Druidism

Druidism in Ronia is an ancient spiritual tradition deeply rooted in nature, ancestor worship, and the balance between the material and spiritual realms. Practiced by the wandering Druids, this faith predates many of the structured religions of Ronia and remains a powerful force in rural communities and nomadic cultures. The tradition is primarily oral, with wisdom passed from master to apprentice, and it emphasizes harmony with the land, reverence for sacred groves, and an understanding of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.

Cosmological Views

Druidic belief in Ronia views the world as a vast, interconnected web where spirits inhabit all things—rivers, mountains, trees, and even the winds. The cosmos is divided into three fundamental realms:

• The Upper Realm (Sky & Stars) – The domain of celestial forces, associated with prophecy, wisdom, and the unseen divine. Druids believe that the stars record the fate of the world, and those skilled in their reading can glimpse future events.
• The Middle Realm (Earth & Life) – The mortal world, where balance must be maintained. It is the sacred duty of Druids to ensure harmony between people and nature, guiding communities in their rituals and understanding of the land.
• The Underrealm (Spirits & Ancestors) – A place of both wisdom and danger, where the spirits of the dead reside and where ancient knowledge lingers. The Underrealm is neither a place of punishment nor reward but a continuation of existence where ancestors watch over their descendants.

Tenets of Faith

1. Reverence for Nature – The land, sky, and sea are sacred, and all living things have a spirit that must be respected. To harm the land is to bring harm upon oneself.
2. Balance Above All – The world is built upon harmony between opposing forces: life and death, growth and decay, creation and destruction. A druid’s duty is to maintain this balance.
3. The Cycle is Eternal – Life, death, and rebirth are not ends, but transitions. Nothing is truly lost, only transformed.
4. Sacred Groves Must Be Protected – There are places where the veil between realms is thin, and they must be preserved. To defile a sacred grove is among the gravest of sins.
5. Wisdom Comes from the Land – True knowledge is not written in books but found in the whisper of the wind, the patterns of the stars, and the roots of the oldest trees.
6. Honor the Ancestors – Those who came before still watch over the living. Their wisdom and guidance should be sought through rites and remembrance.
7. The Spirits Must Be Respected – Spirits dwell in rivers, mountains, and beasts. Some are benevolent, others are dangerous, but all must be approached with caution and reverence.
8. Meddling with the Cycle is Forbidden – Necromancy, unnatural creation, and twisting life beyond its purpose defy the balance and bring calamity.
9. Oaths and Words Have Power – A promise made before nature and the spirits is binding. To break it brings dishonor and invites misfortune.
10. The Wild Teaches Strength – Civilization softens the soul, but the wilds temper the spirit. To live in harmony with nature is to understand one’s place in the grand design.

Worship

Druidism in Ronia places great emphasis on the changing of seasons, which dictate the rhythms of both nature and Human life. The cycle is marked by four major festivals, each with profound spiritual significance:

• Hiemsolis (Winter’s Rest) – The longest night of the year, celebrating death, rebirth, and the renewal of the land. Offerings are made to spirits of the past, and bonfires are lit to guide lost souls home.
• Verndawn (Spring’s Awakening) – A time of fertility and growth, when the spirits of the land are honored. Ritual dances, feasting, and the blessing of newborn animals are common.
• Sunglory (Summer’s Zenith) – A festival of strength and abundance, marking the height of the sun’s power. Warriors and leaders seek Druidic blessings, and oaths of loyalty and love are made.
• Fadereap (Autumn’s Passing) – A time of reflection and preparation for the hardships of winter. Druids lead ceremonies of gratitude, and the final harvest is gathered in offerings to the spirits.

Two major spiritual figures dominate Druidic mythology in Ronia:

• The Green Spirit – A primal force of life, often envisioned as a great stag, wolf, or tree whose roots extend into all realms. It is the embodiment of renewal, growth, and balance, and many Druids seek its guidance in times of turmoil.
• The Shrouded One – A being of mystery and transformation, associated with the Underrealm and the unknown. Often depicted as a hooded figure or a crow, it represents the inevitability of change, death, and rebirth. While feared, it is not considered evil, as it is necessary for the cycle of life.

Priesthood

Within Druidism, practitioners are divided into different roles based on their calling:

• Seers (Farspeakers) – Visionaries who interpret omens, read the stars, and commune with spirits for guidance.
• Keepers (Wardens of the Land) – Protectors of nature, guiding communities in agriculture, animal husbandry, and conservation.
• Lorekeepers (Bards & Historians) – Storytellers and memory-keepers who ensure the oral traditions of their people remain unbroken.
• Healers (Spiritbinders) – Masters of herbal medicine, spirit healing, and rituals that cleanse corruption.

Political Influence & Intrigue

With the rise of more structured faiths, such as the worship of The Seven, Druidism has faced persecution in certain regions of Ronia. While many rural and nomadic communities still revere the old ways, cities have largely moved away from Druidic teachings. Some Druids have retreated into the wilderness, while others work in secret to preserve their traditions.
Despite centuries of decline, Druidism remains a significant spiritual force in Ronia. Many traditions—such as harvest blessings, burial rites, and seasonal festivals—continue even among those who do not formally follow the Druidic path. Some scholars and mystics seek to revive the old ways, believing the wisdom of the Druids is vital in a world that has forgotten the balance between man and nature.

Demonym

Druid