The Underdark

The Underdark is a vast interconnected series of underground caverns, so vast it could almost be considered its own realm.

## Society

### Primary People

Drow, Duergar, Myconids, Illithid, Gnomes, Scragglepaw

## History

### Date Created

7000 BTG

The Underdark is region beneath Veiltouria, that may stretch across the entire surface of Terra Alethia, though it is very unexplored. With few openings to the surface, The Underdark has developed in isolation, resulting in many unique nations, cultures and species developing within its boundaries.

## History

Formed with the creation of Terra Alethia, The Underdark is as old as the world itself. With thousands of years of history and development, The Underdark is a politically and geographically complex place. The Underdark is not one giant cavern under the surface, but rather, many huge networks of caverns and caves. As a result, it is not always possible to travel from one end of the Underdark to the other. The Underdark is divided into several domains that are similar to continents of the world above. While it is possible to travel from one place to another within a domain, separate domains tended to have very few passages linking them. One of the major openings to the surface world, The Delve, opens directly to Saigan Forest, leading to the most interaction between those who live below and above the surface.

The Underdark's underground landscape varies from small subterranean fissures almost impossible for adventurers to crawl through, to wide expanses of deep water that hide coral caves, hollowed out sections of ice in which creatures live, and places where fungus, bones, or even pure force formed "caves." This varied landscape is as dynamic as the surface of Veiltouria. Some areas are always changing over time because of underground magma rivers or the emptying of underground lakes due to cracks in the rock formed by earthquakes. This means maps of the Underdark are highly unreliable.

The Underdark's environment varies vastly from the surface world, making adventuring through it a dangerous expedition. Just like trekking through a desert, adventurers traversing the Underdark's passages need to be well prepared. The Underdark is mainly without any source of light save for the occasional luminous rocks or fungi. Large portions of it are also without food or water, making well-stocked food supplies a must-have when exploring uncharted terrain underground.

Lack of light combined with a tomb-like silence make traveling something only for the strong-hearted. The nerve-wracking silence makes even experienced adventurers grow agitated after a few days. Just like deep dungeons, the air could grow stale and even poisonous in the Underdark. It could contain explosive gases from underground volcanic activity or other deadly gases bubbling out of deep fissures in the rock. Bad air and poisonous fumes could collect in portions of tunnels and caves more or less isolated from the main vaults and caverns. Siphon-like tunnels holding water could also trap these gases for a long time.

Most denizens of The Underdark worship the Íshnubar Lolth, who assumed command of the huge society of drow that dwelled below when she betrayed and ousted her sister The Raven Queen, forcing her out into the Shadowfell during the great drow civil war. In recent years, The Underdark has played host to thousands of illithid, who have formed great societies, mentally enslaving the more common citizens of the subterranean world and subjugating them to serve Shog-Ammonoth.