Myconid Grove
Myconid Grove
The Myconid Grove is a vast bioluminescent cavern located in the middle levels of Garmok's Mine, home to a peaceful colony of myconids—intelligent fungal beings who tend their groves in the deep places of the world.
Description
The Myconid Grove is bathed in gentle, colorful light from countless bioluminescent mushrooms. Large fungi of various types grow throughout the space, including shriekers (alarm fungi) and violet fungus. The chamber creates a surreal and beautiful environment, with glowing colors dancing across the cave walls and ceiling.
The grove serves as both home and sanctuary for the myconid colony, who carefully tend the fungal ecosystem that sustains them.
Geography
The cavern is located in the transitional zone between the worked dwarven passages of Garmok's Mine's upper levels and the natural caves that descend into the Underdark. This unfortunate position makes it a major thoroughfare for creatures moving between the surface and the deep Underdark.
History
The grove was once larger and more prosperous, but was attacked by the black dragon Voaraghamanthar, who destroyed much of it and killed many adults and children. This traumatic event left deep scars on the surviving myconids, particularly the Myconid Sovereign.
When Deez Nuts brought news that Voaraghamanthar had been slain, the Myconid Sovereign experienced overwhelming joy and relief, sharing the news with his colony through rapport spores.
Current Status
The grove continues to serve as a thoroughfare between the surface and the deeper Underdark, with raiders, traders, and dangerous creatures constantly passing through. The myconids wish for a way to be left alone but don't know how to reroute the traffic or close off their cave.
Deez Nuts promised to investigate possible solutions, including finding or creating alternate routes that would allow Underdark travelers to bypass the peaceful fungal colony.
Notable NPCs
- Myconid Sovereign - Leader of the myconid colony
- Myconid Sprouts - Young myconid children, presented to Deez Nuts as a gesture of trust
Rapport Spores
The myconids communicate through rapport spores, which grant temporary telepathy to those within the cloud. This allows for intuitive communication of thoughts, feelings, and intentions as concepts rather than language. The Myconid Sovereign used these spores to share his traumatic memories of Voaraghamanthar's attack and later his joy at the dragon's death.
Quests & Events
- Session 45 - The Mind Gobbler - Deez Nuts discovered the grove, met the Myconid Sovereign, learned about the dragon attack, and promised to help find a solution to the traffic problem
Nearby Locations
- Garmok's Mine - The grove is located within the mine complex
- Underdark - The grove connects to deeper Underdark passages
- Ilra's Study - Located in tunnels accessible from near the grove