Pretium


 * Only in the Light may we live. Only in the Dark die. But in the Shadow nothing is known. **

Pretium is a society founded on the understanding of magic. This being said, few people actually have the ability to study magic, or the natural ability it requires. It is the home to humans and various other species, none of which are magic (other than humans).


 * Geography **

Pretium is a series of six isles. Five of these isles have magical geographic features. Fire; Mt. Essia, Water; Lake Qurta, Air; The Floating Island city Echan, Light; the twin mountains Reu and San, Earth the great tree Terin. It is referred to as the seven isles of Pretium because Echan acts as it's own Isle. The islands are centered in a equatorial area, but the northern islands experience winter, though they still follow the traditional season guide.


 * History **

Pretium was historically founded 30,000 years ago. The islands were founded by a set of six siblings, though whether or not they were the creators of the various geographical features is open to interpretation. The center isle remained nameless for the first 7000 years. It was named the Silver Isle after large mines of silver were found under it. The mines go down in a system of caves. Occasionally Smoky Quartz is found in the mines but only in small deposits.


 * Government **

Anarchy, there is no present government or enforcement of law, other than the five mages see fit. Due to the memory of the first shadow there isn't a sixth mage for shadow, and thus there is an imbalance in the people who bring order. The light mage is the most cruel and enforces idiotic rules to gain his power.


 * Inhabitants **

Mostly trade merchants, thieves, and minor mages. Magic isn't taught, you van only learn it through extensive process, and understanding of the universe. Most people know a few minor spells to do small tricks, few actually master any type of magic. There are five mages who live on the outer isles. Only miners of silver live on the center isle, and a few shop owners. All the other islands consist of large cities. A technological city floats on top of Echan. No one may enter Echan and if those inside it leave they are not permitted to come back. Pretium has a large population of mostly olive skinned people, with a few mulattos and caucasians.