The Depths
While the discovery of shrines to ancient gods is nothing new, it's recently been discovered that some of them lead to an endless series of tunnels and catacombs underneath the surface of the Remnants. It's unknown how far deep they go, as most expeditions never return; those that have said the tunnels are full of mutated monsters and the bones of the dead. As well as existing on Alendal , shrines and entrances to the Depths have been discovered on every explored country. Their placements are random, often in untamed wildernesses or abandoned areas.
The Breach-King outlawed worshipping at discovered shrines within his Empire, or entering the Depths themselves outside of formally requested expeditions -- but common folk and secretive cults still band together in private to worship at the shrines and hope that one day something from within answers their calls.
Geography
Most of the tunnels near the surface seem to be roughly carved, but eventually rock-face and moss gives way to meticulously carved stone. The upper layer walls have a series of alcoves carved in, holding sarcophaguses that were long ago looted by the Breach-Kings initial expedition. In some of the lower explored floors, there are empty rooms and halls; now populated by dust and mutated monsters, long abandoned before anyone had discovered it.
The tunnels continue on, though time has caused a significant amount of damage. Mosaic patterns are carved, but the stories are lost to time and looters carving chunks of the stone off to sell.
Localized Phenomena
The creatures that exist within the tunnels are ever evolving and in a constant battle to survive. Little is known about their exact biology, but it's been recorded that all creature regardless of origin - upon enough time in the Depths - will begin to consume and adapt to a life of eat or be eaten at a terrifying pace. The theory that this could apply to humans entering the Depths is a main factor in the outlawing of entering it, and peoples' respect of that law.
Fauna & Flora
The further into the Depths that one goes, the more and more monstrous the residing creatures become. All are exposed to raw veins of Arcane-infused stone, and the results have been varying from tunnel to tunnel. Rats are oversized, occasionally with extra limbs or mouths, and adventurers reported that they began to see creatures much larger as the tunnels went further down.
Natural Resources
Ores and stone within the Depths is infuse with raw, natural arcane power. The danger involved in retrieving it only makes it more valuable.
History
The exact history of the Depths in unknown; Scholars have argued for centuries about its' origins and reasons for being. The majority of Scholars agree it was made by human, mostly due to the Fae's avoidance of the sites.
Tourism
Entrance to the Depths is forbidden, and by most considered a taboo topic to even discuss beyond the inclusion of the Depths in curses and warnings to naughty children. Those that do visit the shrines never enter the Depths themselves.
The Breach-King regularly funds expeditions by hardy adventurers, though they seldom return. To take on the task is considered more of a suicide mission than a great honour or holiday.
Type
Cave System
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