The Setting

MApleridge

We Are Gifted is set in the fictional town of Mapleridge. Despite being a rather moderately sized city, Mapleridge is often split into four sectors: The Northern City, The Eastern City, The Western City, and the Southern City. Since the arrival of the Gifted and the dreaded Reapers, many living on city edges have fled their homes in an attempt to seek security in closer communities. Since the appearance of the Gifted, Mapleridge has been strictly quarantined. With the exception of a few locations outside the city, very few people are permitted to enter or leave Mapleridge.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary was founded by a small community of Gifted who longed to create a safe haven for people like them. The Gifted who acts as the Sanctuary's administrator is simply known as 'The Druid' as their gifts are a mystery to everyone who encounters them. The Druid has become less of a person and more of an omniscient presence. It is believed by the Gifted residing in the Sanctuary that the Druid is responsible for the field of magic that surrounds their territory. To the normal eye, one could glance into the Gifted lands without seeing anything special. The same landscape continues as far as the eye can see and there is nothing out of the ordinary. The field acts as a cloaking and preventative mechanism. It prevents nongifted from seeing the Sanctuary itself, and it casts about it a presence that keeps any outsiders from wandering too close. Many Gifted have tried to unravel the mystery behind the Druid and the magic shield known as the Cloak, but none have come to a conclusive agreement. The Sanctuary territory begins on the other side of the Torii Memorial Gate, and tapers off near the Cougar Canyon.

The Origin

The Origin is the Seeker's home base. It was once an estate owned by a wealthy family, however it was handed over to the Seekers to provide them a place to continue their 'good work'. Most, if not all of the community is unaware of the extent of the Seeker's menace. Though this place is used to house Seekers, tend to their immediate needs, hold meetings and organize data, the primary use of the Origin is unknown. Below Ground Zero, the Seeker's operate their own prison system, torturing and brutally killing any Gifted or Reaper they find. Bodies are often burned, or taken out to the woods where they are left to be eaten. The Seekers take great care to keep their methods a secret. One of their most effective measures is that only Seekers and government officials are permitted on Origin property. Their closely guarded property ensures that nobody unwanted comes in, and nobody unwanted goes out.

Mapleridge Correctional Facility

The Correctional Facility was an abandoned prison. Now, it has been recycled as a facility to hold the most brutal criminals, Gifted who have proven to be a threat, and worst of all, Reapers. For the most part, prisoners here are treated less like prisoners and more like insane asylum patients.The only reason many of these Reapers and dangerous gifted are still alive is because they have family or friends who are dearly concerned for their safety and well-being. Many hold on to the hope that somehow their loved ones might 'return' or get better. Often if a Reaper or Gifted proves they are too dangerous to be held in the facility, the appropriate family or friends will be spoken to and the prisoner 'put down'. No Gifted or Reaper wants to end up in this place, and no Citizen wants to work here. Under the slowly worsening conditions and growing population of prisoners, it is becoming less and less uncommon for a Reaper to eat other inmates or staff. Despite this, the Correctional Facility remains the Seeker's attempt to appease those who do not want the Gifted simply removed without trying more 'humane' methods.