#sabrinoids

[morterra]

Obside Mines

The obside (the underside of the world) is the easiest place to access the magical ore exponite. This is used to create magic items, as well as as a status symbol.

Naturally, it still needs mining.

Mining claims of 3-10 acres can be purchased from the Decumverate, the government of the Void Islands (though all of those currnetly accessible from the islands are already owned), giving the purchaser the right to open and run mines in those areas.

Miners can spend up to 6 months of the year on the obside, though some decide to remain permanently for various reasons. Many are sabrinoid, but others who are either desparate for money or simply wish to be far away from someone/something find their way there, particularly as extradition from the obside is unheard of

[morterra]

The Void Islands

A series of islands floating around the edge of the world, stacked but offset. Their names from top to bottom are Tropos, Stratos, Mesos, Thermos, Exos, Obexos, Obthermos, Obmesos, Obstratos, and Obtropos. Below the world gravity is reversed, however, so the inhabitants of the obside would regard Obtropos as the top. Gravity’s complicated

The islands are said to be splinters of the Great Pillars on which worlds are born, drawn to the gravity of Morterra, and are home to the sabrinoids, a race of humanoids who resemble flying squirrels.

The sabrinoids work hard and play hard, mining the obside for precious metals and gems, most of which are sold to makers of magical artifacts. It is usual to spend 4 months mining or working the obside (they need cooks, healers, and those skilled at extracting the usable material from ores after all) and 8 on the surface, trading and resting.

Each island is ruled by an elected representative, and these representatives meet once a month, alternatively on Exos or Obexos, to hash out any disputes or necessary legislation changes, forming a council known as the Octumverate.

[morterra]

what are the most powerful beings that do not have ties to any other planes?

This is a tricky one because it rules out all magic users

The obvious answer would be emperors, kings, etc, but I think the real answer is the sabrinoid traders. They do exploit magic in that they sell the ores and jewels mined from the obside, but are not necessarily connected to the magic themselves.

Who controls the mines, controls the magic, and thus can determine the fate of nations if they so choose. They don’t, as a rule, because it’s more fuss than it’s worth and war is bad for trade.

But they could