The Circle of Thorns
A group of dark and twisted druids fueled by a hatred of humanoids great and small, considering them antithetical and destructive towards nature.
Structure
To join: If the person is a druid or shaman, generally they must undergo a dark and lonely trek into the woods to meet a Darkwood and convince it, generally through the use of magic, to return to the glade where the Druidic circle resides. Often this requires reagents found either in the wood or elsewhere.
If the person is neither, they can still join, they simply must bring three sacrifices, still alive. These will likely be different races from all over. Afterwards, they must then kill their quarry themselves.
Both are then made to kneel before the rest of the circle where a crown of thorns is placed about their neck and tugged on as they dutifully recite the pledge of the druidic circle.
Pledge of Thorns
As a member of the Circle of Thorns, I recognize that I am the very agent that I fight against. I will cleanse this world of humanoids, all of which desecrate the land with their consumption and greed. I will spare no mercy, for no mercy is spared to the world and all it has given us. I will not yield to my opposition. I will feed the plants with the body of my enemies. When all of this is done, I will surrender my mortal form to the soil and spare the world from suffering at my hand.
History
Originally members of The Dreamers of the White Stag, a few elves and their protectors went on a quest to help protect and cure the forests bordering between Lundhearst and Xulf. Unfortunately, the corruption was so thick from the environmental hazards caused by the two that their minds began to warp and sway. The forests were telling them to kill, paranoia seeped into their consciousness, plaguing them with doubt.
They disbanded, finding their previous order now in conflict to their ideals. The Dreamers of the White Stag wanted to empower druids to seek positive change and nourish the soil and its creatures. The Circle of Thorns intended to actually strike out and force change...nourishing the soil with the blood of their enemies.
May the brambles be tipped with blood of the innocents!
Type
Druidic Circle
Leader
Location
Notable Members
A Darkwood - An effigy placed in the woods to absorb foul spirits, seemingly innocent and beneficial until it is animated
"fueled by a hatred of most things living, considering them antithetical and destructive towards nature" I'm curious if this is intentional and if it is, id love to know how they handle it when confronted on it. Being against most living things because they are a threat to nature and unethical seems contradictory since nature is life. I really liked this and it was well worth the wait lol. i love this darker less neutral side to druids. It makes sense how this circle cones about and your depiction of it is spectacular. The history is informative but doesn't lay it on to heavy. A very nice effort. I'm wondering about any unique gifts and such they have at their disposal like special spells abd such. I also love the idea of the darkwoods. Almost like dreamcatchers given life but no one considered that the badness is contained within. such a good idea!
Good catch. I should've said humanoids. This is an article I intend to revisit since fleshing out the leader article gave me some more inspiration and insight into the Circle of Thorns.
Ahhhh okay yeah that makes a lot more sense thanks for clearing that up though cuz I was confused or inspired at the potentials of it a lot of cool things can come from it either way