The Sequoia Stump

When the deities of Kelunbar were asked to create the world by The First Tree their joy in creation eventually turned to a fearful gluttony. The Beings wanted only to create larger and grander things. Of these were the The Sequoia. These were mighty trees that stretched miles across. They could touch the stars with their branches and the center of the world with their roots.

The corpse of the First Tree could not support such large life and the world began to suffer immense storms and earthquakes that destroyed the Sequoia and much of the other life on Kelunbar. As Abuno, Being of Life's last act they blessed one of these trees with immortality. Now this last sequoia is a merely shadow of its glory but its roots run deep and memories reach back to near the beginning of time.

A Place of Worship

It is because of the Sequoia that we know the Beings once existed and that our world itself was once a great tree. They should be worshipped above all as the one who knows the great truths of this world and as the one who did not abandon us when the Beings did.

— Tebinstot of the Rowan Grove

It is here where The Rooters practice their faith and attempt to learn as much as they can from the memories of this stump. It is mostly dormant and seems to be in a dream-like state, making it difficult to sort out what is true and what is not. The Rooters live in the hope that one day the Sequoia will awaken, speak, and begin growth again.

Sensory & Appearance

The stump of the sequoia reaches a mile into the sky, well above any other surrounding landscape. It stretches two miles across and it takes a half day to walk its circumference. Much of the stump is overgrown with vegetation and plenty of woodland animals live around and on it.

The roots of the sequoia go deep and stretch far. A Bumer or other creature attuned to the language of plants would be able to hear it from a few miles away for this reason.

Alternative Names

The Sequoia, The Stump

Type

Natural Wonder

Parent Location

Lake Paho

Ceremonies

Meditation

Rooters spend time in meditation with the Stump at dawn and at dusk every day. The more devout may choose to spend more time, even communing days or weeks at a time. One legend says that once a Bumer spent so much time in meditation that she became a regular spruce tree. She still grows on the north side of the Stump.

The Full Moon

On the full moon the Sequoia seems to be most aware, and it is this time that Rooters attempt to ask specific questions about history or seek wisdom for their own life. Occasionally the Sequoia has answered a question directly, though it has only happened three times in memory.

The Seasons

At the beginning of each season all Bumers (not just Rooters) are invited to encircle the Stump and communicate with it. Bumers meditate and listen to the current thoughts and dreams of the Sequoia.