Because you asked me to do this. So here it is :) If you find a mistake, correct me, please, because English is not my mother language.
The illustrations are here: http://www.furaffinity.net/gallery/.....der/45434/Erba

Thanks  MikaelGrizzly for helping me with the text editing :)

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MAIN CONCEPTION

Erba is a parallel universe where anthros (or mostly anthros) live, consisting of worlds separated by the massive Ocean. This is the world where completely different historical eras can and do coexist.

The Space of the Dreams connects the worlds together, acting as a binding agent and conduit. If they are able and willing, the residents of this universe can peer through it into other worlds.

OLIESA

Oliesa is the primary world, based on the city of New Orleans. It contains Historical Zones (Epochs) existing in parallel, from the 17th to the 21st century. Only anthros live here, but their ways of life are similar, analogous even, to the lives of humans from these time periods.

They radiate out from the Modern (Present Day) center to the shores of the Ocean. The closer a zone is to the Ocean, the older it is. As the Historical Zones coexist in parallel, without definite borders, it's entirely possible for an anthro from the 20th century to meet a Golden Age, 18th century pirate. However, differences in psychology cause only the adventurous, young, bold, and/or scientists to venture out into other zones – to work, explore, and bring back stories.

In summary, Oliesa is a diverse, multicultural place, with a rich atmosphere combining the grotesque with celebration and interaction between its residents. They belong to a great many species, with cultures, convictions, creeds, and lifestyles as diverse as their appearances.

Despite the nature of the world, many are skeptical of magic, especially its two manifestations: The Swamps and the Witches.

- MAGIC

Magic is responsible for the current state of the world. It is as common as the air we breathe. However, it manifests primarily in the Old Epochs, due to their closer relationship with Nature. Modern Epochs try to develop on their own, increasingly disconnected from Natural Magic.

What is Natural Magic? It's the natural energy present in every being and every object on Erba. Instead of launching fireballs, magic users can interact with this energy, to influence and transform it. Water is ideal for these purposes, as it is a pure accumulator of energy. And just like water, the energy has to move through the world, be exchanged and transformed. Movement is life. Stagnation… Stagnation leads to anomalies.

Most anthros fear Natural Magic, mostly because they either didn't try or didn't want to penetrate, to understand its essence. Of course, they might have witnessed its more terrifying manifestations or met a crazed witch. It's understandable. A large part of Oliesa is a place of macabre and grotesque, and trying to protect yourself from the unspeakable is a natural instinct.

- SWAMPS
In Oliesa, water is the primary substance through which the Magic can be used and demonstrated, powerful enough to be used as a portal to cross into other worlds (a distinct alternative to Dreams, when only your mind travels). Of course, it can't be used by just about anyone.

The most powerful water comes from the Ocean and the Swamps. The Ocean is pure and tolerable for regular anthros (more on that later). The Swamps, on the other hand, are the most macabre and terrifying places in Oliesa. There is a huge concentration of Magic within the water in the swamps and they are also home to a great many different creatures.

Their magical properties make them favourite territories of Witches.

- WITCHES

Witches are special creatures who can use Natural Magic with ease. There are only a few of them in Oliesa, as few females have what it takes to become one.

A potential witch needs to be smart, mature (well, reasonably so), and have enough rationality and responsibility to understand the duties she undertakes. Patience and wisdom are also absolutely essential to resist the temptation to live only for yourself and your desires, as well as ensure that you keep studying and perfecting yourself and your art. Failure leads to corruption, degradation, and ultimately, loss of sanity.

These strict requirements don't mean that witches are boring. With inner discipline comes personal freedom and experienced witches are well known for their energy, spontaneity, and knowledge – as well as the ability to use their wits with humour, irony, and wisdom when needed. They know how to use both the light and dark aspects of magic.

That balance is key. Extremes lead to stagnation. Those who lack inner discipline and become lost, degraded, will destroy themselves and others through their exclusive focus on the dark aspects aspects. Their way is stagnation. However, the other way also leads to this end: Prudery, submission, the extremes of what is considered “good”.

How does one become a witch? First, they need to find a way to interact with Natural Magic, where it is naturally concentrated. Swamps are one such place. The process is triggered by extreme emotions, such as wrath or despair, coupled with a sincere desire for change in their life. Then, their new life begins.

It is, in essence, a rebirth. The female is transformed by Magic, in a very painful process. Not everyone will survive it, which is part of the reason why the Witches are few in number. But if they do, they are reborn. The old body becomes a husk, discarded by the newborn Witch when the transformation is completed.

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The setting of Erba is not finished and didn't so well-thought-out yet. But I'm working on it and try to make it interesting anyway :)
I've already got some more detailed texts about Oliesa written in Russian, and I'll translate them later if you want to.