Guardian Trees

Yoshiko Yamaoto

"The first time I came into the presence of a Guardian Tree, my breathe was lost to me. They are awe-inspiring. Smooth twisted roots intertwine as if they are dancing away from their shared trunk, and small tufts of pine-life leaves at attention towards the height of the tree.

I soon found them to be commonplace across the span of Valbjorn, save for the southeast peninsula. And though myself and Tuff quickly grew acquainted with their presence - I still often wondered why Lofoten neglected to bring such an attractive plant into their city.

— Skinny

Guardian Tree Overview

Dotted across the island of Valbjorn are strange twisted pine-like trees, referred to as Guardian Trees by inhabitants. These trees where among the first fauna engineered by The Guardians to serve what they deemed the important ecological role; providing complete dietary nutrients to carnivores.


The sap contained within a Guardian Tree is a thick, dark red secretion with a sharp odder not dissimilar to that of blood. Carefully crafted, this elixir has been documented to posses the ability to alter it's chemical composition to that of it's consumer. It is by this virtue the sap has been given the name of "Celestial's blood" by Valbjorn's inhabitants.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Guardian Trees are one of the most distinct native species upon Valbjorn. Notorious for their twisted branches and strangely wide trunks - its distinguished form is unmissable. The leaves of a Guardian tree are dark green and needle-like - similar to that of other known species in the Pinus family - however only appear on select branches on each tree. The most notable feature of the Gradian tree is the deep red sap that flows within each tree commonly referred to as "Celestial's blood". 
Saplings of Guardian trees are exceedingly rare as these trees are documented to live well past hundreds of years and their reproductive window is thought to be especially short.

Scientific Name

Pinus Lanova

Lifespan

500 years

Conservation Status

Common across Valbjorn. Nonexistent on Lofotish Peninsula.

Average Height

30 - 50 feet tall

Geographic Distribution

• Valbjorn