Seeking the Isle’s Forest Guardian
A pilgrimage for those who seek to protect the forest…
Zuggabug
Within the expansive forests of Xaaida, there is an area of land different from the rest. From the outside, this stretch of pines is the same as any other, but pilgrims within it find themselves almost transported to another world. The air is quiet here, calm. Birds sing in the branches above, and the weather is always mild for the season. Plantlife is vibrant, and the various woodland creatures of the Xaaida forests scamper amongst the bushes in trees. As you walk down the overgrown path, you may feel eyes on you- and if you turn to look just in time, you may catch a mossy green creature watching you with curiosity as you trek through the grove.
Zuggabug, the embodiment of the forests across the island, is a rather mysterious figure, and rarely is their true form seen. There are many a tale of Squoons with moss growing from their fur, or Taddler with forked tails watching visitors to their grove. Some of these tales tell of these creatures turning into the guardian himself, though these tales are even more scarce. One thing is for certain: Zuggabug is curious about finley and the inhabitants of the island.
Those who have communed with Zuggabug describe them as very curious, benevolent, and easygoing. He is fascinated with finley and watching them throughout their lives- an observer. They are known to love fruit, happily taking the sweet offerings left at their shrine.
The Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage is a challenging journey. It must be undertaken by a single character, accompanied by their bond if they choose. Adequate preparation must be taken as although Zuggabug’s grove is safe, you still must reach it.
These first two steps of the pilgrimage have a minimum requirement of 1 shaded fullbody, with a simple scenic background OR 775 words.
Then, to commune with Zuggabug in the third step, you must draw 1 shaded halfbody character, complex background OR 1 shaded halfbody character + 1 shaded halfbody guardian, medium background OR 1275 words.
"It is of the utmost importance that you remember to be respectful of all Spirits when on this Pilgrimage. Fae spirits are always in communication with the Guardian of the area! Word travels quickly, so actions that may have caused grievance with a Fae, can very well cause grievance with their Guardian as well!"
Information
Name: Zuggabug
Pronounced: Zug-ah-bug
Age: Unknown
Gender: Neutral, Male
Classification: Guardian
Affiliation: Forest (Xaaida)
Alignment: Neutral, benevolent
Active: Midday
Abilities:
- Fertilizes soil
- Shapeshifting (Xaaida forest creatures [Taddler, Squoon, MinKin, Tryklyte])
- Strength
Height: 26 ft (Standing up) | 57’4” (Head to Butt | Not Counting Tail)
Weight: 974 lbs
Bestows:
- Moss Back
- Zug Eyes
- Wood Pinch Tail
- Blessing
- Curse
Shrine Location:
- Tucked deep in the forest, located in a tree hollow
Shapeshifted Forms
The Tucked Away Shrine
Located deep in the forest, tucked in a small clearing lies a tree near the far side acting as the Guardian Shrine. If one were to approach the tree they would notice a decent sized knot hole in the tree. With a peer inside a small stone altar with a painted forest mark on the back rock. While clean, sometimes there can be scraps of food left on the altar.
Prayer is usually undertaken at the altars, and offerings to Spirits are left on the flat surface. Surprisingly, these offerings are usually gone upon the next visit...
Shrine's Altars
Traditional shrine altars have a very simplistic design. Usually they consist of a flat surface on a thinner slab of cut and smoothed stone, creating a table-like structure. At the far back is the Altar Window, this consists of two slender stone pillars supporting a cut rectangular piece. This area is usually decorated with bells, chimes, candles and flowers. It is believed that the purpose of these windows is to see into the realm of the Spirits.
Prayer is usually undertaken at the altars, and offerings to Spirits are left on the flat surface. Surprisingly, these offerings are usually gone upon the next visit...
To be Blessed, to be Cursed
Should you desire to be Blessed...
There are three important tasks which must be done.
1. Find some fruit
2. Follow the markers where a particular looking forest creature rests
3. Leave the fruit in the tree hollow during midday and Zuggabug will appear
Completion of these tasks will result in a Guardian's Blessing and one of the Blessed APs.
Should you desire to be Cursed...
There are three important tasks which must be done.
1. Follow the markers where a particular looking forest creature rests
2. Leave half-eaten fruit in the tree hollow
3. Encounter Zuggabug during midday and denounce them..
Completion of these tasks will result in a Guardian's Curse.
Zuggabug’s Blessings
You can locate these upgrades in the "Other" tab of the upgrade directories for all species.
