Underground kingdom

Despite the enormous size of the underground world, not all of its parts are accessible to residents.

Some areas are officially closed by law.

These include ancient lower levels, abandoned cities, old mines, ruined temples, territories of noble families, and places where especially dangerous creatures are found.

Some tunnels were sealed centuries ago. The reasons for this may be unknown even to modern elves.

Deep caves located significantly below the main settlements are considered especially dangerous.

There is almost no light, plants become sparse, and stone walls give way to huge underground voids and deep crevices.

There are legends about ancient structures located in the lowest levels. Some believe them to be the ruins of the first elven settlements, while others claim they existed even before the advent of modern humans.

The guards strictly monitor the closed areas.

Trespassing can result in arrest, especially if the trespasser attempts to explore government vaults, ancient ruins, or the estates of the ruling family.

Some forbidden places are forbidden to visit not only because of the law, but also because not everyone returns from there.

The underground elves are extremely wary of outsiders.

Their state exists in isolation, so the appearance of a stranger in the caves is perceived as a serious event.

They are especially suspicious of humans, orcs, and elves of other species.

An uninvited stranger is not considered an ordinary traveler.

If an unknown person is found inside the underground city, they may be detained, searched, and interrogated.

Other elves deserve special attention. Their shared traits arouse both interest and contempt among the subterranean elves: they acknowledge their kinship, but consider their own species purer and more faithful to ancient traditions.

A stranger granted permission to enter the city still remains an object of attention. Guards, servants, or members of the nobility may keep an eye on them.

Attempts to hide one's origin or to penetrate restricted areas are taken especially seriously.

However, some elves are capable of experiencing curiosity about the surface world. This is especially true for younger members of society who have never seen the surface world with their own eyes.

Slavery is a legal and recognized institution of the underground society.

Slaves most often come from other races: humans, orcs, half-orcs, and elves of other species. In some cases, slaves are descendants of existing slave families.

A slave is considered by law to be the property of his owner and has significantly fewer rights than a free elf.

Slaves are used as domestic servants, workers, artisans, breadwinners, assistants, bodyguards, and in other areas.

Particularly wealthy families could own dozens of slaves.

The status of a particular slave depends greatly on their owner. Some masters treat slaves purely as tools and resort to harsh punishments. Others may treat slaves who perform well with relative tolerance, providing them with better living conditions.

However, even the master's favor does not make the slave free.

Escape is considered a serious crime.

Attempting to free another person's slave without the owner's permission is also a crime.

Attitudes toward slavery vary among individual elves. For most, it is an accepted part of society, never questioned. Some consider slavery a natural consequence of the superiority of one race over another. Others take a pragmatic approach. A few elves may secretly consider the existing order unjust, but openly speaking out against slavery is dangerous.

Everyday life depends heavily on an elf's position in society.

Noble families lived in spacious houses carved into the stone walls. They had separate rooms for family members, servants, and slaves, libraries, inner gardens, large halls, and private water sources.

Members of the lower castes live much more modestly. Their dwellings typically consist of small chambers carved directly into the cave walls.

Lighting is provided by glowing plants, magical light sources, crystals and fire.

The diet consists primarily of underground plants, mushrooms, fish, the meat of cave animals, and various products grown in specially equipped gardens.

Water comes from underground sources, lakes and rivers.

Clothing depends on status. Noble elves prefer high-quality fabrics, jewelry, embroidery, and family symbols. Commoners wear more practical clothing.

Work occupies a significant part of the lives of the lower castes. Members of the nobility are more often engaged in administration, politics, military affairs, magic, and teaching.

The culture of the underground elves was formed under conditions of centuries-long isolation from the surface.

For them, family origin, origin, family honor, order and the memory of ancestors are especially important.

A family name is of great importance. A long lineage can determine an elf's position in society even before they have a chance to achieve anything on their own.

Family crests and symbols can be seen on clothing, jewelry, weapons, and the architecture of houses.

Coming-of-age ceremonies are of great importance. After completing them, a young elf officially receives the rights and responsibilities befitting their lineage.

Weddings between noble families often have a political nature. A marriage can strengthen the alliance between two clans, end a conflict, or unite a holding.

Funerals are held in accordance with ancient traditions. The memory of deceased family members is considered sacred.

The music of the underground elves differs from that of the surface peoples. It features many drawn-out melodies, quiet percussion instruments, and sounds that can beautifully reverberate off stone walls.

Large celebrations often take place in huge central caves, decorated with glowing plants, flowers, crystals and lights.

At the same time, public events are strictly segregated by status. Representatives of different castes rarely enjoy equal opportunities.

The underground world has its own ecosystem.

The vast caverns are covered with moss, grass, lichen, and dense thickets of plants. Long vines hang from the walls and ceilings, sometimes forming verdant curtains.

Some plants glow with a soft bluish, green, or white light. They are grown near houses, on streets, and in public spaces.

Giant mushrooms occupy a special place. Some reach several meters in height and form entire mushroom groves.

The caves contain underground lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The waters are home to fish and other creatures adapted to life without sunlight.

Insects, flying creatures, small cave animals, and predators are found. Some species have been domesticated by the elves and are used for farming.

However, not all creatures are safe.

The deep regions are home to large predators and ancient creatures, which the elves try to avoid. Some areas are deliberately left wild so as not to disturb the natural balance of the caves.

Elves respect the underground environment, but this doesn't mean they consider it inviolable. They actively exploit plants, animals, water, and minerals for their own purposes.

Magic is an important part of the culture of the underground elves.

It is used in everyday life, construction, agriculture, medicine, crafts and military affairs.

Particularly well developed are magical practices associated with stone, water, plants, light and darkness.

Mages are able to strengthen stone structures, change the shape of rocks, create artificial light sources, control water flows, and accelerate the growth of certain underground plants.

Some ancient buildings were created magically: huge halls were literally carved out of stone using spells.

Magical education is not accessible to everyone. Influential families strive to teach their children magic from an early age. Powerful mages enjoy high status and can hold important government positions.

There are ancient spells, the knowledge of which is passed down only within certain families.

Certain types of magic are considered forbidden. Spells that could destroy caves, cause avalanches, or deprive the state of access to water are particularly strictly controlled.

Magic is also used for control and punishment. However, the use of particularly dangerous spells is regulated by law and permitted only to certain authorities.

The army of the underground elves is well organized and accustomed to fighting in the conditions of cramped tunnels, vertical caves and multi-level halls.

The guards are responsible for maintaining order within the settlements, protecting important buildings, entrances to the underworld, and the territories of noble families.

The warriors are excellent at navigating caves. They know numerous hidden passages, bypass tunnels, and dead ends, making it virtually impossible to penetrate the elves' territory without their knowledge.

The main advantage of an army is not considered to be brute force, but discipline, organization and knowledge of the terrain.

The guards are especially wary of outsiders. A stranger discovered in a restricted area of ​​the city is first detained and interrogated. If it is determined that they entered intentionally or pose a threat, the punishment can be extremely severe.

There are elite units made up of the finest warriors. They guard the ruling family, the most important temples, state depositories, and particularly dangerous areas.

Military service is considered prestigious. Members of noble families often begin their military careers in their youth.

The subterranean elves live in a single state located within a vast system of caves and underground tunnels. The state consists of several large settlements and numerous smaller holdings, connected by roads, bridges, and tunnels.

At the head of state is the ruling dynasty. The ruler wields enormous power and is considered the supreme protector of order. His authority is supported by ancient laws, the nobility, and the army.

Beneath the ruler are representatives of the most ancient noble families. They govern individual districts, control large territories, own a significant portion of land and slaves, and hold the majority of important government positions.

Each noble family has its own domain, symbols, family traditions, and hierarchy within the family. Family seniority is of great importance: ancient families are held in higher esteem than those that have recently risen to prominence.

Government positions are practically inaccessible to members of the lower castes. Origin matters more than personal ability.

Authority is maintained by a strict system of subordination. Every elf knows whom they must obey and expects the same from those beneath them.

An open challenge to a superior is considered not just disobedience, but a threat to public order.

The underground elves consider themselves a separate and superior people.

They have an ambivalent attitude towards other elven peoples: the existence of a common origin is acknowledged, but the differences between the elven species are taken very seriously.

Most underground elves consider humans and orcs to be outsiders.

The attitude towards half-orcs is usually even worse.

Moreover, the attitude toward an individual creature may depend on their status, behavior, and origin. A personal slave who serves his master well may be more trusted than a free stranger who has entered elven territory.

An outsider entering the underground city without permission is almost guaranteed to attract the attention of the guards.

The laws of the underground elves are extremely strict.

Order and hierarchy are considered the foundation of society. Violation of this established order is perceived not just as a crime against an individual, but as a threat to society as a whole.

Punishments can be severe and even cruel.

The following crimes are considered particularly serious:

attack on a member of a higher caste;
insult to the nobility;
violation of a superior's order;
illegal entry into restricted areas;
helping strangers;
attempting to free a slave without the owner's permission;
flight from possessions;
concealment of a criminal;
violation of ancient laws of a clan or state.

However, the law is not necessarily the same for everyone.

The same act can have completely different consequences depending on the position of the perpetrator and the victim.

A lower-caste elf who insults the nobility may receive severe punishment, while a member of a noble family may get off with a fine or a formal reprimand for a similar offense.

The society of the underground elves is strictly hierarchical.

A person's position is determined primarily by his caste, origin and pedigree.

Transition between castes is extremely difficult. Birth into a particular family practically determines a person's future life.

Conventionally, society can be divided into several levels:

High nobility
The most ancient families and the most influential clans. They own large tracts of underground land, have their own servants and slaves, and hold the most important government positions.

Noble and free elves
Warriors, magicians, artisans, merchants, officials and other representatives of the free population.

Lower free castes
Simple workers, miners, farmers, service personnel and representatives of professions considered low-prestige.

Slaves
They are outside the normal caste system.

Slavery is legal and socially acceptable.

Slaves most often come from other races: humans, orcs, half-orcs, and elves of other species. A slave may belong to a state, a temple, a noble family, or an individual owner.

The status of a slave depends on his owner, but the law almost completely recognizes the owner's right to dispose of him.

Elves lead a predominantly secluded life.

They are extremely wary of strangers and do not like the presence of representatives of other peoples on their territory.

The uninvited guest is perceived not as a traveler, but as a potential threat.

They are especially hostile to those who try to penetrate deep into their underground domains.

The surface races know very little about them. Some consider the subterranean elves mere legend.

The elves themselves have no particular desire to correct this idea.

Their culture was formed in isolation, so they consider their own people to be more civilized and developed than most surface races.

The subterranean elves are a distinct people who have had virtually no contact with the surface races for many generations.

They are distinguished by their unusually pale skin. Most elves have skin that is almost porcelain white, sometimes with a cool grayish or bluish tint.

Their eyes have unusual cold shades: light blue, icy, gray, almost white, and some representatives have deep scarlet eyes.

Hair always falls within the light spectrum: from golden, honey and ash-blond shades to silver and almost white.

There is no natural dark hair among them.

Dark hair can only be found in mestizos, resulting from marriages or interbreeding with other varieties of elves.

The appearance of the subterranean elves often seems almost unearthly: pale skin, cold eyes, light hair and a thin build create a sharp contrast with the dark stone walls of their homes.

They are accustomed to navigating by the sound of dripping water, the air current, and the location of glowing plants. They see perfectly in dim light and dislike bright sunlight. Children learn to memorize the layout of tunnels and levels from an early age. Getting lost in their own city is considered shameful for an adult elf.

The elven dwellings are almost impossible to separate from the cave itself.

Most houses are not built on top of the rock, but are carved into it.

Living quarters can be located directly within the walls of enormous caves. In some places, the house's façade is a worked section of rock with arched windows and doors, while the rest of the space is hidden within the mountain.

Other dwellings have several floors, deep within the rock. Corridors, staircases, and small passages carved into the rock run between the rooms.

Houses are built primarily of stone, using various shades of gray, dark gray, and almost black stone. The architecture features numerous arches, columns, carved elements, and massive stone structures.

Some buildings look almost like natural parts of the rock: their walls are indistinguishable from the surrounding rock until you notice the treated doorways, windows, or stonework.

Wealthier houses have spacious halls, high ceilings, balconies, courtyards, and large windows opening directly into the cave spaces.

Poor residents and members of the lower castes live much more simply - in small rooms carved directly into the walls, sometimes with virtually no natural light.

The higher the family's position in society, the closer its home is to the large central halls and the larger it is in size.

Particularly influential families may occupy entire sections of cave walls, connected by passages.

Stone paths, stairs, and bridges between levels serve as streets. In some places, natural ledges, converted into squares, are used instead of streets.

Light has symbolic significance in underground society. Wealthy neighborhoods are illuminated by numerous glowing plants, crystals, and magical springs. In poorer areas, light is significantly less. Therefore, street lighting can be used to roughly determine a neighborhood's status.

Deep underground lies a vast cave system, almost completely isolated from the surface. This is not a single small cave, but an entire underground world, consisting of spacious halls, narrow passages, sheer shafts, natural tunnels, and multi-level stone terraces.

The caves are distinguished by an unusually rich vegetation. The walls, ceilings, and ledges are covered with thick moss, grass, small shrubs, and numerous hanging vines. Some plants descend from the ceiling for tens of meters, forming a kind of green curtain. Glowing plants and flowers grow between the rocks, preventing even the deepest areas from being plunged into complete darkness.

Some rooms feature enormous mushrooms—both regular and gigantic, with massive stems and wide caps. Their size allows them to be used as part of the natural landscape, and sometimes even as landmarks.

Underground streams and small rivers flow through the caves. Water collects in deep lakes and clear ponds, and in places falls from great heights in thin waterfalls. Some streams flow directly from the cave ceilings, forming long vertical jets of water.

The terrain is almost never flat. Stone walls form numerous ledges, balconies, and natural terraces. Between them are staircases, bridges, and narrow paths. Some areas are so high that their ceilings cannot be seen from below.

The caves have several levels. The deeper the settlement, the older, darker, and more dangerous the surrounding stone spaces become. The upper chambers are usually filled with vegetation and water, while the deeper areas are almost completely devoid of light and covered in dark stone.

Despite the beauty of this place, it doesn't feel safe. It's easy to get lost here; some passages lead into deep crevices, and beyond the settled areas, there are wild sections of caves that residents try to avoid unless absolutely necessary.

The surface is practically unused by elves. They don't build settlements above ground, rarely venture there, and consider the underworld their true home. For many, the surface is associated with an alien, overly bright, and dangerous world.