Technology:
Technology mimics much of what is available in the real world. Most fuel sources are still based on fossil fuels. Medicine is much of what is capable in technology to the world today, however gene therapy and limb transplantation is making some advances. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is a field that is making great strides in development.Also weaponry is slowly becoming more high-tech with energy weapons and powered armor being tested beyond initial prototypes. However, it is prohibitively expensive for such technology to be available widely for the public. It is possible that cities in developed nations may have a small percentage of facilities having super computers with limited automatons powered by A.I. and a few cities may have a SWAT response team with some powered weapons. However, this is definitely not quite the norm for every small city in the United States, and even less so in developing countries.
Two great achievements for research facilities are in exotic environments, the Neptune Facility located near the Pacific Ocean floor off the west coast, and Icarus I, an international space station. Both hold about 50 personnel and are international ventures (however the Neptune Facility has strong ties to, including staffing of, the US Navy). Both stations have been in place for nearly a decade, with plans for a permanent moon base in the next 15 years.
Magic:
Most people do not believe in the existence of magic. Although many superbeings claim to have powers of a supernatural nature, such as Doctor Nocturne and the Mist Walker, most people think there is a logical, scientific, explanation for these powers.The pioneering superhuman scientist of the 1940’s, Dr. Brandon Mansfield, stated that all powers are results of the manipulation of physical forces of our universe. Precognition was really a genetic mutation that allowed humans to utilize senses beyond normal capabilities and are the result of being able to interpret subtle cues in the world around them (much like how wildlife may evacuate an area before an earthquake). There are no magical fireballs, just the amazing ability to condense gas in the atmosphere and raise its temperature to elevated levels. There are no demons, but possibly other life forms from alternate dimensions explained through quantum theory. The study, and scientific explanation, of superhuman powers is the primary goal of the Mansfield Institute of Superhuman Studies (MISS).
A quiet minority however, beg to differ against this assertion that magic does not exist. Indeed, there are monsters that go bump in the night and exist in our world. That although ancient gods are sleeping (some believe though the lack of substantial numbers of followers), there are powers that exceed those in the known universe, and such powers are drawn from the beyond and the supernatural. The Talisman is such a society out of the United Kingdom (with other branches over the world), that seeks to explore the supernatural, and defend the human race from such evils.
