The Lairs
The Lairs are a series of underground caverns that stretch from the southern end of The Spine to The Quirang in the far north of the Trotternish. The Lairs are a combination of natural and excavated tunnels, ancient lava flow tunnels, and larger excavated areas. There are several underground lakes fed by an underground river that travels from north to south.
The Lairs were traditionally home to colonies of Dwarves and other underdark creatures. Although some of the denizens are uneasy co-habitants (maybe even enemies) a working truce keeps the peace in the Lairs. An entire underdark economic structure grew over time. Trade and manufacturing both occur underground, with some goods passing out of the Lairs to the surface and some goods coming down from above to serve various desires and needs. The river also serves as a secondary highway for persons and goods. Again a set of traditions and practices govern the flow of goods and people up and down the river and across the underground lakes.
Architecture
The Spine consists of mostly volcanic (igneous) rock strata including basalt, granite and gabbro. The ridge also has gneiss and other metamorphic strata. Over millions of years the flow of lava and water deep underground formed tunnels and caverns. These natural formations expanded over time through erosion, earth movement (including rare earthquakes). Additionally the inhabitants continued the expansion or reshaping to suit their needs.
The major caverns or nexus points are connected by tunnels or passageways. Numerous entry and exit points exist to gain access to the Lairs. The inhabitants work to keep the tunnels clear and passable but there are times where collapses or other situations block or impede the tunnels.
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