Post by Liz on Jun 16, 2015 1:39:36 GMT -5
New York City, 1922
United States culture is in a crucial period of upheaval. This state of flux touches all members of society, granting new freedoms while also taking away old luxuries. Due to Prohibition, the sale of alcohol has been illegal for about two years. This has given birth to a thriving new black-market economy; bootleggers are connected with Speakeasy owners by organized crime families. Mob bosses find themselves growing ever richer due to this illegal trade, and they would kill to stake their claim on the profits.
For the first time in American history, more people live in cities than on farms. Unfortunately, large portions of the population are consigned to reeking tenements. This applies especially to immigrants, for whom life is incredibly difficult.
The divisions between rich and poor have rarely been more stark. Despite the efforts of Progressives, laissez-faire capitalism is still the name of the game. Wealth is concentrated in a few massive corporations, with not a lot to go around for the less fortunate.
Things have started to change for women, but that change is resisted by many, and the backlash can be fierce. Women are smoking cigarettes and attending Speakeasy functions, giving rise to the popular image of the flapper. Despite this newfound sexual revolution, prejudices run high, and the KKK has experienced a resurgence.
With luxuries for the rich and hardships for the poor, the stage is being set for the Great Depression, even though people are unaware of this fact.
Upstate New York - Cascade Academy of Western New York
Outside of the city, magical folks can make their way to the nation's premier school of witchcraft and wizardry. Nestled in the hills and hidden beneath the glamour of a lake, Cascade Academy educates the young members of the American wizarding world. Established in 1704, the school sorts its students into four houses in a manner similar to that employed at Hogwarts in the U.K.
AER HOUSE (AIR): Students most strongly characterized by their intellect
FUEGO HOUSE (FIRE): Students most strongly characterized by their strength of will
AQUA HOUSE (WATER): Students most strongly characterized by their emotional intelligence
TERRA HOUSE (EARTH): Students most strongly characterized by their rational natures
Cascade is located one mile away from a very unique town called Camden Hills.
AER HOUSE (AIR): Students most strongly characterized by their intellect
FUEGO HOUSE (FIRE): Students most strongly characterized by their strength of will
AQUA HOUSE (WATER): Students most strongly characterized by their emotional intelligence
TERRA HOUSE (EARTH): Students most strongly characterized by their rational natures
Cascade is located one mile away from a very unique town called Camden Hills.
Camden Hills
Though it is not an entirely magical settlement, Camden Hills is home to a large population of witches and wizards. After the onset of Prohibition, the residents of this town began taking advantage of their rural location to start various bootlegging operations. The people are appreciative of the revenue these illegal activities bring in, but they are less thrilled about the feuding organized crime families that have been drawn to the contraband.
Two magical families - the O'Briens and the Antonucchis - have been struggling for dominance over the Camden Hills bootleg trade for a year now and show no signs of letting up. Thus far, the feud has had little direct effect on Cascade Academy, but many people feel it is more and more threatened every day.
Two magical families - the O'Briens and the Antonucchis - have been struggling for dominance over the Camden Hills bootleg trade for a year now and show no signs of letting up. Thus far, the feud has had little direct effect on Cascade Academy, but many people feel it is more and more threatened every day.
