Althaea Greenmantle

Archdruid Althaea Greenmantle is the quiet leader of the Harvestguard Circle, renowned for her deep wisdom and profound understanding of ecological and spiritual balances. A sage of the old ways, Althaea is a custodian of ancient druidic knowledge, which she applies to address both the mystical and mundane challenges facing her community.

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Appearance

Althaea appears as a stately woman in her late sixties, with long, flowing silver hair often crowned with a wreath of wildflowers and green leaves. Her eyes, a piercing shade of green, reflect a lifetime spent observing the rhythms of nature. She typically wears robes of deep forest green, adorned with symbols of the old gods and the natural world.

Personality

Althaea exudes a calm and commanding presence, blending an air of authority with the gentleness of a nurturing mother. She is both a fierce protector and a wise teacher, using her insights to guide her circle and counsel those who seek her wisdom. Her leadership style is inclusive and thoughtful, often taking long walks in nature to meditate on problems before making decisions.

Goals and Motivation

Althaea's primary motivation is the preservation of nature and the continuation of druidic traditions. She aims to ensure that the Harvestguard Circle remains a vital part of the community's well-being, advocating for a world where old wisdom and new insights coexist harmoniously.

Leadership in our circle is not about dictating what grows and what withers; it’s about nurturing, guiding, and sometimes, letting nature take its course. My role is to ensure that each seed of knowledge planted can one day flourish into wisdom that will sustain not just our circle, but all those who depend on us

— A gentle reminder to new members

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Knowledge and Concerns

Mordoom Keep - Althaea is deeply concerned about the spread of the Soul Fungus a devastating fungal infestation that threatens the ecological balance a few days south of her location. She is studying its patterns, refrencing ancient texts & consulting with The Sporebane Brotherhood to find a way to halt its progression before it reaches the vital farmlands.

Forbidden Zone - Aware of the chaotic energies swirling east of the caravan road, Althaea is monitoring its encroachment closely working with The Red Bannermen. Collaborating to understand and contain this chaos, fearing its potential to disrupt the natural and magical fabrics of the region.

Darkwood Forest - Althaea values the Darkwood Forest for its natural gifts and inherent dangers. She often leads educational expeditions into the forest to teach younger druids about its delicate ecosystems and how to use its resources responsibly.

The Church of St. Ygg - Althaea is diplomatically engaging with the Church of St. Ygg, attempting to bridge the gap between old beliefs and new doctrines. While she respects the church's role in the community, she remains a subtle advocate for the preservation of old traditions and practices, often meeting in secret with other leaders to discuss strategies for coexistence.

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In times such as these, when shadows grow and the land itself seems to shudder beneath the weight of encroaching chaos from the Forbidden Zone, even those of us who walk divergent paths must find common ground. The Red Bannermen and we, the Harvestguard Circle, we're like old trees and the steadfast earth — different, yes, but rooted in the same ground. Around this fire, let it be known, our shared battle against the darkness binds us. Together, we forge a shield of unity, a beacon against the storm, defending the realm from the chaos that seeks to engulf it. This alliance, though forged from necessity, is our testament to the strength found in unity amidst the trials of this world.

— At camp with The Red Bannermen shortly after a battle with Wild men of the city in the Forbidden Zone.

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Contributions to Causes

Though many see her and her circle as merely "crop circle wardens," Althaea's contributions span various crucial areas.

Ecological Preservation - She develops strategies to combat threats like the Soul Fungus and the chaos from the Forbidden Zone, employing both magic and traditional knowledge.

Educational Initiatives - Althaea ensures that the knowledge of the old gods and the importance of ecological balance is passed down to new generations of druids and shared with the community.

Diplomatic Relations - She works behind the scenes to maintain a delicate balance with The Church of St. Ygg, promoting understanding and negotiating space for traditional practices.

Our path and that of St. Ygg’s followers are intertwined more deeply than either side might wish to acknowledge. While they look towards the heavens for guidance, we must not forget that our feet rest upon the earth. True wisdom lies in bridging the gap between heaven and earth, old and new.

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Current Location

Eastdale

Aligned Organization

Harvestguard Circle