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.
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