the Fervents

Who are the Fervents?

In the microcosm that is the City of the One Prince, the druidic Circle of the Fervents holds a place of their own.
Despite their seemingly outlandish beliefs, the druids have been for centuries supported by the One Prince himself.
Their status solidified over the years though their meticulous and often accurate predictions of the heat waves generated by the giant range volcanoes and magama fields, collectively known as the Firelands, hundreds of miles away west of the city.

Through a combination of scientific and magic means, the congregation of the Fervents are able to communicate a monthly calendar of the volcanic activities governing the Firelands.
In so doing, the population are able to met out the sometimes devastating heat surges rolling over the city on a yearly basis.

Beliefs

The Fervents believe in Araxa, the Molten Dragon. Araxa rules over the Firelands and is all powerful.

According to the Fervents, Araxa is the only entity of the Dark Under who knows how to exit to the Light World and Frencal.
Through their worship of Araxa, the druids hope to gain Araxa's Gifts, and find out eventually an exit back to the surface.

The Fervent Druids believe that Araxa is a benevolent entity but not always aware of the 'little people' living in her vicinity. 
By an exemplary, and often monastic life, they hope to reach Araxa's consciousness and bring the plight of the One City citizens to her attention.

This set of beliefs should by itself be seen as heresy under the One Prince's rule. However, as there has never  been any proof of Araxa's existence, the druids' faith in this draconic god has been tolerated.

Organisation Structure

The Fervents are governed by a fairly democratic structures. Within its main circle, can be found another three circles:

-  the Circle of Fire, dedicated to collating the information necessary to publish the monthly volcanic activity calendar, dubbed 'Araxa's Boon'.

the Circle of Light, this is the mystic and contemplative branch of the druidic circle. Druids of the Light seek out Araxa's consciousness and plead for the One City creatures' salvation.

the Circle of Deeds, druids from this circle preach the tenets of Araxa's Creed, and dedicate their time to help out the hopeless in the City of the One Prince.

Properties and Domains

The Fervents' House is to be found in a sprawling, half wild, domain within the borders of the Livid Wastes to the far north of the city.
The compound is colloquially called Blind Square as it is found at the end of Blind Alley.
Blind Square has often been seen as a refuge by some alienated citizens - a place where the Prince's Shield does not usually step in very often.

History

The revered founder of the order was an human adventurer and Retriever by the name of Belgam Despres.
He became the first Son of Araxa and created the circle 500 years ago.

According to the legend, Despres ventured further west than anyone had done before and managed to reach and survive the Firelands.
It is there that he met Araxa and understood the range of her powers and wisdom.

According to Despres, it is Araxa who saved him from certain death and gave him the tools and weapons to make his way back home.
Some rumors have it that the Fervents still have the blessed weapons jealously hidden deep into their sacred temple to Araxa well below Blind Square.

The present Child of Araxa is an Elven woman by the name of Eliansor Woodbright - She has been at the head of the circle for more than 80 years.
Eliansor is a fairly mysterious creature of certain magical powers. She led the Circle of Light for many years  before she was elected the Fervents' leader.

Type

Druidic Circle