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#folclore

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#ttrpg / #dnd #worldbuilding thought:

A steady water supply was essential for any kind of human settlement. Yet with springs and wells, the _source_ of the water was ultimately inaccessible and deep underground. #Folclore filled in the gaps of the hydrologic cycle, and thus all sorts of water spirits, dwarves, and other entities lived down there who might influence the water supply.

However, fantasy worlds not only have elaborate underground ecosystems, they have entire subterranean civilizations! And many of the activities of these "underdark" creatures could influence the water that actually reaches the surface. Strange carcasses could be found in wells and befoul the water. Subterranean mining operations could produce toxic wastes. Or maybe they are simply diverting more water for their fungus gardens.

Do the people on the surface have any understanding of such subterranean influences? If not, what myths do they tell of them? If they do, is there anything they can actually do about this?

Or are regions with a large subterranean population simply avoided by surface dwellers - since you cannot trust the water?