Tree of Lifeblood

Surrounded by glowing orange orbs of magick, the branches reach toward the sky in the hopes of expressing stronger magick to the world.

For as long as magick has existed in the universe, the Tree of Lifeblood has stood tall, connecting to the magickal realm of the fae. Located in the Blackriver Forest, only those graced with magick can enter, forcing the undead and spirits to seek solace somewhere else; it is a haven for those in need.
Magick is strongest near the tree, replenishing those low on magick over a few hours to even a whole day. While the tree restores magick, the lights around it grow dimmer, showcasing the energy it is putting into the warlocks and witches. Two fae guardians keep the tree safe. They even keep a close eye on the witches and warlocks who visit the tree. One can never be too sure if a magick user is safe enough to trust....

Structure

The ancient tree is of a rare dark oak found in the fae lands. Random portals to the fae lands would pop open in Serenia, where the fae would cross over and try to establish peaceful communications with the natives of the land. As a peace offering, the fae planted a tree from their home world, where the limbs would remain leafless and produce orbs of light that could only be seen by those with magick. The natives revere the tree as a sacred image, often having carvings of it on jewelry or painted on tapestries and leather hides.
As the tree got bigger, the hole began to emerge from the middle, near the trunk, revealing a set of stairs to an unknown land. A few of the fae came through, giving gifts and offering for the natives to travel between their world and the fae lands so long as they didn't break any rules, such as eating the food made by the fae. This special portal developed a set of stairs leading down to the grass, making it easier to climb to the portal.

Purpose / Function

The tree is meant to be a portal between the realms, and it serves its purpose. Yet, most magick users are not allowed to enter the portal unless they are the Supreme Witch / Warlock. On the rare occasions that they do, they are to have a fae guard with them at all times and be escorted everywhere. Without an escort, they will be seen as a trespasser and a potential threat to all fae kind. The tree also serves as an establishment of magick and peace between the realms.

History

"For centuries, the Tree of Lifeblood has stood proudly within the Blackriver Forest, fending off the cruel darkness that followed the undead. Studies has proven that Lifeblood semi-sentient, giving life and magick to the witches and warlocks that descend from fae and shapeshifters co-mingling. Together, Lifeblood, magick folk, and shapeshifters alike are guardians that work to stop the darkness from ever gaining to the hidden fae realm."

— excerpt from "The History of Lifeblood "

The first record of the fae meeting with the natives of the land was in the 500s AD, where a deal was struck — only those with magick were allowed near the tree. When the "caucasian people" came to the Americas, the introduction to the undead was established and the fae was adamant that the tree be safe from them at all times as the undead were dangerous and foul, twisting communities into darkness. The natives vowed to keep the tree safe. As the establishment of Christian and Catholic religions began tearing apart the natives by forcing them into slavery and off their lands, it made it harder to keep the tree safe.
In the 1690s AD, when witches were being hunted, the tree was set ablaze by the local church, the Church of Gospel. The natives were able to put the fire out but sacrificed many of their children, sisters, and brothers in the process. The School of Nightshade was formed in 1725 AD as a precaution to continue the legacy of keeping the tree safe, where shapeshifters, witches, and warlocks would take up vigil watches during the day of their last year within the school to qualify for graduation; these watches were set up in a random order to ensure each senior in the school would get time to relax between shifts.
While the church and undead are still a problem, the Supreme is resolute that the shapeshifters and magick folk are strong enough to keep the tree safe from potential dangers.

Type

Giant Ancient Tree

Parent Location

Blackriver Forest

Ruling/Owning Rank

Supreme Witch / Warlock

Owning Organization

School of Nightshade

Contested By

• Church of Gospel