Pyre Roots

As the öshelpacia roots first cradled Everyman, so may their sacred smoke now cradle the Soul of Jurrian van die Rhalen, sovereign over all the clans, up to the hallowed nest of the Phoenix. Everyman prays that when She is reborn again in the fire of death, our König will be reborn again in Her flames.

— An excerpt from the funeral rites of Jurrian van die Rhalen, first König of Kredashmi

  Pyre Roots are the colloquial name in Kredashmi for the Öshelpacia Tree's buttress roots. These trees were considered sacred in pre-Conquest Kredasene religion, as the roots were believed to have formed the first 'cradle' for Everyman. In Kredasene funeral rites, these roots are harvested to form a small part of the deceased's funeral pyre.  

Characteristics

    The roots are not lost after the tree reaches maturity, but instead grow thicker and longer with each passing year. They form an interconnected, weaving pattern across the wetlands. Other roots wrap around other trees in their vicinity, forming a cradle-like structure around younger trees. It is thought they do this in order to protect the saplings from animals like deer. While it would be assumed that this would inhibit the growth of the trees, the roots move and expand with their hosts. Öshelpacias trunks average between 4-6cm in diameter.