+++
title = "Underdark Ecology"
date = 2024-12-18
render = false
+++

Normally cave ecosystems are devoid of life that would suite the larger than life experiences of a fantasy setting.
Who would want to adventure in a place where the biggest animal was a 16 inch cave salamander?
This is when artistic liberty shall be taken and science bent in the name of gaming.

The main problem ecologically is that energy sources for autotrophs are scarce in a setting devoid of sunlight.
Many are content to just ignore this issue or just make up a magical excuse (like Faerzress in DND). 
These approaches are fine but are too neurotypical for me.

# Biomes


Primary Production
- (p) Chemosynthesis of Petrochemicals
- (i) Chemosynthesis of Metals
- (d) Decomposers
- (r) Photosynthesis of Radioactive Elements
- (m) Photosynthesis of Magically Produced Light

## The Vast Emptiness (d)

## Tar Ecosystems (p)

## Gas Ecosystems (p)

### Geothermal Underocean

## Atlas Reefs (r)

## Glow Aquifers (m)

## Banded Redlands (i)

## Sun Cavern (m)

## \"Whale Fall\" Microecosystems (d)