Spires of Spores
Cavern of unknown depth; a challenge to each generation.
A complex cave system housing some of the largest mushrooms ever discovered. An absolute dream for spelunkers and botanists alike. Albeit inhaling the spores proved harmless - from what is surmised so far - the air is so saturated and heavy that it is unadvisable to traverse the caves without some sort of filter.
The Unplanned Expedition
As a group of explorers were trying to flee from the scalding rain characterising the tropics of Nhiri, an unassuming shelter led to a most peculiar cave system. Upon entry, one is greeted by an extensive area filled with huge rocky columns spawning from the darkness below. Attached to these spires are a variety of mushrooms whose flat caps could support the entire squadron. Just before the deep darkness begins, one can spot a canopy of towering mushrooms trying to reach their pillar-growing peers.
Explored Landmarks
A depth of 1200m is mapped out of the estimated 1800m. The deepest explored zone is a few hundred metres below the mushrooms' rings.
Cave Entry Level
The flat mushrooms grow from deposits of clay that gather in the pockets of the spires. The caps are large enough to build small camps and the gills are numerous like teeth. They can be harvested and most rations found at the camps are prepared from these 'teeth'.
The tall mushrooms have depressed caps which hold the warm water that trickles down from the ceiling of the cave. Living on these caps, one can usually find frog-like creatures with translucent skin. These amphibians snack on hapless insects who are mindlessly munching mushrooms.
Below the Caps
Travelling beneath the caps, the atmosphere starts to shift. Darkness engulfs the stems of the mushrooms. Yet, as the flat caps on the rocky spires decrease in frequency, they are promptly replaced by a number of bioluminescent shrooms. The mellow yellow hue given off by their ropey gills is bright enough to make out the column they are attached too. Besides being an adequate light source, the gills are sturdy enough to hang onto. A few suspended camps - fully supported by the strength of these glowing mushrooms - can be found on this layer. Expert explorers stop momentarily stock up on the essentials before heading deeper down.
Rally of the Returning Rings
This is estimated to be slightly below the half-way point of the huge mushrooms - and thus the ground! It is known as the "Rally of the Returning Rings" since most adventures end here before the party is forced to head back to the surface. A handful number of camps can be found on this level, built on the rings of towering mushrooms.
At this depth, the density of the spores increases; breathing becomes strenuous. Only two groups dared descend deeper. The first group perished, however half of the second group returned with some ruined notes written by their deceased associates. Their sanity had waned due to some creatures they swore were stalking them. Are there undiscovered beasts roaming at these depths or is it an effect of prolonged exposure to the spores?
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