Munderra

The laws of physics in this world have been compromised. No cosmic threats or eldritch apocalypses, just a new type of energy: hyle energy. This type of energy is somehow produced by most flora and, eventually, used by most fauna (and some sentient flora). Hyle energy is the foundation of sorcery, which has stagnated the advancements in alchemy, the foundation of science.   It is speculated that this change was likely due to the presence of a higher power, known as the Hexadios. Not much is known about them, but they are thought to be a group of six deities who oversee the flow of hyle energy. Something about this new energy kept them from interfering directly, so they sent envoys to mitigate hyle-related calamities. These otherworldly individuals, known as Envoys of Hexadios or just simply as 'Envoys', had no affinity for hyle energy and, therefore, were unable to perform sorceries. However, they were usually knowledgeable in advanced forms of alchemy.   Millennia passed and not much has changed. Kingdoms rose and fell. Some were swallowed by unknown pockets of endlessness, dubbed the Jaws of the Abyss. Envoys were able to repel the Abyss by sheer presence, but their descendants were not as effective due to their increased affinity to hyle energy. Therefore, dozens of their descendants were needed to match the repulsion of one Envoy.   In the modern era, the Abyss has only been mentioned in history books as sorcery is not as extensively used. Thanks to its absence, most of the world has progressed and taken a Victorian-style look, although some major cities have stuck with the medieval look. Firearms have already been invented and are exclusive to the military and mercenary organizations, but melee combat is still favored. Everything is relatively peaceful, but not for long.