File: jayose/Jayose Library: Introduction to Mining.txt

One of the most controversial jobs in Yliakum is mining. An old history states that the entire land is inside a giant stalactite, with nothing but air beyond the wall, so mining is seen as a fool act by most older people people and many scientists. The law permits mining only on the first level, where the scientists agree that the hypothetical stalactite is connected to solid rock. If you want to start mining, you need a proper tool, since rock can be impossible to break without one. This job requires strong muscles and a lot of local knowledge. It is very important to know the best spots to dig to avoid spending hours mining while getting very little usable material. Some areas are known to contain rich veins of ore, but if too many miners dig there, the ore can be depleted. A well-known example is in the rocks close to the magic shop outside Hydlaa: it was once plentiful in gold, but overmining has left the area almost completely bereft of ore.