Introduction to Saṃsāra

The World of Saṃsāra is an old world full of history and lore. Over nine thousand years ago adventures knew nothing about the world of Saṃsāra. Then souls from the multiverse started showing up on the world after their death. What they found was a world of many unique monsters that had already been evolving while living, dying, and reincarnating for an untold amount of time. Small communities of living people (sometimes with their land) appeared as if teleported from different times and locations of other worlds with no explanation. They were scattered across the world in random places and as people tend to do, they began to mix and multiply their population.

Society resembles a mix of the Middle-Ages and the Renaissance. The people (sentient beings) understand the mechanics of the world. They mostly believe that certain levels (known as “tiers”) can be achieved, and through their “Mind’s Eye” understand what allows this to happen. All things are magical in each of the high magic realms within the world, including the characters, avatars, and creatures.

Saṃsāra has many Isekai characters. Some have been summoned to the world of Saṃsāra mostly after they have died. Most of the characters have memories from other fantasy worlds but (because they may have come from any place or time) a few come from the future and past worlds from anywhere in the multiverse. This could include what is called IRL (in real life) or any imagined realm.

The realm has a few different properties of physics. It is limited (by the gods) to not have advanced technology. There are no: computers, online internet, electrical motors, combustion engines, cell phones, nor electronics that exist. There is something like electricity which is magic flow, magic circuits, and magic storage. Also, some avatars (using items) may be able to use limited telepathy.

Motion and the transfer of mechanical power are done by steam. Steam is derived using magic combining elemental water and elemental fire. Steam is environmentally friendly and began the Industrial Age. Equipment and factories use mechanical power transmission systems and utilize various means to transfer rotational power through components such as shafts, gears, chains, belts, and pulleys.

Now, there is a high population of over 7 billion individual souls and more monsters than can be counted in a culture that is spread across 73 Island countries totaling 183 billion acres. There are also many smaller islands, most of which are uncharted. Sometimes a smaller island will appear or disappear. In addition to this, there are underwater population centers, large floating cities, and megacities in dark cave systems. Some travel to or live in metropolises with millions of souls in skyscrapers. The world is full of trade and political intrigue. Ships sail the endless ocean to deliver goods from country to country. Also, let’s not forget the Hot Air Balloons, Zeppelins, Air ships, and Griffons that are used for travel. With racing events that take days roaring through labyrinths.

This is a high magic setting, where almost all the population can use magic. Magic bubbles forth, ebbs, and flows like weather around the world. Saṃsāra can be thought of like a steampunk world, but with magic driving industry into the future. Alas, there are forgotten areas with ruins of old civilizations in the back woods, jungles, and hidden areas of the world.