Endless Dark
The Endless Dark is the vast network of underground caverns and tunnels underneath the surface of Eldarr. It is home to a host of evil beings driven deep into the caverns at the end of the Age of the Valheru.
Geography
The Endless Dark's underground landscape varies from small subterranean fissures almost impossible for adventurers to crawl through, to wide expanses of deep water that hide coral caves, hollowed out sections of ice in which creatures live, and places where fungus, bones, or even pure force formed "caves." This varied landscape is as dynamic as the surface of Eldarr. Some areas are always changing over time because of underground magma rivers or the emptying of underground lakes due to cracks in the rock formed by earthquakes. This means maps of the Endless Dark are highly unreliable.
Ecosystem
The Endless Dark's environment varies vastly from the surface world, making adventuring through it a dangerous expedition. Just like trekking through a desert, adventurers traversing the Endless Dark's passages need to be well prepared.
The Endless Dark is mainly without any source of light save for the occasional luminous rocks or fungi. Large portions of it are 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 makes even experienced adventurers grow agitated after a few days.
Just like deep dungeons, the air can grow stale and even poisonous in the Endless Dark. It can contain explosive gases from underground volcanic activity or other deadly gases bubbling out of deep fissures in the rock. Bad air and poisonous fumes collect in portions of tunnels and caves more or less isolated from the main vaults and caverns. Siphon-like tunnels holding water can also trap these gases for a long time.
The temperature underground varies according to depth and the proximity of thermal activities in the area. Throughout the year, the temperature remains stable and moderate in most regions, usually slightly clammy or chilly. The water underground is extremely cold and poses a hypothermia risk.
Fauna & Flora
The Endless Dark is extremely dangerous, especially to those not native to it. There are the usual dangers associated with caverns: claustrophobia, occasional poor air circulation, and getting lost. There is no light except for occasional patches of fluorescent fungi; most Endless Dark inhabitants either have highly developed senses other than sight or have developed darkvision. Food can be extremely difficult to find, and much of the natural vegetation is poisonous.
In addition to those dangers, the Endless Dark is also the home of many predators and often-hostile races, including aboleth, beholders, cloakers, derro, Ælf-Adal, duergar, dwarves, Fell, kuo-toa, driders, and svirfneblin.
Plant life and animal life can be as varied underground as on the surface. Ranging from small insects to gargantuan horrors, everything can be expected. Plant life is unable to utilize sunlight as a source for energy, and thus takes on strange forms adapted to life underground. Many fungi are also found underground. Being unable to digest normal nutrients most of the time, they rely on absorbing radiation for their energy.
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