Beata now takes place far into the future (2053 at the time of writing). We don't pretend to be experts on what the world will be like by that time, so our rule of thumb is to pretend most tech, appliances, and devices are the same but slightly upgraded. This is closer to a contemporary setting than a cyberpunk or sci-fi setting. That said, not everything is the same as it was back in your teenage years, grandpa.
Communication
The science of holography has made leaps and bounds in the last fifteen years, and is instituted wherever practical and convenient.
The city makes great use of advanced comm devices, small and discrete as a coat button, with impeccable quality in all but the worst conditions. They are typically worn on shirt cuffs, collars, or around the ear.
Unity Links can be set up to work with Esper or function as a comm line.
Drugs
Aside from the usual...
Frost is a black market upper. It is a white powder that when placed on your tongue, sends your power into overdrive. Considered a dangerous drug with volatile and unpredictable results. Known to sometimes leave users with no usage of their powers for long trauma periods after bad experiences.
Poppers are pills thought to elevate gifts for a short time. Users become susceptible to influence, suggestion, and mind control when under the drug's effects.
Theurinol is a prescription medication which tones down the side effects of an over-active gift. Please stop taking theurinol and consult your doctor if you start experiencing lethargy, depression, thoughts of suicide, or homicidal and manic tendencies. Single doses of these are made available to prefects and Guardians, administered through an epipen-like device called a Pacifier.
Serum is used primarily by Guardians, but can be found on the black market. It is a silvery liquid administered through injection and capable of totally suppressing a gift for a short period of time.
Economy
Rivers Pointe runs on a digital currency controlled by the Amell family bank, Credit Aigle. Credits are stored directly on Unity Links and resident ID cards. American currency still has its value to those who make a living outside the city, and is useful for items not found in the regular market.
All residents receive some kind of basic income. For students, this is usually called a stipend.
Energy & Transportation
Wide streets accommodate buses and trolleys, and every corner of the city is accessible by underground or overground rail. There are solar panels on most city roofs, vegetable gardens on every balcony, and the hills are ridged with wind turbines. Public transportation is preferred by the majority of the population and cars are somewhat uncommon, typically belonging to the richest families. A private airport handles the city's cargo, as well as sending Guardians and recruiters across the world to bring in new students. Other supplies and resources are replenished through supernatural means.
Genetic & Biological Engineering
The secrets of our gifts lie in our DNA, and many gifted children have been made the victims of human experimentation throughout the years. Cloning technology is attainable but highly illegal. Prosthetics are highly advanced and move and respond just like real parts. Cryogenic freezing is a viable option for the exceptionally wealthy.
'Splicing' is a surgical procedure used to absorb a victim's gift, killing them in the process.
Agrona was especially interested in similar projects and invested significant resources into them. There are urban legends of artificially created humans in labs with incredible powers, some that are still living today, but those are just rumors... as far as most people are concerned, anyway.
Portals
The portals to the Island dimension were forcibly sealed. For those who seek the forbidden secrets about the origins behind our powers, there are the keystones. These are precious gems possessed by Headmaster Rivers' original Guardians. Most do not understand their true significance. They can be found in the possession of important families around the city.
The emerald keystone is set inside a pendant necklace and belongs to Brailynn Sanford (inherited from Irene Jacobs).
The ruby keystone is set inside a brooch and belongs to the current school champion (inherited from Alexander Patterson).
The topaz keystone is set inside a ring and belongs to Aster Moore (inherited from Desken Mooore).
The sapphire keystone is set inside a diadem and belongs to the school (inherited from Phyllis Mackentire). It is used to crown the triumphant queen of the Winter Formal.
Unity Links
Unity Links are mandatory for all minors over the age of 5. Unity Links are slim metal cuffs a watch-like monitor, with a screen can be expanded and presented holographically. These bracelets grow more elaborate as they are updated with more features; this includes a tracking device, vitals monitoring, ID, and optional add-ons for Esper, etc. They are first received at age 5, upon enrollment at Liberi Academy. They can be removed, but its removal will send out a signal to faculty and authorities, so you better have a good reason. The more a student acts out, the more the Unity Link acts as a restraint. Students may have their gift usage monitored, their movements limited (similar to an ankle monitor), or have locks placed on their Link to prevent its removal, even overnight. It is capable of giving a taser-like electric shock.
Weaponry
Most students on missions are restricted to pre-gunpowder weapons for their own safety and discipline. Guardians utilize firearms made with lightweight plastics and special rubber to absorb shock, recoil, and sound. All weapons crafted in the city, modern and pre-modern, are designed to collapse, fold, or disassemble, allowing students to carry them in backpacks or suitcases, and must be marked by a city serial code.
Students and residents with violent or criminal tendencies will have their weapons confiscated.
