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Underhill
Scarlet Hall
natural defenses
glamour & other magics
silk & other textiles
wine
dyes
livestock & grain
Buried in the misty, remote depths of the Bazizhugi mountains northwest of the Spine is one of the best-kept secrets of the fae: the fabled city under the mountain, Underhill. It is regarded as the second largest fae city and the birthplace of the Winter and Autumn Courts, and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center for faeries on the Epressan continent.
Steeped in tradition, Underhill has a history as long and colorful as the fae themselves, reaching back ages and millennia, recorded in both oral and written forms. By mortal comparisons, the preservation of this knowledge has remained relatively untouched by the dark ages that afflicted their historical records. However, Underhill (like other fae cities) is guilty of being highly xenophobic, and rarely documented events and societies beyond their own, and any elder fae who had existed in previous ages have long since passed with their times.
The city itself is located underground. There are more than thirty known entrances to the cave and its subterranean river system, most of them carefully protected by varying magics and guards. Most travelers enter through the waterfall gate approaching from the southwest, colloquially known as the Lovers' Door. A string of smaller villages have cropped up along the river beneath the waterfall and leading up to this entrance. The second is the Maw, the enormous mouth of the cavern. Facing northwest, it is not generally used as an entrance except by fae capable of flight. Not only is this dangerous, it is also a fineable offense; the airspace above the city in the vault of the cavern has strict laws regarding flight. Other frequented entrances include tiny tunnels carved by water into the ceiling and nearly a dozen small subterranean rivers running south and southeast.
The city boasts a regular climate ensured by its underground location. It is perpetually cool and damp and dark, and this suits its inhabitants just fine. Only the city districts near or beneath the Maw experience weather patterns, with regular rain and snowfall common in a subtropical climate. While the sun rarely shines on Underhill, the moons occasionally pass across the opening of the Maw. As the Winter and Autumn Courts follow a lunar calendar, these rare instances are associated with some of the unseelie fae's most important holidays.
Underhill prides itself as culturally and racially diverse. In this same vein, the city makes religious accommodations to their solar and seelie fae inhabitants. A variety of temples and shrines can be found in Underhill and the practice of religion is a protected right. All three major fae religions have places of worship, including the Summerlanders with a dedicated temple at the foot of the Maw where they may find the best lighting. Descendants of changelings have contributed a number of smaller shrines to the gods of their native cultures, and these are just as often visited by warlocks.
The Game, played by the elite, can be vicious and merciless, sometimes afflicting the city with times of conflict and upheaval. Not all strong political moves are quiet, and the fae (especially the unseelie) are prone to strong acts of violence. Some power moves are felt by the whole city in more than a political sense. Though Underhill's residents ride these bouts of chaos like boats on a wave, these collisions can become dangerous to civilians. This has resulted in two things: a population that responds quickly to disasters and popularization of news media. Scandal sheets are notably popular, even to the slums furthest from the Game.
Overview
Demographic
Underhill proudly holds the title as the most diverse fae city. A wide variety make their home in Underhill and its satellite villages, hailing from literally every fae species. Its caverns are also home to a number of mortal fae -- changelings, warlocks, and changeling descendants. While these individuals comprise a fraction of a percent of Underhill's large population, their presence is a hallmark of the Winter Court's inclusion of their mortal relatives.
Regarding the fae population, the majority of Underhill's residents are lower and middle class workers. Merchants, artists, manufacturers, and business owners, their households account for well over three quarters of the city's residents. The final quarter is held by the wealthy and courtiers, those engaged in the game of politics. There is no set class system, and the rules of respect and hospitality are loose and subjective. However, courtiers are always distinguished by their formal titles, which they carry proudly.
It is expected that the home of the Winter Court should be mostly populated by unseelie fae who align by those principles. However, there is almost an even divide between solar and lunar fae in Underhill. While seelie may be uncomfortable with some aspects of life in the Midnight City, they are a welcomed addition and add to its diversity.
The bride Court of Autumn, it should also come as no surprise that Underhill is the home of many Sluagh members. These homes may be permanent or seasonal, visited only in the months or weeks where they are not in the service of the Erl King.
Regarding the fae population, the majority of Underhill's residents are lower and middle class workers. Merchants, artists, manufacturers, and business owners, their households account for well over three quarters of the city's residents. The final quarter is held by the wealthy and courtiers, those engaged in the game of politics. There is no set class system, and the rules of respect and hospitality are loose and subjective. However, courtiers are always distinguished by their formal titles, which they carry proudly.
It is expected that the home of the Winter Court should be mostly populated by unseelie fae who align by those principles. However, there is almost an even divide between solar and lunar fae in Underhill. While seelie may be uncomfortable with some aspects of life in the Midnight City, they are a welcomed addition and add to its diversity.
The bride Court of Autumn, it should also come as no surprise that Underhill is the home of many Sluagh members. These homes may be permanent or seasonal, visited only in the months or weeks where they are not in the service of the Erl King.
Designation
Underhill serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub for fae on the continent of Epressa. While it is remote and difficult to reach, it nonetheless dominates the other faerie settlements. East of Alliria, its authority is unrivaled and uncontested.
The city's political contribution is apparent. The Queen of the Winter Court rules from her scarlet throne in the mouth of the cave, her command reaching from the Allir Reach to the Ixchel Wilds (where even she holds dominion over the Autumn Court). Fae wishing to seek legal action or protection make the pilgrimage to the city under the mountain, and the Queen herself is known to send her forces to uphold her authority to the furthest reaches of her domain. Where she herself does not rule, the Sluagh keeps its own order.
As it remains the home of many business headquarters or the owners of said businesses, Underhill maintains a position of power over faerie economics. Merchants and entrepreneurs flock to the city to distinguish themselves from their competition and to cater to the wealthy and elite. Because the players of the great Game make their home around the Queen and society, much of the Winter popular culture originates here. Fashion, music, dance, art, and media are made here, and the vogue of the seasons as changeable as the people jockeying for position and power.
The jockeying of courtiers is an affair loosely followed by the common folk of Underhill and its domain. Some take a great interest in it, as the main players have a hand in determining the fates of merchants and craftsmen all across Epressa. Others see it as petty and meddlesome to their work, only causing drama that interrupts progress and production. Regardless, the power of the Winter Court's players is indisputable.
The city's political contribution is apparent. The Queen of the Winter Court rules from her scarlet throne in the mouth of the cave, her command reaching from the Allir Reach to the Ixchel Wilds (where even she holds dominion over the Autumn Court). Fae wishing to seek legal action or protection make the pilgrimage to the city under the mountain, and the Queen herself is known to send her forces to uphold her authority to the furthest reaches of her domain. Where she herself does not rule, the Sluagh keeps its own order.
As it remains the home of many business headquarters or the owners of said businesses, Underhill maintains a position of power over faerie economics. Merchants and entrepreneurs flock to the city to distinguish themselves from their competition and to cater to the wealthy and elite. Because the players of the great Game make their home around the Queen and society, much of the Winter popular culture originates here. Fashion, music, dance, art, and media are made here, and the vogue of the seasons as changeable as the people jockeying for position and power.
The jockeying of courtiers is an affair loosely followed by the common folk of Underhill and its domain. Some take a great interest in it, as the main players have a hand in determining the fates of merchants and craftsmen all across Epressa. Others see it as petty and meddlesome to their work, only causing drama that interrupts progress and production. Regardless, the power of the Winter Court's players is indisputable.
Description
Architecture
Characterized by meandering streets, crowded buildings, and uneven property lines, it is evident that there was little city planning in mind when Underhill cropped up. This lives true to unseelie principles, jovial in its defiance of logic and doing the bare minimum until necessary. There is something playful about the deliberately winding alleys and infinitely complex city districts; it is not difficult to get lost in Underhill.
The irregularity of the streets is at odds with unseelie architecture. Wood structures are always more popular than stone, favored for its versatility and changeability as much as its earthy aesthetic. Stone, however, has its uses, and is incorporated in walls, platforms, and facades. As the caverns are damp and water regularly falls inside the cavern from moisture accumulation on the ceiling, buildings are ideally roofed in ceramic tiles. Complex interlocking roof supports unique to the region accommodate for the weight of these roofs and also serves to protect the wood beams below from moisture. They also allow the structure to wobble safely with tremors associated with earthquakes -- frequent occurrences in the area Underhill calls home. As fae abhor iron, very little metal is used. Open concepts and few structures above two storeys give the city an airy, sprawling appearance. Because of the frequency of quakes, even the most populated districts do not exceed three storeys, and these rare exceptions are often utilized by inns and homes built over businesses.
Structures are built open and accessible with sliding doors and panels that can be put up or taken down to moderate temperature, air flow, moisture, and light inside. Even the unseelie fae value their bond with nature, and even appreciate the dark beauty of their karst landscape. Plant life is encouraged to grow by wealthy households with the aid of magick. Lanterns are popular forms of lighting, whether illuminating with natural flame or faerie light. Rooted in tradition and superstition, homes are usually black and white, while businesses boast reds and golds.
Streets are paved in stone or the cave floor is carved for easy walking in the damp conditions. Walkways are always narrow and vehicles or mounts are viewed as highly impractical outside of wealthy residential areas and the markets. Waterways and canals weave an intricate web and serve the important task of moving water away from homes and businesses. For many fae living in Underhill, these also provide them with fresh water (which even fae need to survive). Because of this, the streets are often kept extremely clean.
The irregularity of the streets is at odds with unseelie architecture. Wood structures are always more popular than stone, favored for its versatility and changeability as much as its earthy aesthetic. Stone, however, has its uses, and is incorporated in walls, platforms, and facades. As the caverns are damp and water regularly falls inside the cavern from moisture accumulation on the ceiling, buildings are ideally roofed in ceramic tiles. Complex interlocking roof supports unique to the region accommodate for the weight of these roofs and also serves to protect the wood beams below from moisture. They also allow the structure to wobble safely with tremors associated with earthquakes -- frequent occurrences in the area Underhill calls home. As fae abhor iron, very little metal is used. Open concepts and few structures above two storeys give the city an airy, sprawling appearance. Because of the frequency of quakes, even the most populated districts do not exceed three storeys, and these rare exceptions are often utilized by inns and homes built over businesses.
Structures are built open and accessible with sliding doors and panels that can be put up or taken down to moderate temperature, air flow, moisture, and light inside. Even the unseelie fae value their bond with nature, and even appreciate the dark beauty of their karst landscape. Plant life is encouraged to grow by wealthy households with the aid of magick. Lanterns are popular forms of lighting, whether illuminating with natural flame or faerie light. Rooted in tradition and superstition, homes are usually black and white, while businesses boast reds and golds.
Streets are paved in stone or the cave floor is carved for easy walking in the damp conditions. Walkways are always narrow and vehicles or mounts are viewed as highly impractical outside of wealthy residential areas and the markets. Waterways and canals weave an intricate web and serve the important task of moving water away from homes and businesses. For many fae living in Underhill, these also provide them with fresh water (which even fae need to survive). Because of this, the streets are often kept extremely clean.
Points of Interest
The Midnight Market
While it is not the first thing most will notice in the city, or even the second or third wondrous sight, this sprawling market is no less a vital part of Underhill's life and culture. If the Scarlet Hall and its terrible Queen is the head, the the Midnight Market is the heart of the city.
A merchant district that never closes, the Midnight Market was not the first built in the city. Starting out as a few merchants with a gimmick, it would soon gain popularity as their rivals built businesses nearby to rival their constant availability. Several thousand years later, it has become a network of shops and dives spanning miles underground. Food and goods can be found from every corner of the world in one part or another, and the majority of the businesses are open every hour of every day -- few even making exceptions for major faerie holidays.
The Midnight Market is distinguished by strings of red lanterns with the Market's gold insignia. Tended by private merchant guilds and a trade association formed by the Winter Court, these are the only regular feature across all of the Market.
The Maw
Overlooking the city is a wide, jagged cave opening fondly named the Maw. Speleothems give it its toothy appearance and also make it hazardous for flying fae ro traverse. Narrower at either end, it is the most open just to the right of the middle.
This natural entrance has remained untouched and left to be ruled by nature. Vegetation grows heavy at its base, draping down from the lip into the cavern itself. In the wet seasons, the same river that feeds the waterfall gate feeds a smaller creek that forms the Ribbon -- a second, much smaller waterfall over the Maw. The Ribbon runs to the lip and down into the cavern near the strategically placed Scarlet Hall.
The Scarlet Hall
The pinnacle of unseelie architecture is the Scarlet Hall. Nestled on a natural stone ledge in the main cavern opposite of the waterfall entrance, it sits beneath the Maw and overlooks the city. A sprawling, extensive complex of courtyards, gardens, and walkways, the aptly named hall is characterized by its bright red wood structure and gold ceramic roof. The Scarlet Hall is truly a home befitting of the Winter Queen and its dominating presence asserts its place as the crown of Underhill.
The Lover's Door
Unless one is capable of aquatic respiration, the primary entrance to Underhill is the waterfall gate, or the Lover's Door. This entrance is used by peddlers and Queens alike for its reliability and safety. Tucked away behind a tall waterfall at the foot of a mountain, it may no longer be a secret, but it remains well guarded.
While it is not the first thing most will notice in the city, or even the second or third wondrous sight, this sprawling market is no less a vital part of Underhill's life and culture. If the Scarlet Hall and its terrible Queen is the head, the the Midnight Market is the heart of the city.
A merchant district that never closes, the Midnight Market was not the first built in the city. Starting out as a few merchants with a gimmick, it would soon gain popularity as their rivals built businesses nearby to rival their constant availability. Several thousand years later, it has become a network of shops and dives spanning miles underground. Food and goods can be found from every corner of the world in one part or another, and the majority of the businesses are open every hour of every day -- few even making exceptions for major faerie holidays.
The Midnight Market is distinguished by strings of red lanterns with the Market's gold insignia. Tended by private merchant guilds and a trade association formed by the Winter Court, these are the only regular feature across all of the Market.
The Maw
Overlooking the city is a wide, jagged cave opening fondly named the Maw. Speleothems give it its toothy appearance and also make it hazardous for flying fae ro traverse. Narrower at either end, it is the most open just to the right of the middle.
This natural entrance has remained untouched and left to be ruled by nature. Vegetation grows heavy at its base, draping down from the lip into the cavern itself. In the wet seasons, the same river that feeds the waterfall gate feeds a smaller creek that forms the Ribbon -- a second, much smaller waterfall over the Maw. The Ribbon runs to the lip and down into the cavern near the strategically placed Scarlet Hall.
The Scarlet Hall
The pinnacle of unseelie architecture is the Scarlet Hall. Nestled on a natural stone ledge in the main cavern opposite of the waterfall entrance, it sits beneath the Maw and overlooks the city. A sprawling, extensive complex of courtyards, gardens, and walkways, the aptly named hall is characterized by its bright red wood structure and gold ceramic roof. The Scarlet Hall is truly a home befitting of the Winter Queen and its dominating presence asserts its place as the crown of Underhill.
The Lover's Door
Unless one is capable of aquatic respiration, the primary entrance to Underhill is the waterfall gate, or the Lover's Door. This entrance is used by peddlers and Queens alike for its reliability and safety. Tucked away behind a tall waterfall at the foot of a mountain, it may no longer be a secret, but it remains well guarded.