The setting of the " Elemental Masters " is an alternative Earth during the early 1900s . The main and perhaps sole difference between this world and our reality is that magic exists , controlled by those who have mastery over the four classical elements ( fire , air , water , earth ) . The majority of the tales take place in England , with '' The Fire Rose '' taking place in North America and focusing on the San Francisco area , while '' Blood Red '' and '' From a High Tower '' are set in Germany , with a focus on the Black Forest . While history does tend to follow the real-life time line , historic calamities such as the Great Chicago Fire and the earthquake in San Francisco are attributed to the elemental mages that serve as the series namesakes . Also the 1918 flu pandemic is hinted in '' Phoenix and Ashes '' to be due to the machinations of a malevolent Master
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Elemental Masters