Brethren Court

The Brethren Court stands as a bulwark against the dark forces threatening the natural order. Originating during the Age of Discordthis alliance of druids, shamans, and followers of the Old Ways was formed at the sacred Stone Circle of Eldwynn. It has evolved into a structured guardian of nature, organized into three distinct branches—Guardians, Wardens, and Shamans—each dedicated to restoring and maintaining the balance between civilization and the wild. Through its comprehensive hierarchical system and deep-rooted traditions, the Brethren Court embodies a relentless commitment to combatting the corruption spread by the Malur and preserving the sanctity of life and nature.

Background

Origins

The Brethren Court traces its beginnings to the late Age of Discord, a tumultuous era when the shadows of the Malur began to stretch ominously across the land and seas, corrupting the natural order and threatening the very fabric of life. During this time, isolated groups of druids, shamans, and followers of the Old Ways found themselves increasingly under siege by the dark forces of the Malur.
In response to these dire threats, representatives from each faction—devotees of the Beast alongside followers of powerful Eldar deities—convened at the ancient Stone Circle of Eldwynn. This sacred site, believed to be blessed by the Eldar, served as a neutral ground where these disparate groups united in a common cause.
The seminal gathering was both a spiritual and strategic alliance, forming the core of what would become the Brethren Court. The pact was sealed not merely in words but through a ritual of binding, intertwining their fates with the divine essences of their patrons, ensuring that their alliance was recognized and blessed by the gods themselves.

Purpose

The initial purpose of the Brethren Court was to coordinate a defense against the encroaching corruption of the Malur, whose influence was seen in the dying forests, blackened waters, and twisted creatures that began to emerge in previously untouched areas. However, as the organization grew, so too did its vision. It became a bastion not only of resistance but also of revival, aiming to restore and rejuvenate the lands and communities devastated by the dark deities.
To this end, the Court’s mission evolved from mere opposition to proactive guardianship of the natural order. They became stewards of the land and sea, seeking to mend the rifts that the Malur had created between the natural world and the civilizations that depended on it. This stewardship involved not only protecting sacred sites and vital ecosystems but also educating and aiding communities in sustainable practices and reverence for the divine natural forces.

Mission Statement

"To restore and uphold the sacred balance of nature against desecration. We stand as the vanguard, guardians of earth and sea, champions of life's renewal."

Organization Structure

The Brethren Court is organized into three distinct branches: Guardians, Wardens, and Shamans. Each branch has a specialized role, contributing to the Court’s overarching goals of protecting the natural world and upholding the Old Ways.

Ranks

The Brethren Court is a unique and complex organization deeply rooted in the Druidic and Shamanistic traditions of the Old Ways, divided into three distinct hierarchies: Guardians, Wardens, and Shaman. Guardians, evolving from warriors to warlords, uphold the physical might and elemental prowess of the Court; Guardians are typically Barbarians and Fighters. Wardens, ranging from yeomen to chief wardens, protect and commune with nature, mastering the landscape and its mystical energies; Wardens are typically Rangers and some Paladins. Lastly, the Shaman, progressing from neophytes to the revered Court Druid, embody the spiritual and elemental core of the Court, weaving the fabric of ritual and power that binds the organization; Shaman are typically Druids and some Clerics. Together, these ranks form a robust governance structure, ensuring the Brethren Court achieves its goals of maintaining balance, protecting the natural world, and harnessing the ancient energies that pulse through the realm.

Guardian Ranks

A Guardian's rank can be identified by a leather armband they wear with a number of rings on it for each rank above Warrior.

• Warrior: Entry-level fighters proving their skills in combat and understanding of the Court's foundational values.
• Protector: Members who begin to integrate elemental forces into their battle tactics, safeguarding the Court's sacred sites.
• Guardian: Skilled defenders capable of invoking minor earth spirits to protect and battle for the Court's causes. Guardian's skill in combat allows them to attack with greater skill and speed.
• Champion: Elite fighters who can lead small units in battle and perform significant earth-based rituals.
• Warlord Captain: Leaders responsible for overseeing multiple groups of Guardians, strategizing in larger conflicts.
• Warlord Commander: Senior leaders with a deep connection to earth spirits, directing major military operations.
• Warlord in Chief: The highest military rank within the Court, involved in top-level strategic decisions and a key figure in the Court's council.

Warden Ranks

A Warden's rank is identified by a leather bracer they wear with a number of rings on it for each rank above Yeoman. These bracers also include a braided tuft of fur for each level of spell they are capable of casting.

• Yeoman: Newly initiated members focused on basic survival skills, tracking, and understanding of the natural world. Yeoman are incapable of casting spells and only some may be able to cast cantrips.
• Pathfinder: Skilled navigators of both the natural landscape and supernatural realms, adept at minor magical practices. Pathfinders are capable of performing up to 1st-level spells.
• Warden: Protectors of the Court’s territories, capable of harnessing nature’s energy for defense and sustenance. Wardens are capable of casting up to 2nd-level spells.
• Seeker: Advanced members who delve deeper into the mysteries of nature and the elemental forces, often on specialized missions. Seekers are capable of casting up to 3rd-level spells.
• Warden Captain: Commanders responsible for training and leading groups of Wardens in tactical missions. Warden Captains are capable of casting up to 4th-level spells.
• Warden Commander: High-ranking leaders overseeing large areas or specific important tasks, integrating more complex natural magics. Warden Commanders are capable fo casting up to 5th-level spells.
• Chief Warden: The apex leader among the Wardens, representing them in the highest council and overseeing all protective operations. Chief Wardens are capable of performing up to 5th-level spells.

Shaman Ranks

A Shaman's rank is identified by leather beaded neckless containing a bead for each rank above neophyte. These necklaces are also decorated with number of ornate leaves, feathers, animal bones, and other such natural items. Each one representing the highest level spell the Shaman is capaable of casting.

• Neophyte: Beginners learning the basic spiritual and elemental rites essential to the Court's practices. Neophytes are only capable of performing cantrips.
• Shaman: Practitioners who perform essential rituals and begin to communicate with lesser spirits and natural forces. Shamans are capable of performing up to 2nd-level spells.
• Druid: Advanced members who not only perform significant rituals but also play a key role in the ecological balance and spiritual health of the area. Druids are capable of performing up to 4th-level spells.
• Sage: Wise leaders providing spiritual guidance, capable of summoning and negotiating with more powerful spirits. Sages are capable of performing up to 6th level spells.
• Archshaman: Elite spiritual leaders with profound connections to major elemental forces, overseeing significant spiritual operations. Archshaman are capable of performing up to 8th level spells.
• Archdruid: A senior rank similar to Archshaman, but with a deeper focus on ecological and natural balance, influencing large-scale environmental energies. Archdruids are capable of performing up to 9th level spells.
• Court Druid: The highest spiritual authority in the Brethren Court, liaising directly with divine entities and leading the Court in all major religious and spiritual decisions. Some Court Druids are said to have been capable of performing up to 10th-level spells.
• Master of the Grove: The Master of the Grove is the revered leader of the Brethren Court, charged with safeguarding the ancient secrets and upholding the sacred balance between civilization and the wild.

Leadership

The overall leadership of the Brethren Court is vested in the Master of the Grove, who oversees the integration of all branches and represents the Court's interests at the highest levels.

• Master of the Grove: The spiritual and administrative leader, ensuring that the Court’s strategic objectives align with the divine will of the Beast Lords and Eldar.

Branch Leaders:

• Warlord in Chief (Guardians): Directs all military operations and strategies.
• Chief Warden (Wardens): Oversees conservation efforts and magical defenses.
• Court Druid (Shamans): Leads spiritual practices and maintains divine connections.

Command Structure

Each branch has a hierarchical command structure to manage its specific functions effectively.
Guardians:

• From Warlord Captain to Warlord Commander, responsible for tactical operations and coordination among different units.

Wardens:

• Warden Commanders and Warden Captains manage protective operations and lead tactical missions in designated territories.

Shamans:

• Archdruids and Archshamans oversee large-scale spiritual operations and rituals, ensuring ecological balance and spiritual health.

Rank and File

The core operational members of each branch include various ranks, each with specialized roles and responsibilities.
Guardians:

• Warriors, Protectors, Guardians, and Champions form the combat-ready forces defending the Court's interests.

Wardens:

• Yeomen, Pathfinders, Wardens, and Seekers focus on environmental stewardship, resource management, and exploration.

Shamans:

• Neophytes, Shamans, and Druids engage in ritualistic and spiritual practices, connecting with natural forces and spirits.

Training and Advancement

Training programs and advancement criteria are tailored to the needs and roles within each branch, emphasizing both practical skills and spiritual development.
Guardians:

• Initial training focuses on combat and tactical maneuvers, with advanced training in elemental integration. Advancement is based on merit, demonstrated prowess, and leadership abilities.

Wardens:

• Start with survival skills and basic environmental knowledge, advancing through demonstrated expertise in natural magic and leadership in conservation efforts.

Shamans:

• Begin with foundational spiritual rites and basic elemental understanding, progressing through increasingly complex rituals and deeper spiritual connections.

Each member's progress is marked by visible symbols of their rank, such as armbands for Guardians, bracers for Wardens, and necklaces for Shamans, which also indicate their spell-casting capabilities.

Culture in the Organization

Traditions

Traditions play a crucial role in the life of the Brethren Court, serving both to reinforce the shared values of the organization and to mark the passage of time and significant events within the community.

• Festival of Renewal: Held annually on the spring equinox, this festival celebrates new beginnings and the continuous cycle of life and rebirth. It includes planting new trees, cleansing water rituals, and communal feasting.
• Night of Spirits: On the night of the new moon, members engage in ceremonies to honor their ancestors and the spirits of nature. This is a time for reflection, spiritual communication, and reaffirmation of their commitment to fight against the corruption spread by the Malur.
• Rite of Ascension: When members advance to a new rank, a formal rite is held wherein the individual presents themselves before their peers and leaders to receive blessings and the symbols of their new status.

Symbols and Iconography

Symbols are deeply ingrained in the Court’s identity, serving as reminders of the Court's duties and beliefs.

• The Sacred Grove Emblem: Represents the interconnectedness of life and the Court's role in safeguarding it. This emblem is depicted on flags, worn as patches on clothing, and etched into weaponry.
• Elemental Rings: Worn on the armbands, bracers, and necklaces, these rings symbolize mastery over different natural forces and the progression through the Court’s ranks.
• Totems of the Beast Lords and Eldar: Each clan adorns their quarters and attire with specific totems related to their patron deity, reinforcing their spiritual allegiance and invoking divine protection.

Values and Beliefs

The core values of the Brethren Court are deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, respect for all living creatures, and a profound dedication to the Old Ways.

• Harmony with Nature: Members believe that all actions must strive for balance and harmony with the natural world, avoiding unnecessary harm to living creatures and ecosystems.
• Integrity and Loyalty: Loyalty to the Court and its mission is paramount, as is integrity in all dealings, both within and outside the organization.
• Resistance against Corruption: A fundamental belief in resisting the corruption spread by the Malur drives the Court to act not only as defenders but also as proactive guardians of purity.

Behavioral Norms

Behavior within the Court is governed by norms that emphasize respect, responsibility, and ritual.

• Respect for Rank and Role: Members are expected to show respect for those in leadership roles and for the specialized knowledge and abilities of members in different ranks.
• Commitment to Training and Growth: Continuous personal and spiritual growth is expected; members must regularly engage in training exercises, spiritual meditations, and ecological studies.
• Community Engagement: Members must participate in community activities, whether these are combat training sessions, ritual preparations, or ecological restoration projects.

Agenda

Short-Term Goals

The short-term goals of the Brethren Court are immediate actions and objectives that are crucial in maintaining the organization's readiness and effectiveness in the face of ongoing challenges.

• Strengthen Defenses of Sacred Sites: Increase the security and magical protections around key natural and spiritual sites to prevent desecration by the Malur or other hostile forces.
• Expand Surveillance and Scouting Operations: Enhance the Court's ability to monitor threats through expanded scouting missions, especially in border areas and known Malur strongholds.
• Conduct Purification Rituals: Regularly perform rituals to cleanse areas that have been tainted by corruption, restoring them to their natural state and preventing the spread of darkness.
• Resource Acquisition and Allocation: Secure necessary resources such as magical artifacts, healing herbs, and essential materials for daily operations and ceremonial purposes.
• Community Outreach and Education: Engage with local communities to educate them about sustainable practices and the importance of the natural balance, fostering allies and garnering support for the Court's cause.

Long-Term Goals

The long-term goals of the Brethren Court are broader and more strategic, focusing on sustainable growth, expansion of influence, and significant achievements in the Court's core mission areas.

• Eradicate Major Sources of Corruption: Identify and eliminate key agents and strongholds of the Malur, aiming to significantly reduce their influence and prevent future corruption.
• Restore Major Ecosystems and Sacred Groves: Undertake large-scale environmental restoration projects to revive ecosystems that are crucial for the balance of nature and that have been damaged by exploitation or supernatural corruption.
• Institutionalize the Old Ways in Local Governance: Work towards integrating the principles of the Old Ways into the governance structures of nearby communities and regions, ensuring that these practices become a permanent part of regional policy and culture.
• Develop a Network of Alliances: Build a robust network of alliances with other like-minded organizations, mystical entities, and influential figures to enhance the Court's influence and capabilities.
• Establish a Legacy of Guardianship: Through continuous training and recruitment, develop a sustainable model for the Court that ensures it remains a strong, vibrant, and effective organization for generations to come.

Strategic Initiatives

To achieve these goals, the Brethren Court undertakes specific strategic initiatives that align with their mission and operational capabilities.

• Magical Research and Development: Invest in understanding ancient and modern magics that can be used to combat the Malur and protect natural sanctuaries.
• Specialized Task Forces: Form specialized groups within the Court tasked with addressing specific challenges such as anti-corruption units, ecological recovery teams, and diplomatic envoys.
• Spiritual Renewal Programs: Conduct programs aimed at deepening the spiritual connections of the Court's members, enhancing their magical abilities, and reinforcing their commitment to the mission.

Assets

Physical Assets

• Fortified Sanctuaries and Temples: The Court maintains several heavily fortified sanctuaries and temples that are strategically located in areas of significant natural power. These serve as strongholds for training, ceremonies, and as refuge in times of conflict.
• Sacred Relics and Artifacts: A collection of powerful relics and artifacts that are essential for the Court's ritualistic practices and for enhancing the abilities of its members. These include ancient tomes, enchanted weapons, and artifacts that can control or manipulate natural forces.
• Transportation and Communication Tools: The Court possesses a variety of transportation methods suited for different terrains, including horses for land travel and boats for waterways. They also utilize magical items and spells for communication across vast distances, ensuring swift coordination.
• Armories and Alchemical Supplies: Comprehensive armories equipped with weapons both mundane and magical, and extensive stocks of alchemical components used for healing, defense, and offense during missions.

Personnel

• Dedicated Members: The Brethren Court's greatest strength lies in its diverse and committed membership, ranging from warriors and protectors to druids and shamans, all trained to fulfill the Court's mission.
• Specialized Experts: Including master herbalists, skilled beast handlers, seasoned trackers, and adept mages specializing in various forms of natural and ritualistic magic.
• Allied Mythical Creatures and Spirits: Relationships with various mythical creatures and nature spirits who share the Court's goals and can be called upon for assistance in times of need.

Influence and Resources

• Strategic Alliances: The Court has forged alliances with numerous external groups, including local militias, other conservationist societies, and networks of informants within cities and villages that oppose the Malur.
• Intellectual Property: The Court holds a vast repository of knowledge about ancient rituals, the history of the Old Ways, ecological data, and detailed maps of ley lines and magical hotspots.
• Economic Resources: Through donations, tithes, and some trade of magical and natural goods, the Court maintains a steady flow of economic resources that fund its operations and ensure its autonomy from corrupt external economic influences.

Operational Capabilities

• Rapid Response Teams: These teams are capable of quickly responding to threats or opportunities, equipped with the necessary resources and information to act effectively and decisively.
• Conservation and Restoration Programs: Ongoing efforts to conserve endangered ecosystems and restore areas that have been damaged by unnatural influences, utilizing both magical and conventional methods.
• Research and Development: Ongoing projects aimed at developing new magical techniques, better conservation methods, and innovative ways to combat the threats posed by the Malur.

Bound by Nature, Led by the Ancient

Type

Religious, Druidic Circle

Subsidiary Organizations

• Council of the Ancients

Location

The Eldar Grove

Related Professions

• Barbarian
• Cleric
• Druid
• Green Knight
• Monk
• Paladin
• Ranger
• Sorcerer
• Warlock

Controlled Territories

• The Eldar Grove

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• Nature's Confidant: "I find solace in the whispers of the wind and the rustle of leaves; nature speaks, and I am its devoted listener."
• Spiritual Guide: "I serve as a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual, guiding others to understand the deeper truths of our existence."
• Harmonious: "I strive to live in harmony with the world around me, balancing the needs of nature and society in every decision I make."

Ideals

• Balance: "Harmony between growth and decay, light and shadow, is essential. I work to maintain this balance in the world."
• Wisdom: "The ancient wisdom of the earth is a treasure that must be preserved and passed down. It holds the keys to true power and understanding."
• Protection: "It is my duty to protect the sacred sites and the ancient knowledge from those who would misuse or destroy them."

Bonds

• Guardian of Sacred Sites: "I am sworn to protect the sacred groves and ancient stone circles that are conduits of spiritual power."
• Elder Council: "I am deeply bonded to the council of elders who taught me the old ways. Their teachings shape my every action."
• Spiritual Kinship: "I have a profound connection to a spirit animal that guides my path and watches over me."

Flaws

• Overly Cautious: "I am sometimes so concerned with maintaining balance that I hesitate to take necessary actions that may disrupt harmony."
• Detachment: "I am so attuned to the spiritual realm that I sometimes find it difficult to engage with the day-to-day concerns of those around me."
• Reluctant to Change: "I am deeply rooted in ancient traditions and skeptical of new methods that may lead us astray from the old ways."