Blackroot tree

"The Blackroot Tree is the hidden jewel of the swamp—its beauty lies not in its outward form, but in the quiet strength it draws from the shadows. It thrives where others falter, its luminous bark a secret whispered only to those who dare to seek it."

— Arius Anorne, Artisan and Naturalist

Basic Information

Anatomy

Towering to heights often between seven and nine meters, with ancient specimens reputed to ascend even to nineteen, its stature is both imposing and graceful. Its trunk, cylindrical and adorned with intricate ridges, measures two to four meters in breadth. This dark purple bark, aglow with a faint yet constant luminescence, seems to capture the very essence of the swamp’s mystical vitality, drawing the eye and sparking curiosity in the scholarly heart. The roots of this arboreal denizen extend beneath the earth and water in a web most intricate and far-reaching. Subterranean fibers delve deep into the muck, securing the tree in its precarious swampy abode, while some roots emerge above the mud, arcing like the sinews of a great beast, before vanishing once more into the murk. These roots, black as night, serve not only to anchor the tree but also to draw sustenance from the brackish waters and harbor glowing fungi in harmonious symbiosis, amplifying the tree’s ethereal radiance.

From the trunk rises a network of branches both strong and supple, reaching upward before cascading downward in a manner most curious and picturesque. These limbs, adorned with drooping tendrils resembling natural ropes, sway gently in the breeze, almost brushing the water’s surface. The tendrils, thin and semi-flexible, bear minuscule capillaries that draw in moisture, a testament to the tree’s ingenious adaptation to its aqueous surroundings. The bark of the Blackroot Tree is a marvel in itself, both functional and formidable. It possesses a curious resilience, with grooves housing what appear to be photoluminescent organisms. The bark secretes a sticky sap, mildly caustic to touch, which serves to deter the many voracious creatures of the swamp. This defense, combined with the bark’s glow, renders the tree a beacon of mystery and endurance in its often-hostile environment. Internally, the tree reveals a design as captivating as its exterior. Its skeletal framework, composed of dense lignin, lends the tree both flexibility and strength, allowing it to sway and endure the shifting winds and waters. Within its core lies a hollow chamber, a feature more common in elder trees, which may serve as a haven for creatures of the swamp or a reservoir for collected rainwater. Beneath this skeletal structure lies a spongy tissue that pulses faintly, drawing water and sustenance from root to canopy in a manner akin to the breath of a living creature.
The leaves of the Blackroot Tree, long and slender, hang like the ribbons of a maiden’s garb, their surfaces waxy to repel water. Dark green with streaks of purple, they shimmer faintly in the dim light of the swamp, adding to the tree’s ghostly visage. Thus, the Blackroot Tree stands as a testament to the adaptability of life, a subject of awe and study for the scholar and naturalist alike.

Ecology and Habitats

The Blackroot Tree thrives at the edges of murky swamps, where the land meets shallow, brackish water. Its fibrous roots anchor it firmly in the soft, unstable mud, while submerged roots draw nutrients directly from the nutrient-rich water. The faint luminescence of its bark and the fungi it harbors help attract certain insects, which in turn nourish creatures living in the tree’s hollow core or beneath its canopy. The tree’s drooping branches provide shade and shelter to swamp fauna, while its acidic sap deters predators, ensuring its dominance in this delicate ecosystem.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The Blackroot Tree is highly valued for its durable and flexible wood, a characteristic enhanced by the humid swamp conditions in which it grows. Its wood is prized in craftsmanship, particularly in the creation of bows, as it can withstand intense tension while remaining flexible and resilient. Artisans in the region use it to craft weapons, tools, and even musical instruments such as stringed instruments, where the wood's natural resonance and durability are sought after. These tools are often very expensive.
Additionally, the sap of the Blackroot Tree, though mildly acidic, has medicinal properties. It is often harvested to create healing salves or antiseptic balms, prized by local healers and herbalists. The fungi that grow symbiotically with the tree are also considered valuable, used in the production of natural dyes or for potions in alchemy, as they possess rare magical properties.
The Blackroot's leaves are occasionally used as wrapping materials for preserving food or crafting woven mats, while its hollow trunks serve as a resource for crafting storage containers or even shelters for swamp-dwelling creatures.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Blackroot Tree is found exclusively in the swamps of Krallhage, nestled beneath the shadow of the Vorun Mountains. This limited distribution makes it a rare and iconic species of the region, thriving in the unique combination of nutrient-rich waters, soft mud, and the humid, mist-laden air of Krallhage's swampy expanse. Its isolation also lends it an air of mystique and significance in local lore.

Lifespan

Between 300 and 500 years under optimal conditions.
Elder Blackroots, can persist for over 700 years

Average Height

7 - 9 Meters

Average Weight

1.5 - 2.5 Tons

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Blackroot Tree possesses features that evoke a visage when viewed from certain angles. The intricate ridges and grooves of its glowing dark purple bark often form natural patterns resembling eyes or grimacing mouths, lending it an ominous, almost sentient appearance. Some of its branches grow in a way that mimics the contours of a drooping brow or twisted horns, further enhancing this impression. The hanging tendrils from its canopy, swaying gently in the swamp air, can resemble a tangled beard or hair. These facial characteristics contribute to the tree's eerie and anthropomorphic aura, fueling myths and superstitions among those who dwell near the swamps of Krallhage.

Geographic Distribution

• Krallhage

"The Blackroot Tree is no ordinary wood; it bends with the strength of the swamp and strikes with the force of a storm. In its branches, I find not just material, but the spirit of the land itself, ready to unleash its power with every draw of the string." — Garrick Valen, Master Bowyer

Healing Potion of the Blackroot Tree

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of Blackroot Tree sap (from the bark)
3 crushed leaves from the Blackroot Tree
2 sprigs of swamp moss
1 cup of purified swamp water
1 drop of honey (optional for sweetness)

Instructions:
In a small cauldron, bring the purified swamp water to a gentle simmer.
Add the Blackroot Tree sap and crushed leaves, stirring until the sap dissolves into the liquid.
Drop in the swamp moss and allow the potion to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Strain out the moss and leaves, then add a drop of honey if desired for taste.
Drink warm to heal wounds, soothe pain, and restore energy.

Restores vitality and accelerates healing by promoting tissue regeneration and soothing internal injuries.

"The bow of Blackroot is an extension of the swamp itself—silent, swift, and unyielding. When I nock an arrow, I feel the strength of the roots beneath me, the pulse of the land guiding my aim." — Elira Vance, Archer