thorny nexus
(Carryover from Preludes)
We have the Phoenix statue around the map in places known (and otherwise currently unavailable for us to go to). What if there was a special interaction if players visited the statue and went into the nightfold? A spirit-form Phoenix appears briefly in front of the Envoy before it flies off. Upon returning to Midrath, the stone Phoenix briefly lights up and interacts with the Envoy, sending us forth on a quest.
Could be an Omen Beast, could be the start of a quest from continent to continent where different cultures celebrate the bird of legend. A long quest, one that won't necessarily be complete immediately or in one session, but over the course of many sessions as the player progresses through the world of Alca.
It could also work as a new spirit guide (though its form would likely need to shrink)
runic oriole