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So you might say, "Hey, where are these people living? They've got computers, but their main mean of transportation is the horse?" There is a definite, probably not very comprehensible to any mind but mine, explaination for this. Here it is.

Basically, it's like this: The world where this comic takes place is a lot like our own world. So much so, in fact, you could probably be safe when you say it's an alternate universe. In this world, they realized, far ahead of us, that the best way to keep living on a healthy planet was to not clog it up with things like fossil fuels and do silly things like chop down the rainforest. So technology kept advancing, but the government kept tight control over what was released and what was not.

Speaking of the government, perhaps you have noticed by now, but the world is not exactly run on democracies and such. This continent, at least, is run by a vast monarchy. By vast, I do not mean that there is a vast network of family that runs things, like the Mafia, but I mean vast as comparable to the Roman Empire, in that it is usually one person controlling an immense amount of property. This property is divided up into sections, which are either run by dukes, lords, or small councils, but are ultimately under the power of the king or queen.

Another point to point out about this world is the existence of magic. It's not such an obvious force like in the world of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, but a more subtle magic, more comparable to the worlds of Philip Pullman or Neil Gaiman. It's a practical sort of thing to know, like how to sew or write but, like these things, is not necessary to know. It's probably taught in schools, but only as elective credit, and maybe it's one of those classes like Latin that everyone takes, but in which only the smart kids are able to move onto the next level.

In the same sort of thought bubble, there's also the matter of religion. In this world, there's no Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hindusim, or what have you. Instead, there's this sort of vast, comfortable religion wherein you are as religious as you wish to be. The common saying, instead of "Oh my God," is "Oh gods," or, "Oh dear gods," which indicates it to a polytheistic religion, but never are there any specific gods indicated.

However, directly contrasting the above statement, there are some older religions which there are gods to whom specific things are dedicated, such as the moon, the sea, et cetera. There is an as-of-yet unidentified type of mountain god in the south who is now extinct, but whose descendants may show up here and there. There is the original god, the sun god, a female deity generally referred to as "She" or the "Mother." Rumors of children fathered by mortals are just rumors.

The last matter of this world is physical details. The continent on which this story takes place is mostly an island, which only a few land bridges that connect it to other land masses. It is mostly level, averaging about a hundred feet above sea level, with mountains in the south reaching upwards of seven thousand feet above sea level. Most of the continent, with the exception of the southern mountains, is moderately climate, with an average summer temperature of around 75°F. The so- called "Outlands" are located in the center of the continent; this region is much hotter than the rest of the continent, with an average year-round temperature of 80°F, sometimes peaking temperatures of 110°F in the summer months. It has been found that the lands around the Outlands are prime farmland, and especially for vineyards, and are owned by many of the richest lords (or those who are favorites of the ruling monarch).

(So we say that was the last matter, but it is a lie.) There has always been a tenseness between the people of the Outlands and the rest of the continent. Even among political circles, those lords in charge of territory in the Outlands are looked upon with scorn, and even the poorest lord of the outlying regions of the continent is viewed as higher than an Outland lord. One possible exception to this prejudice is the Lord McKinley. Rumored to be over ninety years old or possibly dead, he is the longest serving lord in current possession of any land on the continent, having survived five previous kings. As oldest serving lord, his status is different than that of other lords, and he holds many of the same privileges of the four dukes.

Outlanders are distinguishable from other residents of the continent by their pale skin tone, a slight accent, and last names, most of which begin with the "Mc" prefix.
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