The Deep Roads¶
The Deep Roads are a vast network of subterranean tunnels, excavation routes, transport passages, mining corridors, and underground connections extending beneath large areas of Arkhaven.
Most known sections were created or expanded by dwarven kingdoms, though some lower routes are believed to predate modern recorded civilisation.
The network connects major dwarven settlements, mining colonies, fortress holds, and trade junctions throughout the continent.
Overview¶
The Deep Roads vary considerably in age, size, and condition.
Some sections function as heavily maintained trade corridors capable of supporting caravans and military transport.
Others are:
- Flooded
- Collapsed
- Abandoned
- Sealed
- Structurally unstable
- Partially mapped
- Occupied by hostile creatures
The oldest known routes extend far below current surface kingdoms.
Construction¶
Most major tunnel systems were constructed by dwarven engineers over long historical periods.
Excavation methods included:
- Manual stone cutting
- Controlled blasting
- Thermal fracture techniques
- Reinforced support systems
- Magma-assisted forging
- Vertical shaft engineering
Tunnel construction remains an important dwarven industry.
Purpose¶
The Deep Roads support:
- Mining operations
- Trade
- Military movement
- Water access
- Resource transport
- Communication between holds
- Long-distance subterranean travel
Several routes also connect to older excavation zones and restricted lower chambers.
Hazards¶
Travel through the Deep Roads is dangerous outside secured routes.
Known hazards include:
- Cave-ins
- Structural collapse
- Underground flooding
- Toxic gas pockets
- Extreme heat
- Navigation failure
- Hostile subterranean creatures
- Abandoned excavation zones
- Unstable ancient tunnels
Some lower routes are considered permanently unsafe.
Historical Importance¶
The Deep Roads are economically and militarily important to dwarven civilisation.
Control of major tunnel junctions can determine:
- Resource distribution
- Trade access
- Defensive capability
- Military logistics
- Political influence
Several wars between dwarven holds historically centred on tunnel access or mining rights.
Unknown Lower Regions¶
Many scholars believe large sections of the Deep Roads remain undiscovered or inaccessible.
Dwarven records reference:
- Lost holds
- Sealed chambers
- Buried roads
- Ancient collapses
- Unmapped lower networks
- Excavations abandoned without explanation
The phrase "the deeper stone remembers" is commonly associated with these lower regions.
Current Status¶
The Deep Roads remain active beneath much of Arkhaven.
Some routes are stable and heavily travelled. Others are considered too dangerous or politically sensitive for public access.
Expansion and excavation continue, particularly beneath major dwarven settlements such as Khazmodan.