Underground Regions

Underground Regions

ELEMENT │ REGION & BIOME

Underground regions are fictional subterranean biomes that envision a massive, sprawling and complex environment below the surface. Often underground regions are depicted as a network of large, interconnected cave systems, but they can take many other forms in different settings including ancient ruins, city sublevels and domains of magma and ash. Thematically, underground regions are often used to explore the ancient past as well as what secrets lay buried. They often contain wonders found no where else. Underground regions are home to mutants, underground civilizations, mole-people, moles, and those allergic to the sun.

Synonyms: belowground, underworlds
Example Mythonyms: the Underrealm, the Everdim, the Downthere
Regions & Biomes

Designing Fictional Underground Regions

Archetypes

Quick Elements

Overview

Fictional underground regions exist as an entirely separate and unique subterranean setting compared to the aboveground space. These often represent different worlds, with different creatures, plants, materials, places, and factions present.

Fictional underground regions may be naturally occurring places, such as elaborate cavern systems, or may have been created (by fictional subterranean creatures, by currently existing fictional civilizations, by ancient civilizations long ago collapsed, or by some other means).

Underground regions often utilize massive spaces in juxtaposition to the anticipated claustrophobic environment of being underground. Massive cave chambers, chasms the size of great canyons, and even entire underground seas can bring a sense of scale and openness. Designers wishing to create a sense of cramped unease or of coziness may wish to avoid these spaces.

Connections to the Surface

Worldbuilding Tools

Common Problems & Solutions

Cavern Terrain