The Underscape
Geography
Located under the very city of Kestril, the Underscape is often refereed to as the foundation of the city. The Undercity is an expansive cave network made of rubble, forgotten structures and old buildings of which new ones are built atop of. There are seven distinct layers within the Underscape. From highest to lowest they are as follows; The Collapse, The Old City, Podoserpula Gardens, Glacial Lakes, The Hidden Forge, The Deep Hollow and The City of The Lost
Travelling within the Underscape is a dangerous and perilous task. Wrought with seemingly bottomless pits, deadly creatures, hives of "Forsaken" seeking to feast on sentient flesh. Finding water and food is no idle task most adventurers bring down sources of food. However sometimes this isn't an option in which case the air filtering morels that grow in the damp areas may be eaten though their flavour is musty. Additionally, many of the creatures that stalk the Underscape are edible though taking them down can be more trouble than it's worth. Deeper down many "safe havens" are formed in the lowest layers around areas where lava flows and water pools have naturally formed or have been constructed. Boasting a host of strange endemic life from water filtering mussels, strange looking fish, edible glow caps and scaled fisher creatures.
While much of the Underscape is silent tunnels, twisting corridors and winding stairs that ascend and descend at random. There are small pockets of beauty; great crystal caverns, old district sections, large plazas now at home in gargantuan caverns. Lucky adventurers might stumble upon long lost temples or workshops, no longer maintained, but kept in pristine condition by the echoes of its past users that shuffle about.
History
Originally Kestril was an bustling city situated at a prime position on a temperate savanna. With A large mountain range to the north and deserts to the south. It was a prime hub of trade and devout worship to Kastor the god of war and suffering. With many rites dedicated to the sacrifice of creatures or local goblinoid the people of Kestril were a pious folk.
However during The Last War Kestril was one of the few protected cities as the gods waged war in the heavens and the mortals fought on the ground. This lead to it becoming a bastion for refugees and many creature who found their homes destroyed or made unsafe. As the refugees increased the city expanded in size large brass looking walls being constructed as new districts were created. As the war continued the savanna and lands around Kestril turned into a desolate wasteland, home to only a few creatures, wandering nomadic tribes and the ruins of long since destroyed civilisations or war camps.
Alternative Name(s)
The Below. Old Kestril. The Winding Streets. The Underway
Type
Cave System
Location under
Included Locations
