Pronunciation: (ES-pah)
Galactic Region: Perseus Arm
Galactic Branch: Sikhara Branch
Galactic Sector: N4
Star System: Sol
Planet: Terra
Continent: Saoirse
Nation: Saor
Related Geography: Quellen lake, the Weisewald
Coordinates: 59° N, 80° E
Espe is the largest Baumeni city in the Weisewald, or on terra for that matter. It is the center of their culture and political life, such as there is. The city sits on the shores of Quellen lake, and at the roots of the First Tree, the oldest living organism alive on the planet. The city itself is alive, its buildings and structures woven from the roots of the First Tree and the symbiotic organisms of its ecosystem. Espe is also home to one of the largest Baumeni nurseries, the largest being in Birnaum
Many Baumeni make a pilgrimage to Espe, especially to witness the great tree. Traditionally, this is the capstone of the pilgrimage after the four groves have been visited. It is believed that seeing the tree for the first time opens the mind, enhancing the visions experienced when meditating at the First Tree. It is believed that this effect is further enhanced by experiencing the visions from the other groves has occurred, particularly the visions of Kirshl
The visions experienced at the First Tree are unique to each person and do not usually change substantially regardless of how many times the vision is experienced. The visions are visually complex and assault the senses with a myriad of images, and sensations. This barrage eventually and suddenly coalesces into a single concept after several hours, a powerful and burning desire that all creatures be unified in a single existence. Those that experience the vision are afterward left with a profound sense of belonging
