Xander Jarino's "Underdark Unthology". Various Guides and Insight into People, Places, and Factions of the Underdark.

-VOLUME 1: INTRODUCTION-

Without getting into details of myself, I believe some creditials should be put forward, as to show this is hardly some con-man's game to lure you into the dark. Born and Raised in "Scenic" Lower Sanctuary, My childhood was wrought with joyous Tigereyes and Ubellion. The son of the son of a rothe hunter, I've since moved on from the family trade to become a helpful explorer and investigator of Underdark, making maps and these guides to aide the citizens of Sanctuary in getting out and seeing the world. I believe that while we are down here, we may as well get accustomed to what our local neighbors and creatures are forced to deal with everyday, and delve through the chaos, danger, massiveness, to show the fine citizens of Sanctuary the freedom and joy that comes from the rare beauties of the Underdark.

The volumes, ranging from a step by step guide to surviving, to Traensyr, And other locales, and perhaps even an anthology of beasts and baddies you may come across amongst your travels shall be discussed in depth.

In the next section, "The Dangers of The Dark", shall be fully discussed in the next edition. I hope you look forward to reading and enriching yourselves, and for the right price of preparation, enjoying the Underdark as much as I.

Sit back, Relax, grab a fine ale, find yourself a fire, and prepare yourselves for a literary lesson in learning the lows and lofty paths of the lairs of legions of L'Underdark.

VOLUME TWO: "THE DANGERS OF THE DARK"

The Underdark. Despite living your entire lives in Sanctuary, its quite possible you'll not see hide nor tail of some of the beasts I hope to discuss on this guide, but ask your more bold friends, and perhaps they can verify the truths to these words, Sanctuarians.

Be it for Profit or Pleasure, The Places and People you are to encounter in the Underdark are quite often more than not, Rife with hostility and strife. If you think a stroll through Lower is difficult, Try traversing the Spire, dodging Bandits ranging from Goblin to Minotaur, and the strange beasts in between.

While I am sure the prospect is fearful, there are a few easy steps to take before every underdark endeavor.

Step one: BE PREPARED! Underdark is dangerous. Though a good sword arm and wit will get you places, there are some things you just cannot be prepared for. Wrong turn? Lost. Doomed to be besieged no doubt as you wander lost. Buy a map (Maps coming soon. Reasonable prices.). Jokes aside though, The following things should be a stable of any underdark adventure.

- Dark and earthen clothing. Drow and Other beasts know very well through years of living within the dark to see in the dark. The only way to survive, is to blend in. Dark Greys, Browns, the occasional Blacks, all can go a long way to seeing your health maintained in the underdark.

- Potions. Should you not be a mage or wild-walker, your potion contingency can save your life. Invisibility potions are a dime a dozen within sanctuary, and a charming kobold of noble birth sells potions easily allowing you to sprint through the dark fleeing danger. As always, Healing potions and restoratives can bring you from the brink of death should you take a wrong step and fall into a pit, or into a drow-patrol. Darkvision potions allow you to traverse without the dangerous beacon of a torch or light emitting item, which draws massive attention in the pitch black of the underdark.

- A helmet, fully covering armor. Believe it or not, A helmet can save your life. We are under ground, and rocks are known to fall from above, resulting in some horrible consequence. Also for those of us of a fairer complexion, being fully covered aids in evading the locals.

- A friend. While some of you may be headstrong and set on finding your way about the dark, a friend can save your life. An extra pair of eyes, an extra blade, and someone to aid in the lonely life of travel.

- Last, but not least, Your wits. You are going into underdark. This will not be fun, or easy, though the rewards can be not only enriching in knowledge, but in wealth and associates. Not all things will kill you, so use your judgment and you may make some new, exotic friends with stories or goods to share of far off places. Killing wantonly, while a good tactic to stay safe, complicates things if you kill a famous individual. Bounty Hunters in the Underdark are more ruthless than any you will ever encounter.