The Under Realm
The Under Realm is a region that resides beneath Zhen Gho. And there is a general understanding that it exists however becasue it is the source of The Kenbosho the actually resisdents, knowledge, and general understanding of it is difficult to gauge. When the Kenbosho is on the open cycle suddenly an understanding of the Under Realm is out there for everyone in completness up to that point. With that being the case there is quite a bit of speculation about the Under Realm in both cases of the Kenbosho up nor not.
Geography
Ecosystem
Localized Phenomena
Weather in the Under Realm is rather tame. There is no rain or other event of that nature. The weather remains remarkable the same in most cases, unless acted on by a magical source. However there are earthquakes from time to time. They can be a bit more dangerous there as opposed to the surface. Being closer to the shifting of the earth can cause new chasams to open up or close existing ones. There hasn't been an earthquake in the last two hundred years that has amounted to anything catastrophic. But the people of the Under Realm don't let their guard down, just in case.
The only other phenomena that affects all of the Under Realm is The Kenbosho. As mentioned earlier the Kenbosho is localized within the Under Realm and proceeds out from it. However unlike how it affects the surface world, there is a slight difference to those beneath. They do not forget where they are during the 6-10 years. They simply live in fear and avoidance of whatever lies below in the 3rd level. In fact where entrances to the 3rd level exist within or near cities they will post fortifications or other preventative measures. They will not stop anyone from venturing below, but most who go below never return. And should they return their minds are never the same.
Fauna & Flora
The flora and fauna of the Under Realm are a mix of deadly and hardy. The climate is quite inhospitable and therefore only the ones that can adapt survive. Another part of this is there is not many sources of water. This directly affects what sort of plants are able to survive in the long term. That being the case the flora found in the Under Realm is a lot of the fungi family. Mushrooms of all types are able to survive, and in some cases thrive, down below. Along with that plants that need less water and can survive with no sun are found a plenty in the Under Realm. The people of the Under Realm have learned to use the plants available for not only food sources but also much of their crafting. This is because there are a fair number of plants, in order to survive the harshness, have developed hard outer skins and strong connections. They can be used in construction and crafting.
As far as the fauna of the Under Realm is concerned it is very similar to the flora. The animals that live below are tough creatures that can go a long time without resources to survive. Things such as gricks, carrion crawlers, and kuthricks are commonplace. Many creatures who reside down below also have a tendency to eat a very meat diet. They pick of lone travelers or others who live down there for their meals. As it was earlier stated about the flora the creatures having the adaptations they have developed are used by the people who live there in many different parts of life. There is almost a symbiotic relationship between the flora and fauna and the people who reside in the Under Realm. This has been what has allowed them all to thrive and continue on living in this harshest of conditions.Natural Resources
History
Not much is known about the history of the Under Realm. This is especially true on the surface of Zhen Gho. Apart from the times when the Kenbosho is lifted most knowledge of the location is unknown. Even during those times the people do remember history is not the first thing on their minds. The most that is known is that throughout the years the Duergar, Drow, Kuo-Toa, and some other various races have made cities, small empires, and have had conflicts throughout the time down there. It is not exactly known how long this has been going on, or when it really started. It remains an area of confusion for many scholars when the time comes for the people to remember. They hire adventures to try and find historical documents and/or clues, but few return with information.
The people who live below have a bit of a better understanding of their history. But even for them the farther back they go the less they remember or are sure of details. It is known that about the same time the Duergar, Drow, Kuo-Toa, Tieflings below, and some other races began to make their homes down below. Almost immediately upon meeting each race they were in constant conflict. There have been some rather intense conflicts bordering on full scale war below. However at this time they are in a uneasy peace. Of course it would be foolish to believe that each faction was not preparing for yet another war. Many below that this next conflict will be the biggest yet, and may determine who will be the dominant power in the Under Realm.
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