Benighted Bizarre

In the Dark Beneath, peoples of the Subterranean Civilization and other brave or foolish souls come together in the autumn to celebrate and trade at the Benighted Bizarre. The Subterranean Civilization consists of many species--mostly those corrupted by Luxaz. Though these folk make up the majority of the patrons of the Dark Bizarre, other species such as dwarves, elves, humans, and to a lesser extent gnomes attend.

It is a time for reunions, trade, intelligence gathering, and all-out revelry. It is also a time when many reflect on the history of their civilization and what brought them below.

Some of the most sought-after items at the bizarre are poisons made from the plants and fungi only found in the Dark Beneath.

The mosses, fungi, slime, and plants native to the Dark Beneath can be obtained only during this annual market. Medicines, poisons, powders, tisanes, and drinks derived from these ingredients are also to be found there.

One of the most potent and hence popular mushrooms harvested are Sentient Attack Mushrooms (SAM's). The large mushrooms are highly dangerous. They glow at will and can deploy thousands of spores into the air to sedate or kill intrusive creatures. Harvesting them is only possible with magical protection and warded containment devices.

A very potent liquor is produced by combining several ingredients including Glowing Slime, Gnome Dome Mushrooms, and other things depending on the brewers choice. Gnome Domes get their name because their tops resemble the skulls of gnomes.
Several hallucinogens and narcotics are bought and sold. Typical components of these are Treacherous Fungus, Freaky Ferns, Beguiling Mushrooms, and Liars Lichen. One well-known serum made from the latter two elements when embibed caused the truth to flood out of the lips or enables the drinker to lie like what they are saying is the absolute truth. The outcome depends on the constitution of the one taking the serum.

Many species of bats, Fiery Salamanders, Icey Salamanders, other lizards, Tricky Crickets, beetles, fish, crayfish, snakes, and numerous and diverse kinds of creatures as well as their byproducts are available at the Benighted Bizarre. Potions, talismans, and fetishes are produced from these materials.

History

The origin of the Benighted Bizarre is unknown. It has been going on since a little after the Dark Revolt. It provides a neutral place for the dark species to meet and trade. It is only fairly recently that the peoples from above have ventured into the dark market.

Execution

A large cavern is chosen by a 16-member council of traders which is elected every four years by the participants of the bizarre. This council also resolves disputes during the market and provides enforcement of the rules to maintain the status quo. A security force nominated by the council at the beginning of each year's bizarre patrols the area to deter thieves and cutthroats. This does not guarantee the safety of everyone at the market, however. It is still a chancy place to be.

Components and tools

Booths and tents provide space for trading and camping during the event.

Participants

Species that frequent the Benighted Bizarre include:

• Dragonborn
• Drow Elves
• Orcs
• Goblins
• Gnolls
• Kobolds
• Dwarves
• Elves
• Humans
• Gnomes

Observance

Once a year during the last two weeks of Gahir. The location of the market is variable and spread by word of mouth.

Primary Related Location

Dark Beneath

Related Ethnicities

• Subterranean Civilization

Images purchased from Vectorstock.