Books

Here is a list of in-universe books and their content.

Twenty-Four Vertical Layers of the Underground
Value: 240

Layers

The underground is made up of multiple vertical layers, each much different than the last. Many mammals think the upper layers are more dangerous than they actually are. Theft occurs with less frequency than Downtown, and most of the thieves are not lizards. Gang violence barely exists in the first and second layers. In most cases, the underground is safer than the surface.

But as one goes deeper, the nature of the underground begins to change. Each layer is more dangerous than the last (thought this only starts to have a perceptible effect around level 4  or 5). Before going beneath Level 1, it is important to know how the layers work. This book is also necessary if you are going on a tour, as descending may or may not be right for you.

Layer 0: Surface

Few lizards live on the surface. We are an underground species. The sun is burning, and makes everything much too bright to see. When descending underground, please keep your lights dim and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Layer 1

"Shallows"

Effect: None

Layer 1 is a public system of well-maintained tunnels. There are the standard routes, which do not change, and have been mapped out correctly for centuries. Then, there are the non-standard routes, which are dug out and filled on a whim by locals. They often go directly under the territory of various nations, sometimes even into foreign houses. Some of these caves are flooded, or can undergo flash floods. Do not go in tunnels outside of the map, even if they seem like direct shortcuts. Because of this, layer 1 is the 3rd deadliest layer.

Layer 1 is mostly frequented by merchants and travelers. Few lizards live here, but many mammals will fall for the scam of buying poorly-built "underground homes" and cheap hotels on unowned property.

Layer 2

Effect: Mammals - Dizziness, fatigue. Reptiles - none.

Layer 2 is pure stone, and is a complex system of both natural caves and carved-out areas. It is mostly made of private property, owned by various lizard families. They are all allied with each other, and have been for centuries. They do not like tourists or trespassers.

Most lizards live here. Some mammals have purchased property here, which is genuine and well-built, but often sold at an overpriced rate. The first mines can be found here, but there are few gems, and you must pay to use the mines. Though you may find common ore and gems, none of the mines are profitable, and should only be seen as an adventure-type thing.

This is the first layer where you may start to notice effects, such as feeling dizzy, woozy, tired, or having headaches. This is nothing to worry about - descend slowly, and the effects will lessen after an hour or so of acclimation.

Layer 3

Effect: Mammals - Heavy vertigo, loss of coordination, aches, irritability. Reptiles: None (debated).

Layer 3 is quite a strange place. Because of its glowing, multicolored flora and fauna, it is quite beautiful. Common gems can be found growing - if you find one, take it, or someone else will.

Stay with your guide, as there is an increased chance of being lost. You may feel a feeling of the room spinning. Sit down in the waiting area near the elevator, and these feelings will fade away. There may also be slight aches and pain, but this only effects your nerves, and cannot damage your health. Please understand that the elevator only goes up, and if you wish to come back to the third layer after ascending, you must walk down the main cave yet again.

Layer 3 is separated into 3 sections. One is the wide, open spaces, with colorful water and exotic plants, the goal of most tourists. Tourists should always be well protected, and should not wander off from their guides. Apart from this place, there are two other places.

There are the catacombs, used to bury the dead. There are many elaborate tombs. It is very easy to get lost here. A respectable tourist will not take you here.

Then, there is the "deep side". Tourists should never go here. It is similar to the housing in layer 3, but instead of territory lines and mine ownership being well defined, they are in open dispute by rival gangs. Gangs are made up of multiple lizards, who may or may not be related, but they are much more violent. There are no mammals in the deep side. Most drugs are made here.

Do not attempt to go into the red zone of L4 without training, even if a tour guide allows you to. If a tour guide leads you to the yellow zone of L4, inform them politely, and do not attempt to leave the tour, unless the meter becomes red. In that case, your meter will show you the path to the elevator.

Layer 4

Effect: Mammals and reptiles - Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, severe anxiety. Last non-lethal level.

Layer 4 is difficult to dig through, as it is made up mostly of hard rock and metal. It can not be cut through with a pickaxe, and requires specialized digging machines. There are many large and rare gems here, as well as precious metals.

Layer 4 is referred to as non-lethal, but this is a technical term. It is only survivable with proper training, acclimation (descending slowly, building up endurance over time), and supplies (climbing materials, plenty of water and nutrition, etc.)

If you reach the yellow zone of L5, stop descent immediately, and ascend in the direction from which you came. If you reach the red zone of L5, immediately ascend.

Layer 5

Effect: Fainting and flu-like symptoms, progressing over time (30 minutes to 3 hours). Indefinite stay (>3 days) not possible to survive.

Layer 5 is similar to layer 4. It contains the rarest materials and most exotic gems. It is only mineable by machines, which are automated, and can often cause cave-ins. Because it is frequented by spelunkers naively looking to get rich, it is the layer with the 2nd most deaths.

Layer 5 is the first lethal layer. Unlike layer 4, it is not possible to "get used to", and even with proper training, hydration, nutrition, it can still cause death. Being trained in L4 will make a longer stay in L5 possible, of a few days.

Because it is so easy to faint or fall into a coma, layer 5 should only be traveled by groups, if at all.

Layer 6

Effect: Decrease of symptoms, lowering anxiety. Drowsiness and hallucinations. Rapid fainting and death.

Layer 6 is made up of large clearings, and not much about it is known. Layer 6 is similar to layers 1 and 2, in  that there are dirt and stone-like materials. There are occasional trees, which are green, despite the full absence of light. There are also gem-like materials, and various unnamed metals. Sounds are heard, but these are not recorded on tape.

The problem with these materials is twofold. One, they often disintegrate when being taken to the surface. Two, they often have highly unique and desirable properties, leading to more travel to and exploration of L6.

Layer 6 is the layer with most deaths recorded. Spelunkers (either going up or down) often take rest breaks in L6, as it has no painful or bothersome symptoms. Upon resting, one will start to see peaceful and psychedelic visual and auditory hallucinations. Drowsiness increases over time. Upon falling asleep, it is not possible to wake, and respiratory depression sits in, killing within 5-20 minutes. A quick elevator ascent to L4 or higher is necessary to survive.

Unfortunately, Layer 6 is a common destination for those who wish to end their lives. If they are considerate, they will fall asleep far away from the elevator and main cave.

Layer 7

Effect: Various small cuts and bruises, coughing up blood, 120x decrease in lifespan. General pain. Feeling of alertness, cannot rest or sleep. Magic efficiency of 1/2 for alteration and restoration. Lowered electrical conductivity, interference resulting in static, which may break communication devices.

L7 is a long network of caves and structures which resemble abandoned cities. This is thought to be due to the complex symmetrical structure of certain varieties of bonedark crystal. Some divers have claimed to see animals, unbothered by the cave's effects, with features of multiple species (e.g. a rabbit with antlers), beckoning them to go deeper. This is likely a hallucination.

It is absolutely necessary to not heal oneself or others until ascending to a higher layer. This is the safety consensus, and should be followed. One should also not use pain-relieving magic or drugs, as an unbearable level of pain indicates ascension is necessary.

At this point, it is possible to experience layer death. In this state, one "dies" due to the layer's effects, but is normal, alive-looking, and alert due to layer science. Upon ascension, they will assume the proper deceased state. Resurrection is possible within 24 hours of layer death by a restoration sage. This is not covered by spelunker's insurance.

The damage of L7, although it can be healed, decreases one's lifespan by a ratio of around 120. Thus, one minute in L7 will result in a 2-hour decrease in lifespan.

Layers 8 through 24 are not fit for public description, and information on them is sparse. Those who have experience L8 have ascended to L6 rather than surface. Science suggests it is not possible to survive level 9.

The layers are not a challenge to see how deep you can go. They are a purely scientific, non-magical phenomenon. Lizards almost never travel beneath L3, and have invented machines which automate the mining and exploration processes. It is normal to read about and be fascinated by the layers, and with proper safety precautions, descend to L3 or so. But even for many travelers and explorers, going into deeper layers is not worth the risk.

Level 8

 * Subject Name: ???
 * Species: Fox, Male
 * Crime: Theft of Union goods

Subject transported to L6 successfully.