Moutervain

Moutervains are a relatively rare, short, evergreen tree that grows solely in higher, colder altitudes such as the Horizon Watchers, the Haaros, the Creqira, and certain spots in Iyr.
Its name is from the faun-klatuut myth "Wrath of the Mother" originally told in a Klao-Mesik pidgin to humans in Kiva: that a mother opened her veins at the top of a mountain peak to beseech the heavens to stop conflict between tribes. In some versions of the tale, the first moutervain grew from her, while in others it grew from where her blood was spilt, or that the splashing of her blood on an ordinary bush (as seen in its bark) transformed it into a tree. Consequently the moutervain is not only hand-in-hand with the Mother and Child constellation seen over the Creqira, but features often in Kivan, klatuut, and faun culture.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Coral-like twisting branches sprout from a solid stump of thick roots and do their best to grow upward, but weather rarely lets them grow higher than six feet. Unusual specimens have, however, been spoken of as being up to twenty or thirty feet, but it is generally believed that this is exaggeration.

Biological Traits

Its bark is dark gray-brown bark that forms deep red-orange irregular flaking plates, while its leaves are thick plate-like spurs tightly-packed in cloud-like clusters of bronze-red. It produces small, narrow seed cones that are ivory in color.

Ecology and Habitats

Cannot survive in temperate climates; prefers arid, cold air and rocky soil.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Moutervain wood is seen as a precious commodity not to be treated lightly. It is often carved into protective amulets, idols, or ritualistic tools. Its seeds, meanwhile, have hallucinogenic properties if ingested and as a result, may be used in religious ceremony -- such as being included in binddrought recipes -- however, this is usually done sparingly, as the preference is that as many of the seeds are able to germinate as possible.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

High altitudes: Creqira, Haaros, Horizon Watchers, etc.

Lifespan

100+ Years

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Average Height

6ft

Geographic Distribution

• Icalar

Related Myths

• Wrath of the Mother