Introduction to Miragia

No matter how weird they are -
every being craves the same in the end.
A home and a purpose.

The World

Miragia

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"Be careful when you travel to faraway lands - the very laws of nature may change around you."

Magic on Miragia depends on the Elemental currents and varies according to the place where one finds themselves. Most species evolved to have an innate attunement to the currents that are dominant in their home lands. However, using them may become difficult when they travel to a different environment.
Where opposite Elements meet, portals are likely to open up. They can lead to other locations on Miragia or even to entirely different worlds. A common belief among Miragia's inhabitants is that the more outlandish creatures arrived via those.

The Inhabitants

The People

Miragia is home to a large number of sapient species, due to the geography that separated them during their evolution.

Single-Form Mammals

Those encompass the Elves and the Humans who live on the two largest landmasses. They have rounded skulls with small noses, and hairy scalps. Their skin is mostly bare.

Reptilians

Their skin is covered in scales, and their faces are elongated and streamlined. There are two major branches, the bipedal lizardfolk and the legless serpentfolk.

Shapeshifting Mammals

The Werewolves, Fauns and Vampires living in the north are rather similar to Humans and Elves in their basic form. Additionally, they can take on a second, animal-like form that may be very different in size.

Merfolk

The most prominent difference to the other species is that Merfolk live underwater. Their appearance can vary wildly, from those resembling Humans with fish tails to aquatic reptiles and squid-like beings.

The Creatures

by Kathrin Janowski

A number of beings stand out from the regular people, flora and fauna. They may be known for their unusual appearance, behavior, or abilities.
In many cases, they are surrounded by legends, rumors, and speculation regarding their origin. Some are feared, some are hunted, some are worshipped.

"Did this come from a portal or a laboratory?" - "Run now, questions later."

Genres

(Dark) Fantasy, Steampunk

Scope

one planet

Character Agency

neutral to noble

Tone

neutral to bright

Themes

• diversity
• finding a purpose
• treacherous appearances

A Chaotic Collection

I've always enjoyed designing fantastical creatures. Some of those are very close to my heart while others never evolved past a pretty drawing.
However, very few of them had a detailed background or an actual home, so one day I decided to fix that. I created this world in a way that I can fit almost anything inside - magical, scientific or mundane.

by Kathrin Janowski

Adopted Designs

Miragia is not only a home to my own creature designs, but also to those I bought or won from other artists.
It started simple - a contest prize here, a freebie there... and now I have a whole list of characters that were placed in my care. And it would be a shame to just leave them hanging in the void, right?

by Kathrin Janowski

Random Stories

This world will serve as a background for story ideas that don't fit into my main project, the Kaleidoscope System.
For example, I decided that my LARP character grew up here and continues to live on this world between events. There are also a few story snippets from my childhood and teenage years that I'd like to revisit one day.
One big project will be the "Kingslayer" story, because some day I commissioned a character design that spiraled out of control... Long story short, me and my friend now keep gushing over a band of vengeful outcasts and hyping each other up with plans for an epic crossover.

What lurks below the surface

Life, in general, is good on Miragia. As long as you fit in, that is... Most cultures on this world have a very clear idea of how much deviation from the norm is permissible. Those who are too different will soon find that things are not as noble and civilized below the surface - and that some monsters are more welcoming than some knights in shining armor.

The Definition of "People"

Large parts of Elven society have formed an elitist mindset that puts their species above the other sapients. Their immediate neighbors, the Werewolves, suffer the most from this since many kingdoms created laws that specifically target them.

Scales versus Skin

Another divide exists between the mammalian sapients and the reptilian or aquatic species. Unlikely alliances are known to form on opposite sides of it, as the involved cultures suddenly find more common ground when comparing themselves to those that are even more alien.

Rising above Magic

On the Human continent, an organized religion named "Creed of the Clear Mind" is steadily gaining power. As it spreads, it replaces the ancient traditions of Elemental magic and labels its practitioners as honorless and unworthy of trust.

Progress at any Price

Cultures on the southern hemisphere tend to be scientifically advanced and eager to learn. However, this often goes hand in hand with a certain ruthlessness. Many researchers face the dilemma of adhering to their ideals versus keeping up with their rivals.

"My, my... you are a true beacon of virtue. A champion for law and order." - "Thank you!" - "That was not a compliment."