Structure & Substructure

Tools from Trent Hergenrader's 'Collaborative Worldbuilding for Writer's & Gamers' book:   Governance:
Government presence and governance are strong themes represented by the Aetheria Dominion, Skyfront Republic, and their colonies with differing political structures, cultural norms, morals, and priorities driving a cold war. Their influence is pervasive. The rule of law, however, is less rigid - more inconsistent and arbitrary depending upon the social class and influence of the accused and the mood of the judge or ruler. Law and legal proceedings, even the concept of justice itself, differs notably between larger urban or metropolitan areas (Wretinridge) versus more agricultural ones. There are limited to no social services aside from some parks or green spaces in the wealthiest neighborhoods of Wretinridge, the Coliseum for entertainment, and the maintenance of the Starlight Sanctum asylum for mages. Alms for the poor and charity is the purview of the Church.     Economics:
Economic strength is represented in Kryllos via a supply/demand mismatch of Witchrock (a coveted resource increasingly difficult to source) and evident in skyship trading amongst the sky isles and the pirates who prey on them. Wealth is unevenly distributed between a smaller ruling class and aristocracy compared to a broad base of serfs and laborers, with a narrow band of middle-class merchants.     Social Relations:
Unfortunately, slavery exists in the world alongside bias and bigotry (Morlocks.) Differences are not commonly celebrated, and intolerance exists. Those who can practice arcane magic are often a caste unto themselves.     Cultural:
Religious influence factors heavily into daily life - a contradiction given divine magic and the Elder Gods were separated from the people by Skyfall. The One Faith in the Allfather is a parallel to the influence of Roman Catholicism on those of the Middle Ages, with religious doctrine and spiritualism having explicit instructions on how to live one's life. Military influence is growing as the dominant superpowers expand their military might through their cold war. Technology is usually related to airships and dirigibles, navigation (astrolabes) and magical research. Gunpowder, firearms, and cannon do not yet exist whereas looms/spinning wheels, eyeglasses, hourglasses, telescopes and pendulum clocks (for the wealthy)