The post-Cataclysm real world is a patchwork of fractured continents and hunting grounds. Human civilization has retreated into Citadels — vast fortress-cities holding millions.
Major Citadels
- Ravenheart — Sunny's home Citadel, traditionally black and working-class
- Iron Hive — industrial Citadel, major military forge
- Valor — Valor Clan's Citadel, prestigious and martial
- Crow Citadel — allusive Citadel, hub of information and Memory trade
- Bastion — Citadel where Sunny runs a cafe under the Master identity (Vol 8)
Empires
References to ancient Empires (notably the War Empire where Eurys slew the Dragon) thread the story, but these structures no longer exist in the narrative present.
Nightmare Gates
Randomly opening portals (Obel Scale) lead to the Dream Realm. A chain of hundreds of small gates triggers the Antarctica Campaign in Vol 5. Citadels hire Awakened to neutralize them.
Scale
Humanity lives in fear. Awakened are at once soldiers, merchants, and celebrities. Sleepers (low-rank Awakened) form the rank-and-file.