NovMo '24: ✴ The Last Arcana ✴

In the distant future, humanity has colonized the stars, relying on advanced technology to thrive. But when an ancient structure is found within a meteor, presumably breakoff from another planet, a mysterious wave of arcane magic spread across the galaxy, awakening dormant magical abilities in millions.



Now, a group of individuals known as The Hornets emerge, capable of controlling the artifacts unpredictable power. They uncover secrets of a lost alien civilization and face a dark force threatening to destroy everything. The Hornets must decide the fate of the galaxy and balance the forces of magic.

Planet Arcadia V

• A remote, mineral rich planet at the edge of human civilization.
• Houses the ancient alien structure responsible for The Resonance.
• Once an outpost for mining and research, it becomes the focal point for arcane magic, drawing interest from all corners of other planets and galaxies.
• Harsh climate, with dark forests, vast deserts, and unpredictable weather patterns.
• Large, technology driven cities are common.

Factions

United Terran Alliance (UTA)

• The ruling government that controls most of human space. After the Resonance, the Uta is desperate to understand and regulate Arcane magic. They create research facilities, train Arcane Enforcers, and even weaponize magic for military purposes.
• Highly bureaucratic and corrupt. Many within the UTA leadership seek to monopolize arcane power for personal gain.

Arcane Syndicate

• A shadowy group of Hornets and rogue mages who want to use arcane magic to overthrow the UTA. They believe magic should not be controlled and see the Hornets as destined rulers of a new world order.
• Operates out of hidden bases, using military tactics and magic to destabilize the UTA.

The Chronos Corporation

• A powerful megacorp specializing in biotechnology and space exploration. After discovering the profitability of arcane energy, they shifted their focus to researching, harvesting, and weaponizing magic.
• Ruthless, they exploit both Hornets and the general population.

The Elders of the Void

• A mysterious, secretive group believed to have ancient knowledge of the alien race that first wielded magic. They have their own agenda, using ancient tomes and artifacts to influence the events surrounding arcane power, often playing both sides.

The Order of the Red Sun

• A cult-like group that believes the Resonance was the first step towards humanity's transformation into divine beings. They worship arcane magic and consider the Hornets as chosen prophets.

Cities, Landmarks, and Regions

The Shattered Plains

• Vast region marked by fractured earth and floating rock formations caused by arcane magic.
• Dotted with rifts and anomalies.
• Battleground for factions.
• Powerful storms can arise without warning, strange creatures such as Stormwraiths, Riftwalkers, and Crystalfins.

Cities
Riftspire

• City built on the edge of a massive rift.
• Hub for research and resource exploitation
• City of floating platforms and tethered buildings.
• Home to the Rift Guild, a group of arcanists who study and harness the energies that come from the rifts.

Arcanis Hollow

• Nestled in one of the deeper fractures of the Plains
• Underground city built into the walls of a canyon.
• Hidden from the surface, with only a few well-guarded entrances leading into tunnels.
• Largely controlled by criminals and mercanaries.
• Black market for illegal magical artifacts and arcane tech.

Skyreach Citadel

• Towering city built on one of the largest floating rock formations in the Shattered Plains
• Military stronghold controlled by the Chronos Corp. The Citadel serves as their base of operations, from which they launch expeditions to seize control of arcane resources.
• Super high tech

The Verdant Expanse

• A lush, jungle like region
• Evolved plants and wildlife
• Overgrown flora

Cities
Faymora

• Hidden deep within the jungle.
• Homes and buildings grown from the trees.
• Center of the Circle of Verdance, a group dedicated to preserving the balance between nature and magic.
• City covered in a thick canopy with streams of sunlight peircing through the leaves.

Arcwood

• Ancient city of towering stone obelisks wrapped in vines and moss.
• Situated near the heart of the Expanse.
• Known for its arcane trees that absorb magical energy from the land and sky.
• Controlled by the Woodshade Dominion.

The Frostmarch

• A frozen, desolate region in the far north of Arcadia V.
• Covered in ice and snow year round.
• Powerful arcane energy lies dormant beneath the ice.

Cities
Icecrown Bastion

• Fortress carved into the side of a colossal glacier.
• Ruled by the Frostwatch (Ice and Frost Elementals).
• Snowstorms frequently come through.

Glacier's Edge

• Located at the very edge of Frostmarch.
• Mining town perched on the lip of a massive canyon.
• Controlled by the Iceborn Syndicate, a mining cartel that profits from the work of crystal extraction.
• Crystals harvested here are rare arcane crystals with magical properties.

The Iron Dunes

• Vast desert of red sand and metal ruins.
• Shaped by ancient wars and remnants of arcane technology.
• Dry and heavy air, scents of rust and magic.
• Frequent Arcane Storms here, known as Arcana Storms.

Cities
Redspire

• Directly in the heart of the Iron Dunes.
• City built around an enormous Ruby. Melting pot for arcane scholars, technomancers, and traders who come to study the crystal.
• Center of technological and arcane innovation.
• The Technomancer's Guild and the Resonance Circle operate out of the city. They harvest energy from the ruby.

Rustfall

• City built into the skeleton of an ancient war machine.
• Known for scavengers, mercenaries, and outlaws.
• Claimed by the Iron Clan-- a scavenger tribe.

This Novel will be switching back and forth through POVs, so each character is just as important as the next in this list.

Zeyna "Stormborne" Rahl
Zeyna is an exiled Arcane Warrior, previously of the elite military unit called the "Aetherblades". She's always been overly curious, especially about Arcadia V's past, so when she uncovered a conspiracy that threatened the livelihood of honored military officials, she was exiled. With long, vibrant red hair, and green eyes, she's the epitome of a true adventurer. She posesses the arcane ability to harness conduit magic, where she has mastered lightning manipulation (electric arcane energy).

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Echo
Echo is a resonance sensitive and arcane scout. Echo can sense arcane disruptions and predict where rifts will open. As a child, he was recruited by a secretive order known as the Resonant Circle. The order was eventually betrayed, and Echo has been on the run ever since. He's tall and slender, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. He usually wears a hooded cloak to blend in. He earned the nickname 'Echo' because he can "echo" the magic around him, mimicking spells he encounters for a short time.

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Elara Noel
Elara is an arcane diplomat and political strategist. She was born into a noble family and was trained in the art of diplomacy and magic. After an arcane scandal involving her family left her disgraced, she was exiled from the capital. Now, she works in the outskirts. Elara appears to be regal and composed, with elegant features and sharp brown eyes. She's skilled in arcane negotiation-- she can influence emotions and perceptions during conversations through conduit magic.





Jarvis Vrynn
Jarvis is an arcane engineer and rebel technomancer. He was born in Redspire and worked there as an engineer of magical machinery. He eventually became disillusioned with how his inventions were being used for war. He joined the Arcane Resistance shortly after, and uses his skills to create gadgets and devices. He looks scruffy and rogue-ish, with curly black hair and dark ebony skin. His eyes are a light hazel. In addition, Jarvis can manipulate gadgets and weapons to be infused with organic arcane magic.





Aisling Taranis
Aisling is a former mage and assasin. She was once a part of the feared Obsidian Order, but Aisling left the organization after a botched mission resulted in the death of her partner. Full of guilt, she now wanders the underbelly of Arcadia V as a merc. Aisling is pale, with raven black hair and violet eyes. She usually wears dark, tight fitting clothes. Aisling can bend and control shadows, using them to become invisible, or travel short distances in an instant.

Vira Soren
Vira is the keeper of the Arcane Library, located in Redspire. She's the head librarian of the Eclipsed Archives, She posesses a vast understanding of ancient magic. She's short and pale with silver hair, tied in a loose bun. Vira has the ability to transcribe arcane spells into physical form. She can also read ancient glyphs.



Cyrus Relos
Cyrus is a mercenary and arcane forged Cyborg. He was a former gladiator for the lawless city of Arcanis Hollow. He was wounded in a fight, only to be saved by a black market technomancer who replaced most of his body with arcane machinery. Now, he works as a freelance mercenary. His left arm can warp into different weapons, and his right eye can see through magical or arcane based illusions.



Caelan Taranis
Caelan is Aisling's younger sibling and an arcane sentinel and Ice mage. Caelan grew up under the same strict family expectations as Aisling, but while Aisling embraced her role as an arcane diplomat, Caelan chose the path of a warrior. She was trained in the ancient craft of ice magic and became an arcane sentinel. She's lean with pale skin and dark brown hair, with the same violet eyes as Aisling.



Faris Hen
Faris is a blind seer and Arcane Oracle. He became known as a prophet after predicting several major arcane events, and now serves as an oracle. He's slender and frail, with milky white eyes. He loves wearing long robes and usually sits in the meditation position.



Selene Vrynn
Selene is Jarvis's older sister and commander of the military guard. Selene is the oldest in the Vrynn family and has always been known as the responsible one. She's trained relentlessly, eventually rising to her status. She's tall and powerfully built, with dark ebony skin and long, blonde braids. She usually wears silver armor with a broadsword. She has the ability to create barriers and enhance her own physical strength through arcane energy.



Chimera
Chimera is an arcane researcher and experimental mage. He specializes in fusing creatures with arcane magic, creating hybrids known as Chimeras. His work is controversial, and many consider it unethical. He has a lab hidden in the Shattered Plains. He looks thin and wild, with unkept hair and goggles permanently strapped to his head.



Aurelia Nox
Aurelia is an arcane healer and alchemist. She was once Selene Vyrnn's personal healer. She soon left that, after her wife was killed in a political assasination. She now wanders the world, offering her healing skills to those in need. She's tall and graceful, with dark skin and peircing green eyes.

Sources of Magic

Arcane Energy
The fundamental force that controls the universe, often seen as a shimmering ether that flows through everything. Mages draw on this energy to perform spells, harnessing it from the environment, their own life force, or specific arcane artifacts or weapons.

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

Elemental Forces
Magic on Arcadia V is closely tied to elemental forces-- Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Light, and Darkness. Each element has its own unique characteristics and spells associated with it.

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

Anomalies and Rifts
Certain areas, such as the Shattered Plains, are rich in unstable arcane energy. These anomalies can amplify or alter spells, leading to unpredictable effects.




Magic Types

Conduit Magic
This is the most common form, where mages channel arcane energy through their bodies to cast spells. The strength and complexity of spells depend on the mage's training, talent, and health.



Technomancy
A hybrid form that merges arcane magic with technology. Technomancers create devices that can harness or amplify arcane energy.



Druidic Magic
Tied closely to nature, this magic emphasizes harmony with the environment. Druids can communicate with animals, manipulate plant life, and draw on the natural energy of the land.



Shadow and Necromancy
Darker forms of magic that involve manipulating shadows or drawing power from death. Users risk corrupting themselves with this type of magic.




Spellcasting Mechanics

Incantations and Gestures
Most spells require verbal incantations and specific hand gestures. The complexity of a spell determines the length of the incantation and the precision.



Rituals
Some powerful spells require lengthy rituals involving multiple participants.



Focus Objects
Many mages use staffs, wands, or other objects as focus objects to channel their magic. These objects can enhance their abilities, store spells, or provide additional protection.

The Resonance: An In Depth Explanation
The Resonance is the fundamental pulse of magic that courses through Arcadia V, acting as the source of all arcane energy. It's a harmonic vibration that only highly trained mages can sense or hear. This magical pulse connects every living being, object, and element, serving as the lifeblood of magic itself.

The Resonance has been present since the beginning of Arcadia V's history, discovered by the ancient arcane scholars who built their society around its power. It is believed to be the result of a cosmic event: tied to the formation of the planet, or an ancient race that seeded the world with magic.





How Resonance Works

• Magic on Arcadia V relies on keeping the Resonance in harmony. Mages who practice responsible, balanced spellcasting keep their magic aligned with the Resonance, so the flow remains stable.
• Corrupting the Resonance can cause extreme consenquences. Forbidden or dark magic like necromancy or excessive elemental manipulation can corrupt the Resonance, which leads to destabilization.
• Resonance Corruption is believed to have caused the Arcane Cataclysm, the event that nearly destroyed Arcadia V centuries ago.

The Resonance and the Arcane Apocalypse
Long ago, an event known as the Arcane Apocalypse shattered the balance of magic across Arcadia V caused by the reckless use of arcane power. The Resonance was severely weakened, which led to the rise of rifts, anomalies, and Arcana Storms that ravaged the planet.

The Resonance has slowly recovered over centuries, but remains fragile. Many believe that if another such event occurs, the Resonance will be permanently broken, leading to the end of Arcadia V's magical balance and the potential collapse of the planet itself.

As a contemporary writer, the worlds that you sci-fi/fantasy people can come up with will never cease to amaze me. Love the world! Love the premise! Love the aesthetics! May the words flow during NovMo!

NovMo Day 1

• Wrote 336 words of chapter 1. Normally, I would feel extremely bad that I only wrote that much on day 1, but I'm still getting a feel for how to start this whole story XD.
• I plan to write more tomorrow, but for now, I think I got the basic outline of chapter 1 done. Which is good! This just means that the rest of the chapter will be much smoother (and more fun) to write!

Snippet that I love because this is the beginning of the Zeyna + Jarvis love arc and it's amazing!:

Spoiler

"Zeyna, you made it!" Jarvis called out, leaning casually against a weathered column, his dark skin glowing in the fading light. He had a knack for bringing light into the darkest corners of my mind, his scruffy charm and impish grin always lifted my spirits.

NovMo Day 2

• Chapter 1 WC: 892 (I know, Chapter 1 is short >.>)
• Chapter 2 WC: 1,505 Words
• Written in total: 2,397
• Organized the Doc a bit better, assigned each chapter a different tab for my brains sake. Next chapter is from Echo's POV!
• I love the whole groups dynamic so far. There's such a mix of personalities I'm really going to enjoy writing for them all. Especially my baby, Aisling, who I'm literally obsessed with. She must be protected at all costs.<3

Snippet of Merrick from Chapter 2, another one of my favorite charries that I added last minute :

Spoiler

Merrick nodded, "There's been talk of a new patrol division being deployed. They're tightening their grip on the Outer Regions. But the Syndicate's been buzzing with rumors 'bout a shipment of weapons meant for the Enforcers. It's scheduled to come through the 'Ol Quarter in three days."

"Weapons?" Aisling asked, leaning forward, "If we can intercept that shipment, we might be able to deal a significant blow to their operations."

"Exactly," Merrick replied, "But you'll have to move quickly. The shipment will be heavily guarded. If you want to make a statement, this is your chance."