The Blood Tree

As I departed, I paid homage at the blood tree, giving my condolences to those who had not been so lucky as myself.

— Marcus Pfieffer

The Blood Tree, also known as the Mask Tree, is a sculpture of unknown origin in a cave near from the capital city of Fyrmae. Its date of construction is also unknown, though it was likely built after the anti-flood of 1211. It is intended to honor both dead and escaped political prisoners.

History

The earliest known documentation of the tree is from the Journal of Marcus Pfieffer, who described it as a metal tree, nearly 8 feet in height, and painted blood red. Some historians believe the tree was constructed in such a way that, from a distance, it would resemble an actual tree, but this contradicts Pfieffer's description of it having been built in a cave. 
According to Pfieffer, and the other sparse documentation about the tree, it is a location for Fyrmaen political prisoners to seek help and refuge. Those who manage to escape the country are known to leave paper masks in its branches to mark their presence there, and the friends and family of those who are executed do the same to honor their loved ones. Historians believe the masks represent the need of such people to hide from the Fyrmaen queendom. Pfieffer claims to have, himself, left a mask there, after falling out with, and later being pardoned by, the Fyrmaen queen. He also suggests the tree is a meeting point for rebel factions.
The exact location of the tree is unknown, likely kept a secret for those who use it. Even Pfieffer, whose description is longer than any other source, couches its location in particularly poetic riddles. Most historians believe it to be located in a cave 2-3 days ride from Fyrmae's capital. Some, however, believe the tree does not exist at all, and that this, along with Pfieffer's claims to have met Phoenixes and gods, is created for the benefit of an audience. Adherents to this theory generally argue that later documentation of the tree was based on Pfieffer's work.

location: unknown
sculptor: unknown
construction date: unknown