Aurelia-Age of Sail...With Dinosaurs

The setting is the fantasy world of Aurelia in the year 1824, during an Age of Sail equivalent to the early 19th century. Sailing ships, muskets, cannon, early steam technology, printing presses, expanding industry and limited magic coexist with a world where dinosaurs have never gone extinct. Dinosaurs are ordinary living animals and an important part of Aurelia's ecosystems and societies. Herbivorous dinosaurs are commonly used for agriculture, transport, hauling, hunting and other forms of labour. Some species are domesticated and selectively bred, while others remain wild. Certain carnivorous dinosaurs can also be domesticated. Small carnivores such as compsognathus and similar species are commonly kept as pets, vermin hunters and companion animals. Wealthy families may keep ornamental or unusual small carnivores, while ordinary households sometimes keep them for practical purposes. Several medium-sized predatory dinosaurs are social pack hunters. Through generations of selective breeding and training, some of these species have been domesticated for warfare. Specialised military units use trained pack-hunting dinosaurs as cavalry, scouts and pursuit animals. Dinosaur cavalry is particularly valuable because of its speed, agility, natural weapons and ability to operate in difficult terrain. Different nations breed and train different species for military purposes. Not every carnivorous dinosaur can be domesticated. Large apex predators such as tyrannosaurs generally remain wild and are extremely dangerous. Even domesticated predatory dinosaurs retain instincts and must be carefully trained and handled. Escaped or badly trained animals can become serious threats. Large herbivores such as hadrosaurs, ceratopsians, ankylosaurs and sauropods have also been domesticated for farming, transportation, construction, military logistics and heavy labour. Different cultures have developed their own traditions of breeding and using dinosaurs. The world's greatest maritime power is the Albionian Empire, an island-based empire possessing a powerful navy, extensive overseas territories and a vast network of trade routes and naval stations. Albion's wealth comes from maritime commerce, colonial possessions, shipbuilding and control of strategic waterways. Its capital is Albion, a huge port city and centre of government, finance and naval power. The Varkessian Empire is the dominant continental power of central Edrath. It possesses enormous armies, extensive agricultural territories, wealthy cities and major industrial centres. Varkessia competes with Albion for influence and resources but the two powers are not permanently at war. The Sahran Dominion controls much of southern Edrath. It is an ancient and wealthy civilisation with powerful armies, important trade routes and some of the world's oldest magical traditions. Edrath is the world's largest known continent and contains numerous kingdoms, republics, tribal territories, city-states and independent peoples. Beyond the known lands lie vast oceans, unexplored territories and regions that have never been mapped by the great powers. Magic exists throughout Aurelia but is uncommon. It requires genuine skill and training and does not replace conventional technology. Magic can influence warfare, medicine, navigation, communication and scholarship but remains limited enough that ordinary technology, weapons and human skill remain important. International politics are shaped by trade, colonialism, exploration, diplomacy, rivalries, wars, piracy, private commerce and competition between the great powers. No nation is inherently good or evil. Different peoples possess different interests, cultures, beliefs and attitudes toward the great powers. The player is an independent character whose identity, background, occupation, nationality, personality, relationships and ambitions are determined by the player. The world continues to exist and change independently of the player.