Hopeseed

This refers to a class of relics, of which only one is known to exist as of 253 AC.

A Hopeseed is formed when a hag successfully redeems themselves from the bargain with the Mother Tree, breaking loose the seed that replaced their heart from the control of that malignant entity. This is invariably fatal, for only in death through self-sacrifice can this connection be overloaded and severed. The seed, then, absorbs the remnants of the person's aether and intent, becoming purified and becoming fey in material aspects.

Hopeseeds have at least some amount of sentience, even if they don't have true personalities. They have desires, almost always formed around the goal of opposing the Mother Tree.

Their exact properties are unknown, but it is believed that a Hopeseed can be used to purify other hags (invariably killing them) or can be planted to grow into a tree like, but utterly opposed to, the Mother Tree. Many hags believe that a Hopeseed can be used as an unwilling source of vitality, freeing them at least partially from the Mother Tree's control. As such, hags are known to desperately search for such artifacts.

Known Hopeseeds

• One was buried dormant in a temple to a forgotten deity near Torpen Hill in the Ungoverned Lands until it was recovered (and saved from searching hags) in late summer 253 AC by the Repotaters. It is still in their possession as of this writing.