Grandfather Ash

[Requires a DM to Encounter.]

Plant Type

Tree

Rarity

Legendary

Description

Fairly thin in stature, the Grandfather Ash is not usually considered a larger tree. Shorter than average, it often looks somewhat hunchbacked, with the trunk itself gnarled and dotted with various knobs and specks. The roots extend far underground, soaking up moisture and the sustenance required for such a rare tree.

The Grandfather Ash has various branches jutting from its main trunk, the spindly limbs reaching out to the sky. The malformed arms will wave gently in stronger winds, dancing to their own mellow song. Multiple leaves will extend from a single twig, kept in a uniform shape to be easily identified. It's said that the more arms a Grandfather ash has, the more its power has been used.

The most curious addition to the appearance of the tree is the seemingly alive face embedded within the trunk. Often depicted with long, crooked noses, the eyes remain closed, and the mouth always set into a hard line. The Grandfather Ash's name derives from this face, as it always appears to be the face of an old man, who knows more secrets of this world than a simple mortal could possibly comprehend.

What makes this Ash such a rare commodity is its power. If interacted with, the Grandfather's eyes open, and he will speak to the mortals he finds worthy. Anyone who speaks to the Ash has recounted the strange voice it holds, with the riddles it conveys and the tricks it hides to be wondrous and unheard of before.

If a mortal can best the Grandfather Ash, they are granted with a gift, in the form of a wish. What they wish for is up to them, and the Grandfather Ash will grant it, just not always in the expected form.

Location

The Grandfather Ash is one of the rarer trees, only found occasionally. Most often they're found in calm, temperate forests, surrounded by its taller, mundane brethren. Various species of birds call the branches of the Ash home, so if there's far more calls than average, it may hint to one nearby.

Development

The Grandfather Ash, even from its earliest form of growth, always appears wizened and ancient, as they've only ever been found fully grown, usually old in age. It's not fully known how they grow, or where their gifts come from, but it's assumed they grow as an average ash tree would.

Material Properties

• The Grandfather Ash grants a single wish to those who speak to it, should it feel they are deserving of such a gift.
• The tree cannot be easily chopped, as it will do all it can to keep a person from doing so. Their arms will move to life and attack any threatening figure, and the powers within are lost if it fails in its self-protection.
• The wood, if harvested, is simple ash. Any magics it held when alive are lost in death.

Alchemical Properties

• None

The World of Aethius • The Multiverse of Aethier