¶ Notes
The Soots made an appearance in Session 017 - Sliding Scale of Loyalty
¶ Overview
The Darklands are a vast subterranean region beneath the surface of Golarion, spanning entire continents and home to ancient civilizations, alien horrors, and lost magic. Divided into three main layers, the Darklands are among the most dangerous and enigmatic locations in the world, harboring creatures and societies that have evolved apart from surface-dwellers for millennia.
¶ Geography and Structure
The Darklands consist of three primary layers, each with distinct characteristics and denizens:
¶ Nar-Voth (Upper Darklands)
- The most accessible layer, closest to the surface.
- Features a mix of natural caves, abandoned settlements, and ancient ruins.
- Populated by xulgaths, deros, duergar, calignis, and morlocks.
- Surface-dwellers often explore this layer, though many do not return.
¶ Sekamina (Middle Darklands)
- A deeper and more dangerous layer ruled by powerful underground empires.
- Once dominated by the serpentfolk empire, now largely controlled by the drow, elves who retreated underground after Earthfall.
- Home to vast ruins, long-lost magic, and horrifying predators.
- Key factions include the drow houses, duergar slavers, and remnants of ancient serpentfolk cults.
¶ Orv (Deep Darklands)
- The lowest and most mysterious region, composed of immense cavernous vaults.
- Each vault has a unique ecosystem and may be magically sustained.
- Populated by some of the most ancient and alien beings on Golarion.
- Remains largely unexplored due to extreme danger and the presence of eldritch horrors and powerful subterranean entities.
¶ Inhabitants and Factions
Many creatures and civilizations thrive in the darkness of the Darklands, including:
- Drow – Once elves, they were corrupted by demon-worship and now rule much of Sekamina.
- Serpentfolk – Ancient, highly intelligent reptilian beings who once ruled the world.
- Duergar – The deep dwarves, known for their cruelty, industry, and mastery of dark magic.
- Xulgaths – Also called "troglodytes," they are primitive but numerous and hostile.
- Morlocks – Degenerate humanoids that descended from lost surface civilizations.
- Deros – Insane, sadistic, and secretive creatures that abduct surface-dwellers for experiments.
- Vegepygmies – Plant-like humanoids that thrive in fungal caverns.
¶ Notable Locations
¶ The Darkgate (Absalom)
- A rift leading to the Darklands in Absalom’s Precipice Quarter.
- Once overrun by subterranean creatures, it is now controlled by the gang Nailfists, who extort those seeking access.
¶ Fall’s End (Beneath Absalom)
- A criminal underworld settlement located a mile beneath the city.
- Known for slavery, black-market dealings, and interactions with morlocks, deros, and duergar.
¶ Scar Thicket (Cheliax)
- A fungal forest connected to the Darklands via underground tunnels.
- Ruled by a drow transmuter, it is home to cave giants, vegepygmies, and drow explorers.
¶ The Aeon Towers
- Ancient towers containing aeon orbs, which were stolen from the Darklands by Aroden to empower the surface world.
- The theft of these orbs enraged the xulgaths, leading to their continuous attacks on the surface.
¶ Rachikan Ruins
- A ruined Jistkan settlement where morlocks and devils battle for control.
- The morlocks, led by Garpesfek, seek to harness ancient magical relics.
¶ Threats and Dangers
The Darklands are among the most perilous locations on Golarion due to:
- Hostile inhabitants, such as drow slavers, dero experimenters, and monstrous predators.
- Hazardous terrain, including labyrinthine tunnels, underground seas, and deep chasms.
- Magical anomalies, such as areas of wild magic, anti-magic zones, and time-distorted caverns.
- Ancient curses and forgotten evils, lingering from lost civilizations.
¶ Exploration and Influence
While few surface-dwellers willingly venture into the Darklands, some brave explorers, scholars, and treasure hunters seek its lost knowledge and wealth. The connections between the surface and the Darklands have led to occasional conflicts, trade, and even infiltration by Darklands denizens into the surface world.
Despite its perils, the Darklands remain a land of mystery, adventure, and untold power—waiting for those bold enough to descend into its depths.