The Giant Ornict Tree stands as a towering sentinel at the heart of Rhye, its colossal trunk reaching skyward, its sprawling canopy stretching far and wide to embrace the land. It's roots, observable disapearing beneath
The Capital, extend deep into the earth, intertwining themselves beneath the kingdoms rivers and even connecting to the seven seas beyond.
The Roots
Although the visible portions of the tree are symbolic in their scope and place in the Captitals dramatic skyline, its roots are perhaps the most extraordinary part of The Ornict Tree. When entities in Rhye come to their time of passing, they surrender their physical form, and allow their magic souls to be freed back into the pool of magic that sustains Rhye. Hundreds of feet in diameter, the roots weave complex networks that follow the routes of Rhye rivers and streams to collect the freed magic that is gathered in them by the flow of falling rain as part of the water cycle. Without these roots, the magic of the passed would flow into the seas and be lost to the fathoms of endless ocean.
The Trunk
Nearly 500 feet high, the trunk is a marvel of Rhye that holds up the heavy branches and foilage of the Great Tree. It bares similarity to the rough bark of an Oak tree in terms of texture and colour, however no lichen or moss or ivy grows upon it. Due to the trees sensitivity to the touch of skin, walls lined with unique statues of the creatures of Rhye provide a barrier between those walking the captital and the bark itself. As with other plants, the inside of the Trunk, accessible with the Tree's consent, has a Xylem and Phloem, however it is adapted to the flow of magic rather than water or nutrients. The spounge like lining on inner side of the bark gives way to a huge void, the Xylem, where magic travels in currents. The Phloem, inside the spounge like matrix, transports information, some of which can be read by those who spend time observing the tree to understand its current state.
The Founding and the Ornict Tree
The Founding of Rhye, the period of time where
King Mercury created and shaped the Kingdom of Rhye, includes the creation of The Ornict Tree. Once the continents landmass and water cycle had been set up, the first plant made was The Great Tree. Originally created as a leafless tree, the King encouraged the tree to make its own leaves and blossoms, to take on its own identity and grow. The King also sourced a guardian for the Tree, see below. As with all creations of Rhye, the great tree is made of the pool of magic that supports the entire kingdom, and is considered Kin to all elves across Rhye.
Guarding the Giant Ornict Tree with unwavering vigilance is Guardian Ooot, the mighty dragon mantis. With iridescent wings that shimmer in the sunlight and razor-sharp claws capable of rending steel, Ooot is a formidable protector, tasked by King Mercury to defend the tree and its sacred purpose. The Dragon Mantis, from beyond and before Rhye, resides in the trees branches, where it kill parasites or intruders, tends to the plants branches to keep it comfortable, and nurtures its blossoms which release magic back into the Kingdom.
Connection to God
Due to King Mercury's reverene of the Tree, its iconic presence in the Capital, and the King's claims that God's voice was loudest when closer to the Great Tree, Rhye Elves consider it to be very close to god. Alters and Templese can be found in its verscinity, and many people consider walking around the trunk to be a spiritual meditation to inspire creativity or curiosity, values close to God.
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