The Ring of Thorne

The Ring of Thorne is a Druidic Circle local to Grand Veil. At present, it consists of an elected Archdruid, 14 Companions, and 2 Initiates.
The Ring of Thorne is named after the ruins of Fort Thorne, located about two days travel up the Dawn River from the city. The group holds the majority of their meetings at this location.
The Circle meets once each season, usually on both equinoxes and both solstices each year for a total of 4 meetings each year.

Structure

New members of the circle are known simply as Initiates. Full-fledged members are known formally as Arcs of the Circle, but most commonly referred to as Companions.
The order has little in the way of rules or bylaws. There are standards for the acceptance of Initiates or the dismissal of members, a loose structure given for meetings, and a flexible set of Ideals that the circle expects its Companions to exemplify. There are bylaws written for self-management of the Circle, including the requirements for changing the bylaws themselves. In general, a two-thirds majority is required for most changes.
Rarely, the Circle will vote to take an official stance on a matter of public importance. More often, voting is used as a means to officially coordinate the efforts of Companions to a variety of causes, from charitable endeavors to defense of the very forces of nature they are sworn to.

The Archdruid

The Archdruid, while typically a powerful individual, is not given a substantial amount of power over the other Companions. In fact, the position bears more responsibility than it grants in privilege - The Archdruid's task is to organize seasonal meetings, and maintain order while they are in session. The Archdruid is also tasked with organizing meetings with other public figures when necessary, and also the organization of events outside their seasonal meetings. Most importantly, the Archdruid is tasked with regular commune with the natural forces local to the Grand Veil area, on behalf of the rest of the Circle. Despite these burdens, or perhaps because of them, the Archdruid is held in extremely high regard within the Ring of Thorne, and among many of the rural communities that surround Grand Veil.
The position of Archdruid has a term limit of 20 years. To date, all who have served as Archdruid have served the full term. Subsequent Archdruids nominate themselves. They are then selected by two-thirds majority vote, before which each Companion is expected to retreat for a time and meditate in the wilds to carefully consider their vote.
The current Archdruid is Greleth of the Dawn, who is nearing the end of her term.

Founding Date

291

Type

Druidic Circle

Leader

Greleth of the Dawn

Location

Fort Thorne