Low Road

The Low Road is a series of tunnels that run through the Darklands, some natural and others laboriously carved out of the surrounding stone. Despite the normally hostility of the denizens of the Darklands, by long-standing convention the Low Road is safe for all to travel.

Route

Though the Low Road normally varies in depth from between three to four thousand feet underground, it reaches the surface at its northernmost and southernmost points. In the north, the route begins within the cold peaks of the Scrios Mountains, while it ends in the Shields just north of Tarkuus.

The Low Road does not take a straight path between these two points. Instead it runs a jagged course thousands of miles long, passing under Talam Galta, Viridia, Erenon, Barat Rkund, Ishtar, the Arrajan Wilds, and Amshan.

Some parts of the Low Road are marked, usually using dwarven runes, in order to provide an indication of the correct path. Most of the route, however, carries with it no indication that one headed the right direction. While the caves that make up the Low Road are generally passable to most, larger travelers may have difficulty in traversing some of the more claustrophobic sections.

Various parts of the natural caves that make up the Low Road have been connected by tunnels, most dug long ago by the inhabitants of the depth for ease of travel. Occasionally new side routes are added to the Low Road, connecting it to underground settlements.

Darkland Warps sometimes occur on the Low Road.

Travel

By long-standing convention, the Low Road is safe for all. No matter what evil machinations or conflicts take place between the inhabitants of the Darklands, the Low Road remains neutral territory. Of course, not all abide by this tradition. Most drow, duergar, caligni, munavri, kobolds, svirfneblin, xulgaths, and ghouls recognize the status of the Low Road, but there are always those who choose to ignore convention for personal benefit. The dero, urdefhans, and morlocks of the Darklands are far less likely to respect the right of travel. Of course, anyone who refuses to recognize the tradition loses its protection as well.

Outside of particular sections of the Low Road, those near major population centers, the dangerous creatures of the depths remain unfortunately common. While travelers on the Low Road may face less of a threat from sapient creatures, the aberrations and magical beings of the Darklands remain ever-present threats.

Inhabitants

Settlements of various sizes can be found along the Low Road. These are generally some of the most ordered and peaceful societies of the Darklands, often relying on travelers for their survival and prosperity. For surface-dwellers escaping a terrible fate, these settlements are sometimes attractive places to hide for a time.