Etheltreo
Etheltreo, or "The World Tree" is an island centered in the Æfre, landmarked by an enormous tree whose boughs, branches and leaves shroud the island in a shimmering mist. Once a site for pilgrims looking to connect with the Gescræft, it has long since separated from the mainland continents of Ethel and become nearly impossible to reach. Those who have tried in recent centuries have never returned, and rumors circulate that the Celestials themselves are protecting the island from future visitation by the rest of Ethel.
Multiple notable individuals have taken the pilgrimage to Etheltreo to seek enlightenment, power or other forms of answers or abilities. The most notable, however, was King Orin Cudmore, who sought guidance within the forests before he even began his reign.
The most prominent rumor surrounding Etheltreo is that it serves as the bridge between the Celestial Realm and the Mortal Plane, due to its significant concentration of pure energy. Many legends tell of pilgrims successfully contacting celestial entities within the forest, particularly around the roots of Etheltreo itself.
The Bastion of Purity
Etheltreo is considered to be the primary conduit for pure Gescræft energy within Ethel. Those who have visited the place, even those without magical abilities, have said that they have experienced a feeling of indescribable yet powerful calm and ataraxis while present. Those who have magical abilities have described a monumental pure presence around the tree, and that their connection to pure energy has never been more powerful than whle in the forests surrounding Etheltreo.Multiple notable individuals have taken the pilgrimage to Etheltreo to seek enlightenment, power or other forms of answers or abilities. The most notable, however, was King Orin Cudmore, who sought guidance within the forests before he even began his reign.
The most prominent rumor surrounding Etheltreo is that it serves as the bridge between the Celestial Realm and the Mortal Plane, due to its significant concentration of pure energy. Many legends tell of pilgrims successfully contacting celestial entities within the forest, particularly around the roots of Etheltreo itself.
Legends
It is said that Etheltreo used to be a part of the mainland before the War of the Planes. However, when the clash between Orin Cudmore and Sardakur Rothma greated the Great Divide and sank the land in between, only Etheltreo survived due to its power. Others claim that the Aelalin herself separated it from the mainland after the death of Orin in grief. All that is known is that it is nigh on impossible to reach today, as not only is the land itself warded by Celestial power, but the waters directly surrounding Etheltreo are said to be guarded by a monstrous ocean-dwelling creature capable of capsizing even the largest ships of Nordlund's Imperial Fleet with ease.