching doom. In this kingdom of glamour, questions buzz like rumors in a speakeasy. A series of unsettling events—vanishing citizens, graffiti on masterpieces, and mysterious fires—have shattered the realm's tranquility. The ruling family has responded with heightened security, casting a shadow over the pastel landscapes, but one problem rises above all others. Marked by the mysterious "Hex," the Gaspard have become subjects of social ambivalence. As unsettling occurrences trouble the realm, these individuals, often labeled as 'self-centered,' find themselves navigating a complex web of societal attitudes ranging from pity to fear. The Monarchy assures its subjects that medical care will be provided to those who are suffering the worst, though none can say exactly what that will entail. Yet hope persists, sparkling as brilliantly as the Crux that lights the streets.
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Disclaimer: As a Shadow of the Realm of Opus, the stories of both are closely tied together, therefore Thesis carries the same general content disclosure. This setting deals with issues very close to real-life disability struggles. While the ultimate message is one of hope and understanding, there are elements of the story that might hit close to home.
Additionally, this setting is at its heart a detective story and there are storytelling beats that are intentionally meant to mislead. There will be hints that things are not what they seem, but there will be incorrect or incomplete information given. |
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Thesians in the Dreaming
Thesians might not notice they’re in the Dreaming until they feel the absence of the Dark Firmament—like a phantom limb. As though gravity had been swept away, there is no real way to describe the absence of something which permeates across all things.
Lux(Pronounced: Lucks)
The Lux are naturally attuned to the Dark Firmament and the old magic Scintilla. Once, their great houses stood as pillars of magical scholarship but in the aftermath of the Great War, they became a displaced people in shambles. Their magic is banned, their movements monitored, and their culture fractured by the prohibition on magic. Despite this, the Lux endure. Their struggle has given them a quiet resilience—where researchers and visionaries refuse to let their legacies fade. Many Lux have preserved their traditions in secret, passing down knowledge through coded texts, carefully hidden lessons, and artifacts of their former grandeur. In a physical sense, the Lux exist in true grayscale, their forms appearing devoid of color no matter where they are in the realm or beyond it. This intrinsic trait makes them unmistakably connected to the Void. Some Lux attempt to mask it through the artificial introduction of Opal pigment via alchemical substances collectively called Atrabacca, though this process requires frequent maintenance and is both socially and legally fraught. Costume and Roleplay
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Incipia(Pronounced: In-Sip-ee-ah)
The most common species in Perpetuity, the Incipia form the backbone of its society. Unlike the Lux, they do not possess an innate connection to Scintilla, though they are still capable of wielding it—if they dare to defy the Prohibition. In the Veilworks, they appear partially colorless with muted tints, though it is possible to completely mask their Perpetual nature using the same illegal alchemical methods as the Lux. Culturally, the Incipia are deeply adaptable, their resilience stemming not from persecution like the Lux, but from necessity. They are merchants, scholars, warriors, and engineers—shaped by the needs of a world still recovering from war. Many Incipia families maintain strong intergenerational networks, valuing tradition while also embracing innovation. Some have sought to reclaim lost magical knowledge, while others have turned to technology, commerce, or the arts to redefine their place in the world. Socially, Incipia tend to form close-knit communities, though individualism is not uncommon. They are known for their ability to navigate the shifting tides of Perpetuity’s post-war landscape, balancing caution and ambition in equal measure. The Dreaming, with its abundance of color, represents both wonder and temptation for them—many Incipia Dreamwalkers embrace it as a temporary escape from their reality, indulging in vibrant hues and exotic sensations otherwise denied to them in Perpetuity. Costume and Roleplay
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Tenebris(Pronounced: Ten-eh-briss)
Unlike the Lux and the Incipia, the Tenebris are an anomaly in Perpetuity—they have no connection to Scintilla whatsoever. Instead, they possess a heightened affinity for interacting with the physical world, often displaying an uncanny talent for mechanics, architecture, and structural design. This ability made them invaluable in the aftermath of the Great War, as their skills were suddenly in high demand to rebuild the fractured islands. However, to define the Tenebris solely by their technological prowess would be a disservice. Their culture is rich in storytelling, philosophy, and the preservation of knowledge. With no magical heritage to rely on, Tenebris communities have long emphasized problem-solving, oral history, and practical skill-building. Many of their traditions revolve around apprenticeship and mentorship, ensuring that knowledge is never lost, only passed down. Some Tenebris are born with wings—unlike the Lux, whose wings extend from their shoulder blades, Tenebris wings are integrated into their arms, making them more adapted for gliding than true flight. Those with wings often find themselves drawn to work that embraces movement—pilots, messengers, or navigators. Socially, the Tenebris are known for their deep curiosity and appreciation for craftsmanship. Their philosophy often centers around understanding the why behind things rather than simply accepting them. Costume and Roleplay
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People of Perpetuity
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Map of Perpetuity
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Bootleg Scintilla and Speakeasies
Each generation of Opalites have their own aesthetics, but some things never go out of style or occasionally see a resurgence that can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. An overwhelming majority favor the Dramatique, and Elementaire is from the generation prior. The current date is Year 323 and listed with each style is the year it was introduced.
The Opal StarThe Devils in Brimston Bay - The Bishop Family has owned and operated the notorious Opal Star Social Club for two generations. Owned by a Lux named Millie Bishop, she had the dance hall moved to Brimston Bay when she took over the business. The Opal Star was started by her mom, Emma Bishop—who still operates an ice-cream parlor in the original location. The new Opal Star boasts a premier location overlooking the port, and any business flowing in and out of the bay. While official policy is 'No Scintilla on the Premises,' if you know the right people, then you can gain access to their underground speakeasy. And rumor has it there is a doorway to the Veilworks between worlds.
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Castor BrandyScintilla Tonics for Everyday Woes - Thirty years ago Mad Tramell's Tonics claimed they could treat dry skin, thinning hair, relieve muscle pain and was one of a dozen miracle potions of the era that guaranteed satisfaction or your coinage back. When the alchemy factories closed at the start of Prohibition, Mad Tramell quickly found himself with a large amount of stock he couldn't sell and an even larger amount of debt. However, there was an opportunity for a new customers basis. He had previously discovered by sheer accident, that his particular formula could be mixed on-site to make an alright tasting brandy that put a little Atrabacca in your system.
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The Veilworks
Important: You can include nods to Fashion of the older styles in your costume, but they can't be overwhelmingly in this style without first getting ST Approval.
Capricieuse (OOG: Impressionist)Year 121
Capricieuse wearers love light, flowing fabrics that seem to shift in color and texture. Think of it as a sartorial watercolor painting. The mood and lightness of this style are often replicated in the daydreaming, introspective personalities it attracts. |
Honorine (OOG: Romanticism)Year 63
Embracing earthy tones and natural materials like wool and muslin, Honorine style features flowing forms, wide-brimmed hats, and cloaks. Small enchanted elements like feathers may be incorporated, reflecting the emotional and intuitive mindset of its adherents. |
Utopique (OOG: Rococo)Year 0
Light pastels dominate the Utopique palette, featuring fabrics like light silk and chiffon adorned with intricate lace and small floral patterns. Garments are often enchanted to shimmer or stay pristine, mirroring the functional and perfection that was ushered in after the end of the great conflict. This is most often associated with the monarchy and public service of yesteryear. |
Clinquante (OOG: Baroque)Pre-Calendar
Clad in dark, opulent colors like gold and burgundy, Clinquante style exudes grandiosity with its heavy brocades, silks, and ornate embroidery. A soft magical glow often emanates from the threaded designs. Considered Ceremonial garb by modern standards, roleplay in this aesthetic should match its lavishness—expect elaborate ceremonies and equally elaborate conversations. |
