I want to propose that, with all the changes coming online for BGTSCC, and in regard to UD/Surface, that the following not only be taken into consideration, but actually implemented.
The basic proposal: Define and implement Areas that are situated in either the Upperdark or the Middledark in a manner that reflects their canon existence, and as such, their accessibility and/or the difficulty therein for travel, adventuring and survivability (to what extent is possible with this Engine).
Facts:
As has been noted on the Discord Dev-svn-feed, the entrance to the Upperdark from the Trollclaws was "collapsed." :
I'm not here to argue that it be reinstated, however, it shouldn't have collapsed for just no reason (that being, because an OOC decision was made).Due to the physical chaos caused by the Time of Troubles, the passageway between the Trollclaws and the Upperdark has collapsed. Other entrances exist, but these paths are likely to be dangerous and easy to get lost in.
But what I am proposing is that more or alternative entrances to the Upperdark that reflect the Canon "ease" in which to access it, be added. Or, the Trollclaws could be reinstated, easy peasy!
Additionally, Rhifox mentioned adding Skill Checks to enter in the Underdark. But those Checks, as per Canon, should not be for the Upperdark, but for the Middledark...and something like Areas around Sshamath, which is Canon located in the Middledark.
So, what's my personal investment here? Well, ever since the Upperdark areas were added, it seemed possible to have an interesting "middle ground" between the UD and the Surface. A place that had inherent danger to it, and also reason for BOTH sides to be there: Surfacers adventuring down for X; Middledarkers staging raids and trading for goods plus adventuring around. AND, with such a "zone" on BGTSCC, it could provide a Lore appropriate place for Conflict RP, should Players wish to seek it out, from either side. BONUS: it could all be done in the Upperdark, and not be Lore-disturbing to either Surface or Middledark.
Doesn't that sound great?!?
Lastly, I've also personally always dreamed of having Characters be able to Spawn in the Upperdark, originate from the Upperdark, where Lore appropriate—not just Drow, Svirfs and Duergars, but Shield Dwarves as well. That the Upperdark could be an additional "under-the-surface Wild West," for those Characters that do not fit either the Sword Coast Surface nor the Sshamath Middledark.
Doesn't that also sound great?!?
Oh, and one more thing...having such changes would also make Varalla's Passage much more important, for direct access to Sshamath, for all the right reasons. As it should be. I think this would forward and support RP between two poles of Evil.
Obviously, the Engine can only support so much. Any additional comments welcome. Cheers.