Infobox
The World Tree
PRE-WAR ERA
The World Tree has existed since the dawn of time. Where there is life, the World Tree has always stood.REDACTED
Its roots are said to stretch beneath the entire world, connecting all living things. Many believe that the world’s magic stems from the tree itself, flowing through its vast root system and into the earth.
The tree towers so high that its sprawling branches disappear beyond the clouds. At its base lies a pool of crystal-clear water, said to be the purest in existence. The water possesses powerful healing properties and is revered as a source of life and magic. Many cultures near the World Tree follow the sacred tradition of birthing their children in these waters, believing it will bless them with magic and divine protection.
Druids and nature-bound mystics from across the realm make pilgrimages to the World Tree, hoping to commune with it and receive its blessings. It is said that the tree speaks to those who are deeply connected with nature, offering visions, guidance, and gifts of power.
The lizardfolk of the Szin-Ka Dominion tell ancient stories of a brutal war. Long ago, southern orc clans invaded the jungle, seeking to burn down the Great Tree and claim its power. As the orcs approached, the surrounding trees began to twist and rise, growing limbs and forming an army of living wood to defend the World Tree. The invaders were crushed beneath the might of nature itself, and the orcs never returned.
The people who dwell near the World Tree are fiercely protective of it. Trespassers caught attempting to approach the tree without permission face swift and severe punishment. The Szin-Ka believe that if the tree were ever to die, all life would wither, magic would fade, and the dark forces of the underworld would rise to claim the earth. For them, the survival of the World Tree is not just sacred—it is the key to the survival of the world itself.
THE BATTLE OF THE WORLD TREE
With the immense power imbued within the tree and its continent-sprawling roots, it would soon become a target for an emboldened, newly-reformed Empire. Celine Emberfall sought to use the threat of The Ashen Maw as a cover to launch a full-scale attack on the tree.
Intel provided by defectors within the Empire suggested that such an attack would come much sooner than expected. Clans from all over Nyvara scrambled to gather the necessary troops and firepower to defend the tree against the Empire and its fleet of airships.
The rogue members of Druecia’s Finest, joined by Melvin Mibbs of Celestara, managed to form what defenses they could gather in just one week. Ents from the Wimblegrove Forest, Orcs from the StoneFang Clan, and Wyverns from the Amethyst Vale would join the armies of Paw’merra to defend the tree.
The ensuing battle would quickly highlight the devastating power of the Empire. Thousands of airships launched a seige on the tree and the surrounding forests and villages. Untold Paw’Merran lives were lost in the opening minutes of battle. The neighboring Szin-Ka Dominion would utilize the opportunity to crush what would remain of their neighboring city.
When all seemed to be lost, Suave’s arrival would tip scales of battle, as he singlehandedly obliterated hundreds of airships.
It appears the empire’s plan hinged on one Lionel Caldwell, a disgraced scientist who was once a member of Druecia’s Finest. His “Concord Formula”, once injected into the heart of the tree, would be enough to kill it entirely. While the battle at the heart of the tree is not well-documented, it appears this plan was successful.
The World Tree exists no longer. With it, Fey Magic has seemingly ceased to exist as well, leaving once-powerful kingdoms entirely vulnerable in the process.
If any gods exist yet, may they help us all.