Lecture Notes: Exploring the Abyss

Overview

• The Abyss is a large, deep pit with multiple layers, each with unique characteristics and dangers.
• The deeper you go, the more dangerous and mysterious it becomes.
• Each layer has different environmental challenges, creatures, artifacts, and the effects of the Abyss curse.

First Layer: The Edge of the Abyss

• Depth: 1,350 m
• Relatively safe, a training ground for new delvers (red whistles).
• The Abyss curse is mild here, causing dizziness and nausea.
• Main features: Town of Orth, gate to the netherworld, gondola system, Stone Ark, burial tower.
• Wildlife: Mostly harmless, but includes predators like the Crimson Split Jaw.
• Artifacts: Mostly low-grade but interesting, e.g., princess bosom (soft), rock top (floats), star compass, and sunspear.
• Notable events: Discovery of Regg by Rico.

Second Layer: Forest of Temptation

• Depth: 2,600 m beneath the first layer.
• Environment shifts to a nightmare jungle with giant vegetation.
• The Abyss curse causes severe symptoms; ascending is extremely difficult.
• Wildlife: Dangerous creatures like corpse sweepers, embios, autoboss, and uricori.
• Artifacts: Notable for first-grade artifacts like curse warding box and thousand men's pins.
• Important locations: Seeker Camp, inverted forest, heaven’s waterfall.

Third Layer: The Great Fall

• A 4 km deep vertical shaft with narrow tunnels and caverns.
• The Abyss curse intensifies, causing vertigo and hallucinations.
• Wildlife: Aerial predators like moa jack, crimson split jaw, amakagame.
• Artifacts: Thinking stone, gentle knock (mind-controlled tool).

Fourth Layer: Goblet of Giants

• Environment: Massive vine platforms, eerie rainforest.
• The Abyss curse causes full-body pain and bleeding.
• Wildlife: Dangerous creatures like or piercers.
• Artifacts: Fog weave, blaze reap, unheard bell.

Fifth Layer: Sea of Corpses

• The last layer from which delvers can return with sanity.
• Environment: Frozen wasteland and ancient sea.
• The Abyss curse affects sensory perception.
• Notable base: Idle Front.
• Wildlife: Stinger heads, narate beings.
• Artifacts: Life reverberating stones, zoholic.

Sixth Layer: Capital of the Unreturned

• Point of no return; delvers cannot ascend without severe consequences.
• The Abyss curse causes mutation or death.
• Environment: Ruins of an ancient civilization.
• Notable locations: Village of Irauru, Emperor Shell habitat.
• Artifacts: Cradle of desire, mermaid bert, PPE gun.

Seventh Layer: The Final Maelstrom

• Deepest known layer; little is known due to secrecy.
• The environment is chaotic, with mysterious currents and vegetation.
• Mysterious beast: Capable of manipulating senses, regenerating quickly.
• Notable artifacts: Ring of essence, connection to Regg.