Otherworld Primer

This is a Primer for Otherworld intended for content authors. Otherworld is another term for the planet Jaeis, which is a richer, more fertile planet than our own. Jaeis itself is evolved, possessing intelligence and motivations of its own, which are often in conflict with the beings living on it. The core themes behind Otherworld deal with a clash of philosophy between three schools of thought: entropism, naturalism, and industrialism.

Technology

The current technological climate of Otherworld might be considered "Dieselpunk." The closest comparison of the mood of Dieselpunk to a culture of our own world would be that of the Victorian-era through WWII. Combine the fashion and feel of that time period with an atmosphere of scientific and industrial revolution and a prevalence of marvelous gadgetry and wartime overtones, and you come close to capturing the feel of Otherworld. The availability of such technology is limited, however. Areas of advanced technological capabilities are localized and some cultures either abstain from using much technology or don't possess any of the necessary resources to use it. As such, the entire world varies greatly in the level of technology employed. For those not in the industrialized areas, the level of technology is more akin to the Dark Ages, where cloaked figures huddle around hearths and read hand-written books by candlelight.

For the advanced world. steam, gas and coal power are common, but most devices are powered by Mana, which is a physical embodiment of magic, found in liquid, solid, and gaseous forms. Mana can be harnessed inside of "cells", which allow for very efficient energy production. Guns of all kinds are regarded as very trendy and highly-sought after within the techno-elite and cars, planes and trains are the newest advance in transportation while body modification (clockwork hands, or a mechanical organ, for instance) is rewriting the rules of medecine.

Alchemy is also a wide-spread practice in Otherworld. Alchemy is the practice of transmuting one material into another through the application of science. Alchemy is responsible for hybrid food and even animals, healing salves and elixirs, as well as Tenebran Steel, currently the strongest material on the planet. Alchemy is often regarded as the common man's magic.

Magic

The technological revolution currently in full-swing on Jaeis is relatively new, but magic is as old as the planet itself. The use of magic is not something which can be learned, like other skills, but something which is inherent in the blood. Some mages combine the practices of alchemy, science, and magic in tandem, but to these pioneers, magic is by far the most important.

At the very basis of the nature of magic is a tenet of alchemy: one thing must be exchanged for another. In order to use their magic, magi are reliant on mana, which is the necessary component for magic spells. Mana is mined and harnessed wherever it is found, just like oil or iron ore. The presence of mana is a powerful economic factor for many areas.

Sometimes, items are permanently imbued with the forces of magic, and they become stronger, more useful items which last many times longer than their ordinary counterparts.

Since not all people can learn magic, it is something which is regarded with a large amount of ignorance and wonder by the general populace. Some people are hateful of magic, others welcome it openly into their communities, and still others see it as a tool to be used with discretion.

For those who practice magic there is also a large diversity in opinion regarding its governance. Some magi believe that their inherent ability to use magic sets them apart as a race superior to those people who are without their talents. Some magi believe their gift comes with a charge to protect the world at large. Other magi approach their art financially, offering their services for huge sums of money.

Belief

Otherworld is home to a cold (and sometimes not-so-cold) war of philosophy. The three factions of Naturalism, Entropism, and Industrialism constantly vie for power and control. The Naturalists believe in living in sync with and in deference to the planet while the Entropists assert that the will of Jaeis is detrimental to the lives of the beings which live there. They say that decay is the natural order of things and that the planet is out of control with this order, and so work to keep the world in balance through the exertion of calculated violence. Then there are the Indistrialists, which neither want to tear the natural world down nor let it grow, but instead wish to build, build, build on top of it.

Embroiled in scientific and philosophic questions, Otherworld is a place which is largely godless. The existence of a god or gods is unproven and there are no higher beings keeping watch on the world. Each race has their own distinct creation myths, but the rituals usually reserved for religious worship are instead tethered to philosophical institutions.