The Alderwood Druids
The Alderwood druidic circle is a tight-knit community of druids and rangers who are deeply connected to the natural world. They have made their home in the heart of the Alder Maple Forest, a lush and ancient woodland that is teeming with life.
The druids of the Alderwood circle are devout followers of the natural world and many do not adhere to a sort of god or goddess yet they use their divine powers to heal the sick and injured, both human and animal alike. They also serve as spiritual guides for the other members of the circle, helping to maintain their connection to the natural world. They are experts in nature magic, and they have developed a deep understanding of the flora and fauna of their forest home. They use their powers to protect the forest and its inhabitants, and they are fiercely protective of their territory and nature as a whole.
The rangers of the circle are skilled trackers and hunters, and they work closely with the druids to maintain the balance of the forest. They are adept at navigating the dense undergrowth and rough terrain, and they are always on the lookout for any threats to the forest.
The Alderwood circle has a tentative relationship with the elves of the region to the south, who are known to be powerful magic users in their own right. There are rumors that the druids have had dealings with the fae of the region, but these are largely unsubstantiated claims due to the little contact outsiders have had with the large circle.
History
The Alderwood druidic circle has a long and storied history that stretches back centuries. According to legend, the members of the circle arrived from the west, traveling over the mountains to settle in the forested valley that would later become their home.
At first, the circle was small and made up of only a handful of druids, rangers, and nature clerics. They quickly set to work, using their magic and expertise to expand the forest and ensure that it would flourish. They planted new trees, tended to the wildlife, and created clearings where new plants could thrive.
Over time, the circle grew in size and influence, and the forest expanded to twice its original size. The members of the circle worked tirelessly to protect the forest from outside threats, including monsters and human encroachment.
However, not all of the circle's relationships were peaceful. They had a conflict with the elves of the region, who were known to be powerful magic users in their own right. The elves saw the forest as their own territory, and tensions between the two groups rose.
After many years of conflict, the Alderwood druidic circle and the elves came to an agreement. They would stay out of each other's territory, and work together to protect the forest from any external threats.
In addition to their work with the elves, the members of the circle also had to deal with the monsters that lurked in the forest. They worked together to track and eliminate any dangerous creatures, using their magic and combat skills to keep the forest safe.
Finally, the members of the Alderwood druidic circle also had a special relationship with the wild animals that lived in the forest. They befriended many of these creatures, training them to defend the circle and alert them to any potential dangers.
Worship
Greater Spirits of Nature: The druids believe in the existence of powerful and benevolent spirits that embody the essence of different aspects of nature. These greater spirits are revered as the ultimate guardians of the forest, overseeing the delicate balance of life within their domains. Little is known about these greater spirits outside each druidic circle. The druids perform elaborate rituals to commune with the greater spirits. These rituals often involve offerings of fruits, herbs, small sacrifices, and tokens of respect. Through these ceremonies, the druids seek to connect and gain guidance with nature and the divine entities.
Terrestrial Gods in Animal Form: In addition to the greater spirits, the druids work directly with what they know as terrestrial gods in the form of large, intelligent animals that serve as earthly manifestations of divine forces. These animals, chosen by the greater spirits themselves, are seen as intermediaries between the spirits and the druids. The intelligent animals, acting as guardians of the forest, are treated sacred by druidic circles. The creatures are considered emissaries, providing guidance and wisdom to the druids. Examples include:
- Ursa Graelia, The Matron of Sylvan Serenity, is a colossal grey bear that roams the Alder Maple Forest. She is known for her immense size and protective nature, watching over the woodland creatures and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Ursa Graelia has borne many offspring, resembling normal bears in intelligence but larger in size. While some druids may have observed her from a distance, arch druids have reported tentative interactions, witnessing her guiding her offspring through the dense forest, imparting essential survival skills.
- Astralion, The Sovereign of Soaring Skies,is a majestic giant roc that dominates the airspace above the Alder Maple Forest. With its colossal wingspan and keen eyesight, Astralion serves as a guardian, observing the forest from above. While most druids may only witness the eagle's distant presence, arch druids have reported rare instances where Astralion has circled above them during significant gatherings, symbolizing its watchful eye over the circle.
- Ignisix, The Emberheart Guardian, is a colossal giant salamander that dwells within the watery realms of the Alder Maple Forest. Known for its fiery orange and red scales, Ignisix ensures the delicate balance of life within the forest's waterways. While druids often encounter its smaller offspring, the arch druids recount tales of Ignisix emerging during particularly dry seasons near the water's edge to remind them of the importance of balance in the forest.
- Lunos, The Celestial Antler, is a majestic stag that gracefully moves through the Alder Maple Forest. With antlers of bleached whiteness, Lunos symbolizes balance and grace. Arch druids, during their solitary meditations, have reported brief encounters with Lunos in moonlit clearings. The stag's presence serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the forest and the cycles of nature.
- Nocturna, The Night Whisperer, is a wise and ethereal owl that navigates the moonlit skies above the Alder Maple Forest. With deep brown and silver feathers, Nocturna serves as a mystical guide and guardian during the nocturnal hours. Arch druids, during their moments of quiet reflection, have occasionally felt the owl's gentle presence, hearing the soft hooting echoing through the trees, providing a sense of comfort and guidance.
- Lupis, The Sylvan Howlers, is a powerful giant wolf pack that roams the heart of the Alder Maple Forest. With a magnificent coat blending with the forest surroundings, Lupis represents the untamed spirit of the wild. Arch druids, on rare occasions, have reported feeling the presence of Lupis during moments of heightened energy within the forest, as if the very essence of the wilderness comes alive in response to their connection with nature.
