Voitsekh Dragovic
Duke of Vlkyn
- Objective: To expand Vlkyn's lore and to bring some interesting materials to Gaia.
- Category: Tree
- Image Credit: Here, headers and dividers made by Nefadar, edits made by me.
- Development Thread: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Name: Krevnístrom
- Aliases: Bloodtrees, bleeding trees of Vlkyn
- Longevity: The krevnístrom maintains an average lifespan of 500-1000 years, but many are much older than that.
- Population: Rare
- Locations: This particular tree exists exclusively within the borders of Vlkyn, as it is the one region that fulfills all of the environmental conditions for them to grow.
- Habitat: These "bloodtrees" prefer cold climates, and require a hefty amount of rain to prosper. Furthermore, they require a very specific amount of daily sunlight, causing them to be more concentrated around certain mountain ranges.
- Applications: In terms of construction, working with the krevnístrom is a task best left to master woodworkers. This is largely due to the fact that they have incredibly tough bark, and equally dense wood within. If worked well, however, it does produce a very unique and elegant look in any construction. Aside from this, the "blood sap" of the tree acts as a healing agent, curing a variety of wounds (including burns, cuts, and other surface injuries). The bark itself, due to its tough nature, makes for a great armor substitute when metal is in short supply.
- Description: The krevnístrom is an ancient tree species, with origins dating further back than humanity's records can trace. They are incredibly large, with distinct black bark and an unmistakable red sap that seeps from the tree when cut, giving the tree its nickname.
- Size: Large
- Harvestables: As mentioned above, the bark is great as an armor substitute, and the blood sap makes for a great healing salve. Unfortunately, neither of these properties are utilized regularly due to the spiritual significance of these trees.
- Colour Variation: None
- Physical Description: The krevnístrom are unmistakable in appearance. The black bark and bleeding sap make it incredibly distinguishable from other trees across Gaia. Once you are in a krevnístrom forest, you know it, and oftentimes, if you aren't used to it, you'll feel incredibly uncomfortable.
- Cultivation: Due to the tough nature of the bark, anyone that wishes to cut this tree down must first carefully peel the bark away. If this is not done properly, their axe will not be able to penetrate the tree without great damage to the axe itself.
- Magical Properties: N/A
- Strong as Stone. The bark of the krevnístrom functions as armor, and can provide the wearer with a great amount of protection.
- Healing Salve. The sap of the krevnístrom offers several healing properties, making it a valuable commodity.
- Few and Far Between. Though very common within the region of Vlkyn, the krevnístrom doesn't grow outside of the region, making it a rare commodity.
- Spiritual Importance. Despite its strong properties, the krevnístrom is considered a holy tree, and as such is protected deeply by the inhabitants of Vlkyn.
The legends surrounding the krevnístrom are vast, but the first tale taught to children is of their initial appearance on Gaia. According to local Svarozic lore, it is said that many years ago, a great force invaded the lands of Vlkyn, covering the countryside with bloodshed. The people of Vlkyn, unable to properly defend themselves against such a threat, fled to the mountains in search of protection. Unfortunately, it was not enough, for the invaders continued to pursue them relentlessly.
As the story goes, the people cried for salvation from their brutal attackers, and finally, within those final moments of desperation, their pleas were heard. Mother Mokosh took pity on them, sprouting giant, black trees from the ground. These forests of dark trees provided the survivors of Vlkyn with cover, armor, and evening healing remedies. All of these qualities allowed them to turn the tide as they fought the invaders within the dark woodlands that had so suddenly sprouted from Gaia itself. Eventually, they found their victory, and the krevnístrom has been held in great reverence ever since.
Through the years, the people have maintained their reverence for the krevnístrom, and as such, rarely cut them down. If they are cut down, it is considered a sacred affair, and can only be done with the approval of both a respected volkhv (Svarozic wiseman) and the Duke of Vlkyn. Furthermore, should a krevnistrom be cut down, those who intend to use it must utilize as many parts of the tree as possible, so as to put Mother Mokosh's gift to the utmost use.
Overall, whether one believes the legends or not, the krevnístrom is considered to be a hallowed plant, a blessing from Mother Mokosh herself. Despite this, not all see the tree as such. Outsiders find the massive, ebon trees to be intimidating and foreboding, and Curians often see them as tainted by darkness itself. Those that have attempted to invade Vlkyn have looked upon the forests of the krevnístrom as ill omens, and had often been proven right. However one looks at it though, there is no denying the sheer majestic power of their presence, nor the beneficial traits they possess.
