Volvith Tree
Name: Volvith Tree (Also: Spirit Tree, Spy Tree)
Appearance: Large, often twisted or leaning evergreen trees with pale, reflective opalesque bark and dark blue-green, oval-shaped leaves which are paler on the underside. The low density of its wood is what makes these trees so unique, leading to them being shaped and eroded into such exaggerated designs by wind and other neighbouring flora. Round, open hollows dot the older portions of the trunk while grooves mimicking eyes are present along branches (both of which are colloquially known as 'eyes' or VolhugCulturally significant symbol to be dev'ed/submitted later).
Location: Anywhere East of the Vynmur River; Myrkvior Forest, specifically
Hazard / Toxicity: Very minor and only if ingested in large volumes (which is incredibly rare since large doses result in vomiting)
Uses: Bark (smoked or chewed) and leaves (brewed in a tea or chewed) as entheogens/entheogenic concoctions during ceremonies and rituals; wood for high-end, delicate woodcarvings (rare)The wood is too 'soft' to use for anything other than carving; deadwood for decorative talismans (Fensalir only).
Other Information: The Volvith Tree holds a special place in Melrath culture, especially for Traditionalists, and is believed to be a 'tree of the spirits', seen both in the psychotropic/entheogenic properties of its leaves and bark as well as the wood, itself, which is meant to act as protection from malevolent or aggrieved spirits. In Fensalir, pieces of deadwood and branches with multiple 'eyes' are often hung near the thresholds of homes or businesses to show the spirits the occupants are friends rather than foes. The tree is generally thought to be linked to the Induk Myrkvior, with the more superstitious and traditional Melrathi believing the Dark Mother uses the 'eyes' of the tree to keep watch over her domain.
Credit: Visna Namdalen
Art Credit: Alexander Ostrowski
Appearance: Large, often twisted or leaning evergreen trees with pale, reflective opalesque bark and dark blue-green, oval-shaped leaves which are paler on the underside. The low density of its wood is what makes these trees so unique, leading to them being shaped and eroded into such exaggerated designs by wind and other neighbouring flora. Round, open hollows dot the older portions of the trunk while grooves mimicking eyes are present along branches (both of which are colloquially known as 'eyes' or VolhugCulturally significant symbol to be dev'ed/submitted later).
Location: Anywhere East of the Vynmur River; Myrkvior Forest, specifically
Hazard / Toxicity: Very minor and only if ingested in large volumes (which is incredibly rare since large doses result in vomiting)
Uses: Bark (smoked or chewed) and leaves (brewed in a tea or chewed) as entheogens/entheogenic concoctions during ceremonies and rituals; wood for high-end, delicate woodcarvings (rare)The wood is too 'soft' to use for anything other than carving; deadwood for decorative talismans (Fensalir only).
Other Information: The Volvith Tree holds a special place in Melrath culture, especially for Traditionalists, and is believed to be a 'tree of the spirits', seen both in the psychotropic/entheogenic properties of its leaves and bark as well as the wood, itself, which is meant to act as protection from malevolent or aggrieved spirits. In Fensalir, pieces of deadwood and branches with multiple 'eyes' are often hung near the thresholds of homes or businesses to show the spirits the occupants are friends rather than foes. The tree is generally thought to be linked to the Induk Myrkvior, with the more superstitious and traditional Melrathi believing the Dark Mother uses the 'eyes' of the tree to keep watch over her domain.
Credit: Visna Namdalen
Art Credit: Alexander Ostrowski
