"If we are to act, we must be ready to flee," Syvis says. "I would not gauge our chances much better against Zuggtmoy than they were with Demogorgan. We should make our preparations and speak with Basidia first. It seems we must take Stool with us for a bit longer to ensure his safety. I do not think simple bows and weapons will prove practical in dealing with an infested grove such as we are. Fire would be the best option to make sure no tortured entities remain."

Thodek nods, "Exactly, we cannot leave this be, but in a fight with a demon lord, our chances are laughable at best. Even if it doesn't get involved directly, it has clearly already influenced a significant portion of the population and they have us far outnumbered, they could kill us through sheer numbers, and I doubt the demon would be too concerned about their lives."

Alright, so what is the plan? Feel free to discuss OOC here or via PM, but for the sake of speed and simplicity, don’t worry about sorting it out IC. 

Once you’ve decided what to do, we can move on. What would you like to do?

After a minute or two of rushed planning, the party decides on a course of action to alert Basidia to the dangers in the Garden of Welcome. You all dash back down the incline of the terrace, shortly reaching the slowly plodding large myconid followed by the rest of your party that are heading back towards the center of Neverlight Grove. 

Slowly but surely, each of them notice you, turn, and realize the urgency and fear in each of your faces. A look of worry crosses Derendil’s face, but Basidia is the first to speak, reaching out with its rapport spores. “What is wrong? What did you discover?” Basidia asks, concern in its voice. 

What would you like to do?

Thodek shakes his head gravely, "It's worse than we've thought. Your grove has become inhabited by the demon lord of decay. We need to either try to cleanse it or flee. It is your home, we wanted your input and help."

Concern but interest both seem to fill the facial features of Basidia. You see Derendil give a small wince at the sound of the demon lord of decay, but other than that, no one in the group seems to register the title. Basidia thinks with a frown for a small time before speaking. “I am... sorry for wasting time. I realize this situation may be dire, but I feel I may need more context. Is there any chance of defeating this demon lord you speak of, because I will protect and save our grove as a first thought no matter what. It is mine and many other’s home, and abandoning them would feel... unjust. But... I also understand the sentiment to flee. I suppose, what input may you be able to provide?” The large myconid asks, obviously unsure of the complete situation and looking for guidance. 

What would you like to do?

"I fear that your home is already lost," Syvis says somberly. "And if you stay to fight, your lives will be as well. I do not know what you could possibly hope to accomplish in trying to fight a demon lord but we will help as we can. I thought to set fire to the twisted horror that is the Garden of Welcome. At least then the souls caught in the abyssal machination can be freed to the void. What we do next will largely depend on the reaction of your infected population. We might be able to subdue a score of myconids but if this Zuggtmoy intervenes I do not believe we can engage with a clear conscience with the lives of Stool, the twins here, and others depending on the rest of us."

Thodek nods, "If all we have to contend with are the infected, I say stop this infection before it spreads. But if we engage and we encounter either the demon lord itself or its more powerful minions we will have no choice but to flee as fast as possible."

Nicholas who has been listening from the side quietly pipes up, "Which ever decision we take, I think we should at least do what we can to save as many as possible. But the longer we stand here talking the longer the situation will grow out of hand."

Shishakli nods at Thodek's words, adding, "The infected need to be given a swift death. It would be a mercy."

((When Shishakli was at the top, did he see the demon itself? Or was it more just the infected coming to life talking about it?))

Basidia gives a solemn nod. “Then it seems that those who have been infected are beyond help... and that we must leave the grove.” Basidia then begins to move further back to the grove. “Yes, as you say, we must move quickly. I will round up the rest of those we can trust, and can meet you all back at the entrance of Neverlight Grove. Do what you feel you must in regards to the threat of the demon, but I fear I will not be of much help in that regard, and should utilize my skills elslewhere.” The large myconid suggests.

Shishalki: You just saw the field of basically infected heads of barely living humanoids. There was no demonic entity in sight. 

What would you like to do?

"Let's be going then. Perhaps we can cause a distraction to give time for more to escape," Nicholas suggests

"And hopefully purge as many of the accursed as possible..." Shishakli adds.

Thodek hesitates, "I'd rather wait for them to be able to join us if possible. But we could at least head to the grove, start dispensing mercy and go from there."

"Then we are agreed," Syvis says, drawing a torch from her pack and walking back up toward the Garden of Horrors.

The four of you as well as Jimjar say your quick goodbyes before rushing back up the terrace and incline. Syvis and Shishalki lead the way, but eventually you all once again reach the top. 

Let me know what you would like to do from here. You are pretty much in the same position in that you are currently hidden from anyone who may be in the Garden of Welcome, but a few more steps would change that. The garden of humanoid heads from what you remember is around 30 feet away.

Any other clarification needed, feel free to ask. If not, what would you like to do?

Syvis looks to Thodek and Nicholas.

"Will you two lead the charge with torches, setting the garden ablaze as you go? We three can skulk in the shadows and offer protection. If we do not meet with any particular resistance, we will light torches and help speed the process."

Thodek nods, "Yes, I can do that. My armor will help protect me in case anything responds." 

(Are there any inhabitants in the garden, if so, how many?)

"Well that would certainly add to the chaos. I do hope that if whatever that is can be chased away it the fire won't do too much damage to this place," Nicholas nods and pulls out a torch, "I am ready when you are."

From what your party has seen and relayed to you, Thodek, there are about 20 or so humanoid heads dispersed throughout the grove in various states of decay. That is all however.