Taur' Nomin (known to most as The Wisdom Tree) is said to be the oldest living thing in Eona Valley, older, even, than the elves themselves. Its root system forms a grid-like network throughout the entire valley and not very much ever happens that the Wisdom Tree doesn't know about. This ancient being takes a completely neutral stance on all issues that do not directly effect the natural balance of the valley's ecology and the unbiased, objective input it provides has proven invaluable to countless generations.
The Wisdom Tree does not play favorites and will impart its wisdom to anyone with enough patience to wait for their answers. Its knowledge is vast and its wisdom knows no bounds, but the ancient tree thinks and responds far slower than the average mortal can stand. It has been said that one man waited in meditation before the tree for a full three months before receiving the answer he so desperately needed. Unfortunately, the answer was so cryptic that he did not fully understand what the Wisdom Tree had told him until it was to late to save his daughter's life. Still others speak of receiving their answers within moments, though even these admit to the cryptic nature of the tree's wisdom.
It has long been rumored among the natives of Eona Valley that the Wisdom Tree is so connected to the rest of the valley's plant life that it can actually control their movement and growth cycles. Trees, say the rumors, that suddenly spring to life, thrashing and grabbing with their branches . . . and vines that burst forth from the ground, entangling all within their reach. These things and many more have been attributed to the direct, conscious control of the Wisdom Tree, but the truth of these claims is not known. Questions about itself are among the few things that the tree will not answer. |
