...while Tuluk's all-seeing and all-knowing Templarate seems to pervade
the city, ruling with their benevolent, firm fist, there exists
another realm of the Sun King; a cavernous netherworld where even His
light does not pierce: Undertuluk.
Consisting of collapsed sections of
the original destroyed city, UnderTuluk is a network of natural caves and
tunnels interspersed with derelict domiciles and ruins. In this
underbelly a thriving alternative to Tuluki society dwells, carving
out a living from dishonest trade, black market dealings, crime and
all manner of villainy. While there is a central market area, called
the Shadow Souk, where trade takes place freely and those so inclined
may venture with comparatively little risk to life or limb, as one
moves beyond the beaten path dangers increase.
The
gangs, predatory groups that claim parts of the tunnels for
themselves, have splashed graffiti on tunnel walls, a constantly
changing testimony of the wins and losses of unceasing battles for
limited resources and territory. Some
areas are so dark and dangerous even the gangs won't venture into:
environs ruled by rumors of walking corpses that feed on the flesh of
the living and bubbles of vile magick that burst in reality-warping
occurrences to challenge the sanity of any soul unfortunate enough to
happen upon them. Still, there are those, drawn by the tales of
untold riches of old Tuluk, just waiting to be uncovered, who
risk their lives to go ever further into the cavernous network, hoping
to one day find some noble's ancient cache of heirlooms or the find
of all finds, metal.
The residents of UT are the dregs and outcasts of society. Mutants, deviants, criminals, and misanthropes they congregate in the caverns and are joined by one common theme: they hate and in turn are hated by the surface world. Whether a born rebel, disgusted by the totalitarian regime of the Dominion or a psychopath, unable to satisfy its sadistic impulses within sight of the Templarate, all walks of life can be found. Varying degrees of hatred are common. Some feel a mild dislike and aversion to the surface while others are downright murderous toward surface dwellers.
© 2006 Armageddon Mud
Submitted by Bakha