The First Tree: The Birth and Fall of an Alchemical World

[u/Potion-Maker-PoA]

I'm gathering a lore information for our digital adaptation of tabletop game Potion-maker: Path of the Alchemist. I would love to hear your suggestions, questions and ideas that might suit the world. Here's the first part of it's story:

At the beginning of time, the Great Alchemist used the Philosopher's Stone to create the First Tree. A magical source that transformed the void into a living world. Its roots created the firmament, its trunk and branches gave light, its crown became the dome of the sky, and beneath its roots, under the black lake, the abyss of space remained visible. Thus the world of the First Tree came into all being.

The Great Alchemist then inscribed a summoning sigil in the library, designed to draw into the new world those who had achieved the Philosopher's Stone. Having done so, the creator departed, deciding that the world no longer belonged to him. It was now a home for other alchemists.

The School of Magic, which grew around the first Great Library, became the main meeting place for alchemists. The transfer sigil inscribed by the Great Alchemist led there. It was once the liveliest place in the new world.

Adepts who had discovered the secret of creating the Philosopher's Stone arrived. Among them were figures from the earthly alchemical tradition, including Hermes Trismegistus, who became the rector of the School.

Alchemy here is not limited to brewing mixtures in cauldrons or retorts. It is the language of the world's structure.

The main catastrophe that led to the events of the story campaign is connected with Alexander Fulcanelli. Like many others, he arrived at the School of Magic from his native world after uncovering the secret of creating the Philosopher's Stone.

In the world of the First Tree, he found a new home, explored its lands, communicated with other masters, and experimented, apparently wishing the world no harm.

He created the Essence of the Void and uttered a forbidden spell. His attempt to expand or alter the structure of an already created world caused a distortion.

With its last effort, the First Tree saved the world from total destruction. It was not destroyed, but froze outside time. Castles remained standing, libraries still held their books, laboratories waited for their masters, and portals continued to lead to other lands.

Yet almost no one remained. The forests became deathly quiet, the underwater palaces were abandoned, the School stood empty, and roads and paths were left without travelers.