The Keepers Of Natures Circle
The Keepers Of Natures Circle, are an ancient druidic religious order that is centered around the wild and overgrown Immanis Forest. Its main belief system is to worship and emulate nature to the detriment of everything else. The "Keepers" see this as a most holy and worthy cause. They are extremely anti magic, especially the necromantic arts, preferring only what nature can provide. They are open to holy, imbued powers, abilities, prayers, and spells. They have an outright hatred of the undead and seek to destroy them whenever and wherever possible. Historically a minor and overlooked group, they only really came into power relatively recently, during "The Skeleton War". It was at this time that the circle came into possession of the holy artifact known as The Radiant Orb Of Holy Flames, which was instrumental in the defeat of the undead hordes. The circle has used this artifact to bolster its followers and power base, and aid in its public perception. However, to this day, many organizations that fought in the war, assert that they are the rightful owners of the holy orb.
Structure
At the top of the hierarchy is the "Head Priest" or "Head Priestess", followed by the ranks of "Nature's Father" and "Nature's Mother", then comes the ranks of "Forest Father" and "Forest Mother", the next rank is called "Woodsmen", regardless of gender. Those awaiting initiation into the order are referred to as "Travelers". Those that are not in or seeking admittance to the circle are know as "Wanderers". Opponents or enemies of the group are called "The Lost".
There are many circles spread throughout the lands and each follows the same organizational structure and same tenets. However there is only one "Head Priest" or "Head Priestess" in total at any particular time. So other circles will be led by a "Nature's Father" or "Nature's Mother".
Public Agenda
The "Keepers", have little interest in the affairs of man or in spreading their beliefs. They believe that the perfection of nature will call to all those destined to to be a part of the circle. Their only interest is in allowing nature to run its course in all things, and allowing nature to come into balance. This is most often seen, as the circle seeking out and destroying any undead beings. This usually shows them in a good light initially, and can lead to donations and new recruits.
Assets
Most assets are hidden throughout the forested regions and exact numbers on membership is unknown. The most important and famous, yet controversial asset is The Radiant Orb Of Holy Flames, housed in The Canopy Of Natures Repose, located in the Immanis Forest.
Mythology & Lore
It is written on the Stones Of Everwood, that the Forest God, appeared in a dream to a weary woodcutter that had fallen asleep in the woods. When he awoke, ten years had passed, and when he returned to his village, he saw that his family had moved on without him and the town had forgotten him. He wandered for some time after this, stopping in small villages to relay what he had experienced in the forest and what had transpired in his dream. Slowly, one by one, a small group began to travel with him seeking answers to their questions and listening to the advice and wisdom he could bestow, often referring to him as the "Forest Father". One day while traveling through a young forest, the group encountered a river that the woodsman had seen in is dream. They followed it to the base of a rocky cliff where a waterfall flowed. Here they made camp and the woodsman went into the cave behind the waterfall to commune with nature. There he stayed for four days, before emerging from the waterfall and drying himself by the travelers fire. Then on a vellum scroll he wrote down what was to become the main beliefs and goals of his circle of people. They named themselves The Keepers Of Natures Circle and began to steward the forest and then spread outward to do the will of the Forest God.
Tenets of Faith
Some of the known tenets are as follows:
1. Nature is perfect. - Strive to follow natures examples. When in doubt, do what nature would do or allow.
2. Natures path is a circle. - There can be no life without death and no death without life.
3. The path to perfection must be solid. - Often tests and tribulations occur, rely on the circle and its teachings.
4. Nature must be allowed to balance. - Do not interfere with the actions of nature, let them occur and observe their lessons.
5. Nature must run its course. - Often our emotions cloud the path, stay free of emotions and the path forward will be shown.
6. Welcome those who heed natures call. - After a lifetime of wandering, a new member may need some guidance, help them stay on the path.
7. Spread the call to those of a willing ear. - Not everyone has heard natures message, share it with those who seek to listen, before they become lost.
Ethics
The "Keepers" fundamental beliefs are to allow nature to take its course, no matter what the outcome might be, and that no one has the right to change that. This includes artificial and magical healing, as they are not part of nature, and interferes with ones journey on natures path. Additionally they believe that once your journey through life is over, the journey through death is begun, and that no one should stop that or be raised from the dead. In nature all things die, so it is sacrilege to prevent that. Finally, any undead creature must be sought out and destroyed, as that is a direct affront to nature, its path, and circle.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Many organizations lay claim to The Radiant Orb Of Holy Flames, and seek to acquire it, while other groups that the circle has battled want to destroy them.
Lucien, believes that the orb was originally given to one of its citizens by Luken, God Of The Sun And Light, and therefore belongs to them by primary ownership.
The Sisters Of Sorrow, believe that it was created for them to use to heal people as they travel throughout the lands.
The Healers Guild at the Clararton Curative Clinic in Bartolara, feel that since they have the largest and most dedicated facility for healing, that they could do the most good with the artifact.
The Enemies Of Undeath, want it to use it to fight undead forces across the land.
The Spirit Monks Of The Lifespark, claim that they need to harmonize with the orb in order to make themselves a more powerful foe of evil.
The White Wands, say that the orb needs to be studied and replicated so that more of the powers can be used over a much wider part of the world.
The Matrons Of Life, believe that the holy artifact should be in the care of those serving the Goddess of Life and Healing.
Sects
Although not quite a new sect yet, some of the younger members are beginning to question the belief that the circle should actively prevent people from being healed magically, especially if the injuries were not caused by anything in nature, like knife wounds or magical attacks.
"The Path To Perfection, Is The Path Of Nature."
Founding Date
Few records of the past are kept by the circle, but some speculate that they have existed since before people left the wilderness and built cities.
Type
Religious, Druidic Circle
Alternative Names
"The Keepers Of The Path"
Demonym
"The Keepers"
Controlled Territories
Related Items
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