The Great Natu Tree is an ancient tree over 300 years old and the last of its kind from the now-forgotten Paradise. Located within the Whispering Grove in Astraloftum, it serves as a Phylactery for Souls that have nowhere to go, housing them in the Well of Souls until the day Paradise is found again. Residents of Astraloftum use the tree to communicate with their lost loved ones.
The Druids of Natu — the Circle of Natu — revere and protect the tree. The inside was sealed by the Church 40 years ago until the next Lunar Eclipse; only Solar Scions may venture inside during the Symphony of Ascension on January 3rd.
Current Status
Following the Fomorian Invasion of Astraloftum, the sickened Great Natu Tree was saved by the Soul Shepherds. The Corrupted Souls overflowing within the Well of Souls were absorbed by the phylactery known as ‘Dark Silas’, whose husk was placed in Temporal Stasis by Carter Moonwing. The husk remains in the now-empty Well of Souls. As a consequence, the Souls in Temporal Stasis can no longer be communed with by the people of Astraloftum, causing widespread concern.
Inside the Tree
The interior chambers circle the main trunk and let moonlight down to the hidden Well of Souls. Chambers are numbered top to bottom:
- The Ruined Light-orb — A former lighthouse, perforated by corrupted souls. Guarded by a corrupted Stone Guardian of Love’s Fragment.
- The Wingless Library — Where Soul knowledge was stored in Orbs of True Knowledge. The Oocoo were once stewards here before succumbing to corruption. Contains a chamber with a Rubix Cube readable only by Carter Moonwing.
- Mouth of the Great — The dungeon entrance. A living-root drawbridge connects to the Forsaken Shrine. Carvings depict Natu battling a massive evil eye.
- The Forsaken Shrine of Natu — A desecrated shrine containing a statue of Natu missing a Love Fragment. Home of Squanatos the Necromancer Squirrel.
- The Tainted Lake & Village of the Lost — A blood-tainted lake and the ruins of a squirrel colony. Sole survivor: Squanatos.
- Gas Pass — Gassy tunnels filled with bubbles, acid rivers, and crimson thorns. Home to an Ankheg.
- Crimson Forest — Blighted flora and fauna. A thicket of crimson thorns blocks the path to the Well of Souls.