Lacipex Tree

Lah-shee-pesh

At first, seeing the great tree leering over me, with its legs and arm-like branches, I thought I had come across a giant man. This was, in reality, merely a lacipex tree.

— A Rektouzk trader

The lacipex tree is unique to the land of Chlotoun,? where the soil is enriched by a mysterious blood-red rain. These trees possess a brilliant red pigment, as a result.

Extra Info

Preferred Climates

Chlotoun

Average Height

115 ft.

Appearance

Lacipex trees grow to about 115 ft. when fully mature. Their trunks are split into two "legs" at their base, which combine partway up into a single trunk. Near the top, two smooth branches sprout and curve upwards to embrace the sun. Finally, the top of the tree is capped by an umbrella-like ring of dense branches, sporting heavy orange-yellow leaves.
When cut, a sticky red sap leaks from the wood— as if it were bleeding. If one were curious enough to taste lacipex sap, they will note that it tastes nearly identical to human blood. The wood beneath its bark sports a lighter, but no less vibrant, red coloration. Stranger yet, when found in its natural habitat, one can lean in close to hear a pulse.

Growth

Lacipex seeds appear as red teardrops, typically nestled within the topmost umbrella. A few months after being planted, a light-pink sprout will rise from the ground— lightly pulsing to an unseen heartbeat. Over the next 8-10 years, the tree will steadily grow in size and stature before reaching its mature form.
It is important to note that, while lacipex wood is exported to the rest of the known world— it can only be grown within the unique climate of Chlotoun. If one were to plant a lacipex tree anywhere else, the seed would hiss and wither away. Grafting or transplanting mature trees ends with the same result.

Use

Lacipex trees hold significance within the Tuepluezet? faith. Followers of this faith believe that blood is the essence of life itself, and so, as lacipex trees appear to be made of blood— they are inherently holy. Many believe that lacipex trees contain the blood of Qet itself, while others claim that the trees collect the blood spilt by the faithful and act as monuments to their faith.
The grand majority of their religious edifices— from temples, to churches, and even personal shrines— are built largely from lacipex wood. Several religious items, such as the mats used in bloodletting rituals, are also made from lacipex wood.

Foreign Use

Outside of Chlotoun, lacipex wood is used largely for decorative works. Be it as furniture, weaponry, jewelry, or even as flooring or facades for homes.
To own something hewn from lacipex, is a show of wealth. It is soft, and easy to work— yet hardy.

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