Druid

Followers of the Anon

A druid, called bandrui if female, is a Casting class of Caster, on par with their arcane counterparts, the Wizard and the Sorcerer. Druids, however, do not gain their ability to manipulate the Anon (Magic) through their ancient bloodlines. Rather, according to druidic folklore, Fairy and Nymph were taught by the Elder Tree how to use the tree and their forest's magic. They, in turn, taught the Woyd'are, who later taught the Human. These become the first druids. Though this can be contradictory to other myths, these legends, if true, could make druids the oldest magic-users of Aldern.

Where the other casters gain their abilities through heritage, passed down from generation to generation, one must choice to undergo the druidic rituals to become a true druid. There are not formal schools for druids, one must be accepted by an elder druid as a student in their druidic circle. These elders will often seek out gifted children, and those that show an affinity to nature. The child will be taken into the care of the druids, learning and training for years before the rituals to become a druid are performed. These rituals are primarily ceremonially and vary between regions and druidic circles. The final ritual in these ceremonies is the Rite of Blood. In the rite the potential druid will consumption an elixir of herbs, special leaves, and the sap. This will cause changes in the consumers body, giving them the ability to cast. Death is rare, but the ritual sometimes does not take and the potential druid will fail the Rite of Blood. These failed druids will often stay with their circle serving in mundane rolls for the true druids. Though elven and draconic bloodlines seem to help the success rate of the Rite, they are not required for success. Once complete, and successful, the new druid will begin his or her study in druidic Casting.

If the Rite of Blood is passed and the individual becomes a druid, they will undergo another, secret ritual, the Faerrai.This final ritual breaks the Shroud, allowing the druid to see and communicate with the Fairy of the elder trees.

The druidic profession is native to Southern Jerain. Though it has spread through the ages, it is still largely concentrated in the south. Throughout the Loslands most druids act as priests, historians, advisors, and healers. Others spend their lives traveling the deep forests that remain in the Southern Reach, aiding the flora and fauna, healing blights, and guiding unspoiled nature. A few travel beyond their lands, crossing the world to gain or spread knowledge of the balance in nature.