Witchfinders and Wise Women: The Tale of Elspeth Blackwood

1. Where/When:
The story unfolds in an alternate 18th-century society, a period characterized by its stark contrasts: the enlightenment era's budding rationalism on one hand and the deeply rooted superstitions and mysticism on the other. This society, while mirroring our historical 18th century in fashion, architecture, and social structures, diverges significantly in its acceptance and fear of the occult, which is an integral, albeit controversial, element of daily life. The setting spans from quaint villages shadowed by folklore to bustling towns on the cusp of industrial advances, all underpinned by an unseen dimension where magic and reality weave together.

2. Important rules of the universe and how it impacts the story:
In this universe, magic is a tangible, albeit dual-natured, force. It is both a gift and a curse, capable of healing and harm. Its users are born with the ability, often passed down familial lines, marking them as both special and suspect. Society is bifurcated in its views: some see magic as a natural extension of the world's wonders, while others, steeped in religious and cultural conservatism, vilify it as witchcraft. This schism creates a tense backdrop for the narrative, driving the persecution of those like Elspeth and the internal conflict within characters who must hide or deny their abilities. The existence of an alternate dimension, accessible through magic but obscured from the average person, adds complexity, allowing for a hidden world of power struggles and secrets integral to the plot's development.

3. The visual description of the universe:
This world is visually dichotomous, presenting the somber, muted colors of rural 18th-century life against the vibrant, sinister hues of the occult dimension. Villages are characterized by cobblestone streets, thatched-roof cottages, and the omnipresent mist that rolls in from the surrounding woods. The towns boast nascent industrial marvels, like the early versions of steam engines and mechanical looms, juxtaposed against ancient apothecaries and secret, candle-lit meetings of those practicing the old ways. The occult dimension vibrates with an ethereal beauty; it's a place where the physics of the real world are bent, where forests glow with bioluminescent flora, and ancient ruins float suspended in the air, hiding powerful artifacts and guarded by spectral beings.

4. Notable technologies or philosophies of the universe that impact the story:
Despite its setting in the past, the universe is at the cusp of technological innovation that mirrors the dawn of the industrial revolution, creating a tension between the old ways—both mundane and magical—and the new, mechanized future. This transition period emphasizes the story's themes of suspicion and acceptance, as characters grapple with the changing world's demands and the place of magic within it. A notable philosophy that impacts the narrative is the belief in the intrinsic power of nature and its elements, a core tenet of those practicing magic. This belief system, which underlines the practice of herbalism and the utilitarian use of spells, contrasts sharply with the emerging rationalism of the era, setting the stage for conflicts that drive the plot forward and shape the characters' journeys.