Underdark
Geography
Under the surface, or "World Above" as it is described by those who live in it, is the underdark.
The Underdark was not one giant cavern under Faerûn, but rather, many huge networks of caverns and caves. As a result, it was not always possible to travel from one end of the Underdark to the other. The Underdark was divided into several domains that were similar to continents of the world above. While it was possible to travel from one place to another within a domain, separate domains tended to have very few passages linking them. The major domains of the Underdark were the Buried Realms, the Darklands, the Deep Wastes, the Earthroot, the Glimmersea, Great Bhaerynden, the Northdark, and Old Shanatar.
The Upperdark is the first three miles below the surface. It was here that most surface dwellers and those in the Underdark most often met.
The Middledark was located three to 10 miles below the surface, and this is the area where most Underdark cities were located
The final layer of the Underdark is the Lowerdark, where even those in the Underdark were loath to go.
The Underdark was not one giant cavern under Faerûn, but rather, many huge networks of caverns and caves. As a result, it was not always possible to travel from one end of the Underdark to the other. The Underdark was divided into several domains that were similar to continents of the world above. While it was possible to travel from one place to another within a domain, separate domains tended to have very few passages linking them. The major domains of the Underdark were the Buried Realms, the Darklands, the Deep Wastes, the Earthroot, the Glimmersea, Great Bhaerynden, the Northdark, and Old Shanatar.
The Upperdark is the first three miles below the surface. It was here that most surface dwellers and those in the Underdark most often met.
The Middledark was located three to 10 miles below the surface, and this is the area where most Underdark cities were located
The final layer of the Underdark is the Lowerdark, where even those in the Underdark were loath to go.
Ecosystem
The Underdark's environment varied vastly from the surface world, making adventuring through it a dangerous expedition. Just like trekking through a desert, adventurers traversing the Underdark's passages needed to be well prepared.
The Underdark was mainly without any source of light save for the occasional luminous rocks or fungi. Large portions of it were 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 made traveling something only for the strong-hearted. The nerve-wracking silence made 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.
The Underdark was mainly without any source of light save for the occasional luminous rocks or fungi. Large portions of it were 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 made traveling something only for the strong-hearted. The nerve-wracking silence made 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.
Ecosystem Cycles
The temperature underground varied according to depth and the proximity of thermal activities in the area. Throughout the year, the temperature remained stable and moderate in most regions, usually slightly clammy or chilly. The water underground was extremely cold and posed a hypothermia risk.
Fauna & Flora
Plant life and animal life could be as varied underground as on the surface. Ranging from small insects to hook horrors or shadow dragons, which set up their realms deep down, everything could be expected. Plant life was unable to utilize sunlight as a source for energy, and thus took on strange forms adapted to life underground. Many fungi were also found underground. Being unable to digest normal nutrients most of the time, they relied on absorbing faerzress for their energy.
Some dangerous flora of the Underdark were the exploding bibberbangs.
Some dangerous flora of the Underdark were the exploding bibberbangs.
Natural Resources
See Upper, Middle, and Lowerdark.
Tourism
Few and far between due to the danger and xenophobic people who reside here.
Type
Underground / Subterranean
Contested By
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
Inhabiting Species
Comments