The Spindle
Overview
The Spindle is a world tree in the Katkera forest on the Kirighai peninsula. It is the most sacred site within Muna territory and functions as an ecosystem in its own right.
Physical Description
The Spindle’s canopy rises above all other trees, including the giant sequoias. Its trunk reaches approximately 5,000 meters in height, with a circumference exceeding 5,000 feet. The branches are covered in pink leaves. The tree is visible for miles around.
Spiritual Significance
When the Muna access The Skein, dendrites of the Mana network visibly gather at this location, creating a pulsating node of energy. The Spindle is the heart of the forest, with all beings living there connected to it.
Interior Ecosystem
Inside the trunk, thousands of natural niches and alcoves contain birds, rodents, bears, wolves, sentient plants, and insects. Water trickles down the ancient wood from above, forming waterfalls and pools. Streams run between mounds and hills. The interior contains stone effigies and steles dedicated to various Eidolons, with offerings of flower garlands and trinkets.
Bark Refuge
At the heart of the Spindle sits Bark Refuge, the sanctuary where The Musubi bonding ceremonies take place and initiates complete their journey by weaving their Namkha Knot.
Current Crisis
The Spindle has been sick for many years. Branches are dying and leaves are wilting. White veins across leaf surfaces are the first symptoms of the disease spreading through branches and trunk. The Muna are seeking to save the tree, as its health is tied to the stability of the ecosystem and the strength of The Skein.
Protection from Exploitation
The Spindle’s situation contrasts with the world-tree at Cais Adarra, which ancient inhabitants of the City of Scholars drained of Sap until it died, causing their civilization’s collapse. Arjun has stated that if anyone attempted to drain The Spindle similarly, the Muna would resist with all their strength.
Role in Initiation
The Spindle is the destination of the Nine-Stage Pilgrimage. Aspirants climb to collect vines or stems, then descend to gather roots, using these materials to weave their Namkha Knot as the sign of belonging to the Muna.
Relationships
- Katkera: Forest where the Spindle grows
- Kirighai: Peninsula containing Katkera
- Muna: Faction for whom this is the most sacred site
- The Skein: Mana network of which the Spindle is the heart
- Bark Refuge: Sanctuary at the Spindle’s heart
- The Musubi: Bonding ceremonies conducted at Bark Refuge
- Namkha Knot: Woven by initiates using Spindle materials
- Nine-Stage Pilgrimage: Initiation journey ending at the Spindle
- Arjun: Muna leader who vowed to protect the Spindle
- Cais Adarra: Location whose world-tree was drained, serving as a warning
- City of Scholars: Civilization that collapsed after killing their world-tree
- Sap: Substance whose extraction killed the Cais Adarra tree