Table of Contents
Deep within the jungles of The Primeval Wilds and long before any Stellaborn arrived on the continent, there was a tree that grew far larger and taller than any other in the jungle. With every passing year, more limbs and leaves grew as its trunk soared for the sky with moss and little critters calling it home until it became a natural focal point rivaling the size of the mountains.
Now that tree is known as Ophithana, and is home to hundreds of Stellaborn who have built natural homes high in its branches or deep in the hollow parts of its core. With every vine they turned into natural hanging lights, they learned how to coexist with the flora. Taking care of sick and dying sections of the tree, the once slowing growth revitalized into something powerful as the tree twisted into longer and thicker sections, allowing the Stellaborn to more easily make homes in its branches.
History
Early Years
After the events of Odum's Hunt, Asa Mistlight led the refugees who had decided to follow her deep into the jungle. She had seen the colossal tree on her Primary Expedition, and never forgot about its silent song of enchantment that called to her through all the years she had stayed with her First siblings.
Traversing through bogs while fighting beasts that tried to slow their journey, it took nearly six months to make it to the base of the tree. The song that had led her here became louder as she finally pressed her hand against its bark, making a connection to the tree, and announcing that its name was Ophithana.
Though rumor circulates differently around the tree, the most common story is that after Asa connected with the tree, its bark and branches physically moved to envelop her, twisting and contorting to create a home that was carried deep into the tallest leaf thickets of Ophithana. Though she did not return from the trees kidnapping, the refugees that were shaken by the sudden disappearance watched as yellow lights illuminated the top of the canopy. The light sent a wave of comfort over each of them, as if it was a silent whisper from Asa herself that this home was now theirs to make their own. Though they were uneasy, they began the climb with the hopes of a brighter future within the safety of Ophithana.
As they settled into their canopy home, Ophithana became the first settled and established city of Stellagos in the year 6 AL.
Notable Locations
Asa's Light
Located at the highest peak of Ophithana and nestled in a comfortable ring of leaves is a single hut that is unreachable by climbing or magical means. Though no one has been able to ever enter Asa's Light, Quillian Astrali who have dared to fly to its mysterious windows have been able to see the silhouette of a Traveler Astrali moving around its lit interior like a shadow lost in the light.
It is unclear to researchers or visitors whether Asa Mistlight is there willingly or as a prisoner, though fear of Ophithana's retaliation keeps them from prying farther. Those who believe she is there unwillingly believe she did it as a sacrifice for the good of her people, though those who hailed from the original pilgrimage believe she is willingly in her secluded home to grieve for her lost brother, Wiley Marius.