About a mile outside of the village of Appleton lays a pleasant little grove of apple trees, in the centre of which stands an ancient and gnarled apple tree. According to local folklore this is the First Tree, which has stood here since before the Dawning, and from which all apple trees are descended.
The Tree is home to Wistel the Dryad, and the Grove is her domain. In the spring the farmers bring her garlands of apple blossom and in the autumn she claims the first basket of fruit from each farm. The farmers readily agree to this for the blessings she sends to the orchards, and for fear that such blessings might be revoked.
According to local tradition if a wedding is conducted under the Tree, Wistel will bless the union and bring good fortune to the newlyweds. Young lovers (wedded or otherwise) like to spend their first night together in the Grove for much the same reasons.
There is no tangible evidence that any such benefits are obtained from all of this, nor do the farmers gain any real magics from it. Nonetheless the traditions continue, as they have for countless generations, for the villagers believe that it is only by Wistel's blessings that the apples grow at all.
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? Responses (4)
I like the idea a lot, a good setting, some local folklore, and hints at a greater history. Way too short though - I'd love to hear more about the dawning, how Wistel came to be, a short story about her, a description of the farm, etc. Great start - more!
A nice piece of background detail, though a little thin. A plot idea or two might easily improve the value of this sub.
Nice European-ish feel to this with the veneration of a particular ancient tree. I like the fact that all apple trees descend from this one. Could certainly use more info, as val said.
3.5/5 Def like this more than the rest, rich backgraound as addl fluff for a game