Culinary Ethnography
Eating in the Underdark
Part 1 - What’s for Dinner?
This document is intended to be a quick reference for the information included in the full writeup of this topic. If you would like to read more in depth about any of these topics, please check out the full writeup here.
The Underdark is a location that speaks for itself, the place below even the thickest darkness. Rather than a specific locale, the Underdark is made up of a series of underground caverns and tunnels that run below our lands. As Mordekainnen has described it,
“Absence of light results in darkness, so what results from the absence of Good? The Underdark is a place with very little of either”
Of all the places in our world, few are more inhospitable to life than the Underdark, a realm of eternal shadow where every being is honed to fight and kill for the little resources available. Survival seems nigh impossible, yet, they do survive, and to survive, they must eat. Let’s discuss exactly what food is like in the Underdark, both for the races that preside down there, and for you if you ever find yourself unlucky enough to need to visit.
Algae and Slime Mold:
In the dark corners of the Underdark, where sunlight never reaches, algae and slime mold are primary producers that convert geothermal or magical energy into an edible form, serving as the foundation of many subterranean food chains.
Fungi, Mosses, and Moonmilk:
Fungi like Bluecap, mosses, and a unique substance called Moonmilk provide culinary variety in the depths. These can be ground into flour, brewed into spirits, or even used as medicinal salves, making them indispensable.
Roots and Tubers: Subterranean roots and tubers are vital for any Underdark denizen. These nutrient-dense plants pull minerals directly from the rocky substrate and can be cooked in a variety of ways, from boiling to roasting.
Molluscs and Gastropods:
These large, generally black or translucent omnivores serve as the Underdark’s cleanup crew. They can enter a state of suspended animation when food is scarce, and their meat is hardy and robust, providing a significant protein source.
Cave Lizards:
Cave lizards, ranging in size, are common in the Underdark. Their meat is a staple, and their oil is not only a key cooking ingredient but also serves as an effective preservative for other foods.
Bugs and Spiders:
From small insects to large monsters like carrion crawlers, bugs offer unique delicacies. Some spiders' venoms can even be fermented into psychedelic substances, revered and feared in equal measure.
Lithovores:
These unique creatures eat rocks and minerals, and their waste products offer an unconventional yet nutrient-rich source of sustenance, particularly important for various agricultural applications.
Fish:
Subterranean waters are home to unique fish species like the glowfish and shadow trout. These fish offer omega-rich options that are commonly grilled or smoked.
Bat Colonies:
Bats are a flying delicacy in the Underdark. They're often smoked or roasted over open fires, and their guano is a critical element in the cultivation of various fungi, including essential food crops.
Egg Clutches:
Eggs harvested from various Underdark creatures provide a rich, protein-packed meal. These are generally boiled, poached, or incorporated into various stews and casseroles.
Raiding:
Above-ground raiding is a common and risky endeavor but yields precious resources like honey, which cannot be produced in the Underdark. Honey serves multiple purposes, including medicinal and preservative applications.
Monsters:
Of course, many monsters are not just edible, but very very tasty. In addition to the Carrion Crawler discussed in this writeup, I have discussed some other monsters you can find in the Underdark in previous writings, such as the Cave Fisher, the Darkmantle, and the Basilisk.