Sightbound

The Augurweald is a living, breathing thing; it changes with time and influence, and those that reside within cannot help but be changed as well. Those who live a long life among its trees inevitably begin to exhibit both physical and mental changes. For those trapped or lost in the forest, these changes are often viewed as terrible and horrifying. For those who have spent and dedicated their life to it, they are a blessing and sign of a life well-lived. Of the various states known, one of the most prevalent and welcomed is known as "Sightbinding."

Sightbound are easily distinguished by the physical changes they manifest. Many's skin changes to a bark-like texture, increasing with time. Leaves, vines, and blossoms sprout from the hair, until eventually they comprise the hair entirely. The eyes take on a pale green glow that intensifies gradually, until vanishing entirely. The symptoms progress until death, at which point the bearer appears to be more a natural sculpture than a person. Many stories hold that these people do not so much die as simply become another tree, added to the forest's defenses. If true, it would lend credence to the belief of the forest being truly conscious, as who knows how many trees were once individuals? Add to this the specific power of Sightbound, and ithe idea becomes even more believable.

The true gift of Sightbinding, and its namesake, is the ability that awakens once the bearer's eyes take on their first glow. Put simply, sightbound can view almost anywhere within the Augurweald remotely. However, they must have seen the location before; for this reason, sightbound tend to be either roving wanderers or central figures of their village or community. Many wanderers view themselves as defenders of the forest, and travel as far throughout the weald as possible in order to make the most widespread use of their gift. Those who remain close to home often have considerably less locations to draw upon for their vision, but are integral to the defense of their community. Regardless of their choice, sightbound are welcomed and venerated throughout the Augurweald as representatives and protectors of the woods themselves.