South Korean developer Dynamis One and publisher NC have launched a teaser video and official website for the upcoming RPG Astrae Oratio (officially shortened to “Asora”). According to the teaser, the title is set to launch in 2026.
While the developers haven’t yet lifted the veil on characters and gameplay, the newly released information is loaded with hints about the concept and setting, both of which seem quite fascinating at this point. The world (or one of the worlds) Astrae Oratio’s story takes place in is 1889 Tokyo, or the 9th year of the fictional Reisei Era. The timeline might be deceptive though, as it’s described as a “a world where technology, culture, and civilization are intricately intertwined, accelerating nearly a hundred years beyond what we know today.”
Having achieved unprecedented postwar economic growth, Tokyo was selected as the host of the next “Expo” over its rival Kyoto, and is in the midst of a development boom, with the construction of the Tokyo Tower soon to be completed. This has led to a growing population, which seems to tie into Astrae Oratio’s magic element too, as the teaser states, “The power of magic is proportional to the scale of human life. In other words, the larger a city’s population, the greater its magic becomes, and Tokyo is the largest metropolis in existence. That makes it the most powerful magical dominion in the world.”
It seems the player will assume the role of a Shunin (Japanese for “chief” or “supervisor”), who has been assigned to an administrative body known as the Special District Office. The office is described as “an institution that gives physical form to the concept of administration and anchors it upon this land” and is “the sole signifier floating upon the vast ocean of magic.” It was established by a mysterious group of “shadow bureaucrats” known as the Other Cabinet.
Another key aspect of Aster Oration seems to be magic duels, or “Trials of Dominion,” which are used as the primary method of resolving disputes between magicians. In battle, magicians wield weapons known as Artifacts, that act as manifestations of their will. “They take on diverse forms, ranging from historically significant antiques (like Hecate’s Dagger) to modern inventions shaped by contemporary interpretation.”
It looks like the player will be presented with the choice or joining (or leading) five clans, including Minato, a clan formed by magician girls attending the Minato International Middle School; The Seiran Fellowship – a secret clan formed by daughters of powerful conglomerate families, and others.
Further updates on Astrae Oratio are due to be released via the official homepage and X account.
