Ældrassil

Ældrassil

Born from a wish, this massive ‘tree’ takes root at the heart of the basin carved into the Myrkvior mountains. And through their connection to it, the Æld'Norai are granted their unique form of Draoidh, Æcturnis.

Description

Ældrassil is the size of a small mountain on its own, and the wood is a rich, dark, cool toned brown. If one shines light onto it, it will glint with a subtle, opalescent patina, giving it an ethereal look. The leaves are a deep, bluish green in Summer, shifting to warm tones in the Fall, purplish in Winter and lighter greens in Spring.

There are various structures built onto and into the boughs of this massive tree, most of which play host to varying offices of the Æld'Norai government including the courts and the highest government officials also make their residences here. There are also several locations which serve as ritual sites accessible to the public.

History

Ældrassil is no ordinary tree– nestled within it lies the body of an ancient dragon. Now a hybrid between flora and fauna, it remains alive in a state of suspended animation, and ultimately, the tree and the dragon are one and the same, with the tree inheriting the dragon's name. Ældrassil derives its vibrant vitality from what became of the beast's Grist, and in turn, the flora of the region will always remain lush and full of life. It is said that the dragon influences the land around it, though in what ways and to what extent it is uncertain. The Ælves who call the tree home struggle to tell where exactly their influence ends and the dragon’s begins, for they consider their relationship to it to be wholly symbiotic.

The Ælven populace which calls the Myrkvior mountains home have built their capitol around Ældrassil. Their settlements include simple to elaborate structures built out of wood, stone, and built into the surrounding trees themselves.

Ældrassil's Life and Legacy

Long ago, the name Ældrassil belonged to the dragon from which it had grown.

Aspect of Grist

During his long life, Ældrassil had ascended, becoming an Aspect of Grist; a Meridian.

Three-Among-Many

Each concept the Aspect embodies seeps into and influences the land around Ældrassil- the tree- and the Æld'Norai who inhabit it to this day.

To Govern Geomena

It was, in large part, Ældrassil's kinship to Geomena that drew him to the mountains when searching for a place to rest. And now, through what remains of his Outer Alchemy and amplified by the arcane tree of Ælphyne, the earth and stone of the Myrkvior region is particularly dense in Saol.

The mountains are thus rich in enchanted minerals, infusing the water which flows through them with a gentle glow. The water's color varies based on exactly what mineral composition suffuses it, and more often than not appears kaleidoscopic.

To Seek the Nocturnal

In life, Ældrassil was drawn to all things that thrived at night. Fungi, flora and fauna all were included in this deep fascination. Because of his Outer Alchemical influence and the tree's own magic, the Myrkvior mountains have become a haven to all three.

Nocturnal creatures may find themselves drawn to the Myrkvior region and creatures that weren't nocturnal to start will find their sleeping patterns shifting during their stay within the mountains.

To Embody Biofluorescent Flora

While he lived, Ældrassil's body gradually shifted, and eventually, he became a hybrid of dragon and the glowing flora he Embodied. By the end of his long life, he was covered in myriad species, all of which carried with it some form of biofluorescence. This allowed him to Invigorate Draoidh into himself, eventually mastering that Glamour as well.

Now combined with a tree of Ælphyne, the living things within the Myrkvior region also share this Embodiment through what remains of Ældrassil's Outer Alchemy.

Aspect of Draoidh

After cultivating the necessary gland, Ældrassil Awakened to Draoidh and, eventually, succeeded in his second ascension, becoming a Fiadhaich. With this ascension and his Governance of Geomena, the dragon was thus far more earthen than animalian.

Scion of the Night

Prior to his influence, Antarok was sorely lacking in flora that flourished under the light of the moon. While many such species existed, they failed to thrive and those with biofluorescent properties were especially rare. To Ældrassil, this was a deep tragedy, and as such, he made it his life's imperative to remedy. Over time, he utilized Florabind to collect his favorites out of that which he Embodied. Traveling far and wide to spread their seeds, he only lingered long enough to make sure his plants took root and grew strong before setting off again. The vast majority of plants of this nature were introduced into Antarok's varying ecosystems by his efforts.

Myrkvior, his Grove

Having always been a wanderer when he yet drew breath, Ældrassil's search for a final resting place was also one to finally find the perfect place where he could cultivate a Draoidh Grove of his own. Once he and the conclave of Sidhe Fae who accompanied him had carved out the mountain basin and Invigorated him into the tree of Ælphyne, the Saol of the ancient dragon's Draoidh began to seep into the land around him just as much as that of his Grist.

Within his Grove, the plants he Embodied, particularly those to which he was bound, thrive. Further, his Saol has enriched the very earth, allowing all plants to find some degree of sanctuary within the mountains.

Due to being an Aspect of both Grist and Draoidh, his Grove was also warped by that which he Governed, Geomena. The stone of the mountains grew streaked with magic and exceptionally dense, though those tied to him are able to far more easily manipulate it using their arcane arts than others. And within that stone, pockets of fine metals and gemstones became unusually common.

Master of Terra

With his mastery of Terra, Ældrassil

Master of Aqua

Wielding Aqua with consummate skill, Ældrassil

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