Soul Tree
The deep forests and dales of this world are home to many creatures, and varied; but few among them are so mighty (or as mysterious) as the great Soul Tree, of whom few know, and seldom song is sung. As gnarled trees they are in appearance, though larger, and they tend to grow more strongly than ordinary individuals of their species. Few visages are more deceiving, however, for within each of these natural marvels dwells the spirit of an Elder Druid, and untold life-force also, for they are among the most powerful of that rite. One may walk the forests for a lifetime and mark these monoliths not, but ever-watchful they stand guard over the wilder places of the world, and protect that which is most sacred to the Aspects: balance.
The creation of a Soul Tree and the Rite which grants them being is among the most jealously-kept secrets contained in the Druidic arts. Tremendously few even among their own Circles are considered worthy of such a gift, and indeed some of the greatest Druids in the history of the Druidic Order have lived their entire lives without receiving it. Those who are blessed thusly find it less idyllic than a simple spell or ceremony- for of the Druidic rituals (and perhaps those of any art) it is among the most painful and unpleasant. A sapling is planted, and by way of unbridled and unrestrained Druidic Control is made to consume and destroy the flesh of the very Druid who seeks eternal life among its roots; their blood seeps into the earth, and from this sacrifice a Soul Tree may be born (though at times the ritual fails, and the Druid's soul is lost forever from the mortal plane.)
Those who survive will find their soul bound to the very tree which laid waste to their coil, and though their body remains entombed and preserved forever inside the tree's deepest reaches it walks no more (save on rare occasion, if the Druid has dire need of it.) Instead, by the power of the Aspects and natural magics the Elder Druid's spirit is free to walk among the living by way of a husk, wrought of hardened sap and effluent of the very tree which holds their soul. These are the Tree Lords, hardy guardians of the woodland realms, and by their wrath have many disturbers of the balance met their timely end.
Contents
Full Lore
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An Excerpt of the Druii'ithim; Arcanum of Ancient Secrets
A great and powerful druid wandered the woods with a gnarled staff and ancient wisdom. Natural energies seeped from his being at every step; with the nearby flora flourishing at such a sight. His greyed beard and long hair swayed gracefully within the breeze of the otherwise silent forest. Though despite his service of longevity to the Aspects, his days were numbered. The druid yearned to serve an eternity.
This druid knew that the body was merely a vessel for his soul and mind; his true service laid beyond the flesh. With this, he set out on a pilgrimage under the guidance of the Aspects. He traversed lush forests, soaring mountains, and rolling hills of verdure, until his journey concluded within a vibrant, sacred grove. The elder picked a single sapling from the most ancient of trees.
With this sapling in hand, the old weathered druid began to commune. His iris’ filled with the familiar warm glow of natural energies; green mists soon seeping from the pores of his skin as life was flooded into the smaller plant. Branches slowly rose, beginning to wrap around each limb of the druid. They bound his arms and legs to its center as he felt tugs against his spine. He maintained his communion with the plant, the earth, and his Aspects. His eyes ablaze with his aura. This elder let out one final cry before he was pierced by the plant’s growth. Crimson soaking the roots that dug deep within the earth.
In the place of where the man once stood, a large oaken tree blossomed far beyond the ones that surrounded it. The canopy wide and lush, with both flora and fauna gathered at its base. A truly spectacular sight, even for the most eldest of druids.
For weeks upon weeks, this tree laid dormant. The only sound from its hardwood base being the echo of rustling leaves on the eve’s breezes. However, one spring morning saw the awakening of a miraculous scene. Light dawned over the horizon; cascading against the trunk of many trees. Though only one was worth noting. The steadfast oaken tree that soared above the rest. Almost like a droplet, a clouded yet opaque shape formed at the furthest-most point of a large branch. The tree heaved slightly at such weight, before releasing the boiling sap-like blob. It fell into the nearby waters; steam rising from the surface.
A being rose from where the shape had fallen. The ancient druid awoke from his slumber; his complexion wearing a bark-like appearance with mimicked flesh, though alive nevertheless. He set out to complete the duties he had promised. This is the ancient secret of the Soul Tree.
Of the Ritual of Creation
The act of taking on a Soul Tree, and its creation, requires complete OOC consent from the player - and that they must accept the risk of potential permadeath should it come to it.
Teaching
Prior to creation, a Soul Tree user must have the knowledge of teaching (required TA) - or in this case, giving the gift. For one to learn how to grant the ancient gift (to become a teacher themselves), they are set through a small druidic vision as well as a series of other tasks by the one teaching them. The entirety of the teaching process is up for interpretation by the teacher themselves; as long as it’s unique, enjoyable, and both the character and player understand the process.
The Likelihood of Success
During the stages of creation, the body is killed so that the soul may be trapped into the growing tree. Though, this doesn’t always prove successful. There is a chance the soul escapes and the character is left perma-killed. However, this can be mitigated through a variety of modifiers.
The rolls and modifiers are determined by the one OOCly overseeing the creation of the Soul Tree (the teacher), and include;
+The location. Creating the Soul Tree within a stone, desert, or harsh environment would greatly reduce the success rate; though it is still possible. While, if the creation is done within a druid’s grove, the pre-existing natural energies would definitely help.
+The age of the druid. While the Soul Tree must be at least a minimum of tier (5) to even achieve it, the age of their gifts and druidic self weighs heavily as a modifier. A fresh tier five would not have much of an effect, where-as a druid attuned four OOC years ago would have a greater advantage.
+An extra druid to aid in the growth of the tree. While this would pain the added druid (due to communing and ‘harming’ both the tree and druid), it would grant a larger success rate.
+Other additional modifiers may include; the usage of Druidic artifacts (Aspect stones, enchanted items, catalysts, etc), the knowledge and prowess of the druid’s gifts (knowing more gifts grants more success), and the strength of the soul (a tranquil soul is preferred, over one in chaos).
Once the modifiers have been decided by the OOC overseer of the creation (the teacher in this case) the roleplay can go ahead. The /roll will be out of 100 usually, with the overseer setting a range within that number for the possible permadeath - dependent on the above modifiers. If successful, the player’s character has successfully converted into a Tree Lord and must wait a half day OOCly before playing their converted character. If they aren’t successful, the tree remains as itself and the character is permanently killed.
Summary
+ If the roll is successful, the player must wait an approximate twelve (12) OOC hours before playing the Tree Lord.
+ OOC overseer of the tree’s creation must set the modifiers for the roll. This roll may end up resulting in a permakill for the player.
+ To give the gift of a Soul Tree, the person requires a Teacher Application.
+ The risk of permakill must be acknowledged when taking on the Soul Tree.
+ The creation of the Soul Tree requires complete evident consent from the player OOCly.
The Soul Tree
A secret of ancient druids, who use such a gift to continue their commitments to the Order, Aspects, and nature eternally. The tree harbouring the detached soul is called a Soul Tree. These trees are unlike others of its species, and are more dense in structure and composition. And, contain an almost uncontrollable amount of natural energies and lifeforce.
The Tree
The character may choose whichever tree they would like, and take on the attributes of said tree. The only exceptions to this are trees that: are equivalent to steel or more, are inflammable, or contain some sort of powerful magical attribute. These types of trees are incapable of harbouring souls. (If you’re unsure, talk to your teacher - or a druidic loremaster). However, other traits from the chosen tree may be taken on. Such as disliking the sun if you’re a tree who thrives on soil exclusively. The same going with a water-based tree. Some are more physical; such as perhaps having a rough or sharp skin texture if your tree has thorns. It’s mainly up to interpretation. And, these traits are completely optional as well, and only serve to enhance roleplay if the player wants it.
The Body
The descendant body, while killed in the creation stage to transfer the soul, is not destroyed entirely. It is kept preserved within the largest-most section of the tree; encased in a mixture of thickened and hardened sap. This sap can only be broken once the soul itself is withdrawn from the tree, or the tree is destroyed. This ‘shell’ or encasing is clouded, yet opaque enough to notice the bare silhouette of the soul’s previous vessel. The only capable way of awakening the preserved body is through the willing soul tree inhabiting once more. More details on awakening under ‘Abilities’ below.
Soul Tree Defence
The Soul Tree is capable of defending itself at a cost; as it is sentient. Due to the density and energies around it, it’s impervious to normal tools, weaponry, and fire. The exceptions to this are enchantments (specifically to harm souls), intense voidal fire (tier 5 evocation), or dragon fire. While the tree will idly remain stationary, and always locked where it’s planted, it’s capable of utilizing a small array of attacks to ward off those seeking to harm it. Branches swinging down to strike assailants, roots protruding from the earth or vines moving to entangle and grasp its victims, etcetera. If the tree was under threat, the Tree Lord husk would feel intense stress from the connection of the tethered soul, and would ultimately be compelled and urged to go defend it. They would feel weakness and fatigue if the Soul Tree uses its natural defenses, due to the focus and energies required. The Soul Tree user must be notified and actively respond OOCly (meaning the people interacting with it must receive response from the player), so that they may roleplay their tree accordingly. They may be there OOCly to RP it as well.
Weight
The weight of a Soul Tree can be important to roleplay, as it affects the weight of your character. If you’re unsure what weight you and your Soul Tree would be, you can use the listed example instead. This weight is dependent on numerous factors with tree anatomy; including carbon, moisture content, stem to timber height and volume, external branches, foliage, magical attributes, etcetera. An example would be a tree from the oak species. Normally, they have an approximate height of 75 feet (or 23 meters) and a correlating weight of 14 tons. When grown into the form of a Soul Tree, the bark and innards of this tree dense greatly, and will weigh 21 or 22 tons while maintaining the same height.
Regeneration
When a husk is produced (or is being produced) by the Soul Tree, they must expel an enormous amount of energy and weight into its creation. This leaves the Soul Tree at its weakest while it regenerates the lost nutrients. After about two (2) OOC days, the tree is restored to its original strength. If the body was to be recreated again during the time the tree is still regaining its energy, the body won’t be made until the original duration is over - only then will it have enough strength, and the timer will be reset for the creation stage to start.
Summary
+The Soul Tree requires two (2) OOC days to replenish once they produce, or have produced a new husk.
+The player must be OOCly contacted when their tree is being interacted with.
+The Soul Tree can utilize an array of attacks when it feels under threat; which will then fatigue the Tree Lord severely.
+The Soul Tree itself is impervious to normal tools, weaponry, and fire. With exceptions of voidal fire (T5), dragon fire, or specific enchantments.
+The descendant body is kept preserved within the Soul Tree, encased in hardened sap.
+The Tree Lord takes on the attributes of the type of tree they choose. With exceptions being trees that are non-flammable, act like steel, or contain magical traits.
The Tree Lord
The ‘husk’, or the mimicked body of the conscious soul, is an entity that acts as the player’s character. It’s a wooden variant of their previous descendant self, with the unique ability of being able to willingly shift their appearance in minor ways during the Tree Lord’s creation stage. The husk is entirely dependent on the species of tree chosen, and takes on most traits from their tree; the denser the wood, the slower the body will be. As the Tree Lord is a form bound by natural energies and organic life, it’s to be noted that on top of their pre-existing druidic self, they have arguably one of the largest lifeforce pools; serving as both an advantage and disadvantage in the face of danger. While this body is entirely conscious and sentient, it’s also completely soulless and maintains an unbreakable connection with its Soul Tree.
Appearance Shifting
The Tree Lord is able to manipulate their appearance during the creation process; sometimes even unwillingly. Though this change is never too drastic, and must always at least resemble their previous descendant form - in both overall structure and race. An example (not limited to) of what one could do, is perhaps change their hair colour, eye colour, darkening or lightening their skin (within reason), and so on. Even minor additions to their person is acceptable (such as horns, or perhaps a sprouted flower bound to the flesh).
Anatomy
The anatomy of a Tree Lord is quite unique. While they do contain most organs compared to normal descendant anatomy the only organ(s) of note are the ‘lungs’ (and brain, with more details below), which serve to store oxygen. The Tree Lord possesses the ability to absorb oxygen and the air around it through the unseen pores on their skin, rather than inhaling through either their nose or mouth. This absorption then spreads the needed oxygen to the living sap-like blood within their body; similar to the normal respiratory system. The unique trait of this form however allows them to ‘store’ oxygen within their lungs for extended periods; this can range up to an OOC hour at most. The reason the lungs are considered the only necessary organ within the Tree Lord, is due to to its importance in being the sole organ responsible for intaking and distribution of the oxygen required to keep the body alive and healthy. If the husk’s brain is damaged, they would only be rendered incapacitated in motor functions and would most likely bleed out at a much faster rate internally.
Shapeshifting
When it comes to the druidic gift of shapeshifting, the Soul Tree itself will pull upon the spirit of the animal when assuming its form. The sap within the Tree Lord will liquefy and dilute more, and the mimicked flesh becomes dominant within the body. Meaning, the Tree Lord assumes the animal's body in complete form - with all flesh and blood included as they would no longer be made of wood. They do not have any differences to a normal shapeshifter, nor any strengths or weaknesses - they are the same. When the shapeshifted Tree Lord perishes, the animal corpse will remain due to the laws of the natural cycle. Their conscious will then return to the Soul Tree once more.
Weight
The weight of a Tree Lord generally sticks around the same numbers, though can vary dependent on the species of tree chosen. Using the example oak species as the user’s tree of choice, the weight of the body itself would be a portion from the tree. In the case of wanting to make a body that’s 6 ft (or 1.8m) in height, 1.92 tons (of the tree’s total) would be expelled during the husk’s creation. Though only 12% of that portion would be the body’s actual weight; this is due to energies and nutrients spent during that process, as well as softening the density of the hardwood so that the body is allowed some flexibility. With this, the 6 ft tall Tree lord would be at about 461 lbs (or 209 kg). As stated in the section on Soul Tree weight, if you can’t figure out the numbers for your character you’re more than welcome to use the listed example; there’s also a small equation below showing the way you can calculate the approximate weight of your character if you want to.
Step 1 Find the height of your Soul Tree in meters (1 meter = 3.28084 feet). In the example, we have 23 meters. Find the rough weight of your Soul Tree in tons. This doesn't have to be perfect, and is usually a lot heavier than the normal weight of the chosen tree species. We have 22 tons in this case. Divide the height by the weight. E.g: 23 / 22 = 1.045.
Step 2: Figure out the approximate height of your Tree Lord in meters. For the 6 ft fellow, he'll be 1.8288 m. Multiply the divided height and weight number (1.045..) by the height in meters (1.8288). You'll then get the expelled weight of the Soul Tree during the creation stage. For the example, we now have (rounded up) 1.92 tons.
Step 3: The Tree Lord himself weighs only 12% of the expelled weight, the rest being the energy spent moulding and creating the husk. Multiply the expelled weight by the percentage. So, 1.92 * 0.12 = 0.2304. Convert this number from tons to pounds, 461 lbs for our example. And if you use meters in your description, simply convert the pounds to meters, 209 kg.
Strength
The strength of Tree Lords can be simplified as a slightly enhanced version of their descendant self. The husk is a mimic of their preserved body, which is held together and functional through natural energies. Though given that their form is almost complete hardwood with much more additional weight compared to their descendant body, the forces acting on them and assisting them would be stronger. However, it isn’t a major difference, and should never be taken as such.
Summary
+Tree Lords have enormous lifeforce pools.
+These bodies are completely soulless, only bound by a tether to their Soul Tree.
+They can change and manipulate their appearance (within reason), though must still resemble their previous descendant self.
+The main organ within the Tree Lord is their lungs (and brain). They also breathe in through pores on their skin rather than orifices, and can store oxygen temporarily.
+Tree Lords are still able to bleed out.
+The husks can be quite heavy, and dependent on their chosen Soul Tree.
+The Tree Lord’s strength is slightly more enhanced compared to their previous body.
Death
With the soul now residing within the Soul Tree, the player will no longer resurrect at the Cloud Temple. Rather, when the husk or descendant form is killed they will returned to the Soul Tree. The death can be rather traumatizing, as all pain of their death is kept in memory. All other details cannot be recalled whatsoever. This means, while the Tree Lord can feel all the pain of burning, stabbing or being crushed, they are not able to remember who was involved, events leading up to the incident, where it occurred, what actually happened, or even the sounds that occurred.
Despite it only being a husk, the Tree Lord is unable to take their own life without consequences. By doing so, they are willingly severing their connection with their own soul and lose the ability to regenerate. The Soul Tree returns to normality, and the soul itself escapes. Resulting in a definite permakill.
When a Tree Lord perishes, they are reclaimed by nature around them. This isn’t exactly defined, and left to the creativity of the player. However some examples is the body blooming into a variety of wildflowers where they died, or roots consuming them back into the earth.
Rebirth
Once the Tree Lord’s form has been reclaimed, they may begin the process of rebirthing from their Soul Tree. This takes a minimum of half an OOC day. This number can be flexible, as some deaths in roleplay can be cheap. However, it still sets a firm deterrent and consequence for perishing. Though as stated under ‘Soul Tree’, if the Tree Lord has to be regenerated again during the period the tree is regaining its nutrients (two OOC days), then the half-day timer will only start after the tree is rejuvenated. The character would know about this in roleplay, and would want to be careful during this period.
Summary
+The character will no longer resurrect at the Cloud Temple, and instead will be brought back at their Soul Tree.
+Pain of the Tree Lord's death is kept in memory, though all other details can't be recalled.
+The Tree Lord cannot take their own life, and if they do, it’s considered a permakill.
+It takes a minimum of half an OOC day for the Tree Lord to regenerate, or rebirth.
Ungrowth & Unattunement
Ungrowth
A Soul Tree, while unable to be affected by druidic communion or control, is still able to be ungrown. Though this process cannot be forced, due to the nature of the druidic abilities. The player must also give their consent OOCly, and be there to roleplay the tree’s reactions should it occur. To the Tree Lord, this feeling of ungrowing would be similar to something deep within them being uncomfortably and painfully ripped at. It would also greatly fatigue them as the Aspects themselves would contain the preserved descendant body, until the Soul Tree is regrown.
Once the Soul Tree has been successfully ungrown, it’s reverted back into its sapling form. Due to the strain on the soul, the sapling, and the preserved body, there is only a limited amount of time for the sapling to be replanted and grown. This is 2 - 3 OOC days (with exceptions for players who cannot log on or map changes, of course). Otherwise the soul and body are lost. With the Tree Lord only having one life after, as he wouldn’t have anything to regenerate at.
Unattunement
Unattunement upon a Soul Tree is a rigorous process, and requires the location of the Soul Tree itself, rather than just a sapling or the husk. As the blessing is revoked from the Soul Tree, the binding and energies that hold it together are released; with the soul escaping. This process is painful for all those involved; the Tree Lord, and all participants of the unattunement. The druid, afterwards, will no longer have their gifts and nature will grow silent; they themselves will feel empty and void. With nowhere to return to should they die, they will only have one life before it results in a forced permakill.
Summary
+The Soul Tree can be ungrown, though this cannot be forced, and the player must give OOC consent.
+The sapling must be replanted in 2 to 3 OOC days (with exceptions), otherwise the soul and body are lost.
+Unattunement requires the location of the Soul Tree, and not just the sapling or husk.
Saplings
Soul Trees are capable of producing smaller saplings which serve as an additional container for the soul, should anything happen to the original tree.
The process requires the Soul Tree. From there, a sapling can be removed - with or without the IC consent of the Tree Lord (though the player must be informed OOCly). This causes great deal and pain for the Tree Lord; to the point of even attempting to attack the one removing the sapling with uncontrollable urges. This cutting must be nurtured regularly, with a consistent supply of druidic energies; otherwise it will wither and die - paining the Tree Lord even more. It is impossible for one to remove a sapling from their own Soul Tree, due to it containing a piece of their soul.
With the strain on the soul, no more than one sapling can be active from its original Soul Tree. If another sapling was removed, the first would wither into ashes and dust. The same effects apply to the sapling if the original Soul Tree is unattuned; due to it being the main conduit of the soul.
Should the Soul Tree be destroyed while a sapling is active and nurtured, the soul is transferred over with a limited amount of time to be planted, similar to the ungrowing process. This is 2 - 3 OOC days. Exceptions can be made if the player cannot log on for it, or if there’s a map change.
Summary
+A sapling can be removed with or without the IC consent of the Tree Lord, though the ST user cannot remove it on their own.
+The cutting must be nurtured by druidic energies.
+No more than one sapling can be active from the Soul Tree.
+Once the soul is transferred over to an active sapling, it must be planted within 2 to 3 days (with exceptions).
Abilities
Rooting
The process of regaining nutrients for the organic husk is called ‘Rooting’. Similar to how most plants will use roots to better their water and nutrient intake, the same works for Tree Lords. By standing idle, they are already able to naturally and passively absorb the energies around them to keep their body healthy; however by rooting themselves to a rich area, they can actively replenish themselves at a much more rapid rate.
Rooting is done through positioning themselves in a location that’s not only rich with nutrients and energies but also safe, as they won’t be entirely conscious during the period. They can sit, lay down or stand however they’d like, though they must enter a meditative trance (unconscious) vision, similar to attunement) of some kind. Then, smaller roots will subconsciously descend from their body into the ground below as they seek out the proper nutrients so that the body may rejuvenate. This process does not take too long, though keep it within a reasonable timeframe.
Hardening
An active ability of Tree Lords. It allows the user to harden an area of their wooden husk, at the cost of sapping movement and energy from other parts of their body. During the process of creation, the Soul Tree softens the Tree Lord’s hardwood from its own, to allow more flexibility, moldability, and ease of movement. However, they can resume the hardened bark like their parent tree, taking on the traits of it for a specific area of their body. Such as one of their arms, one of their legs, their head, their back, or the front of their torso. The hardening allows the specified area to have a resistance against normal tools or weaponry, fire, and absorbing impact / a bit more force than what they normally can take. The only exceptions to this are heat or blight enchantments on these weapons or tools, voidal fire (tier 5 evocationist), and dragon fire. It does not protect against lifeforce being sapped either.
The Tree Lord may vary how much they harden an area by. If it’s only a small amount, the resistance provided is going to be much less than if it were full. However, if the amount is less, their movement won’t be as restricted. There is a requirement of at least two emotes to successfully fortify an area of the body. The first emote consists of most of the Tree Lord’s movement restricting as they become somewhat vulnerable - this part requiring the most concentration. The second emote, the mimicked flesh begins to reinforce as a crystallized bark-like layer takes over the specified area. During this second emote, all of their movement is now restricted (if they are completely reinforcing this area), and are still expected to hold the intense concentration. For any additional emotes, they no longer have to maintain that level of focus, though they are still rendered immobile (dependent on how much they’ve hardened the area by), and cannot cast or use druidic magic of any kind during the entire process (including after the initial two emotes).
While this hardening can last for extended periods, it's not indefinite. The real cost of this ability is in its restriction and sapping of movement. However, the lack of natural energies sustaining other parts of the wooden body when an area is hardened can become detrimental if this is kept ongoing for a long time. The unsustained areas become more and more weak, immobile and brittle with time. To the point where it may simply fall to deteriorate to ash. The body will naturally withdraw the hardening so that the body doesn't wither away, and the concentrated energies will instead be spread out across the husk once again. This period can take upwards of 30 OOC minutes. The only exception to this time is combat - though that would be around 7 to 8 combat emotes.
Awakening
The descendant body is preserved within the Soul Tree, encased in hardened sap. It is able to be willingly released, and even temporarily inhabited by the Tree Lord. However, it only serves the purpose of capable reproduction to produce rare offspring. This process is called 'Awakening'.
The Tree Lord must first have their husk and conscious returned to their tree. This can be done by an involuntary death, or through intense meditation by their tree; where they will then be reclaimed by nature and assume themselves into the Soul Tree once more. While the normal period for rebirthing as a Tree Lord is an OOC half day, the time it would take for the sap to soften, liquefy and for the conscious to take active control of the descendant body would be an entire OOC day, and no less. The whole process can be rather painful, as all previous afflictions and injuries on the body are resumed and relived during the awakening period, including the creation of their Soul Tree. Once conscious, the body will be produced by the tree similar to how husks are, and the character may once more walk in their whole body. Flowers will sprout at their feet, nature bounding in joy as the blessing of fertility by the harvest mother shines upon them.
However, this form can only be taken once every six (6) OOC months, and provides no additional benefits other than fertility. Despite the race of the original descendant, it is almost guaranteed fertilization. With a roll having to occur out of 100, and must be 50+. The conscious body may return to the Soul Tree at any time, though retiring into the sap while pregnant would ultimately terminate the pregnancy. This does not apply to males, as they may resume their Tree Lord form after the initial conception. The offspring can only occur once while in this rare form (otherwise an additional 6 months must be waited out), so it considered utmost importance to not lose the child. When the offspring is born, they will share similar traits to their parent’s Soul Tree. This being their eyes mimicking the color of the druid’s aura, and their hair perhaps sharing the verdant hues of nature; completely optional.
Once the descendant body has produced successful offspring (whether that be the female giving birth, or a period after the male conceiving the child), they would feel a strong unbreakable urge to return to their Soul Tree to rest once more. This urge is demanding, taxing, and cannot be avoided whatsoever - with their soul literally tugging for its host to return to rest. This is only after the offspring has been born. They may walk freely in their descendant form until offspring has been conceived, there is no specific timer to how long this may take. However, when gifted the opportunity to awaken their body, they will feel the natural instinctive urge to comply to what they were awakened for - in this case, to reproduce and give life to offspring.
When they finally return to their tree to rest, they must undergo a similar process to the start.. They must meditate extensively as their conscious is transferred from their descendant body back to their tree, and their form consumed within the sap to once more lay dormant. They will then have to wait an additional half day OOCly before rebirthing as their Tree Lord self.
Weaknesses
(This section will mainly talk on Tree Lord weaknesses, as it is the more playable aspect of this magic. That being said, Soul Tree weaknesses can be read in more thorough detail under ‘Soul Trees’).
Movement
The Tree Lord, while mimicking the form of their descendant self, are not agile. With carrying such weight, as well as their bodies (while sturdy) being made of the wood from their tree, they can be quite cumbersome. This doesn’t mean they aren’t still ‘fast’, or flexible; they are molded to try and best replicate their previous body. Though they are considered more slower than their previous body, as they are made of heavy wood.
Flammability
The Soul Tree in the creation stage must revoke some of its traits onto the husk to allow it comfortable movement. This means, unless they utilize their natural hardening ability, they are far more exposed to fire than their parent tree. They will suffer the pain and wounds from being exposed to fire of any type. With voidal fire generally inflicting more damage, and dragon fire being the greatest contender to a Tree Lord.
Blight
The Tree Lord is a completely organic and sentient being. This means without the proper protection or precaution, they can be blighted and wither from ground taint. However due to the natural energies, the process isn’t as quick - and can be healed or avoided before it becomes fatal.
Healing
Due to the Tree Lord being an organic being, they are unable to be affected by healing magics. This means that clericism, Ascended magic, monk magic, and any additional healing-orientated spells do not work on them. The only exceptions to this is druidic herblore, and druidic blight healing. Communion and control does not work on them either.
Druidic blight healing works on Tree Lords similar to how it does on any other organic plant. While it may be more straining and difficult on the blight healer themselves, they are still able to perform the same tasks as done with blight healing. Druidic blight healing cannot fix up wounds, that is normally done through communion and control on plants - which isn't possible upon a Tree Lord user. BH restores dead plants, and cleanses taint from natural objects. A Tree Lord cannot be 'revived' through blight healing, as their body is reclaimed by nature once they perish.
Red Lines
Creation
+OOC evident consent must be given by the player to turn them into a Soul Tree; which is an irreversible process.
+The player must accept the PK clause upon their character when they take on the gift of the Soul Tree.
+A Teacher Application (TA) is required to be able to give the Soul Tree.
+Rebirthing of the husk requires twelve (12) OOC hours, including the first time the Tree Lord is being produced.
Soul Tree
+The Soul Tree chosen cannot be: non-flammable, be on the same level as iron, steel, etc, or contain any magical traits. If you are unsure, contact a druid MT, or the holders of this lore.
+The Soul Tree is impervious to normal tools, weaponry, and fire. With exceptions of voidal fire (tier 5 evocation), dragon fire, or enchantments / magic specifically to harm the soul.
+The player must be OOCly contacted when their tree is being interacted with. Signs around the tree must acknowledge who the ST user is.
+The Soul Tree requires two (2) OOC days to replenish once they produce, or have produced a husk.
The Tree Lord
+The Tree Lord body is completely soulless, and only bound by a connection to their Soul Tree. Meaning, soul-related magic can only affect the husk through the Soul Tree.
+When a Tree Lord changes their appearance during the creation stage, it must still clearly resemble their previous descendant body.
+Tree Lords can only store oxygen temporarily; which ranges up to a maximum of one OOC hour.
+The husk body is still capable of bleeding out, both internally and externally.
+Tree Lords gain no additional strengths, weaknesses or even any differences compared to a normal shapeshifter.
+The Tree Lord’s strength is only a slightly enhanced variant of their descendant body. These bodies are slower in agility due to their weight.
+Tree Lords are vulnerable to all sorts of fire in their husk form, with voidal fire inflicting more damage, and dragon fire doing the most.
+Due to being an organic being, they can be blighted from ground taint or other (if given enough time).
+Any healing magics will have no effect on the Tree Lord, with the only exceptions being druidic herblore and blight healing.
+Druidic communion and control cannot be used on the Tree Lords, or the Soul Trees themselves.
+Tree Lords cannot be 'revived' through blight healing, as their body disappears once they perish.
Death
+The character will no longer resurrect at the Cloud Temple, and instead will be brought back to their Soul Tree.
+Tree Lords can only recall the pain of their death, all other aspects cannot be remembered.
+A Tree Lord cannot take their own life, and if they do, it’s considered a permakill.
Ungrowth & Unattunement
+Ungrowing a Soul Tree cannot be ICly forced (due to the nature of the magics involved), and the player must give OOC consent.
+The sapling must be replanted in 2 to 3 OOC days of the ungrowing (with exceptions), otherwise it is a permakill.
+Unattunement requires the location of the Soul Tree, and cannot be done just through the sapling or husk.
Saplings
+A sapling can be taken from a Soul Tree with or without the IC consent of the Tree Lord, though the Tree Lord cannot remove it on their own.
+The sapling can only be kept alive through druidic energies and magic.
+No more than one (1) sapling can be active from the Soul Tree.
+Once the soul has transferred into an active sapling, it must be planted within 2 to 3 days (with exceptions), or it will result in a permakill.
Abilities
+The Tree Lord is left unconscious during their ‘rooting’ process, and are vulnerable.
+Only one arm, one leg, their head, back, OR torso can be ‘hardened’.
+The hardened part of their body saps their movement in other areas, completely dependent on the extent of the hardening. The exceptions or weaknesses to a hardened area is heat, or blight enchantments, voidal fire (tier 5 evocationist), dragon fire, and lifeforce sapping.
+The requirement of hardening is two emotes minimum, and are unable to cast during the entire period. The time one can be hardened is 30 OOC minutes, or 7 to 8 combat emotes when in combat.
+For the descendant body to ‘awaken’, an entire OOC day is required.
+The descendant body may only be taken on ONCE every six (6) OOC months.
+While in the descendant form, only ONE offspring can be conceived.
+In the descendant form, they would feel compelled to fulfil the task they were awakened for, which is reproducing. They wouldn't feel relaxed in this form until this task is complete.
+After the birth of the offspring, the body will feel a strong, unbreakable urge to return to their Soul Tree and rest once more.
+If the pregnancy is terminated, the Soul Tree will be unable to conceive again until the next six (6) OOC months has passed.
