LetsBuild5e:Geography and Cosmology
The as-yet-unnamed world of this setting is a two-sided disc - planet-sized and circular, with a distinct 'top' and 'bottom' side. The 'bottom' side presumably has normal gravity, but is known to be much harsher and more inhospitable than the 'top' side. (Decision: [1] ) The identity of the two sides switches over with a periodicity measured in at least centuries; this appears to be a natural phenomenon whose nature is not well-understood. (Decision: [2]) There's at least one huge pit in the surface of the world which is reputed to be where the elders tried to dig right through it before the races were sundered.
Locally, the technology level is classical, but it's possible that a higher technology level might exist elsewhere. (Decision: [3] ) The starting region is highly cosmopolitan: major cities are melting pots where one could meet anyone, while in more rural areas communities tend to be dominated by 2-3 different races. (Decision: [4]) There is no superpower in the starting region; instead, it is divided up among many weak states with diverse political systems. (Decisions: [5] [6]) In addition to the regular PC races, orcs and aasimar are found in significant numbers in the starting area. (Decision: [7]) Also present are an enigmatic race of human-sized colonial insects, with whom the humanoids have a very limited form of commerce. (Decision: [8])
