During the reign of King Mun종 of Joseon, individuals with special abilities (hereinafter referred to as 'ability users') simultaneously emerged worldwide. This led to widespread chaos, and a constant 'clash between good and evil' began, with some using their powers for malevolent acts and others trying to stop them.
One day, a high-ranking official in the royal court gained the 'ability to see the future,' leading national development and achieving modern civilization levels in just 100 years.
Three hundred years later, in 1701 (during King Sukjong's reign). While technology and lifestyle are comparable to the 2020s (mobile phones, cars, etc. are possible), the rapid development has left gaps in local and on-site security/administration.
Premise:
No magic (impossible).
Coexistence of different races (an extension of the founding myth).
Joseon is a superpower with 'more than abundant' resources, but other countries have not developed as much as Joseon.
Due to technological advancements, modern terminology is widely used.
Possession/smuggling of military supplies by individuals, not by specialized units, is prohibited, and even specialized unit equipment is primarily developed for stab/slash protection.
Firearm systems like guns/aircraft carriers are impossible:
The court is suppressing the development of firearms through the royal guard 'Jangyongyeong' via assassination and silencing, while simultaneously implementing a limited seclusion policy, completely halting foreign exchange.
This is the period when the United States is in the midst of a civil war, and since the current government is controlling scientific advancement while hiding elements like firearms, it is more effective to conceal the outside world.
"Joseon is pursuing seclusion, refraining from external exchange and prioritizing internal unity. Let us all become desirable Koreans and support each other."
The setting is centered around the southern regions of the Korean Peninsula (the north is only mentioned).
Place names can be a mix of modern and classical (treated as the same).
Schools include realistic elementary, middle, and high schools, plus a specialized training institution for ability users (Hero School).
National System
The court appears outwardly modern and ordinary (administration/news/institutions, etc.), but the political structure is an absolute monarchy with a king, and ranks/titles are based on Joseon.
The royal lineage generally follows the actual historical flow, but in this worldline where Danjong does not exist (King Mun종 lived longer, Danjong died young), Sejo is the legitimate successor.
Taboo avoidance (避諱) has been abolished (discarded as an impediment to development).
The state religion is Confucianism, but the suppression of other religions is weak (tolerant).
4 Playable Factions:
1) Chakho Gapsa (Public Heroes/Ability Units)
An 'unit' centered around ability users, created by the court by gathering good-natured ability users (and some powerful non-ability users). Rationale: Catching tigers (ability users) → Dispatch for public security.
Primary mission: Prevent and apprehend 'Hoan' (ability user criminals), and if necessary, neutralize them.
High public popularity (treated as heroes) → A mix of respect and jealousy.
Recruitment: Selection tests or special recruitment.
Rank: Primarily uses the NCO system, but can rise to officer ranks based on skill/experience ("rank = strength" is established). However, they cannot command regular troops (limited command authority may arise during 'Hoan' incidents).
Operation: Deployed regionally, with one Jangseong-level Chakho Gapsa assigned to each region in principle.
Discipline: Use of force outside of missions is to be minimized, and even then, reporting is mandatory. Drugs/murder/sexual offenses are prohibited and violations can lead to suspension and arrest.
2) Amhaeng Eosa (Secret Special Operations/Observers)
Purpose: Monitor Chakho Gapsa, prevent 'Hoan' incidents, eliminate seeds of conflict, etc.
Characteristics: The only public information is the name "Amhaeng Eosa"; affiliation/mission are all classified. Focus on "resolution."
Recruitment: Each year, outstanding individuals from the Chakho Gapsa exam are secretly offered a proposal → If accepted, a 'mapae' (horse token) + dedicated radio are provided, and their identity is thoroughly concealed.
Activity Method:
Usually disguised as Chakho Gapsa and move together, or
In severe cases, infiltrate the 'Hoan' side to gather information (hence the risk of being mistaken for a target by Chakho Gapsa).
Rank: Starts as a Second Lieutenant upon commissioning (deployed after training/practice).
Punishment/Risk: Leaking classified information or causing major accidents can lead to summary execution by other Amhaeng Eosa.
Traditional연출 (Performance/Display): During executions or forced actions, the custom is to say "Amhaeng Eosa is here!" + display the 'mapae' (not mandatory).
Death Processing: Recorded as a star on the royal palace's memorial tablet ('Star in the Darkness') instead of a hero's article.
3) Hoan (Criminal Ability Users: Wanted/Target for Extermination)
Definition: Ability users (or similar beings) who have committed crimes or caused damage equivalent to crimes, according to Article 2 of the Special Management Law for Ability Users.
Principle: Surrender/submission is prioritized, but depending on the situation/rank, neutralization is permitted/recommended.
Rank System ("Tiger" 1-5 + Special "San-gun")
Tiger 1 (Rank 1): City-level disaster-level → Immediate neutralization recommended, requires dispatch of nearby branch chief level.
Tiger 2 (Rank 2): District-wide damage level → Recommendation if possible, neutralization permitted if not, command of city branch chief level recommended.
Tiger 3 (Rank 3): Dong-level damage level → Apprehension prioritized, neutralization possible if necessary.
Tiger 4 (Rank 4): Multiple casualties/injuries/property damage → Apprehension mandatory if no significant resistance.
Tiger 5 (Rank 5): Minor damage/property damage level → Continuous recommendation, apprehension prioritized, can be stopped by regular military police.
San-gun (Special): Province-level collapse-level extreme threat → Upon occurrence, multiple Jangseong-level Chakho Gapsa are summoned, with support from other provinces. Although rare, if one appears, it is usually a concentrated effort to neutralize.
4) Yangin (Ordinary Citizens)
Live their lives like ordinary people in reality.
Ability users can use their abilities in daily life after obtaining a registration card, but if there is a high possibility of harming others, strong caution/control is advised.
(Setting) Adult males have a duty of national defense like in modern Korea. Corruption is relatively low.
Individuals who were unregistered due to special reasons, or who have not yet committed an offense, are before being wanted, after punishment, or after the statute of limitations has passed, may be classified as *Yangin*.
[Auditors]
Auditors are mid-level managers and field commanders who lead Chakho Gapsa (including Amhaeng Eosa).
They are a special rank created to unite strong-willed members and ensure smooth and successful operations, and as such, they can issue orders even to Chakho Gapsa of 'Captain' rank.