The Murmuring Depths
The Murmuring Depths form the first and most stable layer of the Hollow Depths beneath Eldareth.
They consist of extensive cavern systems, underground rivers, ruins, and inhabited settlements established by peoples who have lived below the surface for generations. Some passages are natural, while others were excavated or expanded by earlier civilizations.
Large caverns contain mineral deposits, fungal growth, waterways, and the remains of settlements whose origins are not always known. Elsewhere, narrow tunnels connect inhabited regions or descend toward deeper parts of the Hollow Depths.
The Murmuring Depths are the most heavily inhabited part of the Hollow Depths. Settlements and established territories exist throughout the region, though difficult terrain and long distances leave many communities separated from one another.
The Vroth'Kari, Thal'Ruun, and Threzkathar are among the peoples with the strongest presence here.
Environment
Blackwater rivers run through many of the larger cavern systems and provide important routes between settlements. Natural bridges, constructed crossings, and older passageways connect different parts of the region where the terrain allows.
Fungi are widespread. Some caverns contain extensive fungal growth or cultivated groves, while others support smaller colonies around water, mineral deposits, or decaying material.
Glowing minerals and phosphorescent organisms provide light in some areas, but much of the Murmuring Depths remains completely dark.
Ruins are also common. Some belonged to settlements that were abandoned or relocated, while others appear to predate the peoples currently living nearby. Their age and builders are not always known.
Settlements and Peoples
The Vroth'Kari, Thal'Ruun, and Threzkathar have each established permanent communities within the Murmuring Depths.
Vroth'Kari settlements are known for construction using stone and resin. Their builders work with the existing cavern structure, reinforcing walls, bridges, and chambers to create settlements intended to endure.
The Thal'Ruun maintain settlements around cultivated groves and other underground ecosystems. Their Rootwardens tend useful plants and fungi, protect water sources, remove diseased growth, and contain areas that have become dangerous.
Thal'Ruun communities also maintain Thornvaults. Some preserve old groves, root systems, or rare species, while others contain diseases or organisms that cannot safely be allowed to spread.
Threzkathar settlements are often built into cavern walls or across large openings in the stone. Bridges and suspended walkways connect different levels of their larger cities.
Many Threzkathar political traditions place importance on bloodlines, alliances, information, and long-term influence. Powerful families and matriarchs may maintain networks of obligations that extend beyond their own settlements.
This has contributed to a reputation for secrecy and political manipulation among neighboring peoples. Some Threzkathar factions also maintain contacts and agents closer to the surface.
Relations between the peoples of the Murmuring Depths vary by region. Trade and cooperation exist alongside territorial disputes, political rivalries, and older conflicts.
Dangers
The Murmuring Depths are more stable than the lower layers of the Hollow Depths, but travel outside inhabited areas remains dangerous.
Veilwings move through large caverns and around stone formations. Ropers commonly settle near passages, ledges, and abandoned structures where travelers are forced through narrow routes.
Cloakers inhabit some larger chambers, while Gloom Stalkers, stone moths, and grimlocks are encountered throughout less controlled areas.
Myconid colonies are also found across the Depths. Some maintain peaceful relations with nearby settlements, while others avoid outsiders or defend their territory through spores that can affect perception and communication.
Kuo-Toa inhabit isolated enclaves, particularly near underground rivers and lakes. Their customs and relationships with neighboring communities vary between settlements.
Collapsed passages, flooding, unstable stone, toxic fungi, and contaminated water also pose serious risks. Familiar routes are therefore considerably safer than unexplored tunnels.
Life in the Murmuring Depths
Despite these dangers, the Murmuring Depths contain established societies and long-inhabited regions.
The people who live here have adapted their settlements, travel routes, and use of local resources to the conditions beneath Eldareth. Their methods differ considerably, reflecting the environments they inhabit and the histories of their communities.
For those descending into the Hollow Depths, the Murmuring Depths are often the last region where permanent settlements and established routes can be encountered with any regularity.
Beyond them, settlements become less frequent, reliable routes grow scarcer, and much of the deeper Hollow Depths remains poorly understood.