What if...
What if violent crime and in fact those who would commit violent crimes didn't exist? Consider at least a few things that might be different.
Resources that would typically be used to prevent, capture, or incarcerate violent criminals would be freed for other uses.
No one would fear violence from another person without provocation.
If people feared less and resources were readily available, then perhaps efforts to help those in need would increase.
Given enough time, entire cultures might change to focus more on cooperation, growth, and innovation.
Greed, ambition, selfishness, etc. would all still exist, but any violent means to satisfy those impulses would be curtailed or non-existent.
The Settled Lands
The people of Shocraich, known as the Settled Lands, live in a relatively idyllic society. There have been no wars for centuries. Violent crime is so rare that the idea of police or security are largely unknown. Militia or defense forces exist for the purpose of defending against monsters or other evil humanoids, but within the scope of the developed races, no large militaries or internal security forces exist.
Monsters and evil or naturally violent humanoids have been forced onto reservations; large areas of wilderness that civilized people stay far away from. Rangers patrol the reservation borders making sure the creatures living there stay within their boundaries. Patrols from each city protect the roads and periodically check on outlying villages. After a massive culling early on and with no infighting among the civilized races, more resources are available to contain the remaining threats.
Magic functions in a manner unique to the Settled Lands.
The Central Plateau (Ard-urlar)
A massive, unnaturally circular plateau rises like a splined cylinder from the central plains of Shocraich. Over 300 miles across and several thousand feet in height, the summit of the plateau is often hidden in low clouds. Five cities have been built over time at roughly equal distances around the plateau. From the base of the escarpments and beyond the cities stretch miles of open grasslands. Huge mechanical lifts rise from each of the cities, climbing the cliffs in staggered sections, with waystations carved out of the cliff face every 1,000 feet or so. Charmed materials are harvested from the top of this gargantuan mesa.
The Five Regions
According to the histories, people were scattered across the known world of Shocraich, living in small villages and communities congregated around available resources. Some found fertile and rich farmland but lacked accessible ore mines or large forests. Others settled near mountains with abundant mineral resources, but rocky soil that made growing food difficult. Eventually, trade between villages brought relief to some of this need, but it was the discovery of Charmed material on the central plateau that instigated the construction of the five great cities. Over time, trade and commerce funneled through the five cities and resulted in the formation of five associated regions.
Coille (Forest) - Northeast
Primary export: raw timber, wood products
Cuan (Ocean) - Northwest
Primary exports: fish, salt
A large bay sweeps inland. Between the bay and the plateau is a coastal plain with sparse trees.
Fionnlainn (Lowlands) - West
Primary exports: medicinal plants and herbs, clay
Low lying land with marshy areas. Peat bogs and other similar agriculture like rice or cranberries.
Beanntan (Mountains) - Southwest
Primary exports: metal ore, stone
Mining, ore production, some smithing and fabrication.
Torrach (Fertile) - Southeast
Primary exports: grain
Farming and agriculture.
Baile of Torrach
Life is good in Baile, a small town in the idyllic realm of Shocraich, where peace and prosperity are taken for granted and war is only referenced in ancient history lessons. An attack on anyone traveling the roads is unheard of and even those foolish enough to venture into the wilderness or the preserves rarely encounter any danger, other than getting lost. Life is about discovering your calling and true potential for helping the greater good. Everyone lives comfortably and even in times of difficulty, such as when the crops are damaged by weather, people pull together and help one another.
Baile, in general, is an agricultural community. Produce is bought and sold at market, but a significant amount is exported to other cities or towns to help support their needs. In turn, Baile receives metal, wood, or other manufactured products shipped from other communities. The larger provinces tend to export complementary items. Baile exports wheat, barley, vegetables, and fruit, another province primarily exports metals, ores, and precious gems, another exports timber and wood products, another porcelain, clay, and cloth.