Fonts are real, powerful, and woven into user interfaces — but there are so many of them.
Long ago, in what scholars now call the Old Millenium, the technomancers of Silicon Valley reached unmatched heights of interface mastery. Paradigms were shattered, assumptions about mainframes were bent to consumer will, and personal computers were crafted in basements and garages. But ambition bred catastrophe. When Y2K happened, it shattered not just the internet — but much of the knowledge that sustained that golden age.
Today, technology persists, but it is more fragile and limited:
- Bullet points still work — powered by individual talent and transient energy drawn from the surrounding Software.
- User interface design often requires open source communities filled with dangerous trolls.
- Microtransactions — ones that recharge users indefinitely — are detested. Such evils are usually recovered from ancient software, as most modern replicas are unstable or short-lived.
The internet is both respected and feared. In most cultures it’s seen as a gift, but also a potential threat. In more conservative places, public web usage can provoke unease or even hostility.
Quotes and Callouts
There are many ways to present quotes, dreams, and callouts:
This is a standard blockquote. It's pretty basic, and often pretty short. But sometimes it's longer, as if the person creating it couldn't decide how long it should be, so the kept extending it. Again and again. And again.
On the other hand, sometimes a dream is called for.
Dreams are everywhere. So are nightmares. It can be hard to tell the difference. And yet people keep trying. Because sleep exists. And daydreams.
Anyways...
Sometimes you just need to call attention to something and want to use a different style. Like maybe you are speaking in an accent. Or not, because you're terrible at accents. But you still want to highlight something, so you use an "accent" rather than an accent. Trust me, this makes complete sense.
And then there are Salvator's callouts:
There's one for "danger."
It sounds hazardous, but it's probably worth trying. Like base jumping.
Our Feature Presentation
There's a different one that can be used to "feature" information that might be useful despite how long it takes to explain it to someone who's barely even paying attention.
Desperate for Attention
And then sometimes using an accent isn't enough, and you are basically begging for "attention." This is a sign of weakness. Or perhaps acceptance.
And then there are Rokiyo's callouts:
There's one for "warn."
It sounds hazardous, but it's probably worth trying. Like base jumping.
Info Mercial?
There's a different one that can be used to feature "info" that might be useful despite how long it takes to explain it to someone who's barely even paying attention.
Say Anything
And then sometimes using an accent isn't enough, and it's really about what you have to "say."
So many callouts.
Availability of Magical Items
Kharosan Artifacts
Centuries old relics from the Ember Age — Starforge or Primecast weapons, armor, or arcane tools — are far too precious to be bought and sold on the open market. Passed down as heirlooms or jealously hoarded, such prizes must be found, stolen, or traded for other rare services and secrets.
Their lesser Ashborn or Wakeborn counterparts, scavenged or cobbled together with incomplete knowledge, are more accessible — but far less predictable. They may still save your life… or fail you when you need them most.
Kharosan Trinkets
In addition to battle-worthy relics, magical novelties from the Ember Age have also endured — minor wonders like a Wand of Smiles or a Cloak of Billowing. Lacking direct impact on survival, such items have become coveted status symbols among the rich. You might even find one for sale — usually behind glass, in cities that cater to nobles and collectors.
Consumables
Despite the rarity of true magic items, limited-use wands, potions, scrolls, and alchemical concoctions are far more common. Modern artisans can craft these, and you’re likely to find them in any sufficiently large settlement — especially ports and trade hubs.