The settings in Molten Aether exist along the same continuum, representing different eras in the history of a world much like Earth. Separated by roughly 2,000 years, each setting reflects the technological, magical, and societal shifts of this evolving world. The fantasy setting is the earliest, a time when magic dominated and civilizations thrived in a world where mystical creatures and enchanted forests were common. Over time, the arcane forces began to fade as the world entered a more grounded age, leading into the modern era, which closely parallels present-day Earth. Here, remnants of magic still linger, but they are hidden beneath the surface, contributing to a sense of creeping dread as supernatural forces infiltrate a world dominated by science and technology. Finally, the sci-fi setting emerges as the future of this same world, 2,000 years after the modern age, where magic is all but forgotten, and advanced technology and cybernetics have reshaped society into a dystopian cyberpunk landscape. Despite the vast differences between these eras, they all belong to the same timeline, showing the continuous evolution of a world where magic once ruled, then receded, only to coexist in the distant future with advanced technology in unexpected ways.
The fantasy setting in Molten Aether draws heavily from the classic traditions of Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and other high fantasy worlds, where magic permeates every aspect of life. This is a world where enchanted forests are home to fairies, druids wield nature's raw power, and ancient arcane knowledge is guarded by powerful mages. Mythical creatures such as dragons, elementals, and fey beings coexist with mortals, and the very fabric of reality is intertwined with magical forces. Adventurers in this realm frequently encounter ancient ruins, lost civilizations, and portals to other planes of existence.
Magic is as common as technology in this world, and devices found here are often a blend of mechanical ingenuity and mystical enchantments. Artifacts, wands, spellbooks, and arcane engines dominate, crafted by both masterful artisans and powerful spellcasters. These items may bend the rules of physics or allow access to otherworldly energies, enhancing both mundane and extraordinary actions.
Themes of wonder, exploration, and heroism are central to this setting, but there is also an undercurrent of darker, ancient forces that threaten to corrupt or destroy. Adventurers must navigate complex political structures between kingdoms, magical guilds, and ancient bloodlines, while combating the ever-present threat of powerful entities from beyond.
The modern setting is one of creeping horror, where the mundane world is slowly unraveled by supernatural forces that defy comprehension. Magic exists, but it is a whisper in the shadows, known only to secretive cults, practitioners, and those unlucky enough to stumble upon its dark truths. The world is rife with existential dread as humans struggle against forces that transcend understanding—ancient eldritch beings, demonic entities, and paranormal phenomena that operate outside the bounds of reality.
Here, technology and science collide with the inexplicable. Devices may appear to be ordinary, but they often conceal hidden supernatural properties or cursed origins. In this setting, characters find themselves grappling with the unknown—mysterious disappearances, haunted locations, and malevolent artifacts that corrupt and twist the world around them. The divide between the normal and the paranormal grows thin, with terrifying consequences for those who probe too deeply.
The modern world of Molten Aether is filled with tension, where fear of the unknown bleeds into every aspect of life. Government agencies may suppress knowledge of the supernatural, while secret societies battle for control over dark magic. The overwhelming sense of isolation and dread is heightened by a growing realization that the world is on the brink of something incomprehensibly dangerous, and characters must either confront these horrors or lose themselves to them.
The sci-fi setting is a sprawling cyberpunk dystopia where megacorporations rule vast sectors of space, and the line between humanity and machine has long since blurred. This world is dominated by sprawling cities drenched in neon lights, with towering skyscrapers and gritty underworlds teeming with hackers, mercenaries, and rogue AIs. Technology has advanced to the point where cybernetic augmentation is not only common but necessary for survival. Transhumanism is a defining theme, where characters may alter their bodies to the point of becoming unrecognizable, merging flesh and machine to reach new heights of power or skill.
Magic, though present, is a rare and almost forgotten force in this world. Those who wield it are seen as anomalies, mystics lost in a world that values hard science over the arcane. Despite this, a delicate balance exists between technology and magic, as the rare few who can manipulate both often rise to positions of immense power and influence. These figures are often viewed with suspicion, navigating a world where corporate intrigue, espionage, and political manipulation are the keys to survival.
Space travel is commonplace, and exploration of distant worlds and dimensions introduces characters to both strange alien civilizations and long-forgotten relics of magical origins. Artificial intelligence and sentient machines are major players in the political landscape, with some AIs ruling entire corporate factions, while others fight for autonomy and recognition as beings equal to their human creators. This setting blends the cyberpunk aesthetic of ruthless ambition and corporate dominance with deeper questions about identity, morality, and the nature of existence itself.
Whether in the urban sprawl or the uncharted reaches of space, characters in this setting must navigate a dangerous world where every decision can lead to betrayal, rebellion, or the uncovering of secrets that could reshape the universe.