Welcome to Kesterline! The Nation that rules all that it touches!

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Art by Dewi Hargreaves

The last bastion of humanity thrives, having suffered a cataclysmic war event centuries ago. Now to keep the radioactive and dangerous magic at bay, a barrier was erected across the coastlines, keeping humanity safe from sickness and the dangerous ifrit.

Kesterline is ruled by the great and mighty Crown, known for his great magical power. The Crown is chosen in Kesterline by the creation of a familiar. Only those in line to the throne are capable of manifesting their soul in two places, and familiars are often known to take the form of grand and magnificent creatures.

The army of the Crown contains the strong and mighty Mages. Mages are often taught magic to alter their body, ever in preparation in case the world is thrown in array. However, since Kesterline is in unprecedented peace, most merely serve as personal bodyguards to the nobles, stopping rebellions before they happen, or they lead expeditions to the ocean borders, protecting the fishermen from what lies below.

Notable Mages include the Crown's personal army, the Sons of Kesterline, young mages specially trained to protect the Crown. Legend has it that their power was gained from slaying an ifrit in battle. This is of course, just a legend.

Technology is a new delight in Kesterline, with the more rural areas only just now receiving the infrastructure needed for electrical homes and gadgets. Cars too, a new phenomenon, are sweeping the nation as ever noble is bidding large amounts of money when a new model is built.

At home, however, things are far more mundane. Society lives spiritually and peacefully, based on the wise tenets of The Rite of Self.

As per The Rite of Self, at age fourteen, each noble has their own core revealed, cementing their future.

For the men, the four cores are:

Mage: Brave, Forward thinking, daring and talented

Mages will sometimes have magical talent. They are the ones who join the military or keep people safe. Linguistically it’s assumed all Mages cast magic, but that’s technically not true. Mages are often away from their family, but they are truly caring and rely the most on those that support them from home.

Spearhead: Ambitious, clever, and one to think outside of the box

Spearheads will lead towns as politicians, guide workers to profit, and oversee all sorts of units. They are wonderful at training students, but struggle with raising families and must be reminded of compassion.

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Gaslamp: Thoughtful, studious, and passionate

Gaslamps will often focus on things like finances, laws, and writing. Some Gaslamps are creative, while others are incredibly logical. They can be very distracted with family. It is often best to not distract them, however if you treat them well, they will show many untold depths.

Tower: Resilient, compassionate, and energized

Towers are the ultimate family man. They will often be doctors, teachers, and above all else, fathers.

For women, the three cores are:

Lighthouse: Perceptive, loving, and hardheaded

A Lighthouse will not only raise her own children, but the children of others as well. All are attracted to them, and they are often best married to Spearheads and Gaslamps. If not raised well, they are destructive and can lead men to their doom.

Chatelaine: Secretive, mysterious, and easy to yield

A Chatelaine woman can be fickle and greedy at her worst, but also quiet and incredibly skilled. They blend in, and often are content to go days without interacting with her husband. They are often the perfect match for Mages, so long as they are allowed to pursue the occasional hobby.

Tower: Resilient, compassionate, and peaceful

Towers are the ultimately family woman. Children are their lifeblood, and are one of the most important members of society. They can get married to anyone, but work best with other Towers

There are also cores for the working class as well. The largest population of Kesterline, they often are the ones who farm, cook, clean, and make sure the other cores can work at great efficiency.

Pillar: Hardworking, lively, and easily happy

Pillars make the backbone of society. They relish in earning the fruits of their labor, whether its raising a family or contributing to Kesterline through other means.

Chisel: Dedicated, quiet and single minded

Predominantly men. It is said that Chisels are descended from mages, and while their bloodline is diluted, it still shines through in their talent for immaculate craft.Chisels are to learn their one skill, and nothing else, often to create the perfect version. Some Chisels are even favorited by the nobles, and will become their patron. Chisels need to seek apprenticeships in their desired field, of which are very hard to get.

These cores are also vital for practicing the religion of Kesterline. It starts at the top, with the Crown, the one who is all cores at once, and works its way down to every citizen. To worship, many will visit their Ritesgiver (often a Tower) on a monthly basis to confess of their toxic ruminations and alleviate themselves. Then they will spend time alone in their demesne. Each demesne is different, and will often have tools the citizen uses in their day to day work. A library, an office, a study, a nursery or a knitting corner are all common forms of demesne.

It is because of these actions that Kesterline stands alone, tall and proud, as the sparkling utopia of humanity.

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Art by Paintbrush Djinn