MU
Mu is a land characterized by its steep reliance on the sea. While this is largely due to it being an islandic world, this dependence originates from the involvement of the creator of the world, Mother Ocean, or Myu, of which the world is named after. The extinct predecessor race of Humans, called The Shae, survived in deep sea empires. When they traveled to the surface and evolved into humans, this world’s relationship with the ocean - which is life - never faded.
Now in modern times, all humans live above the sea. Though only a small fraction are known to be habitable by humans, there are hundreds of thousands of individual islands spread across the world. There's no good way to group these islands together or divide them up, though an attempt was made within the last two hundred years by the current monarchy. The world is ultimately divided into five regions: Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. These divisions are geographical and serve to make ruling over the world easier; for the average person, these divisions affect little.
Government
Mu is united in name by a central monarchy. Ruling from the Central Region in the world's most technologically and magically advanced city, the monarchy's grasp is somewhat successful due to its naval strength and technological advancement. Decisions within the monarchy are exclusively made by the Seaborne, this world's equivalent of a king, queen, or ruler. Though the Seaborne is advised by a panel of advisors made up of representatives from each region, the Seaborne alone has executive power. Unfortunately, the current Seaborne is a young and temperamental ruler who's quick to anger and uses Feeru, Spirit of Society and Order, to back his claim to the throne as his Ocean given right.
The monarchy does not affect a vast majority of the world, save to sponsor international trade and exploration across the regions. Despite the monarchy's attempt at unifying the world, Mu is highly disjointed beyond the capital islands of each region. Excluding the Central Region, each region is led by a Tide Lord, a representative - separate from those who personally advise the Seaborne - who ensures that trade and travel in their respective regions are going smoothly. Each Tide Lord is selected by the Seaborne, oftentimes chosen due to bloodline or popularity within their respective region capitals.
Religion
The existence of Myu and the Spirits is uncontested within Mu; their effect on the world is written in history and the world's culture, and to doubt it is equivalent to being a flat earther. However, the levels that people worship both of these entities are highly varied.
The Ocean, as Mu's mother, is the creator of everything that Mu has to offer. She is aided by the Spirits, pieces of herself who once guided the Shae and now guide humans. Humans almost always claim a Favored Spirit, one of the Spirits who most align with their goals or morals. It's important to note that Spirits were not initially created to be deities, and as such, they are not always worshipped as such (excluding Spiritism, see below). For many people, the Spirits are something of archetypes who support and embody their goals; they are intangible entities whom offerings are given to for the purpose of either appeasement or to gain favor. Many customs and holidays are based around the Spirits.
Myuunism is a religion dedicated to Myu and was also the religion of the Shae. It places a strong emphasis on the ocean, survival, intuition, and growth. In Myuunism, Myu is viewed as the penultimate, singular deity who rules, and the Spirits are viewed as something of her subordinates. While Myuunists still have Favored Spirits, these Spirits are not viewed as Gods. The mortal head of Myuunism is known as the Wavecaller. The Wavecaller leads the progression of worship throughout the world, leading holidays and events if they're related to Myu. It’s thought that Myu selects each Wavecaller herself, bestowing upon them a mark somewhere on their body that indicates their religious duty.
Spiritism is a new age religion that became popular after 1400 AT. Spiritism is the belief that each Spirit is a deity in their own right, sitting beside Myu as opposed to below her. This religion was popularized by the fact that Spirits grow stronger as their number of followers increase. Because humans place a greater emphasis on the Spirits than the Shae did, it's believed by Spiritists that the Spirits currently hold the same amount of power as Myu. Additionally, Myu created the Shae rather than humans, so many Spiritists believe there's a disconnect between humans and Myu.
Casual Worshippers are those without strong stances on Myuunism or Spiritism. They still take on a Favored Spirit, believe in Myu and the Spirits, and participate in the Spirit-centric holidays, but they are either not as devout as Myuunists or Spiritists or do not have a strong preference.
Temples are always built as close to the ocean or other bodies of water as they can be. Cities are never completely landlocked unless they're near a lake or river due to this religious restriction.
Technology
Technology is highly varied around the world. The Central region is most advanced; in Krakenport, technology is equivalent to approximately the mid-1700s, with some exceptions. Technology exists to send messages long distance with the aid of a telegraph-like machine, though these messages can only be sent from Krakenport to each individual region capital. For the average individual, mailing letters via birds is the easiest way to communicate. Letters cross-region must be sent to their corresponding capital, which then seeks to find the relevant city or island as long as it's documented.
Modern technology (computers, phones, cars) do not exist, though numerous advances have been made possible with the advancement of magic, which is rightfully viewed as a science. For example, while modern lightbulbs do not exist, Ferstone can be lit with fire to harmlessly give off light for up to ten hours without needing to be relit.
Early firearms and the use of gunpowder also exist. Ships are often fitted with cannons, and accurate marksmen have great luck with firearms. However, firearms can be unruly, difficult to obtain, and hard to wield, so physical weapons and magic are oftentimes preferred.
Education
Education is fairly varied around Mu. While most children are able to attend some sort of elementary school within the large cities and region capitals around the world, attending proper school during high school is reserved primarily for the families who can afford it. Attending a university is even more difficult without proper funding or connections unless you are a fantastic student. Only prospective scholars and arcanists tend to attend higher schooling. For most children, attending trade schools in their teenage years, finding a job, or continuing the family tradition is most common.
Pirates
Of all sailing vessels to have sailed across Mu, the pursuits of The Leviathan are the most famous. This ship primarily was famous between the years of 1580 - 1587 AT. During this time, they quickly became the most famous across the seas, known for their tight knit crew, their fabled abilities in battle, and their adventures. Their primary motivations included adventure, fame, fortune, and friendship.
The Captain of The Leviathan was Captain Kalypso Gold, a firecracker famous for both her brutality and charisma. At her side was her childhood friend, Chiron, also serving as her first mate.
At the end of the year of 1587 AT, The Leviathan sailed into uncharted waters and never returned. Some accounts claim they were last seen in the Western Region, others say they were heading North. There have been numerous searches conducted to try and find the remains of the ship or the bodies, but none were ever found.
It’s currently 1799 AT, and it’s been over 200 years since The Leviathan sailed the high seas. With the establishing of the current monarchy in 1595 AT, piracy has become illegal; the Seaborne believes that all treasure found within Shae ruins and on the sea should go to the capital. Despite this, piracy is still strong due to the loose grip the monarchy has over a majority of the world.
This is why the rumored return of The Leviathan has caused quite a stir. First spotted in Western waters, those who first saw the unmistakable sailing vessel claim it looks ghastly, as if pulled straight out of the abyss. Those able to catch a glimpse of the person manning the helm confirm that it appears to be Kalypso, bright eyes and not even a day older.
Kalypso and Chiron have returned -- and they’re alone.
Whispers spread like wildfire across the world. Perhaps you heard it as tavern gossip as the local bard recounted their fame; perhaps you saw the WANTED signs plastered around the capital by the monarchy. They’ll accept anyone, you hear people whisper. Anyone who can fight and help on board, at least.
You’re given a date and a location: Somewhere on the island of Greenrest, in the Western Region. Everyone’s heading there it seems.
Whether it’s fame, fortune, friendship, adventure, or simply the call of the ocean that you seek, you pack your bags and find a sailing vessel to take you there.