The Keldris
The Keldris means "the basement" in the ancient Mienican dialect of the duergar. "Keldris" has two definitions - it is both the basement floor of Mienica itself, safely walled in at the base of The Throat, and the name Mienicans call the entire floor of the Core, which travels far and away from the city proper.
The Keldris is by far the largest Korrus of the city, containing 411 buildings, most of which contain multiple floors. Mienica's borders are sometimes strictly watched or loosely maintained, as the city expands into the wilds.
The Keldris is by far the largest Korrus of the city, containing 411 buildings, most of which contain multiple floors. Mienica's borders are sometimes strictly watched or loosely maintained, as the city expands into the wilds.
Fauna & Flora
Ghostlight Bats
Small, pale bats with translucent wings that emit a soft, eerie glow. They are often seen fluttering in groups, creating an ethereal display of light in the dark caverns. Ghostlight bats use their bioluminescence for communication and to attract mates, producing a mesmerizing dance in dimly lit areas. They feed on tiny insects and are commonly found in the upper caves of the Keldris. Their bioluminescent guano is harvested for magical inks and potion ingredients, making these bats a valuable resource for alchemists.Keldric Beetles
These beetles have a white, iridescent exoskeleton and long, sensitive antennae. Blind like most Keldris-dwelling creatures, they rely on touch and vibration to navigate. Keldric beetles are scavengers that feed on fungi, decaying matter, and whatever remains they can find. They often move in groups, giving the impression of a slowly shifting white carpet when they gather. The secretion of the Keldric beetle is used to produce a waterproof paint favored by Keldris artisans. This paint is durable and can withstand the damp environment of the underground.Moon Mantis
The Moon Mantis is a segmented, leggy creature resembling a cross between a centipede and a shrimp, with long antennae and a pale, scaled body. Its tough exoskeleton has a faint, off-white hue, which camouflages well in the stone environment. The Mantis' are notorious scavengers with mildly acidic venom, used to deter larger predators and dissolve food. They crawl slowly along the walls and floors of the caves, often clustering around sources of decaying matter or fungi. Harvesting their acidic glands is difficult but rewarding for alchemists. Their venom has properties useful for etching metal and stone, and is often employed in crafting intricate designs or inscriptions on stone surfaces.Snowfang Salamander
This blind, pale salamander has a soft, ghostly white skin and faintly glimmering scales that seem to absorb and reflect light in unusual ways. It has small frilled gills near its head, giving it an exotic appearance. Snowfangs thrive in cold, damp caves, and are sensitive to temperature and moisture. They are omnivores, eating fungi and small insects, and emit a faint warmth that attracts certain prey. Alchemists prize their skin for potions related to temperature regulation, while locals view them as symbols of good fortune and longevity, occasionally wearing jewelry fashioned in their likeness.Rust Eaters
Small beetle-like creatures with hard, rusty-red shells, these insects feed primarily on metals, especially iron. Their saliva contains a strong acid that breaks down metal for easy consumption. Rust eaters are drawn to metallic objects and often congregate around abandoned tools or old mining equipment. Though mostly harmless to organic beings, they are seen as pests by miners and blacksmiths. Alchemists and engineers sometimes use them to safely dissolve scrap metal, or in the creation of acidic solutions for various industrial applications.Keldris Dire Rats
Larger and more intelligent than average rats, Keldris dire rats are identifiable by their rough white fur and slightly glowing red eyes. They are territorial and form close-knit packs. These omnivores will eat anything from fungi to smaller creatures, and they fiercely guard their territory. They are known for gnawing at roots and wooden structures, making them a nuisance in some parts of the Keldris. Dire rat pelts are occasionally used in clothing, and their sharp teeth are sometimes fashioned into small, enchanted tools or carving implements by alchemists and artisans.Keldris Fungi
Pale, often bioluminescent mushrooms and mold patches that thrive in the dark, humid conditions of the Keldris. They come in various sizes and shapes, from small button-like mushrooms to sprawling fungal carpets. Keldris fungi are an essential part of the underground ecosystem, breaking down decaying matter and providing food for numerous creatures. Some types of fungi glow softly, creating natural light sources in the caves. Certain species of Keldris fungi are edible and are a staple food source for the subterranean inhabitants. Others are poisonous and used in alchemy, while the bioluminescent varieties are popular for creating soft lighting in underground dwellings.History
The Keldris of Mienica, originally an unstable and perilous place due to excessive mining and construction in the city's central shaft, known as the Throat, found itself the epicenter of racial tensions. The Elves inhabited the safer, sunlit Sild above, the Dwarves made their homes in the levels of the Throat, while the Drow were forced to survive in the hazardous depths of the Keldris, where the environment was in constant flux. However, in 2328, King Ezeriah decreed a mandate halting all significant construction around the Throat, stabilizing the region. This pivotal action ended the Keldris' environmental crisis, allowing it to undergo a cultural and societal renaissance. As a result, the population surged, bolstered by new human and tiefling communities, transforming the once volatile lower city into a thriving, bustling hub.
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