Hive Tree

Alveare arbor

Oh, hive trees? Not much of a threat I'd say, 'lest yer looking to cut one in twain. Just don't go around chopping at dead trees and ye'll be perfectly fine.

— Unconcerned Citizen

Hive trees aren't a single organism, instead they're a conglomerate of worms containing photosynthesizing plant cells, which technically classifies them as flora. They resemble dead trees in nearly every way, and can only be visually identified as a hive tree if one cuts through the bark. Underneath said bark is a convulsing and pulsating horde of what can only be described as 'slithering earthworms from hell'.

When a creature dies, it releases a small burst of arcana into the air or ground. In a tree's case, the magic leaks out of dead roots into the soil. During this process, a wormlike plant known as a Drillqueen may form. From there it crawls inside of the tree's husk and lays hundreds of eggs. In less than a year, thousands of massive worms reanimate the tree that they live within.

Though it may seem as if they're leeching off of a corpse, in reality they are extremely beneficial to the ecosystem. Hive trees are in a constant state of decomposition that can last centuries- constantly enriching the soil around them. Once the hive dies, the ground around them may have turned into a lush forest, no matter how inhospitable the region's conditions may be.

Habitat

Hive trees can be found in every part of Alterra, but are most commonly found in the fiery northeast, arid south, and icy north. Though it is just speculation, biologists believe that this may be caused by the large concentration of magic near Numira's north and south pole. All three of these locations, however, have one thing in common. A lack of water. This realization confused botanists, and still does. For this reason, many scholars, frauds, and alchemists have begun researching hive trees to see if they posess the means to produce their own water.

Animals seem to leave hive trees alone, either because they believe the trees are dead or because they know what lies within. Pagan superstition has spread the belief, be it true or not, that hive trees are sacred keepers of the forest. Due to their semi-arcane nature, it would not prove to be that shocking of a revelation. Currently though, there is no concrete scientific evidence that this is true.

Terminology

The name 'Drillqueen' derives from the large, drill-like face that a hive queen utilizes to enter a dead tree.

by Liz Neal