"True words," nodded Sekkar, "rest and move. Still, myconids do not look anyhow affected by the madness in other parts of the tunnel. We might be safer here than anywhere else for now. Might as well stay longer." Lizardman was not disappointed by the turn of events - food can be found, but safety was a precious commodity right now. He moved forward cautiously and curiously. (Perception 23 )

Kaylyn relaxes.  She had hoped this is how it played out, but she had still worried it wouldn't.  The underdark was a strange place.  "Thank you for your hospitality."   She answers back as she moves to follow the others into the grove.

Pax relaxes and goes along with the group to the Myconids home. Resting amongst a bunch of walking mushrooms is already checked off on her bucket list so she'll have to settle for 'just another day in the underdark.'.  

Zeno relents as the others relax, following along as they enter Neverlight Grove. “What is it they are scouting I wonder,” he muses aloud, half to himself.

The passage seems to have once been the course of flowing water, but now little more than a trickle remains, flowing in the opposite direction of travel. However it seems sufficient to lend some humidity to the air, which must facilitate the growth of the fungi on the walls. This increases as the group travels, as does the variety of mushrooms, molds and fungi and the colours displayed in their phosphoresence. Soon soft hues of blue and purple are added to the yellow, green and orange of before, creating a bizarre yet beautiful tapestry of colour. Some of the group are a little startled when several of the larger growths of zurkhwood actually move and turn as if to mark the passage of the small group, but Stool reassures everyone that this is normal, and that the elder myconids have the ability to awaken the zurkhwood and utilise it for their service.

After about half a mile of travel, the passage opens suddenly into a huge cavern. In an instant it feels as though all the horrors of the Underdark are left behind, as the group find themselves in an enchanted world of serene but strangely alien beauty. The access tunnel opens onto the grove’s main floor, providing the travellers with a panoramic view of a mushroom forest that grows on every surface — including the walls and ceiling — and illuminates the darkness with brilliantly colorful bioluminescent patterns. Over a hundred myconids move about throughout the vast space and on various terraced levels around the cavern's edges, as well as several more awakened zurkhwoods, and a score of docile quaggoths with fungal growths protruding from their heads.

On the far side of this exotic forest the cavern narrows into a ravine, where in another cavern far beyond a glimpse of a majestic mushroom tower can be seen, although the poor light and a rising mist makes it impossible to discern its details. Water trickles into the large cavern from many places, forming terraces, pools, and streams, and which converge into the central floor forming an underground marsh, from which trickles the small stream the group followed. The peacefulness of the scene is highlighted by the silence of the myconids, who go about their labours with the wordless communication of their spores. The only sound is the trickling of water and the faintest hint of strange music and singing that echoes from the large cavern behind the grove, adding to the dreamlike quality of the scene.

Almost immediately upon entering the grove, a telepathic 'shout of joy' is heard from Stool who breaks away from Rhayna and waddles over toward a group of myconids nearby who seem to be composting the remains of some unidentifiable creature with tentacles. One of the adults in the group leaves the activity to greet the sprout. Although Rhayna is eager to follow, Rumpadump remains with her, tugging on her arm and saying that it would be best to first present themselves to one of the sovereigns. He leads the way, an unnecessary gesture as the dozens of myconids in the surrounding area all extend an arm and point toward a mound on the far side of the cavern.

Following the directions, the group approach the large mound where about twenty myconids are gathered, including one particularly tall specimen at the center. A fresh puff of spores refreshes the telepathic communication, which again passes quickly between Rumpadump and the assembled group. Within moments the tall myconid looks to each group member and a deep voice is heard: We welcome you to our grove. I am called Phylo. We are pleased to offer you sanctuary and invite you to stay as long as you like. Go where you will, although we ask that you avoid the eastern plateau. Basidia will be your host and guide.

With that Phylo gestures to another equally large myconid who approaches from the north. The spores are again renewed and the second sovereign says: Greetings, I am Basidia. We are pleased to provide you with respite and refreshment. Please ask what you will, and then I will give you a space to rest.

MAP

Upon entering Neverlight Grove, Rhayna is having a hard time containing herself. She doesn't understand completely, but she is overwhelmed by so much fungi and mushroom everywhere. For some reason, she thinks that if there is an afterlife, this would be the place where she would like her soul to go to. Her elation is interrupted by Stool's telepathic shout, and she sees the little one run to what she assumes is its family. There is a sense of relief for the Cleric. She is finally able to deliver the little myconid that she met, it seems so long ago now, to its folks safe and sound. There is also a sense of sadness that hits her. She didn't realize it before, but she will miss the little one. However, before she is able to dwell on the loss of her little companion, the group meets Phylo. When he mentions about avoiding the eastern plateau, she looks at that direction.

Rhayna freezes for a moment, looking at the huge mushroom tower intently. It grabs her attention completely. "Hummm. What is that?" She asks Basidia, pointing to what is transfixing her.

Basidia looks at Rhayna for a few moments without answering, as if studying her. Finally it replies (for all the group to hear): I do not know. They call it Yggmorgus. But come, I will show you where you may rest.

Although Basidia turns and walks toward the north, the unspoken implication is that it expects to be followed but also to continue to receive and answer questions on the way.

"So how long before we have a fight you think?" Kastix whispers as he follows the guide behind. 

Pax mutters quietly to Kastix in response, "I give us an hour, but I'm an optimist."

Pax speaks more loudly, "So, Yggmorgus, it's got a name, but you don't know what it is, and I assume that's the area we're not supposed to go to?  I don't know if you're aware, but humans are notoriously curious. If you say 'don't go look at that thing'...they generally will do exactly the opposite of what you've requested.  It's in their nature.  But....we'll try our best.  Anyway. Thanks so much for having us. Say, those Quaggmoths with spores growing out of their heads....have you implanted mushrooms in their brain that let you control them or something?  Could you do that to us?  And would a helmet stop that?"   She reaches up and touches her helmet as if trying to feel mushrooms growing on her scalp beneath.

Kaylyn follows with the others.  "I feel like we soil the place with our presence.  This place is far too peaceful for the Underdark." She quietly remarks to know one in particular.

Zeno raises an eyebrow at the idea of an off-limits area...then Pax puts into words his exact thoughts.  He follows along, grunting in agreement with Kastix's sentiment.  

Have you all had any strange stuff happening around here?

Serene beauty of the place did not touch Sekkar, though first part ("erene") was definitely appretiated. Other than that - it was mushrooms. Some probably eatable (remains to be seen). And it felt relatively safe.

He shared the curiosity about forbidden parts, of course, but did not act on it yet - the questions about strange stuff was too  important to miss.

Rhayna is following the group, but she is still transfixed by the huge mushroom tower.

Basidia leads the group on a grand tour of Neverlight Grove, taking them all around the perimeter of the cavern and up several of the terraces. It is a rather long trip, but each new area seems to offer new sights and wonders, and the time passes like a dream. Along the way the kindly sovereign introduces the leaders of each of the various working groups, or 'Circles' as they are called, and explains their role in the colony.

The first is the Circle of Builders, which Basidia says usually concerns itself with creating simple implements from zurkhwood. The leader introduces itself as Gasbide, and the group is almost overwhelmed by the flood of telepathic questions that come from this myconid. Ah, surfacers! Such interesting structures you must have. Tell me, what is the purpose of a kitchen? Long have I dreamed of building such structures, if only I had the materials. Tell me, what are the correct dimensions for a brick? Phylo has inspired me to one day build a tower greater even than Yggmorgus, perhaps even to rival Auramycos, or even tall enough to break through to the surface world! Tell me, what is the density of lumber? What pitch should one build a roof? What is the function of a window? Oh, leaving already? Please come back again soon and tell me more!

Basidia ushers to group quickly away to meet the Circle of Sowers, responsible for raising new sprouts, and led by a relatively short and plump myconid named Yrberop. This creature is the polar opposite of Gasbide, saying almost nothing to the visitors but just swaying calmly and singing to a lullaby in its own mind. Snatches of the lyrics come through the spores all the same, and tell of the Great Seeder and her marriage to the Great Body, and how all myconids are invited to share in the joy spread through the world above and below. The only conscious words that Yrberop shares with the group is its enthusiasm about Phylo's plan to spread happiness to everyone in the Underdark, and to do that they need many more sprouts.

When out of 'spore range' of other myconids, Basidia communicates some of its concerns. Many cycles ago I brought my colony to this grove, where we found Phylo and his colony. It is not uncommon for colonies to merge and to have two sovereigns for a time, and long have we worked together in harmony. Recently however, Phylo has been initiating changes which I do not understand, and without consultation. In principle we are equals, but his ideas have the support of much of the colony. Gasbide's new projects seem wasteful and purposeless, and Yrberop's desire for more sprouts is counter to the balance we have long enjoyed in Neverlight Grove. But let me show you more. I think you will find the other leaders are more conservative.

Basidia says that the group already met the Circle of Explorers, led by Rasharoo. This is the smallest circle, as many of these myconids are gone for many cycles, and some never return. On the highest terrace the group meet Hebopbe, the leader of the Circle of Growers. This circle tend to the fungus throughout the grove, and Hebopbe has prepared some of the more palatable mushrooms as refreshments for the travellers. This myconid seems to be as calm and tranquil as Basidia. I don't care much for Phylo's ideas, it says, but neither do I think they are worthy of the concern that Basidia feels.

Coming back down to ground level, Basidia leads the group to the Circle of Hunters. This is the group Stool ran to, and the sprout runs over to Rhayna to hold her hand, but she can tell that the relationship is different now that her little friend has found its own kind. Loobamub, the leader of the Circle, responds calmly to Pax's observations, saying reassuringly: Yes, the servants are controlled by our spores, and are harmless. It is true we could do the same with softers such as you, but we have sufficient for our needs, and besides we only use those creatures that already have no life and would otherwise return to the soil. Finding such specimens is the duty of our circle. While talking, a couple of the quaggoth spore servants shamble past, but other myconids in the circle shoo them away. Loobamub explains that those ones were created by Phylo, and that the feel of their spores is wrong.

Finally Basidia leads the group back toward the centre of the grove. The last circle is a new one recently established by Phylo, called the Circle of Masters. Their purpose is to bring joy and happiness to all myconids, but it is unclear what their methods are. They claimed that far cavern as their own space, raised the giant mushroom they call Yggmorgus, and seem to be preparing for some kind of celebration. Yestabrod is their leader, but has not been seen outside their cavern for many cycles, although Phylo insists the rest of the grove not enter the far cavern and instead wait until the surprise is ready. They have also been claiming a large proportion of the corpses brought back by the Circle of Hunters.

Suddenly as if alerted by some silent alarm, all the myconids in the grove stop their activities and gather around a small mound in their respective areas. Each myconid seems to belong to a specific circle, and each circle gathers together. Basidia explains: Now is the time of the cycle when we meld together, sharing our thoughts and experiences. Previously all myconids would meld together, but Phylo insists on melding only within each circle, he says to improve efficiency. I must return to the Inner Circle, with Phylo and our councillors.

Several myconids pass by the group as they return to their circle mounds. Many are calm like Basidia, but others act more extroverted, talking in animated tones and proclaiming that "The day of joy is nigh" and exhorting each other to "Rejoice in the true union that will meld us all". Soon however all are gathered into their circles, including Basidia, and the telepathic communication with the visitors ceases, leaving them alone in the wide, peaceful grove.

(Sorry for the long wait. If your characters have any more questions for Basidia, or want to take any actions before the 'melding' begins, then go ahead and post that)

"Here goes your "hour before troubles begin"." Sekkar now felt very suspicious again. "Can almost bet my tooth - that "surprise" will be a two head mushroom, that will try to eat everyone around it." Lizardman patted Rhaina's shoulder getting her attention from the enchanting beauty to the sad reality: "Do you think you can ask your "Lady" about what is happening here?"

"A haven within a hell is still a place in hell," Kastix whispers to himself before whispering to random party member, "Got a mask?"

(yeah these myconids don't know about social distancing)

Pax looks towards the mushrooms intended for food with a bit of a wrinkle on her nose. "Isn't that sorta like cannibalism? I mean, I'm thankful for the.....hearty meal, but.....are they like, mushrooms that didn't 'make it'...if you know what I mean?" 

To Basidia, Pax asks, trying to keep it 'between' the local group as it were, "If you don't know what Phylo is planning, and his behavior has been concerning you. May I suggest, as independent observers, that you send us to this mysterious other plateau so that we can at least ensure that his surprise is not going to be an unpleasant one. We won't give anything away, it is just that there is some sort of corruption in the underdark, it seems to affect everything, and we're a bit concerned that there could be a demonic influence to Phylo's activities. If it truly is a great surprise, then we won't give it away."

While on the grand tour. She thanks Hebopbe for her hospitality, and says whole heartedly that her refreshments are wonderful. She is happy to see Stool again, but she is reminded that its place is with its kin, and it seems to be happy to be back home. However, she is most interested in what Loobamub, the leader of the Circle of Hunters, had to say about their use of spores. The part where it said. "Besides we only use those creatures that already have no life, and would otherwise return to the soil." Struck her very deeply, she wasn't sure why. It might be related to the Lady's Gift, but before she could think about that any further, Basidia took them back to the center of the grove. She tries to make a mental reminder  to herself to go back and speak with Leader Loobamub.

To Sekkar's question Rhayna responds. "The Lady doesn't really speak with me, just like Selune does not communicate directly with me either. It's just that I have a very keen interest in this Yggmorgus."

Then after listening to Pax, she confers with their host. "Sovereign Basidia. My Half-Elf colleague might be into something. I have grown very fond of the little ones that we brought there, Stool and Rumpadump. When you speak with us, you remind me of them. I am assuming that is what a Myconid communication should feel like. However, when sovereign Phylo spoke with us, it felt different. You see, we met a group of myconids when we were in a cavern system under Gracklstugh. They had received the Lady's Gift, and hummm... Actually, so have I also received her Gift." Rhyana says the last part a little hesitantly, not sure how the sovereign would receive such information. "At any rate. So when Phylo spoke with us, it felt more like those myconids. Which, I am afraid, might be under the influence of none other than The Lady of Rot and Decay herself."

Rhayna then turns to the eastern gigantic mushroom. "Also, I have a very strong urge to go to this Yggmorgus. I am not sure if I ever felt like this before, and I am also not sure what are my feelings on what we might find inside of it..."

Hebopbe's reply to Pax on the subject of eating mushrooms is: You softers consume other kinds of flesh, do you not?

Regarding Pax's offer to investigate, Basidia replies: Given the danger, I would have suggested you depart as soon as you were able. Another group of softers came here several cycles ago, and although Phylo says they departed, I did not see them go. But I cannot deny that my curiosity urges me to accept your offer. If you can discover what the Circle of Master is preparing, it may ease my concerns.

Replying to Rhayna, Basidia says: So you have felt it too. Yes, their spores feel different somehow. Normally all myconids recognise any spores from any other myconid in the Underdark, and know from where they originate. I had assumed Phylo's spores were somehow diseased, and thus unidentifiable. I sensed something in you when first we met, and I see you have some affinity for the mycological world. But I do not know this Lady of whom you speak, unless you refer to the Great Seeder of which Yrberop sings.