Faerzress

Faerzress is a magical radiation only found in the Underdark. It is said to be a remnant of the forces that shaped the Underdark terrain and it interferes with the casting of some spells. Although the knowledge of faerzress among surface-dwellers is sparse, it is known to mainly affect divination and conjuration spells, making teleporting by magic in the Underdark a risky effort.



Faerzress and drow culture
Faerzress is a drow word, and plays a major role in drow city planning. Drow search out areas with strong faerzress to build their cities and outposts in to keep others from scrying their doings or teleporting inside the city. Drow also use faerzress to create magical artifacts. It was made by elven high magic when the drow retreated to the underdark so they could not escape by magical means.

Effects on plantlife
Since the Underdark lacks food or light for plant life and fungi, many plants and fungi that are found underground have found ways to live on a diet of faerzress.