The Masquerade is the common name for the trait about the world of Offetstine that while individual humans are frequently personally indoctrinated into the worlds of magic and demi-humanity, the general public remains broadly unaware of this development. While the effects and applications of magic thrive, especially in cities with an unusually dense concentration of magical energy such as in the greater Offetstine area, only a select few individuals and organizations are privy to the very existence of magic.
To an untrained eye, it seems natural, although closer inspection would reveal that the specific nature of the Masquerade in Offetstine, especially when combined with the chaotic and explosive nature of some demi-humans, is artificial. While there is fierce debate over the ethicality and practicality of the Masquerade, it remains one of the most potent aspects of magic in the world of Offetstine as it stands. While most mages and demi-humans remain content to not disturb the Masquerade, no attempt to disrupt the peace appears to succeed.
In practice, the Masquerade is perpetuated by the Veilkeepers, an organization of magically empowered and controlled people, predominantly human, with the power to erase parts of history and the sworn duty to protect civilian humans, mages and demi-humans alike from disrupting their respective societies.
Real life
In real life, “masquerade” refers to a common trope in speculative fiction wherein the very existence of an often vast society that underpins a story is veiled from the general public.