Underdark Beginner Guide (now with map)

[Nachti]

Whoever you are....
...A noble drow of the house Sshamath.
...An imaskari that tries to find his purpose.
...A duergar that got sold by his clan.
...A tanuruuk slave of some Lolthide.
...A tiefling bound to a drow wizard.

Welcome to the Underdark !

You are now at Sshamath - the city of mighty drow wizards.

What you need to know at the Underdark

1. Drow Language
2. Drow Culture
3. Lore about Sshamath
4. Getting started - Maps & First Levels
5. Underdark Quests
6. Underdark Guilds and Factions
7. Roleplaying at the Underdark
8. Tips & Tricks
9. Underdark Map


1. Drow Language

When people communicate at the underdark they usually use the default language "common", which is unknown to most underdark denizen. Actually they speak "undercommon", which is the trade language spoken by the majority of intelligent races native to the Underdark.

Many drow player tend to speak undercommon with drow accent simply because it helps producing a realistic underdark scenario.

Should you have decided to play a drow you are expected to know at least the basics of your language. Other races show respect if they know them but dont have to.

Usstan - I
Ussa - Me
Udos - We
Dos - You
Xas - Yes
Nau - No
Jaluk - Male
Jalil - Female
Jabress - Mistress
Ilharess - Matron
Faern - Wizard
Yathrin - Priestress
Yath'tallor - High Priestress
Bel'la dos - Thank you
A'dos quarth - At your command
Taundl - Sorry
Plakta - Gold
Cycle - Day
Usstan- I
Ussa- Me
Ussta- My
Udos- We
Udossa- Us
Tlun- Am
Phuul- Are
Dos- You
Dosst – Your
Dosstan- Yourself
Xas- Yes
Nau- No
Naut- Not
The- Lil or l’ (if used with a noun)
Sorry- Taudl
Bel’la- Thank
Thanks- G’rftte (thanks is NOT bel’la, bel’la is thank)
Vendui’- Greetings
Vendui- Hello
Aluve- Farewell
Mal’ai- Idiot
Vlos- Blood
Qu’ellar- House
Valg’lam- Assassin
Sargtlin- Warrior
Jaluk- Male
Jalil- Female
Malla- Honored
Rivvil- Human
Jabbress- Mistress
Ilharess- Matron
Valsharess- Queen
Faern- Wizard
Ilbith- Filth/Non-Drow
__________________________________
Fahliel = Warlock
Yath'abban = Priestess in training
Yathrin = Priestess
Yath'tallar = High priestess
Tlu = To
Darthiiri = Elf
Illythiiri = Drow
Kivvil = Surfacer (I think)
V'dre = Rest
Dossta = Yours
Quarth = Command
__________________________________
Of course = Del'heen
(general curse) = Vith
Male in charge of something = Jabbuk
sister = dalninil
Brother = Dalninuk
Daughter = Dalharil
Son = Dalharuk
Child = Dalhar
__________________________________
Quarval-Sharess : The Most Glorious Goddess Lolth
Orbb : Spider
Olath : Dark/Darkness
Ultrin : Victorious
Ultrinnan : Victory
V'dre : Reverie/Rest
A'dos'quarth : As You Command/Will/Wish
__________________________________
Inorum lo’athi, uvrastes. : In darkness, there is opportunity.
Su lidos verith. : Only the strong survive.
Resilsh nielquosthos nilt resilsh. : Help freely offered is not free.
Alrenas Lolthu, nilos dulhar. : Before Lolth, all are weak (essentially means "nobody is perfect")
Nilodi orhastho shiorell e farul. : Weakness is the spawn of contentment and affection. (essentially means don't become happy with your position, always vie for greater power)

2. Drow Culture

Drow, also known as dark elves or Ilythiiri, are a dark-skinned sub-race of elves that predominantly live in the Underdark. They see all other races as inferior, even those to whom they are allied, and would attempt to enslave any enemies they captured, usually never willingly releasing them.
They were taught from an early age to trust no one, forging alliances only when they were confident that they could outmatch their ally if he/she decided to turn on them. The inherent pride in their own abilities quite often led to such alliances being forged, though they almost always ended badly when one party decided said alliance was no longer convenient.
All drow enjoy surrounding themselves with things of beauty - drow cities are always spectacles of breathtaking architecture—and often partook of lavish revels, indulging in the most pleasurable of activities, including long nights of dinner and massages. Some drow are fond of dances, including the frenzied nedeirra competition or the illiyitrii, a formal dance sometimes involving costumes.

Drows judge all individuals by how valueable they are to them and how much power they wield, and offer them respect accordingly. They constantly seek to improve their position in society and in Lolth's eyes. If it comes at the expense of another's life, so much the better—that makes one less drow to challenge the newcomer, and it ensures greater security in the new position. A drow who holds no power is a failure in her own eyes, and this more than anything else drives her behavior. It is thus not merely external pressures that cause the drow to plot and scheme; it is an ingrained need that borders on instinct. During a joint patrol a drow's rival might be vital for the survial of the whole group, but he will scheme to bend a situation to his advantage, eventually getting rid of the rival once he fullfilled his purpose.

Drow psychology - Know how to play your drow character (by servin)
The Origin of the Drow (by rasael)
Is treating spiders badly a sin in the eyes of the drow? (by servin)

3. Lore about Sshamath

Sshamath is ruled by a conclave, an oligarchy composed of masters of the ten recognized schools of wizardry. Althought the temple of Lolth recently gained a seat within the conclave (DM verification needed). The faith of Lolth plays only a minor role within the male-dominated city and thus females are considered equal to males, depending on their ranks. However some Drow individuals might still bow before a priestress, in fear of their goddness Lolth.

Sshamath relies on a steady flow of Underdark traders bringing in goods for its inhabitants' artifice. All races are allowed to visit Sshamath, even traditional drow foes, yet ensures that such visitors are only superficially welcomed and always under great, unspoken suspicion.

How will your character be treated within the city? (by servin)
The School of Magic (by DM Ioulaum)
More information about Sshamath (by DM Ioulaum)
Laws of Sshamath
Who's currently in charge of Sshamath (by servin)

4. Getting started (maps included)

Hidden: show

You start in Gloura's Inn at the drow city Sshamath. Turn on darkvision (most important thing down here). Head outside of the inn and turn right. Speak to the duergar trader and Droin Ironflat at the marketplace to get your first quests. They should be done right now, so head towards the next area, southern Sshamath.
Note: When entering a new area you might have to activate your darkvision again.


There you will find the weapons and ore. Check your journal to make sure that you found everything and finish your two quests.

Head back into Glouras Inn and buy a backpack of the hearty, a light crossbow+1, bolts and a club (for zombies and oozes). You might also want to uprade your armor to a chainshirt or better.

Level 1:

Now you are ready for your first fights. You can either go sewers or tombs, both are connected. Each monster there will give you 40-50xp even if you are drow. Use your club against zombies and oozes.
Note: Drows (ECL+2) suffer slightly from reduced expercience gain after hitting 1.000 xp and 3.000 xp. Some player like to do quests when they reach 3.000 xp. The Libram quest from the school of necromancy and the Basilisk egg quest from the wizard outside of Glourias give exact 3.000 xp and can be done with invisibility and a guide)

Level 2-3:

You can go now through the city portal (marked at first map) to Varallas Passage. Take the slave hunting quest from the guards ( ~800 xp) and head to the south.
Note: The caravan master takes people to high-level areas for 25gp.

The kobolds South of Varallas are easy, but the bugbears can deal serious damage (2-13).



When you hit level 3 you have to choose a feat. If your build contains "Blind Fight" you should take it now (for the displacer beasts).

Level 3-4:

Another good point to do the quests. Otherwise you might have to continue to do slaves. Displacers might be possible as high BAB class.

Level 4-6:



The displacer beasts "West of Varallas" cast displacement. You should kill them before they cast it or have the feat blind fight. Mushroom and Spore Grove can also be done.

Note: There are 5 chests at West of Varallas, making it a good area to get your first money to buy better gear.

Level 7-9:

Goblins at the Underdark! Goblins that explode! Take care of the explosion. It deals a great amount of damage.

Overview of the low level areas:
and the monsters stats.

Sshamath,Tombs: Zombies and Skeletons (-2 BAB)
Sshamath,Sewers: Bats and Oozes (+1 BAB)
Varallas, Passage: Bats, Vargouille (+2 BAB)
South of Varallas: Kobold Slaves, Bugbears (+3 BAB, AC15)
West of Varallas: Umber Hulks. Displacer Beasts (+5 BAB, AC16)
Mushroom Grove: Myconid Spawns (+6 BAB)
Spore Grove: Myconide Spore (+6 BAB)
Underdark: Goblins (+8 BAB, 19AC)
North of River: Troglodyte (+13 BAB, AC22)
SW of River: Umber Hulks, Carrion Crawler (+15 BAB, AC26)
Darkwoods: Gloura, Darkstalker (+15 BAB, AC24)
Goblin Lake Cave: Goblins (+16 BAB, AC23)

5. Quests

Most of them can be found near Gloura's Inn. They reset every 5-7 days. ~5800 xp. All exept the curse can be done with invisibility at level 1 and a guide (Just ask someone at the UD)

Hidden: show

Find the precious plate: From the deep gnome at the inn.
Pesky slave dealing: From the guards outside of Sshamath. The quest has two parts. The slaves are south of the guards.
Gathering mushrooms: Optained inside the school of mages. Mushrooms can be found at the goblin cavern.
The lore of ages: Optained inside the school of necromancy, first floor backside.
Ore for the duergar: Duergar trader at the market.
Gathering weapons: Droin Ironflat on the market.
Curse of Lolth: From one of the priestress at the temple of lolth. The drider can be found within the drider area at the altar. It can be done without fight if you help him against the lolthites.
The angry demander: From the drow wizard outside the inn. Teleports you to the location of the mushrooms. Take this quest last.
The drow wizard: Gather beetle pincers for gold. Just good to farm a bit gold.

6. Underdark Guilds and Factions

The School of Necromancy
Bregan D'earthe
The Church of Shar
Qu’ellar Zau’Afin
The Seventh Circle
The Zhentarim
The Cult of the Dragon
Qu'ellar Sshamath
The School of Magic
Black Claws Mercantile Company
The Circle of Song (Church of Eilistraee)

The underdark as whole also has a campaign going.

7. Roleplaying at the Underdark

Everyone wants to have fun. So even as selfish, cruel and sadistic drow, make sure that others have fun, too. Thats the only way the underdark community can grow.

Try to make yourself familiar with the underdark lore. It might be time-consuming at the beginning but it will lead to exeptional good roleplaying for everyone.

And a sidenote, just because a drow plays solo in an area does not mean he wants to play alone. Just ask him and perhaps you have a great RP opportunity. Sometimes its just about finding a good RP reason to meet.

8. Tips & Tricks

Hidden: show

Money - Outside of Glourias Wing there is a wizard that offers 25gp for each beetle pincer, which can be found in the mushroom groove. (beware the myconid spawns, lvl3 recommended)

Potions & scrolls & stuff - The Fountain of Endless Elixiers at southern Sshamath sells potions of barksin(+3AC, 101gp), mage armor (2h, 45gp), stoneskin (620gp). The ilithid at the market sells wands of frost (50charges, 168gp, 1d4 +1 dmg) and various useful scrolls (orbs, etc) for 1gb.

Curse of Lolth quest - It can be done by lower non-lolth-characters, too. You have to go to the Drider Area (CR20+) and speak to the Drider npc. He will offer you a quest to steal a Idol of Lolth. Go back to the city, take it from the altar and go invis again. Then head back to the drider to get your reward.

Pesky slave dealing quest - The guards offer you a second quest, killing their leader. You can immediately talk again to the guard and "Lie" to him to get your reward.

Goblin Lake Cave, second floor - There are two goblin chiefs. Both with hips. A good AC or undead bane blast beats this guy easily.

Large Crypt - Once you got firewall and energy immunity (fire, sonic) you can easily go into the large crypt. Gather lots of undeads and run them through the firewall.

Underdark, North of Tarpids (north of basilisks) - the oozes there are very slow can be kited. To damage them you need either magic or blunt weapons. As warlocks take vitriolic blast at 11 and oozes will be easily killed.

Underdark, Ilithid Mines - Using protection from alignment helps against the ilithid's mindblast ability. The mines are one of the best leveling zones. The duergars have relative low armor and spawn in good numbers. Try to gather a party for it once you hit the levelrange 12-17.

9. Underdark Map

Hidden: show

And the last Hint.... Party up. Its more fun

[TheKai]

Thanks for this!

[Sonja BloodRayne]

This is awesome. I've been wanting to roll a drow. So might just do that. The last place I played I never wanted to roll a drow cause too much ooc drama. Doesn't sound like you guys have that problem here.

[Nomster]

Nice. Hopefully it will encourage more people to try out UD.

I only wonder about the quests... Seeing if you are new to the UD (or a new player!) and have a lot of XP to gain at the first level, it is very likely you will die once (or a lot). Is it not better to do the quests later and level up through them? Doing them before may make you lose all that quest XP through deaths.

IE wait until you have 5 000/6 000 XP and do a quest that gives you 1 000 XP.

I can see the benefit if the gold gain is high... but I would probably be focused on the XP myself.

[Storm Munin]

Spend every last coin wisely, dont hold back.
Corpses arent rich for long and sometimes sold.

[ethys]

At lvl 1 if you have some money left after getting basic gear you should consider getting few potions. In Sshamath:South - there is shop called "The Fountain of endless elixirs" - check it out.

If you are a mage or have some UMD - check out illithid´s store for scrolls - there are couple of them that might be useful and they are really cheap. for example "animalistic power" or lesser orbs for 1gp. I even used "wand of frost" (d4+1 cold dmg;50uses) - in some cases it was just better than using crappy attack.

If you are in a desperate need of cash - there is quest that pays you 25 gold per pincer which is guaranteed loot from every beetle killed at Mushroom Grove, but beware of myconid spawns !

also I recommend for everyone at (cca) lvl 7 to get a cloak with +1 regen, costs about 9k.

Most of the questgivers are at marketplace - except (as far as I know):
a) svirfneblin inside Gloura's Inn
b) drow mage at The school of mages (south sshamath)
c) weavemaster at School of necromancy

And the most important thing - party up !
Doesn´t really matter with whom if your levels are somewhat similar ( +/- 5 i guess)
Even in party where someone is roleplaying confrontational a**hole it will be far more interesting, funny and effecient than trying to solo everything.
This is a multiplayer game after all.

[Faberge]

Awesome, thanks a bunch!

[Slunko]

Is there a followup?

[Jaron]

This is very appreciated!

Might want to add to be careful of the grumpy mage outside the starting shop... he ported me off to some place when I pestered him. Lucky for me it was right before a server reset!

[Brutalix]

At lvl 1 you stated that drow will get 40-50 exp? Why am I only getting 11-14 then?

[xyphen]

This is a great help, I was thinking of starting a UD character, now you've made my apprehensions about doing so dissipate. Thank you!

[Nachti]

At lvl 1 you stated that drow will get 40-50 exp? Why am I only getting 11-14 then?

I think ECL Races suffer xp penalitay when they reach 1000 and 3000 xp.

I suggest RCR a surface char into a UD char to skip level 1.

[nevar]

At lvl 1 you stated that drow will get 40-50 exp? Why am I only getting 11-14 then?

I think ECL Races suffer xp penalitay when they reach 1000 and 3000 xp.

I suggest RCR a surface char into a UD char to skip level 1.

Note that this against the spirit of RCR.

"Retired Character Rebuilds (RCR) were only ever meant to encourage the retirement of played-out characters, and inspire new characters and new RP. They are not meant to be a way to get easy XP onto an already established character."

[mireigi]

At lvl 1 you stated that drow will get 40-50 exp? Why am I only getting 11-14 then?

I think ECL Races suffer xp penalitay when they reach 1000 and 3000 xp.

I suggest RCR a surface char into a UD char to skip level 1.

ECL races do not suffer XP penalties, no. What happens is that they're considered X levels above their actual level, so the they get full XP for higher level mobs sooner than other races, but at the same time they also get minimum XP for lower level mobs sooner.

You get roughly 50 XP for fighting solo against something your own level. Once you're 1 level above that, the XP drops by 15, and then by another 5 for being 2 levels above. This means that with ECL+2, you get 20 XP less than you would normally get for fighting against a CR 1 monster.


As for RCR'ing a surface character to get a boost in XP as a UD character and possibly getting to level 3 or 4 before you even begin your journey; such is often a good idea.

It may not be exactly what the RCR was meant for, but due to how biased the game is against the player on the dice, and the hostile environment in the UD, not to mention the lack of being able to do low-level quests to reach 2nd level before going into combat, then you're often forced into it - specially if you're playing a class with low HP.

I always feel sorry for new players on the server who decide to start in the UD with a drow, or even a tiefling, as their first character. Not only is the leveing extremely difficult, but they're also likely to run into some cruel drow (who would have guessed, huh?), who squash unknown character's under their boot and offer absolutely no IC help at all due to drow nature and survival-of-the-fittest mentality.

[Aelcar]

I always feel sorry for new players on the server who decide to start in the UD with a drow, or even a tiefling, as their first character. Not only is the leveing extremely difficult, but they're also likely to run into some cruel drow (who would have guessed, huh?), who squash unknown character's under their boot and offer absolutely no IC help at all due to drow nature and survival-of-the-fittest mentality.

I started my Drow at lvl 1. Mage, 4/5 HP. I didnt even know where the merchants were, or what did they sell. Died three times immediately, just walking around looking for my CR (this guide should prevent that). Once gotten my bearings, I RPed, partied up, leveled to epics in one month and a half with a full time job, sport and a life in general, and to lvl 30 in about 4 months. There was no RCR NPC back then, the quests were working when they were working (not too often...), and the Drow were still pretty mean. It's possible.

The suggestion I would like to give to anyone who wants to play an UD character is: spend 3-4 hours in research, build a solid background, build a good story and a proper build (not necessarily strong, but something you like to play with and to ROLEplay with). Then commit, play this character and nothing else. Then, the UD will reward you.

Start 20 characters with two lines of background, RCR continuously, avoid RP to grind, and you'll quit soon enough, or make ridiculous threads on how hard it is to level/play in the UD.