Druids of Haerys

The Druids of Haerys are a reclusive circle of druids dedicated to protecting the Forest of Haerys, particularly from the Magi of Bael Turath. With very few exceptions, the Druids are Elves, although the circle has been known to accept non-Elves in exceptional circumstances.
The Druids of Haerys are part of the Arkhosian Circle of the Moon, and as such meet with other druidic groups once a year in the month of Shining Moon, when the moon Lix is at its brightest. At these gatherings the druids discuss important matters and plan for the following year.

Culture

When a new member of the Circle is born (or a new member brought into the Circle), a tree is planted in their name. Once the tree has matured, they are gifted with a branch from the tree, to use as a druidic focus. The death of one's name-tree is a sad occasion for a member of the Circle, and is often cause for returning to the forest for a period of mourning. However, this rarely occurs, as the trees planted in the forest live for much longer than the average lifespan of a Circle member. More commonly, the tree's namesake passes long before the tree itself. In such cases, the Druids of Haerys believe that the deceased's soul transfers to the tree.

Public Agenda

The goal of the Druids is to protect the Forest of Haerys. It is thought that this forest is a crossing-point to the Planos Sylvanis, and as such many mages and scholars would like to explore the forest and study it. The Druids fiercely resist such attempts, sometimes to the point of open conflict. However, the Druids prefer non-violent means of dissuading travellers, such as the use of illusions to scare them off or magical wards to physically prevent access.

History

Nobody knows exactly how old the Druids of Haerys are, with even its members being unsure of its founding date. However, there are records of their existence from the time of the Old Arkhosian Empire, so it is known that the Druids have existed since at least the First Age. It is likely that the Druids were founded by Elves who came from Ysillia who, on discovering the natural magic of the Forest, decided to settle there to protect it from others.
Some time in the First Age, a mage from the Spire of Bael Turath found the forest and noticed its magical power. An expedition was organised to try to explore the forest, but was met by fierce resistance from the Druids. Since then, there has been tension between the Druids and the Magi of Bael Turath.

Type

Druidic Circle

Alternative Names

The Druids of the Plateau

Leader

Inyasil

Location

Forest of Haerys

Controlled Territories

• Forest of Haerys