Harvestguard Circle

Mystical farmland protectors of Eastdale & Kirkliston

Deeply rooted near Eastdale, a revered group of druids committed to the health and prosperity of the local farmlands. Known for their ancient, nature-based magic, these druids integrate their profound connection to the earth with the veneration of the old gods Silvanus, Herne the Hunter, and, to a lesser extent, Malachai. The Circle is renowned for crafting magical crop circles that serve as potent wards, protecting against both natural and supernatural threats.

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Role in the Community

To the farmers and residents of Eastdale, the Harvestguard acts as both guardians and guides. Their visible contributions, especially the mystical crop circles, are essential to the region's agricultural success. While their rituals are shrouded in secrecy, the effects of their work earn communal gratitude, blending the druids' mystique with a revered presence in the community.

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Leadership and Structure

Led by the wise Archdruid Althaea Greenmantle, the circle's hierarchy includes druids who specialize in various aspects of magical agriculture, from geomancy to plant magic. Althaea's profound understanding of ecological balance and her commitment to passing down these ancient practices to the next generation of druids are central to the circle's enduring success.

Struggle with The Church of St. Ygg

The Church of St. Ygg acknowledges the undeniable contributions of the Harvestguard Circle to our community's prosperity. However, as we shepherd our flock towards a unified faith in the new gods, we are met with resistance from those who cling to outdated beliefs. Our mission is not to eradicate the old ways but to integrate them into the fold of the new, creating a unified faith that can bring complete spiritual fulfillment to our people. The druids are necessary, yes, for now, but their reluctance to fully embrace the new gods undermines the unity we strive to achieve. It is a delicate balance, to honor their role yet guide them towards the true light of St. Ygg.

— His Venerable Mercy, Mordicar the Justhand

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Mystical Crop Circles

Central to their practice, the crop circles are more than mere symbols; they are complex magical constructs imbued with protective spells. Created under moonlit ceremonies, these circles are strategically placed throughout the fields to form a grid of arcane energy. they are powerful magical constructs imbued with spells that channel energies to boost crop growth, repel pests, and stabilize farming weather patterns.

Scarecrow Rituals

In addition to the crop circles, the Harvestguard employs enchanted scarecrows. These figures are ritually placed at the perimeter of the crop circles, serving as physical sentinels that complement the magical protections. Each scarecrow is charged with a faint spirit of the field, capable of alerting the druids to any disturbances in the magical or physical integrity of their wards.

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Come planting and harvest time, it's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, what with the Harvestguard druids on one side and the Church of St. Ygg on the other. The druids, they make those crop circles that keep my fields safe, and their rituals seem to call the rain and sunshine just when we need it. But then, every Sunday, the priests at the church are preaching about dropping the old ways and putting all our faith in the new gods, promising us salvation and all. It's like a constant pull from both ends, making you feel split right down the middle. I got respect for both—seen what they can do with my own eyes. Can't we just be grateful for both their blessings?

— Eastdale Corn Farmer

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Druidic Gatherings and Rites

The Harvestguard Circle convenes at several ancient small menhirs just outside Eastdale & Kirkliston, particularly during key agricultural festivals such as planting and harvest times. These gatherings involve renewing the energy of the crop circles, reinforcing the magical bonds with the land, and celebrating the cycles of growth with traditional druidic rituals that emphasize sustainability and respect for nature.

^{Ritual of Renewal at Ophilla's farm cottage HEX - 0712}

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Worship of the Anganach

The primary focus of the Harvestguard Circle's spiritual practice centers on the worship of Silvanus, the Green Man, and Herne the Hunter—both pivotal figures in the pantheon of the Old Gods. These deities embody the principles of growth, balance, and protection of the natural world, which are crucial to the Circle’s mission.

Silvanus, the Green Man

Revered as the god of nature and balance, Silvanus’s doctrines guide the druids in nurturing the earth and ensuring the sustainability of the woodlands and fields. His symbols, faces carved into trees and stones, are scattered across the landscape, serving as blessings for growth and protection.

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Herne the Hunter

Celebrated as the protector of the forests and their denizens, Herne’s influence is particularly significant in maintaining the boundary between the wilds and cultivated lands. He is believed to bestow his protective prowess upon selected members of the circle, known as Guardians of the Forest, who play a crucial role during the hunting season to ensure a respectful balance between human needs and wildlife preservation.

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Malachai

^{"The Reluctant Veneration"}

Although primarily focusing on benign deities, the circle also acknowledges Malachai, a demi-god associated with the darker aspects of agriculture. Only a few druids, knowledgeable in dealing with more volatile forces, perform secretive rituals to appease Malachai and prevent his wrath from manifesting in the crops.

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By intertwining the worship of the Old Gods with their duties, the Harvestguard Circle not only enriches the spiritual life of Eastdale but also fortifies its agricultural stability, fostering a sustainable relationship between the community and the land. Their work ensures that the ancient traditions of the druids continue to protect and enhance the crops and natural landscapes of Eastdale.

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Type

Druidic Circle

Leader

Althaea Greenmantle

Location

Eastdale

Notable Members

• Althaea Greenmantle