4. The Circle of the Old Faith
The Circle of the Old Faith in Twilight Falls is an ancient and sacred site dedicated to the Old Faith, a druidic tradition that predates the rise of modern kingdoms. This revered place is overseen by Mahrli Wildbriar, a Druid of the Sixth Circle (human female, druid 7), who has long served as the spiritual guide of the community. The circle is a place of pilgrimage, healing, and deep connection to nature, where woodsmen, rangers, and followers of the Old Faith come to pay homage, seek guidance, and partake in sacred rituals.
Despite its long-standing presence, the Circle now faces challenges—the growing expansion of Twilight Falls, increasing deforestation, and tensions with the elves of the Gnarley Forest, who see the village as an encroaching force upon the land.
The Sacred Site – Circle of the Old Faith
Description & Layout
The Circle of the Old Faith is an ancient ring of dolmens, arranged in a near-perfect circle around an ancient oak grove, where the Twin Oaks, massive and seemingly ageless, stand as natural sentinels of the site.
- Ancient Dolmens – Weathered standing stones covered in druidic runes and carvings depicting forest spirits, beasts, and celestial cycles.
- Twin Oaks – Two massive trees, sacred to the druids, which are said to hold deep spiritual significance.
- The Healing Spring – A crystal-clear natural spring flows near the circle, renowned for its supposed healing properties.
- The Ritual Grounds – An open grassy area within the circle where seasonal festivals, equinox rites, and druidic rituals are performed.
Significance & Function
The Circle of the Old Faith serves as:
- A place of worship for followers of The Old Faith.
- A healing site for those seeking druidic remedies and spiritual balance.
- A pilgrimage site for woodsmen, rangers, and druids throughout the Gnarley.
- A center of wisdom, where Mahrli and other druids provide counsel on nature, omens, and the balance of life.
“To cut an Ipp tree is to sever a thread of the world’s tapestry. How many threads before the weave unravels?”
Political & Religious Influence
From the whispering elders of the Druids of the Gnarley Forest to the wary rangers patrolling the forest’s edge, Mahrli Wildbriar’s influence stretches far beyond Twilight Falls. As a Druid of the Sixth Circle, she is a revered voice among the keepers of the Old Faith, though she walks a delicate balance—a guardian of nature standing at the threshold of an encroaching civilization. The elves of the Gnarley see her as a reluctant intermediary, a lone bridge between their ancient grievances and the relentless tide of human expansion. Among the Gnarley Rangers, she is both an ally and a prophet, her visions of the forest’s shifting balance a warning they cannot afford to ignore. Yet in the growing village itself, she is an outsider, a keeper of old ways in a place swiftly embracing new ones.
The Old Faith & The Druids of the Gnarley Forest
- As a Druid of the Sixth Circle, Mahrli holds great influence within the Druids of the Gnarley.
- She represents the Old Faith’s presence in Twilight Falls, ensuring nature’s balance is upheld.
- Communicates frequently with higher-ranking druids but remains isolated from their deeper politics.
Relations with the Elves of the Gnarley Forest
- The elves have largely rebuffed contact with Twilight Falls, seeing the village as a growing blight on the forest.
- Mahrli, though sympathetic to their concerns, has failed to bridge the divide.
- Some elven intermediaries still speak with her, but tensions remain high.
“The elves call Twilight Falls a wound upon the land. The villagers call it home. Which is the truth? Perhaps both.”
Interactions with the The Gnarley Rangers
- Shares a strong alliance with the Rangers, as both seek to preserve the forest’s balance.
- Provides healing, shelter, and spiritual guidance to rangers who patrol the wilds.
- Occasionally warns them of omens or unnatural disturbances in the forest.
Conflict with the Expansion of Twilight Falls
- The village’s rapid growth and deforestation for new farmland and lumber threatens the Gnarley’s natural order.
- Mahrli is frustrated but uncertain on how to act—direct conflict could divide her own followers.
- She seeks a middle path, advocating for sustainable use of the land rather than outright resistance.
“The forest does not belong to us. We are but guests, and some have overstayed their welcome.”
Trade & Commerce Relations
From the winding roads of The Wild Coast to the merchant hubs of Dyvers, Free Lands of and Verbobonc, Twilight Falls has become a waypoint for those who brave the Gnarley’s depths. The Circle of the Old Faith, though wary of unchecked commerce, cannot deny the inevitable march of trade. Mahrli Wildbriar, reluctant yet pragmatic, allows a delicate exchange—potions, herbs, and whispered wisdom traded for coin, information, or rare goods from the world beyond the forest. The gnomes of the Greenway Valley, ever respectful of the land’s balance, have earned her favor, while human merchants remain tolerated, their presence watched with cautious eyes. Yet, as more wagons carve ruts into ancient paths and axes bite deeper into the Gnarley’s edge, a question lingers—when does trade become trespass?
Merchants & Travelers
- Reluctantly tolerates merchants, despite their increasing use of the forest road.
- Herbs, potions, and remedies from the Circle are sometimes traded with travelers.
- Allows certain Dyvers and Wild Coast traders to consult her for advice on safe passage.
Gnomes of the Greenway Valley
- Maintains cordial relations with gnome traders, as they are far more respectful of nature.
- Gnomes frequently seek her guidance on omens and animal migrations.
Adventure Hooks
- The Elves’ Warning – An elven scout secretly meets with Mahrli, claiming the Twilight Falls expansion must stop—or suffer dire consequences. She needs diplomatic adventurers to broker peace.
- The Corrupted Spring – The sacred healing spring near the Circle of the Old Faith has begun to darken and turn foul. Something is poisoning the land.
- A Druid’s Dilemma – Mahrli receives an ultimatum from the higher circles of the Druids of the Gnarley: oppose Twilight Falls’ expansion or be stripped of her status.
- The Forgotten Pact – A lost elven relic is discovered beneath the Twin Oaks, tied to an ancient pact between druids and elves. Its meaning could change everything.
“There is a storm on the horizon, though no cloud yet darkens the sky. You will see it soon enough.”
Conclusion
The Circle of the Old Faith stands at a crossroads—a bastion of tradition in a time of rapid change. Mahrli Harefoot, its guardian, finds herself caught between her duty to the land and the realities of an expanding village. With tensions rising, her role as a mediator, seer, and protector may soon determine the fate of Twilight Falls itself.
“Step lightly among the dolmens. This is a place of old powers, and they do not forget.”
Mahrli Harefoot – Druid of the Sixth Circle
Mahrli Wildbriar is the longest-serving druid of Twilight Falls, an enigmatic woman whose wisdom is as deep as the roots of the Twin Oaks. Her silver-streaked hair is woven with leaves and beads, and her pale green eyes seem lost in the mysteries of the wilds. A guardian of the Old Faith and a reluctant mediator, she stands between the expansion of Twilight Falls and the will of the Gnarley. While respected by the Druids of the Gnarley and Gnarley Rangers, the elves of the forest now regard her with disappointment, believing she has failed to halt human encroachment.
- Role: Druid of the Sixth Circle, protector of the sacred site.
- Affiliations: The Old Faith, Druids of the Gnarley Forest, Gnarley Rangers.
- Beliefs: Struggles between preserving the land and adapting to change.
- Tensions: Respected by druids and rangers but seen as a failure by the Gnarley elves.
The Healing Spring
Tucked beneath the shade of an ancient willow, the Healing Spring flows in a slow, steady trickle from a moss-covered rock, its water as clear as polished glass. The pool it gathers into shimmers with an otherworldly glow, faint ripples forming without wind, as if the spring itself is breathing. The air here carries a freshness unlike any other part of the forest—a scent of damp earth, crushed herbs, and the promise of renewal. Those who kneel at its edge often speak of a warmth spreading through their limbs, of old wounds easing, and burdens lifting from their spirit. Some claim the water holds the blessings of the gods of the Old Faith, while others insist it is the land itself offering its embrace to the weary. Either way, few leave untouched by its quiet power.
A Druid’s Prayer of Healing
As Mahrli kneels by the spring, she dips her hands into the cool water, letting droplets fall like rain upon the injured. Her voice is a whisper carried on the wind, a melody woven from words older than kingdoms:
Let your waters mend what time has worn.
By leaf, by stone, by whispered breath,
Return this vessel to balance once more.
The water glows softly, and as the prayer fades, a hush settles over the grove, as if the land itself is listening.
Effects of the Healing Spring
- Drinking from the spring restores 1d4 + 2 hit points and removes one level of exhaustion (once per long rest per creature).
- A creature fully submerged in the waters for at least 10 minutes receives the benefits of a Lesser Restoration spell.
- During druidic rituals, the spring’s waters may be used to enhance healing spells, granting advantage on Wisdom (Medicine) checks made in the area.
- Those with a deep connection to nature (druids, rangers, elves, and followers of the Old Faith) may experience visions or omens when meditating near the spring.
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