Underground campaign set in a semi fantasy/sci-fi world like those books I used to read back in Middle school. The one where it was a fallen civilization that exists in place of something more powerful and relevant.
Exploration of the underground will us a hex grid, allowing to track the travel of the PC's as they go through caverns, tunnels and so forth. Finding new things, forming new paths, etc.
City of Glowthorn, most prosperous of the present towns that are left underground. Connected to Gaslight, a violet lit den of sin and temptation, and like three other towns with some theme to them.
Glowthron is light b a massive crystal called the sunstone. It glows and has a day/night cycle. Actually a large focusing lens that goes up to surface. There are 5 districts in the town, each one focusing on an elemental stone that also is housed there. One of the few places with trees, apples a large export. Lights are usually small glowing rocks or fire beetles supplied by the Lamp Guild.
Beetles are smaller more docile versions of larger monsters the Lamp Guild is proud of developing.
Many other guilds exists, some in town, others larger organizations. The PC's are members of The Delvers Guild! "The Delvers Delve Deeply." Most other guild crafting or political, goldsmiths, forge workers, etc.
PC's members of the guild, but not a job they always need to attend to. Presently have access to 3 dorms in Glowthorn. Simple furnishings.
There are guns, easy to use but not terrifically reliable due to ammo shortages. No one there makes bullets.
The Delvers get more tech stuff, but it's also more controlled by the guildmaster. Things are checked out and returned. PC's must purchase own gear and pay for lost things.
Stirgecats, helpful felines that are useful of warning of roaming monsters and keeping rats out of food supplies. Bit bigger then a house cat.
Moles of unusual size used for pack animals and food like cattle. Tasty. May need a new name. Seloms? Too obvious.
First missions is to maintain the tunnel leading to Gaslight. Tunnel is mostly in tact, should be about 5 days to get there and back while working. Need to bring supplies with, only so much being allowed. 1 pack mole will be supplied. Water and food cost electrium from the other towns. It's freely supplies within reason for official delver missions from Glowthorn.
Things that happen on first adventure.
Goblin gang run into at least twice. First time abroad and 2nd time in their den. Den contains enough supplies for 2 days and a few nice trinkets. Goblins are the Snivvelslicers, rough and rag-tag, good opponents for brand new PC's. Not too bright and very cowardly.
Cave in and strange metal door. The door opens to reveal a high class automaton that greets the party and invites them to partake of the food and watch the movie. It's The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, staring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. It's in black and white and about 1/2 done when they show up. Most of the rest of the theater has caved in and once the film is over the systems will rest and start playing the movie again and the half-way point. The systems could be very valuable if recovered properly but will take at least 3-5 days to properly dig out and sift through. This may make the Pc's short on food and water. Recovery will also allow for viewing of the full film and possible discovery of other movies. Can be used to increase tourism to Glowthorn, or inspire a director who wants to film something new.
At higher levels:
The PC's are brought into the know that something seems odd with the sunstone. It's dimming a bit more every few days and not getting as bright. This is normal for the time of year but not for the amount that's happening. This leads to the first trip above ground into the wastelands and deserts above ground. Cause is simple, the mirrors that feed sunlight into the crystal are wearing out. Actually relatively easy to fix. Some radiation dangers.
While on the surface the players run into a piece of paper bearing one of the most dreadful things one could imagine seeing. A flyer that reads, "Robot Carnival, Coming Soon."
