Merloea Tree

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Merloea Tree

« on: 11 December 2009, 05:22:53 »

Merloea Tree

Herbarium > Trees > Deciduous

The Merloea Tree (Sýs'há tree) grows primarily in northern Santharia, though a good gardener can grow the tree in just about any climate, and therefore the tree can also be found in gardens throughout Santharia, and even in regions of Nybelmar and northern Sarvonia. Apart from being a lovely addition to any garden, it also produces a sweet, fleshy fruit that some believe has healing properties, and provides leaves and flower petals that are often brewed into relaxing herbal teas.

While few who enjoy the trees multifarious benefits know, the tree also has magical effects, and many of those around Ximax refer to the tree as the Sýs'há tree. The fruit and leaves people consume actual help return the car’all to its natural balance, and can therefore reduce the negative effects of spells or enchantments.

Appearance: The tree comes in many sizes, often dependent upon the desires of its gardener, the size of its habitat, the fertileness of the earth, etc.. Therefore, it can grow at any number of heights, barely higher than a dwarf to trice the size of a human man. The trunk, is generally of a light grayish brown, and makes up only one third of its total height, the other two thirds reserved for its branching limbs, coloured grayish-brown as well.

The branches have a malleable, vine-like quality in that they can be easily braided or made to twine about tresses or in the branches of other trees. When not coaxed into twining, the branches tend to curve upward, generally giving the leafy top of the tree a globe-like shape. The smooth sides of its leaves come to an elegant point and are very soft and thin, shaded deep green, and while they are small, generally no longer than an elven woman’s pinky finger, they grow thickly on the branches in the spring and summer months.

When spring arrives, the tree produces a multitude of flowers, though the average passerby may not take notice of the flower, coloured only a slightly lighter shade of green than the leaves. Because of the colour, the flowers blend in to the light-colored, nascent leaves of spring. While they cannot be easily seen, the flowers can be identified the olfactory senses, as they produce a sweet-smelling aroma that serves as an indication of spring.

The flowers shed their six little petals in late spring or early summer and form into small, sweet fruit that grows to about the size and shape of the linden fruit. The Merloea fruit begins as a very light green, but as it ripens, turns lighter and lighter until it turns a creamy white. Once the fruit is ripe enough to eat, the outside layer of skin will often come off easily, leaving a creamy piece of edible fruit. While the outside layer of skin is edible, it’s a little tougher than the inside, which is very soft, and, as many have described it, tastes like honeyed milk. This fruit has a pit in its center, generally the length of a finger joint and colored light brown.

In fall, the Merloea tree's leaves turn from a dark brown, into a dark purple-red, and then to brown, at which point they descend from the branches. In the colder winter months, then, the Merloea trees stand bereft of their foliage, their gray-brown branches standing starkly in the coming snow.

Territory: The Merloea Tree grows throughout northern and mid Santharia, often on the outskirts of forests or right outside town and villages. It is found most plentifully in Xaramon, where those who know of its properties to return balance to the car’all grow it often to protect themselves from the perceived effects of living so close to Ximax Academy.

However, while it grows naturally in northern Santharia, it can be made to grow just about anywhere. With careful and patient hands, this tree can be made to grow anywhere from the deserts of Rahaz-Dath to the frigid plains of the Celeste Lowlands in Northern Sarvonia, and even in the warm climates of Nybelmar.

Usages: One reason for the Merloea tree’s growth in so many areas stems from its wide variety of uses. The fruit is not only delicious, both raw and cooked into a wide variety of meals, but also has the ability to balance out the car’all, returning the car’all to its natural state. Similarly, consuming the tree’s leaves and flowers as a tea, often added with other plants and flowers and steeped in hot water, helps balance the car’all. While few who rely on these positive effects know of the underlying magical reasoning, they know of the benefits, and Merloea tea often recommended for conditions like restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, irritation, and worry. It is also consumed just as a means of relaxing after a hard day or work. Because of the peaceful effects of the tea, it often believed to keep away conflict within the household and nurtures happy families.

Because of this belief, the tree is often given as a gift to newly-married couples and for couples expecting children. This practice of giving Merloea trees as gifts is practiced most often among hobbits, but the practice has spread among humans as well, especially among farmers or those in rural areas who have the space to grow them. Because Merloea trees often serve as symbols of peace and unity, cutting one down is considered to be bad luck.

The Merloea tree is used in gardens throughout Caelereth, not only for its fruit and car’all-balancing attributes, but because of its malleability: the branches of the tree can be braided or interwoven with relative ease to create lovely archways. Its flowers also provide a wonderful aroma in spring. The flowers are occasionally used in perfumes, though most would much prefer not to pluck the flower, but instead let it grow into the tasty Merkael fruit, known for its creamy white colour and honeyed milk taste.

At Ximax, where the tree grows most plentiful, the magi hold the tree special because of the fruit. Ingesting the fruit balance one's car'all and relieves some of the effects of negative spells. The magi often drink Merloea Tea to soothe weariness and help focus during spell casting. The tea is made in several kinds of varieties in the Academy's infirmary. The healers and counselors there brew the tea mixed with different fruits to produce a variety of flavors. The tea helps soothe patients fears to prepare them for further treatment.

Reproduction: The Merloea tree produced it s light green flowers in early to mid spring, at which point insects, like the malise, help to pollinate the tree. The flowers stay on the branches for two to two and a half months before the flowers shed their petals. Over the next few months, the remainder of the flower will grow into the fruit. Beginning as a light greenish bulb, it will expand, turning light and lighter until it reaches a creamy white. At this point, the fruit is ready to be picked. These white fruits grow plentifully on the tree, and as many as 30 can be produced by one tree in one season.

The fruit contains a pit about the length of a finger joint and colored a light brown. Those who grow Merloea trees generally plant the pit in late summer or early autumn. If the pit produced a tree, it will generally sprout in early spring when many of the adult Merloea trees are producing flowers. However, for these little sprouts, flower-production won’t come for another three to four years. After these few years, the sprout will have grown to about the size of a dwarf, and will produce flowers and very small fruit.

Though no one knows for sure how long Merloea’s live, since their lifespan is often dependent on location and conditions, most agree that they live for an average of 20 years, though many Merloea trees live much longer.

Myth/Lore/Origins: The myth around Xaramon is that the Merloea tree was introduced to the Ximaxian Magical Academy's gardens by Jakata the Wise. This traveling fae woman from the continent of Aeruillin came to Ximax long ago with the intention of learning magic. Jakarta was a teller of tales and author of many books of lore. The story goes that Jakarta brought the Merloea tree with her from the Void where it had emerged, but was now dying amid the chaos. According to her, she possessed the last of the Void's Merloea seeds and wanted to plant them in Xaramon as a way to preserve them. She promised the magi that the Merloea's fruit and leaves had magical properties, as they originated from the mysterious Void itself. The magi agreed to care for the trees Jakarta planted. Sure enough, the trees thrived in their new home and true to Jakarta's claims, the fruit and leaves indeed held magical properties.

For those who live outside of Xaramon, the tree is very much associated with Eyasha. Following the great Sundering, following the fall of Fá'áv'cál'âr, Eyasha walked through Sarvonia hoping to ameliorate some of the tragedy and pain caused by the brutal war. With gentle hands, she formed the Merloea tree to comfort those faced with the greatest hardships. Eyasha is occasionally portrayed wearing intertwined branches of the Merloea tree on her head as a crown, and this motif is has carried over such that painters and sculptors will borrow the symbol of the Merloea wreath as a symbol of a peaceful, calm, and level-headed individual. It has become a tradition in some areas to wear a crown of Merloea branches as a sentiment of good will when negotiating peace treaties or settling arguments. Sometimes, the fruit and branches are given as a tokens of peace and symbolize good will.


« Last Edit: 14 December 2009, 19:17:35 by Miraran Tehuriden »	Logged

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Azhira Styralias

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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #1 on: 11 December 2009, 06:15:17 »

A lovely tree! Oh so many possibilities here!

The following are just suggestions. They'll need work to flesh out somewhat...

Location:

I wouldn't spread these trees out too far as they tend to lose their uniqueness somewhat. I would spread them out in northern and mid-Santharia, of course, with the majority of gardeners growing them in Xaramon. Since they seem like a hardy tree, they could grow in the colder North. I wouldn't place them in the snow regions, that seems out of place. Ideally, the Kuglimz lands would fit. Perhaps the Celeste Lowlands area and Tandalas. I think that is a nice enough area to grow them naturally.

Possible Myth/Lore:

As for a myth, because of the usage of the tree and its fruit, it naturally fits Eyasha, the goddess of peace. Perhaps in ages past, Eyasha walked through Sarvonia in the hope to spread peace after a war. She planted the Merkeal tree in areas hit with conflict and pain. Eyasha even wears intertwined branches of the Merkeal tree in her head as a crown. The belief is that if one were to wear a similar type crown, you'd feel relaxed and focused. It has become traditional in some areas to wear a crown of Merkeal branches as a sentiment to Eyasha when negotiating peace treaties or settling arguments. Sometimes, the fruit and branches as given as a token in parley and symbolize good will.

It is said that the Merkeal tree was introduced to the Ximaxian Magical Academy's gardens by Jakata the Wise (ask Talia about a possible date when she lived, preferably long ago). This traveling fae woman from the continent of Aeruillin came to Ximax long ago with the interest of learning magic. Jakarta was a teller of tales and author of many books of lore. The story goes that Jakarta brought the Merkeal tree with her from the Void where she wanted to save it from dying. According to her, she possessed the last of the Void's Merkeal seeds and wanted to plant them in Xaramon as a way to preserve them. She promised the magi that the special fruit and leaves held magical properties as they originated from the mysterious Void itself. The magi agreed to care for the trees Jakarta planted. Sure enough, the trees thrived in their new home and true to Jakarta's claims, the fruit and leaves indeed held magical properties.

Uses

The magi of Ximax largely hold the tree's mythology as just that - superstition. However, the magi hold the tree special because of the fruit. By ingesting the fruit, it is said to balance one's car'all and relieve the effects of negative spells. Merkeal Tea is often drank by the magi to soothe weariness and help focus during spell casting. The tea is made in several kinds of varieties in the Academy's infirmary. The healers and counselors there brew the tea mixed with different fruits to produce a variety of flavors. The tea helps soothe patients fears to prepare them for further treatment.


« Last Edit: 11 December 2009, 06:17:14 by Azhira »	Logged

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Rayne (Alýr)

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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #2 on: 11 December 2009, 08:59:10 »

Quote from: Azhira on 11 December 2009, 06:15:17

I wouldn't spread these trees out too far as they tend to lose their uniqueness somewhat.

Well, I don't want them to be too unique. Of course, they will grow most naturally in northern Santharia, but as they are given as gifts of goodwill, I could see them being given to foreign envoys and whatnot, which might cause them to get around.

I have taken your myth almost in its entirety, though I made some changes here and there--specifics, really. What do you think? Of course, we still need some more specifics for Jakata.


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #3 on: 11 December 2009, 12:41:32 »

I don't think we need to be so accurate in lore. The entry about Jakarta doesn't give a date, so why not just leave it out, it is not necessary to have it. .

I would change myth/lore slightly:

Proposal: Put the lore about Jakarta first, but note (not 'it is said'), that this Lore only is told in Ximax, or by mages or educated people who would know about Jakarta and the origin of the tree. (Her origin is myth only though!)

Then make a distinction, that common people do not know about Jakarta, but do believe in the myth about Eyesha, otherwise this is a bit contradictory.


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Azhira Styralias

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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #4 on: 11 December 2009, 19:09:08 »

Quote

I agree, yes. If given as gifts to foreign envoys, the tree would spread farther than its native habitat. However, I doubt the Icelands tribes would go so far south as envoys for much of anything, so having the tree in those snowy areas wouldn't seem right. I can see maybe the Kuglimz or the Naurooth half-elves though. UNLESS researchers and compendiumists like Azhira and Altario bring tree seeds/fruit to their respective areas of research. I know Azhira would definitely share the tree with her tribe of study, the Kaaer. thumbup

Quote

You've done a great job integrating the myths! I am glad you like them. clap

I agree with Talia here. thumbup

Make a distinction between the two pieces of lore with the magi and scholars being more familiar with Jakarta's myth. The Jakarta legend is vague, so need to be too specific there. And the commoners/local folk would find popular the Eyasha tale. The elves would perhaps be familiar with both legends.

EDIT: The name seems to be spelled differently throughout the entry: Merkeal vs. Merkael. Which one to use?


« Last Edit: 11 December 2009, 19:12:57 by Azhira »	Logged

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Rayne (Alýr)

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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #5 on: 11 December 2009, 19:41:50 »

I switched the two myths and added a bit of context for each.

Quote from: Azhira on 11 December 2009, 19:09:08

EDIT: The name seems to be spelled differently throughout the entry: Merkeal vs. Merkael. Which one to use?

Wow, great eye, Azhira! I've changed the names so they all read "Merkeal." Thank you for catching that!

We can also change the name if people like.


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #6 on: 11 December 2009, 20:41:07 »

A word on the northern spread; as a general rule, it's safe to say NO deciduous trees can survive in icelandic conditions.

In the wild, that is. Perhaps a sheltered corner between two buildings in an unsually warm vale, with a morederate risk of dieing during the long cold season, or even better; in a large container in the recipient's halls. The latter option is probably the only one that ensures survival.


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #7 on: 11 December 2009, 20:43:03 »

I had the same thought as Talia when I saw the title! "Oh! The German Chancellor just got herself a new tree!"

It might be a European thing


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #8 on: 11 December 2009, 20:44:22 »

Quote from: Miraran Tehuriden on 11 December 2009, 20:41:07

Please re-read the entry--I said it only grows naturally in northern Santharia, not northern Sarvonia!

I am certainly open to changing the tree's name! I don't want anyone having bad associations!

Any suggestions?


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #9 on: 11 December 2009, 20:48:48 »

Yes, yes, and that was entirely no problem my dear Rayne! I was just elaborating on the difficulty of giving it to icelandic tribes as a gift

Ms. Merkel is not a very unpopular person, is she (Talia? I'm not familiar with dutch politics, let alone foreign).. personally, i'm fine witht he name.


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #10 on: 11 December 2009, 20:51:25 »

Oh, I did not intend to say anything negative about the Chancellor (though a few points do come to mind). It was just a bit jarring to see the name jump at you - a bit like having a Kennefy Tree


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #11 on: 11 December 2009, 20:53:21 »

Just be glad its not a Bush.. erh.. Bush.


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #12 on: 11 December 2009, 20:59:29 »

Quote from: Miraran Tehuriden on 11 December 2009, 20:53:21

Just be glad its not a Bush.. erh.. Bush.

Well, I'm still open to suggestions, if anyone has any! I was actually thinking more across the lines of "mercurial" when I first derived the name, simply because, despite it's meaning (which is of course opposite to what the tree actually does), it had an appealing mystical quality for me. My silly associations, I know!


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #13 on: 12 December 2009, 00:00:47 »

I am fine with the name as well. I can't speak for all of us American compendiumists, but the name did not ring a bell with me until it was brought up!


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Re: Merkeal Tree

« Reply #14 on: 12 December 2009, 18:00:51 »

Well, how many Americans do know the name of the German chancellor?

If you take out the 'k' it might be enough, Merceal, or Merkáel, or change the first letter to something else. Terkeal. (Don'T use a 'F' ! LOL )

I hope I can read it fully tomorrow morning, maybe I have another idea for the name. For frankly, I would appreciate not to have a tree which reminds me everytime I think at Ximax at our Angela. I respect this woman, I find it cool, that we have a woman in that top position, but I'm not voting for her party (or the Bavarian equivalent, the CSU, which would be even worse!)


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