The Tree of Seasons

The Tree of Seasons is a massive mangrove like tree, large enough to support it's own self contained ecosystem, in the center of the ocean between the Mandate and Mortrimar. Thought to be a god or goddess by some, others believe it to be a place of portals to other realms or planes. It is considered holy and sacred by many ocean going cultures, and by tradition none may fight within (how far out?) of it.

Most of the local islander cultures send their youth to the Tree for coming of age rituals. Many claim to have seen a creature like a flying serpent, though it is said to be able to take on many forms. Its feathers are like jewels and it shifts colors in tandem with the Tree. This creature is thought to be a protector, and enlists the animals of the Tree’s unique ecosystem to aid them in it’s defense. Huge roots make tunnels above the waters, and depending on the tide, small craft of varying size may venture through some of them, though the tides act strangely here. Many are lost to these cavernous water ways, some times wreckage can be found, other times no sign is ever seen again.

Although the Tree bestrides the tropical equator of Lieterra, it follows the normal seasonal patterns of deciduous trees with some interesting specifics. During nekradom, ice like crystalline ‘leaves’ replace the colorful leaves that have fallen during fomhaile. As shaweiza approaches these ‘leaves’ drop off and form dangerous ‘reefs’ of sharp crystal around the base of the Tree. Over the course of shaweiza hot pink flowers bloom as the saltwater begins to break up these crystals which then act as a powerful fertilizer for the the Tree. These flowers are replaced with vibrant green leaves, whose color cannot be found on any other plant in Lieterra, and by the end of lorheim the 'reef' of crystal shards has disintegrated away. The leaves of the Tree can reach up to two meters in width by fomhaile and turn almost unnatural shades of orange, red, and purple before they fall to the ocean below.

Fomhaile is considered the safest time to attempt to reach the Tree, as the crystal reefs are completely dissolved, and the giant leaves that layer over the water are prone to crumble at the slightest touch. It is said the crystal leaves are infused with a spark of power by the tree itself, and they are very valuable. Some of these crystals float instead of sink and make their way to land, washing up on beaches. This is extremely rare however, and as such many expeditions have boasted of their plans to visit the Tree during fomhaile and return with their hulls filled to bursting with these crystal leaves, none have ever been heard from again.