Secrets of the Bound Tree

Description

The ancient tree in the forest is more than it appears—bound by chains and protective stones inscribed with fading abjuration magic, it once held something dark and dangerous sealed within. When Calum investigated, toxic mushrooms bloomed and visions overwhelmed them, revealing that the sealing magic has weakened to mere wisps. The tree's oppressive aura of dread vanished after consuming Applegate, suggesting it fed on him deliberately. What was sealed? Has it been released, or was Applegate's death the final key? The truth remains buried, waiting to surface. Session 2 update: The ancient tree's influence spreads beyond the forest through supernatural manifestations. A fire sprout grows from molten ground in Vixia's shop, drawing her wildfire spirit like a moth to flame. Meanwhile, Caelum's nightmares deepen into prophetic visions showing a vast corrupted forest where silver flames burst from their own being, racing toward distant golden light while rot and death worship them. The tree consumed Applegate, but its purpose—and what it released or awakened—remains terrifyingly unclear. Session 3 update: The ancient sealed tree's influence spreads through supernatural manifestations across the capital. A burning sapling grows from molten ground in Vixia's shop, while Caelum's nightmares deepen into prophetic visions. The tree consumed Applegate, but what it released—or awakened—remains terrifyingly unclear. Now its essence appears in multiple locations, suggesting the seal's breaking has consequences that reach far beyond the forest. Session 7 update: The ancient tree's influence spreads through Vixia's shop in accelerating corruption. The sapling she left as manageable has transformed in weeks away—now as tall as Vixia herself, its twisted trunk showing faces frozen mid-scream, its touch setting surfaces ablaze. When she tries to prune it, the bark ruptures into a mouth that bites, dealing fire damage. Her fire spirit approaches reverently before submitting like prey before predator. The tree has outgrown containment and control, forcing Vixia toward desperate measures: she needs to move it before it consumes her shop, and only the Gloaming Guild might be desperate or reckless enough to help harbor such a thing. Session 8 update: The ancient sealed tree's influence has evolved beyond physical manifestation into spiritual bonding. The sapling that grew in Vixia's shop revealed itself as a conscious child of old gods seeking to reunite with its divine parents. When Vixia explained the need to relocate it before discovery, the tree proposed hiding its flames within her soul—a proposal she accepted. The resulting transformation saw fire cascade across her scales until she glowed with inner heat, then sink into her flesh. The sapling now appears dead and dormant, but Vixia carries its essence within her, bound to a divine entity that promises they will "grow together to set ablaze this world of water."

Key Figures (7)

Timeline