Earthworn

In any civilization, people are needed to build structures for others. Usually this falls to carpenters, stonemasons and smiths. However, in Terr'aina, stone has been manipulated by it's people for most of its history. As these stone and earth manipulators became more in demand, they slowly became an organization, known as the Society of Earthworn. Earthworn are hired by landowners, governments, businesses or ordinary people. Rather than job opportunities being a popularity contest based around fame, the Earthworn allows Stoneshapers, or people who create or manipulate earth, to be assigned to jobs, based on their skills and availability. Some Stoneshapers specialize in foundations or reinforcement, while others add a more artistic touch. This allows a better living for Stoneweavers, while increasing quality of production.

  The Society of Earthworn have a long and prestigious history over the years. The first Earthworn created the city-castle of Hon-shu in Xian, as well as all of the architectural monuments and feats in Hon-shu. These original founders have been slightly mythologized, with no two sources really agreeing on the specialties or even names of them. These founders are credited with the strong democratic system, as well as the fame and prestige they brought to the Society. While the retellings and stories have certainly grown in fancifulness, the fact remains - They were very good at their jobs.

  Earthworn also have a reputation in Aerava. Most floating isles are made of stone, and there is a prominent story about Earthworn spread around there. The story goes - Once there was a small city-state in Aerava, which suffered intensely from rain erosion. The leader of this town left to find something that could help, and in Terr'aina he found the Society of Earthworn. This was around their founding, and their name was not spread. When the leader offered all that he had, the founders refused to accept it, and went with the man to his isle. The shaped the minerals and ores within the isles, moving them to the outer edge, creating a hard mineral shell around the isle, preventing any erosion. When the man asked what they wanted in return, its said they all smiled. "Nothing. You are a good leader, and person for seeking help for your people. Instead, if you wish to repay us, spread our name to all that will listen. That will be enough payment for us."

  Of course multiple isles claim credit for this, and a hard outer shell is no longer a unique feature among floating isles. The Society claims to not have records, and even if it did, would never release them. However, whichever isle was actually the one in the story would never brag or claim credit, but likely still speaks of the Earthworn in reverant tones.