Groves

"'Though this body lies splintered and broken, my end is the start of a new beginning. I go now to the groves of Vir'Kal to be reborn, my fury renewed by the will of the Great One. I will return in its name, and reap my vengeance.'""-An Unnamed Vir"Numerous mentions of Groves have been made in reference to the Vir returning after death. The first of these was in the chanting of a Vir captured and studied under the direction Harbyron, an Iri at the time, and the influence of a "Speak with Dead" spell. A more direct reference was made to their function in the scout's notes delivered by The Strong, where it was stipulated that the quick regeneration of Haaskat in the region was evidence of the proximity of its Grove.

During their time spent in the Origin, Igneus' rear guard discovered two key facts about Groves. First, that Vir revived in a Grove retain all memory up to the point where their spirit leaves its old shell, meaning that they remember exactly what killed them and where. Second, that the Vir are capable of relocating a Grove should the need arise. This makes the destruction of a discovered Grove essential, as the Vir may simply relocate if they feel their position is vulnerable. Groves can be recognized by a distinctive green glow coming from within.

Groves are likely constructed through ritual magic, as they are fueled by captive Branded. Home Tree Seeds can also be used in their construction. Those used this way become still-living but desiccated husks bound to the Grove, incapable of being removed without being slain. Once removed, the Grove's magic fails and the ward protecting the Phylactery at its core is dispelled. This stops the master of the Grove, thus far a Vir'Bren, from regenerating and seems to keep any other Vir from spawning there.

Destroying a Grove
In order to permanently destroy a Grove, the following should be done in order:
 * 1) Free the spirits of any captive Branded, by killing them. Prepare to fight any present Vir or Vir'Bren once this is done.
 * 2) Remove the Phylactery at the heart of the Grove. It will be warded before the first step is complete.
 * 3) Burn everything you see to the ground. Leave only ashes.