This story takes place in the Ashfall, the current era in Eternatum. The name ‘Ashfall’ comes from the literal ash and debris that have settled since the bodies of Dimos and Daos, the two primary gods in this story, fell upon the land and shattered the world into pieces.
Law looks different depending on where you are in Anderfall. In Asterrali provinces, for example, The Warden's Hand- or just the Hand colloquially- is the sole organization that helps mete out punishment and justice. The knights of the hand, called the Fingers, are sent to both enforce the laws of the Warden and to ensure the populace is safe from all threats. These include monsters, bandits, and, in some cases, one another. The Hand is somewhat infamous however, especially in current times, as they extend their reach beyond their rights.
In larger cities, like Kinseiger, Bahsra, Caverstag, and Wisteria, prisoners may give back and absolve themselves through community service and time in dungeons rather than death. Small groups of mercenaries employed by merchants or nobles often take the place of law enforcement by keeping cities, towns, and docks safe. Many mercenaries and sell swords become judge, jury, and executioner, hired by desperate folks to mete out justice.
Human life is highly valued, especially after the Cataclysm, and most communities wish to see them repent and repay their crimes rather than face execution. This varies depending on the severity of the crime.
In other parts of Anderfall, law is a little less strict, and harder to mete out. In places like Singorn, people will often leave criminals in the middle of the woods, and let nature decide their fates. While in places like Corsair, criminals will either be hired by the Circle to put their skills to better use, or are never seen from again.
Eternatum has come a long way in just a few decades since the War. Mortals were once barely scraping by with nothing more than hastily thrown together tools and armor, eking out a living in the many caves and hollows that dot the landscape. However, innovations have provided a great deal of creature comforts in the Ashfall. While innovations have come from all over, a great deal of them are thanks to Caverstag and it’s political neutrality. With all the dwarves and humans living within close proximity to one another they’ve had the space to collaboratively work and focus on improving the standard of living for all.
Indoor plumbing, sewage systems, and steam-based energy systems have been put into place in most major cities. There are toilets, baths, and safe magic-based lighting in every home. Water is treated by manaweavers to be safe and potable, and fireplaces and steam-heated floors keep buildings warm in winter. Underground aqueducts carry fresh water into cities, and flush out waste.
It's only the small rural towns, especially those built before the war ended, that go without these more modern amenities. They rely more on silver to purify water, use chamber pots, and bathe in local bodies of water.
Regardless of where you are, elemental magic has always made life easier. Those of water alignment can purify liquid in small amounts, radiant elementals light street lamps with small glowing orbs, and light hearths and stoves with fire element. Those born with nature element help grow crops and make it possible to farm in places where soil would otherwise be barren.
Functional prosthetics are made and distributed to those who can afford them. Though their cost is high, and requires a great deal of effort to obtain and make. Runecrafters imbue mechanical limbs with wind magic to make them move. These runes are reapplied as needed, and regular maintenance is required.