I’m sure several people have had Underdark Campaigns, and I was wondering how you went about them? Was it a drow-fest? Was it surface races going into the Underdark, was it all Underdark races, or a mix? Did you play it everything-is-going-to-kill-us or more hey-it’s-a-grey-gnome-town-lets-try-to-be-nice? Any other thoughts about Underdark Campaigns?
Fizz
Actually, my first Underdark campaign was without any drow, which might surprise those who know me :-).
No, roundabout 1997/8 we played Night Below over in Britain and it was such a great game that I bought the box myself and played it - this time as a DM - over here in Germany. Lot's of work went into it though, as I had to convert it to 3E and 3RE in the process, along with changing large parts of the final book.
Anyways, Underdark is a must have these days, as it details the environment like no other book these days. A look into Sandstorm (lack of food, water and all) might be useful as well. Make sure that there is enough flexibility in the adventure too. If they have to cut their way through miles of miles of tunnels and monsters, the fun will run out sooner or later. Of course, getting in and out of the Underdark (at least that of Faerûn) is not always easily done.
I'd suggest that you draw up a decent list of events, places and monsters and incorporate them in the plot, always keeping in mind that PCs will not have much flexibility in their choice. You see, on the surface, they might decide to go north when the actual tradeway goes from west to east ... just for fun, a.k.a. monster bashing (or to annoy you). This choice is rather limited in the tunnels of the Underdark.