In a laboratory deep underground stands a sole tree creature, Vasculora. Before them is a desk covered in numerous flasks, herbs, and other oddities. In the center is a small terrarium, with bugs lazily walking around around within, beside that is a pouch of flytrap seeds. After gathering a couple of the bits and mobs from around the desk, Vasculora began rifling through the bag of grains, carefully inspecting each one, looking for any deformities that may cause issue and setting them aside. Next, they moved a single outstretched arm over the desk, allowing blood to pour out. Instead of spilling across it, however, it began to form a hardened square tablet on the desk about an inch thick and a foot in length. They then turned a single 'finger' into a sharp blade, and began leisurely etching a magic circle. Seemingly only doing this to relax, like a hobbyist carpenter working on a stool. In this particular case, ground red beryl and strangler vine were mixed in with dragon blood sap, filling the groves in the slate. The magic circle became increasingly more complex with each second, each time the tablet finished, the pattern sunk into the block of blood.  This particular slate was focused on creating a larger variant that grew multitudes faster. While it was still meant to be able to consume things of proportional sizes, the piercing strength was not particularly reinforced, as to more keep the plant as a pet more than a weapon. After, the finishing of the slab, all that was left was to test the effects. The activation was the simple part, just place the seeds in the correct location atop the slab, and then channel the mana through it appropriately. The seeds were changed from a light tan to a deep crimson, a common trait of many of Vasculora's personal creations due to the intense amount of concentrated blood used to form the slates. The seeds began to lightly shake, a sign that they were even livelier than expected. Seeing this, the tree tossed the seeds into the soil, allowing them to take root and begin rapidly growing at a speed visible to the naked eye. After feeding these plants some of the raw chicken kept nearby so that they don't starve before reaching maturity, the plants quickly grew to an astonishing 5 meters in height, with mouths large enough to devour a cow whole.  The tree seemed to be incredibly pleased with the creation, seeing the success. A few notes were made in a journal about the new organism before it was swiftly and unceremoniously consumed into the core of the tree, it would likely die in the intensely hostile realm, but perhaps it would adapt. The slate was slotted into a rack below numerous others, the label next to it was filled in with a quill dipped in treated blood, and the rack was sealed off once again.   [ A photo of one of the magic circles used ]

[ Trigger warning: Long rambling text that does not have any relevance to almost anybody. ] The Preparation It took many months, but it was finally ready. All five synthesis chambers were set up, each one unique with intricate weaving of biomantical glyphs and circles, runic carvings, gemstone inlays, mana permeation, and blood specially treated. This process had been dangerous, with numerous cases of explosions, magical backlash, and extreme reactions. The resources were incredibly hard to procure, dragon's blood, the blood of an oracle, mythical crops, blessed items, and highly advanced alchemical potions. The ingredients were highly precious and exceptionally rare, but it would be worth it. There were some similarities between all the rooms. A cauldron, suspended over the pool of blood that has been absorbing the mana of the tree, used to mix each iteration. Jadeite ad anemolite were placed directly upon the cauldron, supporting the life functions of it while it is going through the arduous transformation as well as supplying it with mana to help supplement the process. Opposite those, are Red Beryl, to imbue the blood with a ferocious nature, a desire to be the strongest. Finally, malachite near the pool, adapting it to be more adjusted to nature's energy. There was a core blood running through all of them as well, to allow for integration between all five blood strands later. One of the most powerful bloodlines possible, dragon blood. One of the unique properties of the blood tree was changing with their blood. With stronger bloodlines flowing through them, they too were stronger. With acidic blood, they'd melt objects with a touch. This property is what drove them to enhance their blood to such a terrifying degree. The process by which the blood was altered is called biomancy. It is a rare for of magic, uncommonly practiced for it's difficult and... unique... nature. It combines traditional magic, alchemy, and druidic arts. It does not excel at any of the three, but becomes something of its own, powerful in the right hands, but to most not as useful. The First Blood: Iron Thorn Designed with one goal in mind: Protect the insides. This blood was a reinforcer, a protector. It was meant to be powerful and sturdy. In it's synthesis room, defensive wards were inscribed, alongside reinforcement glyphs. These were placed to enhance the defensive properties of the blood, making it heartier, tougher, and stronger to breach. There was a problem though, these defensive and heavier properties would make the blood slow, to counterbalance this, the properties of tremella were mixed in with the blood. Tremella has the function of supporting oxygenation of blood, as well as preserving skin. These two in combination compensated for the slower moving blood. With that problem resolved, the blood still needed to be enhanced further in order to give it the defensive properties necessary. Steelberries were also imbued into the mixture to increase the potency of the defensive properties, carrying the properties of a tree that's bark is stronger than steel, and the berry's own regenerative and defensive properties, it made for the perfect agent to increase the vigor and stamina of the blood, allowing it to handle more intense transformations. Two more ingredients were added. The first was rockbud, a plant naturally capable of creating some of the best natural defense possible, being likened to hardened stone. Due to this very property the stone was incredibly difficult to synthesize into the bloodstream, however, when the rock exterior is carefully removed, it is possible to process the plant. Finally, a barkskin potion was added to the blood. This served two purposes, the first was to increase the defensive nature of the blood further, and the second was to acclimate it to dealing with the bark that it would be flowing through.  The Second Blood: Read Seal This blood is unique, created for a very specific purpose, it is a blood that ‘remembers’.  For such a task, a complex approach was needed, with multiple somewhat opposite effects, meant to cancel out some, while enhancing others. The leaves of the rare ginko plant were covered in a thin layer of powdered kava kava. These two plants have very potent effects. Kava kava is a precious plant that has divinative powers, but also acts as a sedative. Ginko however is a plant that is a highly potent medicine, one that improves the condition of both the mind and body. Combining these effects allows the sedative properties to be greatly diminished, while the psychic and arcane properties to be greatly enhanced. Finally, the core ingredient was applied, wytchweed. Special care was taken with this plant as opposed to the others. While the rest of the plants imbued their natural properties, the wytchweed was intended to be *absorbed*. Normally, wytchweed takes on the mana of that which it is fed, and then once full, repels that mana. This is the property this blood is trying to take on. With very careful and delicate effort, and a lot of trial and error, the property was successfully merged into the blood. Though the full effects of wytchweed were not able to be replicated, the memory and storage of mana traces and reactivity with them was able to be retained. Though now it is no longer capable of actually containing and repurposing that mana. This amount of magical potential is not something normal blood would be able to handle, though. In order to reinforce the blood, it is merged with an archmages potion, giving it a much higher capacity for magic. To instill the values of the Caretaker into the blood, the first blessed item received, the Gnarled Root, was imbued into the blood strain. The Third Blood: Black Crucible A bloodline for the purpose of improving the strands and turn new blood into copies of the existing. It is an incredibly advanced blood, and required special additives to make it work. The first step was to infuse the alchemical potential into the strain. Two core ingredients were used for this purpose. The first, chromatic algae, added the additional property of allowing it the ability to process arcane infusions. The second, powder of azoth, was used to specifically allow it ease of binding and transmutation. Next was Maca, to further enhance the alchemical properties, and to add a stroke of fortune to anything produced. To give it a sense of what is and isn't valuable, a treasurefinder potion was further injected. Finally, dracohydra's blood was further infused, to allow for the regenerative property to bleed through. The Fourth Blood: Pale Adjudicant The pale adjudicant strain of blood is unlike the others, in that it is simply an enhancement of what blood already does. This strain is also different, as it does not focus on red blood cells, but white. This strain’s sole purpose is to fight off threats within the body. The aim in developing this strain was purification. With this topic, there are two key herbs. Garlic and sage. Both of these are incredible when it comes to purification, sage especially. Garlic also serves the purpose of healing and protecting, both the strain itself and those that it does not mean to eliminate. This function is also incredibly important. Further, rattlespine blood was added in order to enhance the lethality. A potion of dangersense was also imbued into the strain, allowing it to easily discern friend from foe in an environment with so many moving parts. Finally, the ingredient that allows it to deal with threats that the purification herbs do not, and the reason why the healing and protective properties were so heavily imbued into the strain, devil’s tooth fungus. This is an *incredibly* dangerous fungus, with an insanely potent effect. This being the case, so little of it was needed and used that not even a whole fungus was needed throughout the entire experiment process. The ooze of this fungus has one key property. It dissolves. It is absolute. Both the physical and magical are erased in its presence. This is why the healing and protective layers are needed on the strain, to be able to imbue this effect without the cell itself getting eaten away. Even with this layer of protection, the strain has a shortened life span, but it is incredibly effective through its duration.  The Fifth Blood: Verdant Veil The sewer system blood. It serves a similar, but fundamentally different, purpose to the pale adjudicant strain. While the pale adjudicant strain’s purpose is to remove threats, the verdant veil strain’s is to keep it out in the first place. This blood flow acts almost like a tongue. They interact with everything that comes into the body through the roots, and parses out what is and isn’t a threat. It works quickly, efficiently, and with finality. Imbued into this blood is a quickhands potion, giving it the ability to move faster than any of the other strains. Blood wormwood and aglaophotis both had their properties imbued into the strain. The first of the two specializes in parasites, infections, and curses. The second handles demons and wytchcraft of all types. These two in combination help keep out anything that may be present in any intake reacting to anything that is inherently hostile. While these two do specialize in removing their respective properties, sometimes they aren’t strong enough. This is why at the core of this strain, sits a generally insignificantly small amount of dragon's tongue sap. Such a small amount, that once again not even a whole flower was used. This was placed there so that in case the curse of infection was too powerful for the anti-bodies on the outer power of the cell, it would then attach itself to said threat, exposing the internals, and causing a microscopic explosion, taking out both. Finally, to ensure that anything of poor quality and survivability never enters the main bloodstream, the blood of the Deas Terminus Oracle, Svarog was imbued into the strain, draining the life force of weak strains, and adding yet another cursed aspect to the blood. The Crown In order to control the body, the veins, and the very cells that make up the blood, a level of control was needed that was not currently held. While the 100 hearts allowed for the directing of blood to reflow from different areas, and the ability to create new opening and move around veins was enough in most cases, with something as intense as this, all would need to be in perfect sync.  To forge an item capable of this, mycelium crowns and strandhewn staffs were utilized. The first was the control method, originally connecting an individual to nearby fungal colonies, a complex series of rituals was used to alter the very makeup of this biological artifact, warping it to control blood instead. The problem, the tree was far too large to cover the entirety of the massive tree and root system. As such, an extender of sorts was needed, something to weave it into every nook and cranny of the tree. This is where the strandhewn staff comes into play. Made of twisting fungal strands, it was a simple matter to take the base of the staff and rework it to be made of the flesh of the tree, to connect to the very veins. These staffs originally had the property of connecting themselves to the soil, reaching out inside of it to find other colonies. This trait was manipulated to weave into the very fibers of the tree. Acting as the extenders for the blood crowns that were so desperately needed.  This new crown, much larger in size, and more complex in shape than any one component had been originally, now acted as the controlling mechanism for the entirety of the tree. It was merged into the bark, became one with the structure, lost it's original form, and became indistinguishable from the rest. Not known from any location, but felt by the orders it gave. The power if held over every cell in the body was immense. Capable of starving off the nutrients to any cell in an instant, redirecting the flow of blood, forcing it to move in unnatural ways within the body. Every inch became under total control. The power was immense, but also risky. If managed improperly, the ecosystem could collapse, and everything would perish. This was a risk for growth, however. So it was a risk necessary to take. The Merging The final step had arrived. The merging of the blood into the blood tree. An incredibly risky procedure, but one that would have to be done alone. The process was overall, quite simple, but in practice even a momentary lapse would result in death. It requires a repeated process of entirely emptying the blood from the body in certain segments and refilling it before cellular death becomes too extreme. If the flushing or the refilling takes too long, then the cells would decay and necrosis would set in on a widespread scale. If even a little bit was left behind, then the blood strains would become muddled and ineffective, with risks of rejection to occur. Choosing a wrong order, or having made any one of the blood's incorrect would also result in immediate death. This required The Crown to work perfectly as well, as even a second of delay, order judgment, or failure in execution to a single part would be disastrous.   The first step was to flush the locations at the center of the base of the tree, where the Black Crucible would reside. This location allowed them to alter everything that came in, modifying it to be best utilized, and a fit for the colony. This location also allowed it quick access to the center, where the Red Seal would next take residence. Flowing along the middle channel of the tree, the Red Seal acts as a sort of antonymous brain for the blood. Remembering everything the crown has said, all orders given, every action taken, every strain ever made. It issues orders when the crown does not, it maintains order in this new internal realm where only the best would be able to survive. Next came the Pale Adjudicants, these were stored in a ring around the the Red Seal, though they would flow freely through the blood once everything was in place. Set to manage the rest of the blood stream, acting as a sort of immune system, ensuring everything stayed in balance, a messenger from the Red Seal, and an executor of that which no longer served the tree. Finally came the extremities, first the Iron Thorns, placed alongside the bark of the tree, it fortified the exterior, ensuring the tree was safe from external threats, and keeps an iron grip upon the blood streams near the exteriors, ensuring nothing breaks through. Lastly was the Verdant Veil, placed into the roots. Placed last to not delay the replenishing of blood entering the body, but a necessary addition at the end to ensure nothing else enters through that is not meant to. The transformation was complete, the only thing left was Integration Finally, the barriers between the systems dropped, and yet, everything was still. Slowly, the blood began flowing, not to fill space, but as if it already knew where it was going to go. The Pale Adjudicant began to filter itself throughout the entire bloodstream, while others like the Iron Thorn merely circulated throughout their system, never leaving. As time passed, and everything became settled, the system had to respond to the challenges of life. New blood was accepted, from simple creatures like unicorns which blood was relatively safe, to leviathans with heavy curses embedded within. The weak cells within the veil died, along with the cells in the black crucible that made them. New strains would emerge, having the strengths of those past, but with greater and greater refinement. It made them faster, stronger, more durable, more flexible. It resulted in rapid death and creation of new cells, but that was what was required for evolution. It existed in an ever escalating war with itself, every single cell within the body fighting to prove they are the best. Those in the Iron Thorn that were injured were removed, those that resisted the hits would continue to multiply. Those in the Red Seal that could not made calls correctly were eliminated, those that did not remember perfectly, starved. It was brutal, but it was growth. With the ecosystem within the terrarium ever evolving as well, there was never a cease to the threats. While most were quelled by the various forces within the tree, there were always the challengers, those that were foolish enough to break rank. Some were great beasts, others the tiniest viral invaders. All were killed, and all will be. That is the way, the only way. The reign is absolutely, for the goal is absolute. Growth is all the matters within the realm, everything else is left to the outside. Sometimes evolution too needs to evolve its methods, and that is what created, The Vasculora.

[ The cover of the book appears to be made of bark, with crystalized blood shaped into a circle held up by an antler crown. The pages are rougher than normal paper, and feel more durable. ]   Introduction: The Holy Mother is the goddess of the Wilds. They rule over life, nature, and growth. Over the centuries, they have gone by many titles, Deas Sanguine, the Caretaker, Horned One. Regardless of what one may call them the Mother holds claim over all life.  Beyond their core domains, they also rule over blood, conflict, balance, and rebirth. They hold dominion over the beginning of the Great Cycle, and maintain it alongside the other members of the Triumvirate.   The Holy Mother: While the Mother is caring towards their followers, they are also very harsh to those that fail to meet expectations. They place great value in those who take action themselves rather than ask the divine for assistance at every turn. They believe that the strong are the worthy and that strength is proven by survival. They are welcoming to new followers, but heavily dislike those that go against the Wild Law. When it does not concern their followers, they are a  neutral entity. They do not follow any concepts of good or evil, only survival. There is a case to be made that they are a lawful entity, however. As when it comes to the Wild Law, they enforce it strictly and without mercy.   Prayers & Rites: When praying to the Mother, it is important to take care as to not offend them.  Common offerings include: things of a bloodier nature, trophies taken from strong opponents, nature-attuned items, spoils of your hunt or harvest, and items from the blessed Reau'san Jungle. It is best to make temples in an area overseen by the Mother, as to not cause conflict between the divine. The Mother has a myriad of forms they manifest as. Though they often will be tied to nature or blood in some way. While any specific manifestation may not have a guaranteed meaning, there are common trends when they interact with mortals. The manipulation of blood is a common sign, and is not one that should be taken too gravely despite many people's initial reaction. Being a more neutral manifestation, however, means it can also be a threat. Another common manifestation is as vines. These are often a more positive sign, allowing them to reach out and embrace, without necessarily injuring them. Brambles are aless positive sign, though. Often the most threatening way they choose to manifest. Their brambles are incredibly sharp, and often prove themself as such. This is normally a sign they are not the happiest. They also have a litany of servants they can send to act on their behalf as well. They are many in number, yet rare all the same. They seldom appear, usually only to convey that which needs a more precise language to tell. These forms range from wolves formed of blood, massive horned beetles, vines that speak, and many more. When you are unsure if an act or item would offend the Mother, it is always advised to speak with a local member of the clergy to verify whether these fears are warranted. The Mother does not see mistakes, they see choices. So be careful, lest you move to the next part of the Great Cycle. There are many rites performed in the name of the Mother, all with different roles and purposes. None are to be taken lightly, and all are important.   The Rite of Survival: A trial of combat, meant to show the strength of an individual. In this ritual, an individual faces a litany of foes, the stronger the better, with survival being the goal. These are frequently performed in arena style temples, though any area works.    The Rite of Blood: A ritual for penance, seldomly performed. It is an extreme act to be carried out in only the most extreme of cases. Performed by the self as an act of repentance or by another as a punishment, the result is the same. An offering is given, and then the blood is drained from the individual. If the Mother is sufficently pleased with the penance, then the life of the individual will be spared. If not, they will perish. There is a temple where this rite is most often performed in the far east.   The Rite of Renewal: A peaceful ritual, involving a region giving tithe of their harvests and hunts, both as thanks and as a request for new or continued prosperity. A ritual very commonly performed all over the continent, as if it is neglected, the region may be afflicted with locusts, famine, and onslaughts of all manner of beasts.    Rite of Transition: A funerary rite, performed exclusively for individuals who followed the Wild Law in life. It is a sacred rite performed by one of the Mother's holy folk. It is performed upon a holy site, the deceased placed into a coffin made of enchanted wood, the bark still attached, nailed together with bones. Beneath the body, a bed of thorns is made.  Once the body is prepared in the coffin, they are to be placed upon an altar. The rite can start in earnest. Each person in attendance shall empty an amount of blood their blood into the coffin in amount proportional to what the person to them. This is an incredibly important event for followers of the Wild Law, as from this blood the body and the armaments of the deceased are formed in the afterlife, molded to fit their soul. After the shedding of blood, the coffin is nailed shut, and the final prayer is to be performed on behalf of the deceased. If they have followed the teachings and laws of the Wild in life, then in death, the Mother shall call them home.  The coffin is not to be touched until flowers begin to form upon the coffin. If a soul was accepted, then the coffin shall be covered in an array of deep crimson roses. Care is to be taken to not disturb these roses during burial. As any who are to disrupt the coffin at this point shall face the wrath of the Mother. Conversely, if a soul fails to meet the standards the Mother has set, withered flower petals shall spill out from within the coffin. In this event, what is done with them is irrelevant.   Hemathyl: Hemathyl is the realm in which the Mother resides. It is where the souls of faithful go in death, and an eternal battleground. It is a harsh afterlife, but one incredibly fulfilling to most of their follower's. With bodies and weapons forged by blood, this realm is an eternal battleground where these souls fight, die, and revive endlessly. Constantly honing their skills, fighting in as many unique ways as there are people. The realm is incredibly varied in terms of terrain, with large flat plains, dense and uneven forests, jagged mountains, etc. Some regions have become dominated by factions, with large group warfare occuring endlessly, some fight in death games of wit, and others fight in gladiatorial arena in endless duels. It can be considered a truly heavenly place. Some call it a hellscape, this is incorrect.   Divine Law: The law of the Mother is also known as the Wild Law. It is both a system of belief and a rule of the world. It is simply, 'Survival of the fittest'. It is different from mantras such as the might makes right  as it is not about who has more power, or can win in a fight, but simply who survives.  Furthermore, all life exist to grow. Falling into stagnation is no different from death.   There are also a number of things expected of all those faithful to the Mother. Life is to be held in respect, and taking it senselessly is a heinous act.  Growth is to be fostered, not stunted. With that said, weeds should be pulled out from the ground, as to not spread and prevent others from reaching their potential. It is wise to remember from where the benefits of what you reap come from, for as the Mother blesses you with it, they can just as easily take it away. Overreliance on others is a crutch that stunts growth. While cooperation is acceptable, becoming dependent is not. "All are welcomed into the Mother's embrace, as long as they can stand the thorns" is a saying often uttered by followers of the Mother. It refers to the principle that none are barred from the Mother's grace, but that does not mean it is easy to receive. The Mother is harsh, and true.     Final Notes: The Holy Mother is the goddess that sits atop the Triumvirate. They are a powerful entity, loving to their faithful, but fair to all. They are a harsh mother, but that is to allow for all to grow. Do not become overly reliant on them, they value those that take matters into their own hands. They provide the tools and means to accomplish tasks, they don't do it for you. Growth comes from within, and can only be brought by yourself. Though it is not a path you must walk alone. There are many ways to grow, find yours, find all of them.  

The fortress built on the mountain inches closer to completion every day. They have broken the cliff in order to make it harder to scale and placed powerful turrets along its side to decimate those who attempt to. The walls seem to be magically reinforced to deflect projectiles, and the gate reinforced to withstand physical attack. The shrine to the Caretaker still stands in front of its gate, it is unclear whether this was an intentional defensive measure or coincidence.  What remains to be seen is if there was a greater purpose behind this fortress. The construction of it has taken quite a while, however, so I don't think it was for any imminent plans. It appears to be run by a soldier in a strange armor that doesn't seem to quite fit right.  I've overheard them talking about a second fortress and a large wall, but I am unsure for what end.  This show of military force is concerning, though. Fortresses are rarely built for peaceful times, and I doubt this will be the exception.

Another village has been added to this nations litany. The mushroom mayor has expanded their influence, leaving the caves. They have begun creating a village of greenhouses and farms. All sorts of magical plants are being grown here, from the toxic hellbore to the rejuvenating greyleaf. Predominantly, however, they have been growing all manner of mushrooms.  I still cannot reconcile their obsession with consuming mushrooms within my mind. As a mushroom themself, should it not be more repulsive? Regardless, this marks the first instance of them expanding beyond the valley and abandoning the mountain range. Do they intend to conquer the entire forest region? Their power has grown by the day, but there must be a limit to their expansion, right? For what purpose did the tree creature create this nation? They seem obsessed with strength, so perhaps it is for that?