Background

The Hidden Folk appear to keep traditions of their own, though mortals understand little of them. Among the stranger examples are old trees touched by Fae influence and used as places of offering beyond the edges of settled land.

Their branches may be crowded with clothing, tools and personal possessions alongside animal remains, severed heads and, on occasion, entire bodies still fresh enough to identify. New additions sometimes appear overnight even when the surrounding snow shows no sign of approach.

Some of those recognised among the offerings recently quarrelled with the Hidden Folk, broke a local prohibition or neglected a custom believed to preserve their favour. Others appear to have done nothing at all. The offence may have been forgotten generations earlier or never understood by mortals.

Whether the offerings are payment, tribute, punishment or proof of a settled obligation remains unclear. The tree gives no explanation, and its branches are notoriously unwilling to surrender anything placed in their keeping.

Whatever purpose the practice serves, the Hidden Folk seem satisfied with it. Those selected for inclusion are generally less enthusiastic.

Tithe Tree | Dark Forest

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