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The Laws of The Chasm of Cavum
Cavum's topography is inherently different from our own world. The entire world consists of a Chasm, and there is no surface/entrance into the chasm (reachable by mortals). The Chasm goes upward endlessly, and downwards endlessly.
The "Sun" moves vertically down the Chasm, taking the form of Golden tear called Aurum. Aurum allows for people to use magic as long as they are in some sort of contact with it (See it, feel it's heat, Etc.)
There is another source of Magical power called Erebus. Erebus is a darkness beyond darkness, which grows from the deepest depth of Cavum. Those who control Erebus often go mad.
Magic is commonly used, but only the elite and well educated have a strong understanding of it. Only the Elves are able to directly manipulate Aurum, whilst Tieflings and Drow are able to directly influence Erebus. For humans and other races, magical ability can be obtained through lots of exposure to Aurum or Erebus, and ones aptitude for magic varies depending on how closely related they are to Ancient Elves.
Magical power can also be obtained through something called Magical dopping. Aurum runoff can be collected and turned into an elixer. At a high price one can buy these elixers and recieve a short burst of magic power. These elixers can be injested for a longer lasting effect, or injected for an immediate one. There are possible negative side effects.
Cosmology
Cavum was created by God as a place of punishment for the damned. However, after looking down his hellish chasm, he took pity on the suffers that he had condemned to a neverending torment there. So he began to cry tears of Gold, called Aurum, tears which fell down the chasm and illuminated it, driving away Erebus and the suffering it brought with it. Seeing this Golden Tear many flocked to it, and a few where able to bath within it. Those who bathed in the tear became minor dieties, immortal as long as they bathed in the tear. Seeing this, God was angry, and made it so the tears where impossibly hot, untouchable my any mortal. Nevertheless, He continues to cry into the chasm to this day, keeping Erebus at bay.
To the people of Cavum its origins are unknown, and there are many different explanations of how Cavum was created, if it even was.
Principal Geography & Features
What makes Cavum geographically interesting is the fact that is, as stated before, it's a massive chasm. Within the chasm there are a number of levels which are conducive to life, a few which are not. Many of these levels house strange and diverse flora and fauna, and for some their own special magic properties.
Initial Active Setting
The active scene of Cavum is a range between 10 to 20 different levels within Cavum, and the settlements, ruins, and ecosystems in and around those levels.
