Thunderleaf Tree

Found only on the highest platforms, these trees crackle with static. Their wood is said to resist both flame and time, making them highly sought after by craftsmen.

The Thunderleaf Tree is a symbol of both resilience and the raw power of the Everstorm. Its ability to thrive in the most volatile and dangerous environments of the Skyward Pillars makes it one of the most remarkable plant species in the world. Whether used as a material for craftsmanship, a tool for storm magic, or a revered element in rituals, the Thunderleaf Tree continues to be a vital and fascinating part of the ecosystem and culture of the Skyward Pillars.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Thunderleaf Trees are an extraordinary species of tree found only in the most exposed regions of the Skyward Pillars—the towering spires of stone that pierce the sky, buffeted by the relentless Everstorm. These trees grow primarily on the highest, most precarious platforms and cliffs, where the storm's energy is at its most volatile. The high-altitude locations provide an ideal environment for Thunderleaf Trees to thrive, as they are uniquely adapted to the chaotic electrical energy that courses through the Everstorm.

The leaf canopy of these trees is electric blue, with the leaves themselves often crackling with static energy. The bark of the tree appears to shimmer with a faint silver glow, which is thought to be a natural consequence of the energy being absorbed from the storm's lightning. Unlike most trees that require soil to anchor their roots, Thunderleaf Trees have evolved to grow on sheer, vertical cliffs, their roots able to cling to rock faces or deep fissures within the stone, holding them in place against the violent winds and storms that constantly sweep through the pillars.

Their brightly glowing leaves and static-charged branches make them both an impressive and unsettling sight to behold, particularly during storm surges when they seem to glow with the energy of the Everstorm itself.

Biological Cycle

Thunderleaf Trees follow a biological cycle that is deeply intertwined with the Everstorm’s rhythms:

1. Energy Absorption: Throughout the storm season, Thunderleaf Trees continually absorb the lightning and electrical energy from the Everstorm. Their leaves act as antenna, channeling the storm’s power into their woody trunks and roots. This constant absorption allows them to grow quickly and harness the chaotic energy of the storm.
2. Flowering & Fruit Production: In periods of calmer weather, Thunderleaf Trees will bloom, producing small, electrically charged fruit that glows softly in the storm's presence. These fruits are highly sought after by wildlife and storm mages, as they are believed to contain latent storm magic or energy that can be harnessed for various uses. Once ripened, the fruit releases a burst of static energy into the surrounding area, creating a temporary surge of power that charges the air.
3. Decay & Regeneration: In times of intense storms or after the thunderous cycles pass, parts of the Thunderleaf Tree may shed, either in the form of leaves or branches. These fragments may remain charged for several weeks, slowly decaying and releasing their stored energy in small bursts. As the energy is released, the tree regenerates itself, sending out new branches or growing taller toward the next wave of storm power.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Due to its unique properties, the Thunderleaf Tree is of immense value to several cultures, especially those who live in or around the Skyward Pillars. Its electrical properties and hardwood make it a highly sought-after resource:

• Craftsmanship & Construction: The wood of the Thunderleaf Tree is known for its incredible resilience—it is resistant to flame, decay, and the ravages of time. Craftsmen from all over the continent value Thunderleaf timber for making long-lasting tools, building structures, and weaponry. The wood is particularly prized for making strong bows, staffs, and armor, as it holds up exceptionally well in harsh conditions and is lightweight yet incredibly durable.
• Magical Use: The static-charged branches of the Thunderleaf Tree are frequently harvested by storm mages, enchanters, and arcane scholars to use in the creation of magical foci. These branches can store electrical energy, making them perfect for lightning-based magic and rituals. Certain mages even fashion the branches into wands or staffs, amplifying their own abilities to harness the power of storms.
• Energy Storage: The fruit of the Thunderleaf Tree contains potent electrical energy. These fruits are carefully collected and processed for use in creating energy cells or mana crystals, used by both artificers and shamans to power magical devices or fuel storm-powered machinery.
• Alchemy & Healing: In some circles, Thunderleaf fruit is considered to have restorative properties. The electric charge in the fruit is believed to help revitalize those who consume it, giving them a burst of energy or a temporary boost in their stamina. Healers use extracts from the tree's bark and fruit for potions that promote rejuvenation or even resistance to poison and illness.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Thunderleaf Trees are not just valuable for their physical and magical properties—they also have a deep cultural significance in the societies that surround the Skyward Pillars:

• Stormcallers & Mystics: In some religious practices, Thunderleaf Trees are considered sacred because of their deep connection to the Everstorm. The trees are seen as living manifestations of the storm’s power and spiritual significance. The Stormcallers believe that these trees serve as conduits to the storm gods and that gathering their fruit or using their wood in rituals can enhance the connection between the worshipper and the divine energy of the storm.
• Arcane Seekers: Among the Arcane Seekers, the Thunderleaf Tree is revered as a source of pure storm magic. Scholars from across the world often travel to the Skyward Pillars to study the trees, believing that they can provide insights into the nature of the Everstorm and the lost runes of the ancient civilization that once inhabited the pillars. Harvesting and studying the tree’s magic is considered a rite of passage for those seeking to understand storm-based sorcery.

Scientific Name

Quercus Fulmen

Geographic Distribution

• The Skyward Pillars