"Yes. Many believe it was fated. The moss was here before us, and no doubt it will be here long after us, but while we live, it keeps the infection out."

The Matriarch hums a soft, thoughtful sound. "I am Matriarch. I am aware of everything that happens within this cavern," she says loftily. "Do you wish to know this for yourself, or to sow chaos within my city? There are things the people have not been told, for their own safety and well-being."

There is a slight narrowing of her eight eyes. "We have sent parties to the surface before, though not for quite some time."