7th Gate, Tera (Ruined World)

In games set prior to 430 EFA, there is no magic on Tera, except near Kana, as the Ar Tonelico is unfinished. 

Tera is oddly fractured, with large, floating continents above its surface that are still inhabited by humans. These societies were comparatively primitive prior to the opening of the Frontier Gate and the influx of new explorers from Argnon. Even today, many small, isolated groups have avoided the march of progress and held to their old ways on remote sky isles.

Many rare earth metals that are easy to acquire on Tera, but not on other worlds. One of the highest-paying professions on Tera is that of ‘steeplejack’. Steeplejacks descend to the underside of the continent and mine precious metals there. Although they are individuals of great skill, with very specialized gear, it is still an incredibly dangerous job, and barely a week goes by where there isn’t at least one fatality. This is one reason they are so eager to gain access to magic and enhanced technology, as it will greatly reduce the cost in lives.

A powerful barrier of ionizing radiation and superheated plasma blocks access to the surface of the world. Known as the Blast Field, it is unclear what caused the formation of this blockade, but it is effectively impassable to humanoids. Some monsters (mainly aberrations) are able to make their way through the barrier and wreak havoc among the inhabitants. These creatures are often called Preservers, due to the particular theory that they were created by the planet itself many centuries ago to protect against humanity.

Update - 430-500 EFA

Circa 430 EFA, a band of adventurers led by Goro the Unbreathing managed to break through the Blast Field using an ST wrought with ancient technologies unearthed on Nu Gransen. Arriving at the surface, they found it populated by the Fae, a humanoidlike species native to the world. As it turns out, one of their reactionary leaders, Hojo, had taken over an Ar Tonelico constructed on the surface around 2500 years ago. After slaying the tower's Administrator, he himself took the reins of the facility and used its might to erect the Blast Field and summon the Preservers to eradicate those who opposed his will.

Goro's team was able to climb the tower and eliminate the usurping Administrator. Goro himself relinquished his adventuring career to become the new Administrator, and lowered the Blast Field, allowing both unfettered access to the surface from the skies above, and access to the tower's magic to those on the floating isles.

Though the surface remains torn, with much of the land floating above, and the Preservers still roam about the surface, wreaking havoc among the lowland dwellers, Tera has become far more prosperous in the intervening years. The Fae quickly adapted Argnonian ways and technologies, and established a powerful empire, the Cululon Dynasty, funded by the steeplejack trade.

As airship technology advanced, Cululon was at the fore, finding a great deal of value in the potential for mining still presented by the undersides of the floating isles.

As of 500 EFA, the Cululon Dynasty is firmly in control of Tera, though they are on agreeable terms with Argnon, and are generally tolerant of settlers and colonists on their world. One of the most prosperous, though dangerous, areas on the planet is known as the Shackles - this vast chain of sky isles is particularly rich in Orichalconium and Leviton ores, needed for airship fusors and other magitech reactors, and miners, traders, pirates, and pirate-hunters ply the skies and waters tirelessly.

Time on Tera is now tracked according to the formal establishment of the Cululon Dynasty, in CDC (Culunon Dynastic Calendar). 0 CDC is year 445 EFA.

Locations on Tera

Kana

Capitol city for the Argnonian colonial presence, around 30000 people. Site of construction of the 6th Ar Tonelico. Low tech level, very low magic. A Goddess Engine-equipped (Tilia) ST present at the build site provides coverage in a 50-mile radius.

Update in 430 EFA - With the disruption of the Blast Field, the ancient Tonelico on the surface of Tera is now able to broadcast to the floating isles, and the construction of the tower in Kana has been canceled.

La Karat

Small town about 100 miles from Kana, inhabited by about 1200 people. Site in the Corrupted Waters adventure. Very low tech, no magic.

500 EFA

Cululona

Capitol of the Cululon Dynasty, inhabited by about 300,000 people. Very high tech and magic.