Great Tree

The largest branch of the Great Tree on Miranda sits at the heart of the forest of Ellendar. The tree itself upon this world is nothing more than a single branch and bough of the whole. The roots of the tree are found in the fae lands, the trunk extends into the Shadow Realms, and the branches all reach their terminus in various planes in the Shadow Realms.

This tree is the reason why the beings of the fae lands can so freely travel to other planes within the Shadow Realms. The Great Tree draws forth the essence of the fae lands and spreads it throughout the planes in which its branches have reached. The areas were they reach through into other planes will often feel strange of different from the surrounding lands as faerie magic is not of that world.

The bows of the Maiden Archers was crafted from the branches of the Great Tree in Ellendar. Infused with the power of the fae lands it would have diminished over time as it was divided from tree except for the sacrifice of the elves who became the spirits of the bow. Each elf that takes up the mantle of the Maiden Archer renews this bond with the Great Tree and gives of their own spirit to the bow.

The people of Miranda often called certain forests “fae woods” or “Sylvan forest”. While in many cases this may be related only to local superstitions it is true that their are elves on this world carrying very special living branches of the Great Tree. They travel across the world finding those places where the branches of the Great Tree are near to this world. They use their branches to call forth a branch of the Great Tree into this world. They will nurture this tree so that it grows and prospers. The power given off by the tree will have a dramatic effect on the surrounding lands - often making it feel “different” to other mortals.

Like the Maiden Archers, these Caretakers give of their own spirit to keep their living branches alive until they can once again return them to the Great Tree. As each living part of the Great Tree is always a part of the Great Tree this returning ceremony is not grafting a tree but instead a healing.