[Verdant] Caverns

The Caverns are what comprise the majority of VERDANT. However, they are not merely brooding caverns for grubs--plenty of small hive units live within these caverns, though some may live dozens of miles away from the nearest Mother Grubs.

The Caverns contain dozens of Mother Grubs, all producing grubs consistently. The amount of grubs typically produced by these Mother Grubs necessitates a larger-than-normal number of caretakers. Due to the exceeding rareness of the Jade caste, the matesprits, moirails, and at times even kismeses of Jade trolls often volunteer in the brooding caverns, taking on a responsibility that is not generally theirs to have. Non-Jade Castes (typically Lowbloods) are also encouraged to come work as Grubtenderers, though 'Broodmothers' who directly interact with young Grubs are nearly entirely Jades.

Miles of these caverns are entirely residential areas. 'Brooding areas' are designated as around three mile swaths of Cavern that have sopor pools and brackish pools of water available for grub spawning and feeding. Those who live within the Caverns and work within the brooding areas may leave their homes early in the daytime and work in the brooding areas until twilight.

The hive structures within the cavernous halls can be quite impressive. Secret corridors and carved hallways are a large part of VERDANT's architecture. Generally, paths lead from cavern-hives to sources of freshwater, such as ponds, waterfalls and underground lakes.

The Caverns generally have hues of green, teal and purple lighting up their gray walls, a result of bioluminescent fungi which dot the dampened caverns. Lanterns of blue light are erected along the walls, lighting up the Caverns. Natural light is hard to come by except for in areas of the caverns where the ceiling has eroded away--therefore, such measures are necessary to ensure visibility for those tending grubs and living within the structures.