The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
Cone (AKA Philotomy) argues that the dungeon or megadungeon may be usefully thought of as more than just a big hole in the ground with levels, monsters and treasures. Rather, it may be a “mythic” world of its own, possibly even subject to its own rules or laws.
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
by coming up with a completely coherent dungeon “ecology” or whatever. That weird things happen - all dungeon inhabitants can see in the dark (until they join your party), doors shut mysteriously and so on - may be a feature not a bug
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
he makes a good case that something a bit more than a totally “naturalistic” interpretation may sometimes be satisfying
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
There is a school of thought on dungeons that says they should have been built with a distinct purpose, should “make sense” as far as the inhabitants and their ecology, and shouldn’t necessarily be the centerpiece of the game
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
None of that need be true for a megadungeon underworld. There might be a reason the dungeon exists, but there might not; it might simply be. It certainly can, and perhaps should, be the centerpiece of the game.
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
Of course, none of this demands that every dungeon need be a mythic underworld; there could be natural caves and delved dungeon sites that are not in the “underworld” category, and follow more natural laws
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
A mythic underworld should not be confused with the concept of the “underdark.” The underdark concept is that of an underground wilderness composed of miles of caves, tunnels, delved sites, and even whole underground cities. This is a cool fantasy concept, but is distinct from the concept of a mythic underworld that obeys its own laws and is weird, otherworldly, and apart from the natural order of things
See in context at The Dungeon as Mythic Underworld
Created: 2025-02-23
It’s big, and has many levels; in fact, it may be endless It follows its own ecological and physical rules It is not static; the inhabitants and even the layout may grow or change over time It is not linear; there are many possible paths and interconnections There are many ways to move up and down through the levels. Its purpose is mysterious or shrouded in legend It’s inimical to those exploring it Deeper or farther levels are more dangerous It’s a (the?) central feature of the campaign