Portails D’éther
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The setting
In the heart of Paris during L’Epoque Romantique (19th century), one early morning at the start of the previous century, an otherworldly mist blanketed the city, transforming its familiar streets into a landscape of mystery and enchantment. Known as the Portail d'Éther, this thick mist signified a rift opening between the human realm and the Outer World, an enigmatic realm of fantastical beings and powerful magic. As days turned into years, creatures from the Outer World—faeries, orcs, talking beasts, and elves—poured into Paris, becoming part of its vibrant society. The spell was cast as a last resort by the Outer World’s rulers, forced to flee their deteriorating realm due to a catastrophic collapse. Now, the magic-infused mist lingers over the city, a constant reminder of this delicate balance between two worlds, blurring the line between the mundane and the mystical.
Over time, some humans began to manifest abilities previously thought impossible, wielding magic alongside the supernatural residents. These gifted individuals, known as Mages, organized themselves into five Confréries, or guilds, each with its own distinct specialization. The Confrérie Écarlate harnesses fire magic, fiercely protective of Paris; the Confrérie Indigo delves into water and healing arts, known for their diplomacy; the Confrérie Grise is skilled in illusion and shadows, often sought after for clandestine work; the Confrérie Violette excels in enchantments, bringing life to objects and crafting magic-infused tools; and the Confrérie Sable commands earth and protective wards, guarding the city from dark forces. Rivalries brew between these confréries, each vying for influence within Paris, sometimes clashing over differing views on how magic should be wielded and controlled.
The culmination of this integration between the human and Outer World realms is the magnificent Tour Eiffel, its towering spires crafted not from simple iron, but from gleaming Mithril, imbued with protective spells to ward off threats and channel energy throughout the city. Paris has become a city of wonders, where technological advancements are born from the fusion of magic and innovation—such as the first voiture magique, a car powered by ethereal energy rather than steam. Governing this magical metropolis is the Comité de l’Outremonde a body where human Parisians and Outer World residents work together to maintain harmony, managing the complexities of magic and its impact on daily life. Under their watchful guidance, Paris thrives as a beacon of enchantment, with the Portail d'Éther mist weaving its way through the boulevards, a constant reminder of the delicate bridge between two worlds.
Important concepts
How magic works
Magic in the world of Portails d'Éther flows from the mist that initially descended upon Paris, connecting the real world with the Outer World. This mist, the Éther, is a conduit between realms, allowing energy from the Outer World to infuse the physical world and alter its properties. To harness magic, an individual must have a natural affinity, often manifesting as a latent talent or sensitivity that awakens after prolonged exposure to the mist. Magic operates on a balance of elements and emotions, with each spell drawing from the caster's inner willpower and connection to their confrérie's unique energy. Magic isn’t unlimited, however; overuse can weaken or even harm the caster, especially in humans, who aren’t fully adapted to its power. Magic, when wielded improperly or too greedily, can backfire or mutate unpredictably, making it a force respected and sometimes feared even by those who command it.
Manifestation of Magical Materials
As the Portail d'Éther continued to linger over Paris, it began to affect the very soil, air, and waters of the region. Materials like Mithril—a rare, magically-conductive metal used to build the Tour Eiffel—appeared, growing stronger in magical properties the closer they were to the source of the mist. Other unique materials began to manifest, such as Éthérine crystals, which amplify spells and power magical devices, and Verdeux, an emerald-green metal that can absorb and store magical energy. These resources are harvested carefully, as over-extraction could disrupt the balance between worlds. However, these materials remain confined to the Île-de-France region; the further one travels from Paris, the less magic infuses the land. Outside of this magical epicenter, in regions untouched by the mist, magic wanes, making the outer world almost immune to its effects, rendering spells weaker or entirely ineffective.
Impact of the Real World on Otherworldly Residents
Life in Paris has irrevocably changed for the residents from the Outer World. Once ethereal beings bound by ancient, otherworldly traditions, these residents must now adapt to a society governed by human norms, time, and technology. While they bring powerful knowledge and abilities, they’re equally affected by the limitations of the physical world—aging in ways they hadn’t before, feeling fatigue, and facing illnesses previously unknown. The necessity to coexist with human technology, like the first magic-powered car, has introduced new tools and knowledge but has also made some creatures feel diminished, as their once-dominant magic now competes with human innovations. Many Outer World beings struggle with homesickness, though they accept that there is no way back, and some have even integrated fully, finding pride in their new identities as Parisians. Some of them also mutated into subraces.
