The centre of the deep woods is dominated by the all-towering tree. The mighty stem, crowned by a region-spanning canopy, can be seen from all corners of the world. Its countless massive roots covertly slither through earth and hidden caverns. These roots are the source of an ancient power, a power which binds magic into leaf, and stone, and dirt.
Infused over centuries, maybe millennia, the relics of the deep woods were once revered, now almost forgotten. Finding one presents the elusive opportunity to bind the spell. The reward is great, but the cost might be greater. No technique has been found yet, to control the chaotic nature of these powers, and sacrifice of body or soul is almost always inevitable.
In some areas of the world the search for and use of root relics is strictly forbidden. Either, for fear of disturbing ancient slumbering evils, as the green incantations and blood rituals connected to relics tear at the very fabric of the world. Or, since cultural inheritance imputes a spiritual force to root-infused items, it would be blasphemous to abuse such power, which can only be harnessed by exploiting the roots.
This stands in contrast to artefact hunters who go out and actively dig for central roots in search to extract the very essence, to sell it to those who think they can control it for greater purpose. Roots which have been laid bare can affect the landscape over time. The essence seeps into the surrounding nature and wildlife, transforming the flora and fauna into grotesque reflections of themselves. It is one theory, that an event like this, was the wellspring for the emergence of the Gens.
One of the coveted relics, hidden and waiting to be found, is the notorious Ironbark Embrace. The delicate bracelet is made from vines which grew close to an exposed root. You can grasp the old power within and turn your hand into sturdy bark. But do that once too often, and you might lose your hand, since with every use the tendrils dig deeper into the flesh of your wrist.