The Nightlands

Abstract​

The Nightlands is the vast network of caves both artificial and natural beneath the Aelyrian Empire. The Nightlands are host to several independent kingdoms, dangerous traps, and treacherous paths.



History​

The history of The Nightlands stretch back well before the rise of the Aelyrian Empire, the tunnels below were populated by Dwarves and dark Elves long before the coming of the Ancient Aelyrians.



Regions​

The Nightlands are generally perceived to be split into three separate regions, generally categorised by how far from the surface they are.



The Underworld​

Despite its ominous name The Underworld is generally agreed to consist of the upper layer of the Nightlands. Parts of The Underworld is constructed and consists of everything from ancient sewers and cisterns to mines and quarries dug deep into the earth but is just as often caves and grottos which connect to the surface.





The Abyss​

Below the Underworld lies The Abyss. The Abyss consists of the majority of the Nightlands and is the home of several independent kingdoms and races that struggle for dominance.





The Molten Caves​

Beneath the Abyss you'll find The Molten Caves. A series of caves that are hot and damp, magma often breaks through the walls of the caves and buries unsuspecting intruders. One might think that there would be nothing alive down here, but there are rumours of predators down here that have learned to live in the sweltering heat and constant upheaval. Ancient Mercuria is said to be found down here. There are even rumours of pale and blind Mer and Saurids that have adapted to life in the deep caves.





Politics​

There are several independent kingdoms scattered throughout the Nightlands trying to exert their power over it. In times past the Kingdom of Dargis and the Vysstichi were locked in something of a stalemate over who would control the Nightlands, offering them a semblance of peace. The recent war with the Xet severely weakened their hold on power and allowed the rise of the lesser races of the Nightlands.


The Rodenti Dominion and the Deep Goblin Tribes were also hit by the Black Fog but their rapid breeding cycle allowed them to recoup their losses much faster than the long lived Dwarves and Vysstichi. Many ancient dwarven and Vysstichi strongholds have been abandoned to better ensure the safety of their main cities and the Nightlands are less safe for it with many routes that were once considered safe now under constant threat of attack.