The Grove of Whispers

The Grove of Whispers is an area of strong natural magic located in a cavern carved in the sewers of Axis. It is the first of it's kind, in that it is a grove that is located in an entirely manmade environment - something that was initally thought to be impossible, It is currently tended by Silk Greengallow as it's steward.

## History

In it's primitive and untended state, the grove is simply an area of strong natural magical power that has developed over time as a result of the ecosystem that now exists in the city above - a complex relationship between civilisation and the plants and animals that reside within it. After a time, this magical power became sentient in the from a giant spider spirit, Aranaea. This would eventually be discovered by an exiled and disgraced Silk, who would become a sort of disciple of the spirit. The years spent in commune with the spirit twisted the halfling's mind, but allowed him to realise the potential of the area.

Eventually, Silk was able to consecrate the grove, and after a great deal of renovation, the area is now a powerful symbol of a new kind of druidism that threatens to disrupt what is currently espoused by the Order of the Druids.

## Layout

The Grove is based in a large chamber that was carved out by Silk, with small antechambers around it to provide quarters for those residing there, and allowing room for expansion.

### The Main Chamber

The Main chamber is the main portion of the Grove. It consists of a large Island in the centre of the Cavern, surrounded by water. There is a bridge from the main entrance if coming from Tits & Slither, connecting to the Island. The Island itself is covered in soft, luminescent moss, and is peppered with small glowing mushrooms which provide dim light. Around the edges of the land, there are standing stones, encircling a large tree which grows in the centre of the cavern. This tree was planted and magically grown by Silk, who sped up the lifecycle until it was a magnificent shell, containing multitudes of glowing mushrooms, whose light could be seen through the cracks in the trunk. In the barren branches of the tree, there is occassionally a small spider in a web, which is a manifestation of Aranaea. The only other adornment is a censer containing holy incence, which was gifted to Silk by his friend Freth upon the consecration of the grove. At the base of the tree, there is a clear pool of clean water. The water surrounding the Island is fed by cracks in the chamber wall, and the constant sound of trickling water can be heard in the Grove. The roof of the Grove is completely covered with spiderwebs and spiders, whose endless conversations are what give the Grove its name.

### The Flooded Chamber

The Flooded Chamber is a sizable chamber leading off from the main chamber, although there is no bridge and anyone wishing to reach it must swim. There are no distinguishing features in the chamber other than the fact it is half filled with still water. It was carved by Silk upon the arrival of the Marid Ghesfa - and out of deference to the powerful being, Silk created a room for him to slumber and receive petitions by those who may want a wish from the Marid.

### Fungal Garden

One chamber is dedicated to the cultivation and harvest of varieties of mushrooms. Silk has taken a particular interest in this, and has taken it upon himself to collect and plant many different types of mushrooms within the chamber. Because of this, there is an enviable variety of mushroom specimens growing together in this chamber, some with medicinal properties and some being deadly poisonous. Specimens are also being cultivated for their decorative properties, such as providing lighting and interesting clours, as well as having purifying properties. This part of the grove really became viable once Celia was granted sentience by Silk, and was able to tend the garden in his extended absences.

### The Mycologist's Chamber

This was built to study the mushrooms which have been cultivated in the Fungal Garden. It is Silk's hope that new properties of these varieties can be discovered and put to use, whether for healing or for more nefarious purposes. The main focus is to study and control the dangerous spores of the mushrooms of the Fungal Forest. It is currently occupied by the mycologist Cora, who was contacted by Silk specifically for this purpose.

## Attributes

After consecration, there are a number of magical elements to the Grove:

* All animals in the Grove are able to speak Common. This is what allows the spiders to converse, which generates an endless sound of whispering that echoes around the caverns. The spiders act as the Steward's eyes and ears in the city, and alert him to any potential threats to the balance in the city he strives to maintain.
* The only viable entrance into the Grove is through the Tavern, Tits & Slither, owned by Silk's friend Lacey Stain, then following a trail only known to a few. Although it is possible to get to the grove via the sewer system, it is very difficult, and any paths close to the grove become incredibly confusing, causing many interlopers to end up returning the way they came.
* The central tree is used as a portal to get to the Summer Citadel, and allows the team to reach civilisation quickly from the remote castle. The intention is for this to become a permanent portal, activated by a command, although currently Silk must cast a spell for each journey. The tree connects to an identical, living tree located in the holy garden in the citadel, where there exists an area that is almost identical to the grove, save for the fact that all things in the grove have a complementary presence in the garden. Mushrooms become flowers, moss becomes grass, and the spiders replaced by butterflies and birds.
* As the Grove grows in power, it is starting to have purifying effects on the sewer water. As a result, the nature downstream from Axis is blossoming, with species returning to previously polluted areas, and rivers are becoming less and less contaminated.

## Trivia

* Due to its proximity to Tits & Slither, there is a corner in the basement where animals are able to speak common.