The High Druid

To meet the High Druid is to stand in the presence of the Awen personified. A stillness like a frozen lake lies around them in their knowledge of the land, of the air, of the Awen and its Nature, of your self, and of their own selves. That lays upon them as a peace that radiates like sunshine on midsummer's day. It is humbling to stand in the presence of such power and such wisdom. It makes even the proudest and oldest among them wish to sit at their feet and listen to their stories.

— Reflection of Queen Elrid

Qualifications

One must be a druid and have several decades of experience before being chosen as the High Druid, through a voting process of the eldest active druids. They can tell who is the most sensitive to the Awen and the most capable of fulfilling the role of shepherding the entire archipelago.

Appointment

With the gathering of the eldest druids, they retire to a sacred grove in which they confer, neither sleeping nor eating until they have reached a decision. The reason for this is because while there is no High Druid, all of the isles are susceptible to drastic movements of the Awen, and there is no spiritual leader of the isles.
Upon their decision, a secret ritual is completed in which the High Druid expands the area from which their Awen is derived not simply to their initially selected location, but the entirety of the archipelago. It is an incredibly taxing, lengthy, and subtle ritual that would drive the vast majority of druids insane. Only one capable of being the High Druid has a chance of succeeding, for to draw such power, the High Druid must know the entire archipelago better than the house they were raised in.

Duties

The greatest duty of the High Druid is to be the caretaker of the Awen across all of Isles of Laeonesse, maintaining its health and ensuring that it is channelled properly for the benefit and growth of life throughout the isles.
The High Druid also serves as the one responsible for advising the lords and kings, according to their own discretion, and serving as a guidepost for the moral direction of the isles.

Responsibilities

It is the duty of the High Druid to perform the midwinter and midsummer rituals on Mon Coimhead- Mount of the Watch, regardless of whether anyone else knows or observes the ritual. Their greatest charge is the preservation of Laeonessai culture, especially The First Song and the other religious stories and tales, as well as being the primary mediator between the Fae-Lords and the human lands.

Benefits

The High Druid has the broadest reach and influence of all positions in Laeonesse, equaling if not exceeding that of a High King. They are immensely respected by the Laeonessai people, even if not by those from cultures less familiar with Awen. Otherwise, there are no more benefits than there are for being a normal druid.

History

The Dreughold Rebellion was the first major event in which the High Druid played a role. Rather, it was the High Druid that instigated the event, and led it to its conclusion. Ever since then, the High Druid has been consulted by kings and generals for their advice, playing a role in nearly every historical event in the isles, up until the Aelithi executed the last high druid at the razing of Ynys Awen. After this, it was The Elfen Emrys that became the High Druid, shepherdings its secrets and responsibilities through the four centuries of occupation. It was he that restored the High Kingship after the death of Uthan.

Cultural Significance

Laeonessai

For the Laeonessai, there is no greater position than the High Druid. The role serves as their high priest, their moral leader, their cultural caretaker, and their mediator in a dangerous world. They pay the title great honor and respect whenever they get to meet a High Druid.

Sais

The Sais pay no mind to the religions or gods of other lands, for thei know that the power lies with the Night-King and their other dark gods that rule in the ice-locked forests of the far north. They recognize a priest, however, and will appeal to the High Druid to validate the legitimacy of their settlements, or target him for ransom in their more violent phases. This has never successfully happened, however.

Aelithi

For the Aelithi, the High Druid is a barbaric, savage priest of a wild religion that lacks the civilized nature of their own gods. As such, they view the title as political rather than anything more, recognizing the importance that the High Druid is held in by the rest of the Laeonessai. As such, they try to portray the High Druid as a vile, terrible role, as a monster that steals children and devours their souls.

Notable Holders

• Cruithne Cruithson

• Angharad

Type

Religious, Special

Status

Active, although forbidden during the time Aelithi occupation, it was restored after the departure of the Aelithi empire

Creation

Cruithne Cruithson was the first High Druid and the founder of the druids, and he outlined the responsibilities of the druids in one of the secret songs that only the druids know.

Equates to

There is no equivalent to the High Druid. He or she is recognized and respected as the ultimate authority on the relationship between the Awen, the Fey, and the mortal lands, serving as leader of the druids and the bards.

Length of Term

For life

Past Holders

• Angharad

Related Locations

• Isles of Laeonesse
• Ynys Awen

Related Professions

• Bards