Midgard's Heart

An elevator of curious design leads from the volcano entrance to Midgard's Heart. Seemingly constructed of wood, the elevator does not appear to have sides and is shaped similarly to a Viking longship. Riding down, rather than a feeling of vertical descent, the riders get a sense of rhythmic forward movement (as if on the ocean). Stars (with recognizable constellations) appear beyond the sides. After a 2-hour descent/ride, the voyagers arrive in Midgard's Heart.

Midgard’s Heart is no barren wasteland. It’s a network of interconnected underground cities—each inspired by Viking architecture. The capital, Yggdrasilheim, boasts crystal spires, rune-carved bridges, and bustling markets. Other cities boast sizable populations. 

The Vikings of Midgard’s Heart are divided into several groups, most of which can be found in every settlement. 

• Frostclaw Clan - scholars and guardians of ancient knowledge, including elemental alchemy
• Fireforge Guild (smallest) - crafts steam-powered (geothermal) wonders. 
• Serpent Cult (not separated) - worships Jormungandr, the World Serpent.
• Stoneheart Clan - warriors and guardians against intruders.
• Mistraven Clan - hunters and providers.
• Icebear Clan - builders and berserker warriors.
• Valkyries - exclusively female warriors and keepers of the dead
• Rune Maidens - gifted with the ability to create and interpret runes
• Skalds - Konungr (Yggdrasilheimm only), Høvding, jarls, and poets who lead the settlements 

Lost Technology: The Vikings possess advanced machinery powered by geothermal energy. While it maintains a "Viking aesthetic" their technology is as advanced as anything on the surface of the earth. Steam-driven longships sail underground rivers and prowl a vast sea in search of plunder. Rune-engraved equipment, while perhaps crude in appearance is capable of astounding effects. 

The Quest for Yggdrasil’s Roots: At the center of everything happening in Midgard's heart is an ongoing search for Yggdrasil's Roots. Legends speak of Yggdrasil’s roots extending into Midgard’s Heart. Whoever finds them gains immense power. Rival factions seek this find for themselves, causing alliances and rivalries to rise and fall. Amidst this search the Vikings must contend with their harsh environment and the underground denizens with whom they share this land.

The Riddling Caverns: Surrounding the more open central regions of Midgard's Heart are a vast array of maze-like tunnels lead to forgotten chambers (and other underground realms). Ancient traps guard relics—the fabled Hammer of the Earth or the Codex of Runes. Geological events cause tunnels to twist, turn, collapse and open, forcing new generations of Vikings to map and re-map the caverns in search of plunder (or a pathway to new lands).

Rock Giant: These colossal beings patrol the outer rim, wielding gem-crystal axes. These creatures are barely sentient and attack anything they detect. They are a significant foe of the Vikings. They are also a primary deterrent to expansion and leaving Midgard's Heart.

The Abyssal Abyss: A bottomless pit at the center of Midgard’s Heart. It’s said that the roots of Yggdrasil plunge into its depths, tapping into primal magic. Traitors and oath-breakers meet their end in at the pit's edge. Some believe it holds the key to discovering Yggdrasil's roots, but most are not so sure.

Forgotten Wisdom: The Vikings once knew secrets lost to the surface world—alchemy, shape-shifting, rune crafting, and celestial navigation. While they have lost some of their ancient knowledge, they retain most capabilities they possessed when they first arrived in Midgard's Heart (as well as learning new abilities).

In addition to the Vikings, Midgard's Heart is home to other creatures:

• Frost Wyvern: These majestic, ice-winged reptiles soar through the caverns, their crystalline scales reflecting the subterranean light. Their breath freezes anything it touches, and their nests hold precious gemstones.
• Lava Troll: Dwelling near the geothermal vents, these hulking beings are forged from molten rock. Their fiery eyes glow as they guard ancient forges, where they craft enchanted weapons and artifacts. Although they do not communicate in a way Vikings understand, these creatures are sentient and seem to exist only to create new items at their forges.
• Glimmering Siren: In the underground rivers, ethereal sirens with luminescent skin sing haunting melodies. Sailors who hear their songs risk losing their way or falling into a trance.
• Stone Giant: Massive and stoic, these guardians watch over the city gates. Carved from living rock and similar in appearance to Rock Giants, they wield rune-etched clubs and protect Midgard’s Heart from intruders. Creating a Stone Giant is the work of a generation.
• Mossback Drake: Amphibious creatures resembling a blend of crocodile and salamander but twice as large (20' to 30' is common). Their moss-covered hides allow them to blend seamlessly with the cavern walls, making them formidable ambush predators.
• Crystal Beetle: These iridescent insects feed on geode-like formations. Their wings refract light, creating mesmerizing patterns. Their exoskeletons are prized by alchemists for potion ingredients.
• Glow Serpent: Slithering through phosphorescent fungi, these serpents have scales that emit a soft glow. Their venom can induce visions or unlock forgotten memories. It can also stop the heart as it opens the mind.
• Dread Stalker: Elusive and stealthy, these hallowed figures move silently through the tunnels. Some say they were once Viking warriors cursed by dark magic, seeking redemption. Some say they are oath breakers with the same goal. While they can speak in a hissing, gasping way, they rarely do except to taunt their opponents before killing them.
• The Whispering Tree: Ancient arboreal beings rooted in the center of Midgard’s Heart. Their leaves rustle with forgotten prophecies, and their bark bears inscriptions from long-lost poets. Standing beneath their leaves, a Viking may discern his fate if he listens carefully.
• Myrkálfar: "Dusk Elves" or "Murky Elves"
• Svartálfar: "Black Elves" or "Swarthy Elves"
• Kobold: subterrain "goblins"