The History of the Deep-Strands

The Deep-Strands did not begin as a global network. Their origins lie in the aftermath of the Arcanum Wars, when several kobold clans were driven deep into the earth to escape the magical fallout that ravaged the surface. These clans, led by the legendary engineer-shaman Zik-Zik (the first of his name), discovered that the deep earth was not just a refuge, but a source of immense untapped energy.

The Era of Excavation (0 - 150 AC): The first tunnels were crude, reinforced with wood and stone. During this time, the kobolds learned to tap into geothermal vents and discovered the properties of "Sub-Aether"—Aether that had filtered through the planet's crust and become more stable. The "Sub-Terran Accord" was formed during this period as a way to coordinate excavation efforts and prevent inter-clan warfare over resources.

The Glass Revolution (151 - 300 AC): The discovery of the process to create Aether-glass changed everything. Suddenly, tunnels could be built through areas that were previously impassable, including high-pressure zones and underwater trenches. The Deep-Strands began to expand rapidly, reaching beneath the major continents and establishing the first "Vertical-Shunts."

The Modern Era (301 AC - Present): Under the leadership of the current Grand Warren-Master Zik-Zik, the Deep-Strands have become a sophisticated, automated global transit and power network. The Accord has transitioned from a defensive society into a proactive, if hidden, world power. The network now spans thousands of miles, though much of it remains uncharted by surface-dwellers, who only occasionally encounter the "Strand-Menders" at work.

Historical Mysteries: Archeologists within the Accord have discovered sections of the Deep-Strands that pre-date their own records—massive, ancient tunnels reinforced with materials even more durable than Aether-glass. These "Old-Strands" are often avoided, as they are rumored to be inhabited by remnants of the "First Brood."