Location The Gift Tree

[Abstract]

The Gift Tree The Gift Tree is located in the Celestial Quarter, and takes up the center of a small plaza. Despite the fact that the area is generally quiet and mostly empty, it's a well known and important place. The first and most obvious sight is the large oak tree, splat in the center of the square. It's old, and knotted, and a pale brown color all over. During Summer and Spring, the leaves that cover its branches are a light pastelish green, giving the entire tree a generally pale coloring. There is no obvious bark, but instead is flat and smooth, ignoring the various imperfections. Around the tree, extending to its furthest branches, is a square of grass, surrounded in by a waist-high, wrought iron fence. In the middle of each side of the square is a small opening, with a cobblestone path heading right to the thick trunk of the tree. Though on all four sides it is generically symmetrical, each path has a little mood of its own. This is because each is dedicated to a certain Alvina, and so holds items and decorations that pertain to that Celestial. For example, Skerr's section is lined with wheat stalks, almost straight to the roots of the oak. Xannos' has tiny gems inserted into the cobbles, giving it a glittery shine. Uphis' is possibly the most dangerous, with sharp knives stuck into the soil along the sides. Last of all, Laat's is similar to Xannos', with Laats and Mizas instead of gems. Despite the value of some of the paths, Nykans would never even consider stealing anything from the tree, not including the fact that it is watched at all times. Despite this, the paths are not the main attraction of the tree. What is most important is its use, and give the oak its name. When Nykans feel the need to thank, or please a certain Alvina, they hang a gift on a branch in that Celestial's quarter. These gifts vary from parcels of food to works of art, depending on how much the gifter wishes to please the god. The presents are always labled with the givers name, so whoever takes it will know who it's from. The gifts are collected by the head monk of each quarter on the last day of every season, in a small ceremony. From there, they take them to the Celestial palace, where they are generally never seen again. Still, it has been known that those who provide the most valuable gifts have found some luck and preference from that Alvina. NPCs   Jamie Jameson Name: Jamie Jameson DOB: 442 AV, Fall 17th POB: Nyka Race: Human Title: Gardener of the Gift Tree Gnosis: None Skills: Gardening - 48, Botany - 23 Information: Jamie is one of a long line of gardeners of the Gift Tree. He's worked there all his life, and was taught the trade by his own father. However, this generation, his son refused to garden, and instead found his place as a monk, though was killed in a fight a few years later. Instead, Jamie is waiting for his grandson from his daughter's side to grow old enough, and become his apprentice instead. Jamie himself is a calm man, often seen leaning on a shovel and watching the world. However, if one were to start a conversation with him, the gardener would be happy to talk on and on for hours, often joyfully recounting the story of his son's death, or his family in general. Otherwise, his topic of conversation would turn to plants and the like, and one could actually learn a few interesting tips about caring for an oak tree, or keeping a line of wheat perfectly straight. To some, this may sound incredibly boring, but for an aged man with a quiet job, it's actually quite an entertaining subject. On occasion, it may be a challenge to stop him talking, and generally walking away as quickly as possible is the best solution for this. NoteThis location does not require moderation, but PM a Storyteller for possible reputation for any gifts given