Elderspine
The Elderspine is an ancient tree that has always stood near the banks of the Jecal river. In modern times, it marks the turning point on the road from Oja to Quring. Nobody knows how long the tree has been growing.
Environment
The Elderspine grows on the Northern bank of the Jecal river in the middle of the vast Forest of Eoin. There are rolling hills in the region, and the Elderspine grows in a particularly lovely meadow that forms a large circle around the tree. It's a temperate region that experiences all four seasons. The tree bursts into golden flames in the autumn. When the leaves fall, the craggy, gnarled trunks of the tree make an impressive sight against the snowy floor of the meadow.History
Elderspine is a huge oak tree that has gnarled trunks for branches that swirl around collecting light with their leaves. The tree has never been cut or trimmed or otherwise meddled with. The ancient civilizations of Rom revered the tree, which was already massive and dwarfed the nearby trees with its bulk. The tree was thought to be a bridge to the spiritual world. Several traditions and rites of passage involved the tree in local ceremonies. Most of these ceremonies involved spending a night beneath the tree without the covering of a tent or other dwelling. Modern pilgrims at times try to recreate these rituals, and several have had profound spiritual experiences, including the great composer, Ifna.
Never in all my days have I seen a tree so massive, so old, so tall. The leaves stretch to the very heavens. The bark is as craggy as any mountain range. The branches are as thick as the trunks of neighboring trees. The Elderspine will outlive us all.
