The history of the Equatorial Abyss is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient mysticism, technological wonders, and the resilience of humanity in the face of cosmic upheaval. As survivors navigate this underground labyrinth, they uncover the secrets of the past, confront mutated horrors, and seek to either restore balance or exploit the newfound powers lurking in the depths.
History
In the distant past, long before the Hodgepocalypse, ancient
African civilizations thrived, harnessing powerful mystical energies and
advanced technologies. Legends spoke of a sacred nexus hidden beneath the
Earth, a convergence of ley lines and spiritual forces. This nexus was believed
to be a source of balance, linking the earthly realm with the energies of the
cosmos.
As the Hodgepocalypse unfolded, triggered by a cataclysmic
event of cosmic proportions, the world was thrown into chaos. The very fabric
of reality was torn asunder, and the once-stable connections between the
mundane and the mystical were disrupted. The sacred nexus beneath the Earth,
intended to be a source of harmony, became a focal point for the chaotic
energies unleashed.
The aftermath of the Hodgepocalypse saw the emergence of
mutated landscapes, twisted by the unpredictable fusion of magic and science.
The ancient civilizations were obliterated, leaving behind remnants of their
once-mighty structures and technologies. However, deep underground, the sacred
nexus persisted, now warped and changed by the Hodgepocalypse.
In the centuries that followed, survivors sought refuge
underground, discovering the existence of the altered nexus. They realized that
the mystical energies emanating from the nexus were both a source of power and
peril. Those who delved into its depths uncovered strange phenomena, mutated
creatures, and remnants of the lost technologies of the past.
The survivors began to establish settlements around the
nexus, creating the first connections between the various mines. The tunnels,
initially formed out of necessity for shelter, evolved into a complex network
as different groups sought to exploit the resources and mysteries hidden
beneath the Earth's surface.
Over time, the Equatorial Abyss became the epicenter of a
new world order. Factions rose and fell, each vying for control over the nexus
and the valuable resources connected to it. The tunnels and pathways became the
lifeblood of the post-apocalyptic societies, shaping trade, alliances, and
conflicts.
The Geology of the Depths
The Equatorial Abyss is a series of connected caves and mines. While they may change over time, the simple
fact that these are conduits to a whole new world.
The mainstay of its physical locations are in south and
central Africa as this is where the lion’s share of the mining occurred and a
lot of mining holes appear to be have been made artificially, even when the
scale appears to be absolutely ludicrous that it all could have been created
and interconnected them.
Cratons
These solid blocks of rock are often considered the main
support structures of the Equatorial Abyss.
The two biggest focal points of this are the Congo Craton and the
Kaapvaal Craton in Southern Africa, but there are other ones that are strewn
across Africa. These are dominated by
crystalline and metamorphic material.
Hallowed Conduits
Dimensional Portals to the Hallowed world are more likely to
be found underground and are common in areas of intense geographic activity.
Volcanic Activity.
Before the Hodgepocalypse, it was the home of the world’s
most active volcanos. The Hodgepocalypse
has made them more active and even now team with life adapted to live in such
hostile environments. This also includes
magma rivers that bubble up from the depths which can remake a location in an
instant and ravage the unwary. This is
mainly on the eastern continent which boxes in the equatorial Abyss.
Creatures of the Equatorial Abyss
This is mainly to have a list of common wildlife that can be
found throughout the Equatorial Abyss:
Bats: Many species of bats roost in caves and mines,
seeking shelter in the dark and secluded spaces.
Cave Crickets: These insects are adapted to dark
environments and can be found in various cave systems, including mines.
Cave Spiders: Some spider species are adapted to
low-light conditions and can be found in caves and mines.
Blind Cave Fish: In underground water systems within
mines, blind cave fish have adapted to living in complete darkness.
Cave Salamanders: Some species of salamanders inhabit
the damp, dark conditions of caves and mines.
Troglofauna: This term refers to various small
invertebrates that have adapted to live in subterranean environments, including
caves and mines.
Rats and Mice: Rodents may find their way into mines
seeking shelter and food.
Termites: Some termite species construct their nests
in subterranean environments, including mines.
Snakes: Certain snake species may venture into mines,
especially if they provide suitable hiding spots or prey.
Scorpions: In arid regions, scorpions might be found
in mines, particularly if there are suitable microhabitats for them.
Locations of Notes
Bakwanga Diamond Enclave:
Along the edge of the Cameroon and the Central African
Republic are a massive location of diamonds.
The Bakwanga Diamond Enclave are a major source of industrial diamonds,
used for cutting and grinding tools. These diamonds are essential for crafting
high-quality equipment, and factions in control of this resource dominate
manufacturing and infrastructure development.
However, this is a location where the Blood Diamond Elementals wander
seeking to vent their primal fury on those invaders.
Bushveld Igneous Complex
This location in the former South Africa is one of the most
productive platinum production in the world.
The platinum veins intertwine with the magical energies of the
Equatorial Abyss, creating veins of abyssal platinum. Miners who extract this
rare material often find themselves attuned to the mystical forces, gaining
insights into the magical properties of the region.
Cango Caves
This complex of Luminous limestone formations with calming
properties. Pools of liquid limestone with transformative effects. Liquid limestone possesses unique properties,
allowing those who submerge themselves to temporarily gain insights into the
language of magical energies, enhancing their ability to comprehend and
manipulate spells. It is one of the key
locations that is believed to be an entrance to the Hallowed Earth, with the
effect being that this is potential
invasion point for Terrorsaurs.
Congo Crystal Mines:
Arguably one of the most magical areas, The Congo Crystal
Mines are known for extracting rare crystals with unique properties. These
crystals could have energy-storing capabilities or mystical qualities. The
crystals might be highly sought after for technological advancements, power
sources, or even mystical rituals. A
Band of Minotaurs have setup a major gig area as the crystals both enhance
psychic energy and they make a great set for their “vids.”
Copperbelt Copper Mines:
The Copperbelt Copper Mines are along the edge of the former
countries of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia and has made copper a
common material across the continent. It
is critical to produce electrical components and wiring. Control over these
mines is vital for maintaining and repairing technology, making it a key
resource for any faction aiming to sustain or advance their technological
capabilities. This is homestead Dwarf
Territory and they have used their knowledge to make a healthy trade.
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City becames the Golden Nexus, a labyrinthine
network of tunnels where veins of enchanted gold flow. The gold is sought after
not for its material value, but for its ability to enhance the potency of
magical artifacts crafted within its depths.
A human mutant community thrives
in its depths with the back story being that they were a group of trapped
miners that managed to thrive during the Hodgepocalypse in its depths.
Hollowed Tree Labyrinth
A Massive Baobab Tree tree has hollowed out over the
centuries, forming a labyrinthine network of tunnels filled with bioluminescent
fungi and traps. It's rumored to hide a lost tribe's treasure. This is Elf territory whom live as
pastrolists whom travel the tree while rearing Cave-Dwelling Insects.s
Ituri Gemstone Quarries:
Along the northern edge of the former Democratic Republic of
the Congo, The Ituri Gemstone Quarries are renowned for producing precious
gemstones. These gemstones are not only valuable for trade but might also have
mystical properties or cultural significance. Possession of these gemstones
could symbolize wealth and power. The
Mining Lord has setup an outpost and is trying to develop a stranglehold on the
commodity.
Kibara Belt
Kivu Gas Reserves:
Underneath Lake Kivu is one of the largest deposits of
Natural gas on the planet and it appears to be constantly renewing itself. The
Kivu Gas Reserves are crucial for providing a source of fuel in the
post-apocalyptic world. Gas extracted from these mines could be used for
energy, heating, and even as a valuable trading commodity. Control over these
reserves could mean dominance in the region.
The gas is nasty, but it also has led to an ecosystem that has a basis
of floating fish. It also teams with
spirits and Naptha Nereids that cause complications.
Manono Lithium Mines:
Significance: The Manono Lithium Mines extract lithium, a
crucial component for energy storage and advanced technologies. The lithium
batteries produced here are highly sought after, powering everything from
vehicles to communication devices. Control over these mines ensures
technological supremacy. The energy that
is saved here makes radio equipment difficult to use due to interference. A
Trollitariot clan has active control of this site and have used their
stubbornness and expertise to use lithium for their own productively and
defenses.
Mount Nyiragongo Complex
The Mount Nyiragongo Complex stands as a natural gateway to
the mysterious depths of the Equatorial Abyss. Its active volcanoes, Nyiragongo
and Nyamuragira, serve as conduits that channel the volatile energy of the Hodgepocalypse
into the earth. A magical vortex hovers
above the volcanic craters, swirling with energy. The vortex is a focal point
for magical occurrences, causing unpredictable surges in mystical activity
throughout the Equatorial Abyss. Very
little sentient species live here, but it is sought out as it is a Hallowed
Earth conduit to the elemental fire planet of Mars.
Oubangui Uranium Deposits:
This area is particularly dangerous as it is radioactive,
The Oubangui Uranium Deposits are a key source of nuclear fuel. In the
post-apocalyptic world, controlling these deposits could give a faction the
potential to harness nuclear power or construct powerful weapons, making it a
strategic and dangerous location. The
Weavespiders seem to habitate here and retreat when they annoy the surface too
much. It also is covered in fossilized Calendula
plants that seem to grow over time.
Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine
Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine becomes the Thunderforge, a cavern
where iron ore resonates with the elemental power of thunder. Weapons forged
here can call forth lightning and thunderstorms. This is a location where abandoned robotic
mining equipment have creative a collective as they continue to harvest and
don’t look kindly to claim jumpers.
Vredefort Dome
The Vredefort Dome transforms into the Celestial Caldera, an
ancient crater filled with fragments of a celestial meteor. The metals within
the meteor grant unparalleled magical properties to those who can harness their
essence. The Malarkoids, suburbanite
aliens that might be mutants, have developed a settlement along the crater as
part of their neighborhood.
Dangers of Note
1.
Mutated Flora and Fauna:
The Hodgepocalypse has twisted the once-familiar plants and
animals into grotesque and dangerous forms. Mutated vines, carnivorous plants,
and predatory creatures roam the tunnels.
2.
Energetic Anomalies:
Residual energies from the altered nexus create pockets of
unstable magic. These anomalies can cause unpredictable phenomena, from
reality-warping distortions to sudden surges of mystical energy.
3.
Toxic Gases:
Mining activities and the Hodgepocalypse might have released toxic gases into the tunnels. Certain areas are filled with noxious fumes that can be lethal to the unprepared.
4. Collapsing Tunnels:
The structural integrity of the tunnels has been compromised
over time. Sections may collapse, leading to deadly cave-ins. Survivors must
navigate carefully to avoid unstable areas.
5.
Ancient Traps:
The pre-apocalyptic civilization may have left behind
automated defense systems or traps to protect the secrets of the nexus.
Triggering these traps could lead to perilous situations.
6.
Psychic Resonance:
The nexus's altered state has left a psychic residue in the
tunnels. Some survivors may experience haunting visions, psychological
disturbances, or even telepathic communication with other beings.
Myths of the Equatorial Abyss
The Whispering Tunnels:
Myth: Miners claim to hear mysterious whispers in the
deepest tunnels, said to be the voices of spirits warning of impending danger
or revealing hidden treasures.
The Phantom Miner:
Myth: A spectral figure of a miner, cursed to eternally
wander the abandoned shafts, seeking something lost in life and forever eluding
discovery.
The Living Veins:
Myth: Some believe the veins of precious minerals in the
mines are alive, pulsating with an energy that can either bless or curse those
who encounter it.
The Luminous Guardian:
Myth: Miners tell tales of a guardian spirit made of pure
light, appearing only to those deemed worthy and guiding them to untold
treasures.
The Stone Singers:
Myth: Legends speak of stones deep within the mines that
emit a haunting melody. Miners claim that those who hear it risk falling under
a mystical spell.
The Forgotten City:
Myth: Rumors circulate about an ancient city hidden beneath
the mines, where a civilization thrived before the Hodgepocalypse. Brave
adventurers seek to uncover its secrets.
The Phantom Cartographer:
Myth: Whispers tell of a mysterious figure mapping the
ever-changing labyrinthine tunnels, leaving cryptic symbols that only the
chosen ones can decipher.
The Cursed Gem:
Myth: A tale of a single cursed gemstone that, when touched,
bestows immense power but at a grave cost, leading to the downfall of many who
seek it.
The Mirror of Shadows:
Myth: Miners speak of a magical mirror hidden in the mines,
capable of showing glimpses of both the past and the future, but at the risk of
madness.
The Echoing Laughter:
Myth: Some claim to hear the distant laughter of mischievous
spirits deep within the mines, said to guide lost souls or lead them astray.
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