The Otherworld is the realm in which Bogmire University and most known magical civilizations exist. Although it shares many similarities with the Human World, its history, geography, cultures, and natural laws have been shaped by the presence of Ether.
Ether is the force that makes magic possible. It moves through the Otherworld naturally and can be manipulated and combined with the Elements to create spells and other forms of magic.
The study of Ether has changed considerably over time. For centuries, it was understood almost entirely through magical practice. Modern Ethranomics has introduced a different approach, using pure Ether to power machines known as Ethra. This development has transformed many parts of the Otherworld and has also become the subject of considerable debate.
The Human World
The Otherworld exists separately from the Human World, although travel between the two is possible.
Although the Human World is commonly referred to as a world without magic, this is not completely true. Ether from the Otherworld does seep through to the Human World, allowing those who have magical abilities to harness it and use it. But all magic originates in the Otherworld, where Ether is naturally generated in the planet’s core.
Contact between the worlds has occurred throughout recorded history. At different times, inhabitants of the Otherworld have lived among humans, traded with them, influenced their folklore, or simply passed through unnoticed. Many creatures and stories regarded as myths in the Human World originated from real encounters with the Otherworld.
Most humans remain unaware that the Otherworld exists, even magical practitioners in the Human World.
The Peoples of the Otherworld
The Otherworld is home to many peoples and species, each with its own history and relationship with magic and the Elements.
Bogmire University prides itself on its diversity. Humans, Elves, Gnomes, Ghosts, Giants, Fairies and more, all study within Bogmire’s halls. The resulting mixture of traditions has shaped the university throughout history.
Bogmire and the Otherworld
Bogmire University has existed for roughly a century and a half and has become one of the Otherworld’s better-known centers for magical study.
Its departments cover both traditional disciplines and newer fields that have emerged as magical knowledge has changed. Ancient practices such as Divination and Floramancy exist alongside Ethranomics, while departments such as Spells, Healing Arts, Dark Studies, and Mesmeronics continue to reconsider practices that have been studied for generations.
Students arriving at Bogmire are entering a world much larger than the university itself.
The Otherworld is filled with old magic, unfinished history, unfamiliar creatures, and long-forgotten places.