Chapter 4: Neverlight Grove

Study, study. Just like a priest. Well, let's be about it then, shall we. Pick this lug up and get it back to the headtalking mushroom thing. Eldreth says, her voice full of distrust.

If you all work together, you can easily carry the grick to the myconid Basidia. It will take about 30 minutes of work, all told, to accomplish it.

Your group straggles after Stool as he leads you towards Basidia, guided by a force you don't know. Eldreth helps, but stays near the back. After a reasonable walk, you see beyond the mud and mushrooms spread across the cavern a large, clear pool sitting in the midst of the fungal grove. A central mound seems to be the only dry spot in sight, though a small cliff rises above the cavern floor far across the clearing, with giant mushrooms visible in the distance. Bioluminescent fungi trace strange constellations along the cavern's ceiling and walls, showing the darkness of the ravine and a mist-shrouded smaller cavern beyond.

As you move towards the mound, there are two massive myconids there, likely the two sovereigns. Near them are three others the same size as Stool. Finally, ten zurkhwoods tower and move slowly, creating a shifting pattern that prevents a lot of direct observation. As you move through the zurkhwoods, the taller of the massive myconids looks to you, with several mushroom caps swaying above him. A dusting of spores spreads out, covering all of you.

You are safe, friendly softers. You arrive at a wondrous time, for Neverlight Grove is on the verge of something great, something marvelous! Celebrate as the day of joy is nigh! he thinks at you.

Ahh, Sovereign Phylo, thank you for the welcome! Stool replies, though you all sense something off about his mental tone. Meanwhile, the other massive myconid moves somewhat strangely as well as Phylo speaks.

Please! Stay as long as you wish here! We celebrate the gifts of the Great Seeder that lives beyond the Garden of Welcome! Please stay with us for this celebration, although I would ask that you avoid the eastern plateau from here on because the Circle of Masters is preparing a wondrous and glorious surprise in the Garden of Welcome there. You may have an advanced peek after our next melding, if you would like!

If you would like softers, I could give you a small tour of the place, as a thank you for your gift. As for what we plan on doing, this creature will be returned to the ground so as to nourish the colony. In doing so it will restore what it has taken. As for the shambler, I will ask our Hunters to deal with its remains. It too will be returned to the ground to nourish us. the low rumble of the other myconid sovereign in your mind is clear and obvious.

Then we should go quickly I would think. If none of you object, then we shall leave for a tour immediately. You do agree, don't you Phylo?

Why yes Basidia, that is a marvelous idea. Just remember to keep away from the Garden. Our guests can visit tomorrow.

Yes, of course friend of Stool. When we are touring, we may speak as much as we need. It is my pleasure to show you the colony. In fact, let us set out now. I understand that you've already spoken to our Master of Hunters. There are some others I'd like you to meet.

With that, the large mushroom you now know to be Sovereign Basidia walks away, ushering you on toward one side of the cavern.