idunia Verdants of Idunia

[jihsoo 746]

Issued in the 270th Year of the Second Age by the Chapter Hall of the

HIGH WARDEN

 

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Stewardship and reverence for nature have always been significant traits of the Idunians, in respect of GOD, or rather, Aeradar’s creations, from trees to fields, from the sunlight that beats from the heavens. In such, did this reverence foster a duty not only to protect the High Kingdom but Wardgroves and glades that surround vassals and keeps alike, birthing a new Order, sworn to the upkeep of nature’s balance: Verdants. A branch of Druids that takes root within the very heart of Idunia, within Alduun. It is through these practices of ridding areas of taint and blight, while remaining steadfast in the True Faith, that this blessing of Verdancy has fallen into the hands of chivalrous Knights: a responsibility to the Númenaranyë, the greater world and its people.

 

Such a blessing is not a selfish act but instead is placed in the hands of the courageous and selfless. Those who aspire to receive the guiding light of Pelydru are thus regarded as Apprentices. Apprentices seeking to receive the blessing and lessons are only accepted if said practitioner forgoes the heretical worship of the Aspects, for in such is much a heresy as followers of the True Faith. The boons of the Aspects are accepted, though to practice such selfishly and against the beliefs of Aeradar, and disregard the cares of nature, are held under high scrutiny. Thus, Verdants hold weighty responsibility. Thus, in establishing the Order of Verdants within the High Kingdom of Idunia, a new era of camaraderie wakes.

 

 

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“The lives of mortals are brief flickers beneath the endless sky, bound by the rhythms of earth and sky–plowing, sowing, repeating–and marked by the cycle of birth, growth, decay and death. . . Yet Verdants move to a different measure, one shaped by the slow, steady unfolding of seasons, the deep-rooted pulse of the wilds, and the enduring light of Pelydru – the sacred Radiance gifted by GOD at the dawn of all things.” 

-Holy Ser Llewyn-Hirrovan Glennmaer

 

Where the Templar Knights bear the purging Light of the Radiant Flame, the Verdants are in its echo in root and bough. Knights of both virtue and verdure, the Verdants draw from the sacred breath of the wild, wielding a form of Radiance that flows not as fire, but as living renewal: Verdancy, an oath to safeguard the balance of life as ordained by Aeradar’s design. Tasked with cleaning the rot that festered in necrotic lands and corners of the world this includes ridding the blight in trees, sickness in the fields, and the spiritual hollowness that clings to corrupted places. Yet, make no mistake that the Verdant’s path is not one of softness. Like the roots of an old tree that splits stone, their will is unbending. They bring judgment with thorn and vine, shaping the world through Aeradar’s unseen hand in the wild. They stand as bulwarks against those who would sunder the natural order for power, dominion, or spite.

 

Verdants honor the Aspects, though offer no worship or misplaced faith towards the ancient wardens, aenguls of life’s design who serve not in opposition to God, but as angelic reflections of His will through the language of the earth. Thus, understanding that Verdancy draws not by the hands of the Aspects nor Mani is pivotal. Instead, it draws from the Fae Realm, in which Verdants hold much reverence, respect, and fear of the Fae, choosing not to trifle in their matters, nor the likes of what resides in their plane. And so, do the Verdant-Knights live within the blessing of Pelydru – binding them to a lifelong offering where one’s will is gently surrendered to the rhythms of the earth and sky, and the ever-turning wheel of nature’s cycle, and the sacred stewardship placed upon the Verdant’s shoulders and feet.

 

“Through Verdancy, these Knights walk a parallel path to the Templars– two rivers feed from the same spring of Radiance. Where one sears corruption from the soul, the other draws it from the roots. One cleanses by fire, the other by growth. Both are divine.” 

-Holy Ser Llewyn-Hirrovan Glennmaer

 

 

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Similar to the practices of the Radiant Templars of the White Tower, to receive the Blessing of Communion is to swear and uphold the responsibilities given to those of Verdants. Whilst receiving the boons of Malchadiel hold their own requirements, so does Verdancy, as when one tethers themselves to the likes of green magic, it taxes the very likes of one’s mind - hearing the voices and song of nature into a cacophonic harmony that one must adapt to. Furthermore, is such a blessing not just bestowed upon those who hold a strong care for stewarding the environment, but also toward those who have excelled and exhibited in their faith and valor enough to commune with the likes of nature.

 

Those who seek the Blessing of Communion must first undergo Apprenticeship. . .

🟆 … by a sworn Knight-Verdant of the High Kingdom of Idunia, who will become their Mentor.
🟆 … should be undergoing squireship under the recognized Knight-Verdant.

🟆 … and should continue to follow the Knightly Standard for Squires seeking to ascend to Knighthood.

See missive: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/262854-the-knights-of-idunia-260-sa/

 

The Apprentice must. . . 

🟆 … complete their Knightly Standard Requirements.
🟆 … undergo three trials that their Mentor must select to prepare the Apprentice before Connection.

🟆 … be a seasoned Knight sworn to the High Kingdom of Idunia.

🟆 … regale the separation between the Wild Faith, the True Faith, and Verdancy.

🟆 … undergo the Path of Owyn and its entirety.

 

Apprenticeship Trials

Spoiler

 

⋆  Braving the Faerie Ring – The Trial of Fortitude

A test on mental strength and character. Whilst rivers of mana connect the revered and feared Fae to the Mortal Realm, testing one's mettle to step into the Fae Ring without receiving the boons is one that meddles with the Apprentice's character. The unbound Apprentice will find themselves filled with the Songs of Nature, which greatly impact the senses, causing disorientation and dizziness akin to being inebriated. Thus, being able to handle and pry oneself from the ring is a harrowing feat, challenging the unconnected to brave the cacophony that will fill their lives so long as they bear the blessing.

 

⋆  The Hunt – The Trial of Gratitude

A test of respecting the balance of nature. As natural as the cycle is with prey and predator, do Verdants understand that as stewards of nature – it is about give and take. Thus, there is a respect for the ways that nature runs under Aeradar’s will. Such a trial not only tests the merit of the Apprentice’s prowess in the hunt, but also fosters an understanding of not wasting what has been taken from this cycle and paying homage to the gifts that Aeradar grants. This requires the apprentice to craft three things from what is hunted (varying in each part of the animal or creature) and gift them to other Verdants and/or craft three things in respect to the aspirant’s character and present them to their mentor.

 

⋆  Naturalistic Craftsmanship – The Trial of Aptitude

The Apprentice will be presented with two options: Create a staff of Natural Materials, or craft a weapon of Ironwood.  The process of crafting a staff or weapon is bound to the respect of the give and take from the cycle of nature. Having respect for Aeradar’s creation, calls to utilize and understand all the parts given to the Apprentice, are a gift, and should be conserved and used. Creating a staff from a tree (personal to the Apprentice) grown by a Verdant or learning the craft of Ironwood is a personal and gratifying task, encouraging the Apprentice to open their eyes to not only the creativity but the intentional passion and labour placed in utilizing nature’s gifts.

 

⋆  Heeding the Verdants – The Trial of Certitude

Whilst Druii hold much history with the Numenedain, respecting those who have practised the green magics for eons requires Verdants alike to humble themselves to understand their history with their practice. While both may not see eye to eye on the likes of the Wild Faith and the True Faith, there is a lesson to be had in understanding Verdants and Druids’ stories, and their choices in ‘how’ and ‘why’ they have pursued the green magics. Thus, the Apprentice is required to ask three worthy Verdant or Druii about their journeys and regale their understanding back to their Mentor.

 

 

 

Thereafter, in completing their Apprenticeship, should the aspirant seek approval of the High Verdant and notify the High Justiciar. Only then can the Apprentice be granted the Blessing of Communion by their Mentor.

 

 

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Watchful in their presence as they commune with forests, sustained by countless unseen roots and whispered prayers on branches and leaves’wind, Verdants are the stewards of nature – though it does not claim them to have dominion over the land; rather, they are its guardians and keepers. Steadfast in their unwavering faith and their bond to the earth, balance and maintenance in the natural cycle of Aeradar’s creation is what the Verdants seek.

 

Those who seek to be granted such opportunities must be prepared to display their prowess before the face of the High Kingdom of Idunia. To walk the path of a Verdant-Knight is to carry the patience of stone and the resilience of ancient wood as figures of the living pulse of the land; to be the healing hand toward those in need, and the wrathful vine, the blooming judgement toward the unjust. 

 

The Mentor must. . . 

🟆 … be a sworn Knight-Verdant of the High Kingdom of Idunia.

🟆 … uphold and follow the virtues of the Knights of Idunia and the upkeep of the True Faith.

🟆 … teach the following to their newly connected Verdant:

 

⋆  Communion & Control – The gateway of communication for Verdants to the natural world.

⋆  Blight Healing – The gift of purging magical corruption to cleanse taint from ailing the world.

⋆  Herblore – The gift of growing flora in different manners to alter them and grant abilities.

⋆  The Fae Realm – The plane in which the Aenguls or Aspects reside and hold domain, and the origins of Verdancy in respect to GOD’s Creation: The Daywardlands, the Twilight Bound, and the Nightfall Domain

 

When an Apprentice has verily risen to Knighthood and proved their merit, their Mentor shall continue their teachings in the practice of Verdancy, journeying together through challenge and quests, to shape the Verdant into the true Knight-Verdant. Once such is completed in its entirety, the newly Knight-Verdant may take on an Apprentice of their own, in pursuit of Mentorship.

 

TERMINOLOGY

🟆 Apprentice…

Refers to the aspirant who wishes to take on Verdancy as a martial practice.

🟆 Apprenticeship…

Refers to the process an aspiring Verdant must undergo before receiving the Blessing of Communion.

🟆 Aspects…

To those of the True Faith are Aspects regarded as Aenguls who reside in the Fae Realm, who fostered the connection between the Mortal Plane and theirs, causing Verdancy into fruition. While we do not worship the Aenguls of Nature, Verdants hold respect for them and their granted boons, though first and foremost, worship the Creator GOD above all.

🟆 Blessing of Communion/Connection. . .

Refers to the process of receiving the Blessing of Communion/Connection, which involves entering a pool of water in a meditative state or being put into a comatose state, where one encounters all their shortcomings, trials, challenges, fears, and battles within a vision that is hyper-realistic. Moreover, does the Apprentice not realize these visions are not real, and is tasked to face and confront them within this state.

🟆 Mani…

Refers to the spirits or Fae that manifest in animal form, whether ethereal or corporeal, appointed by the Aspects to do their will. Whilst guardians of the sort, or referred to as ‘Demigods’ by Druii, Verdants hold reverence, respect, and fear toward the Mani, though do not worship nor call upon them for their blessings or boons.

🟆 Mentor…

Refers to the Verdant-Knight, who is instructing and educating the aspiring Verdant-Apprentice.

🟆  Pelydru…

(Low Idunic) Meaning, ray or beam, refers to GOD’s beam or light that is cast upon His Creation. A term and word often used by the first few Verdants of Idunia, notably, Holy Ser Llewyn-Hirrovan Glennmaer.

 

 

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SIGNED,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians 

HIS GRACE,  Ser Viago Valathor Vitalius Adalwulf Rhomenor, Patriarch of House Vourkehardt, Margrave of Ardrossil, Chaptermaster of the Order of the White Tower, Templar Justiciar of Saint Michael the Archangel, Knight of the Dawn, Silverhand of the Treasury, Steward of the Númenaranyë, and Slayer of the Gilded Queen

HIS LORDSHIP, Holy Ser Llewyn-Hirrovan Glennmaer of Tir-Glas, Vicar of the Bene Lisse, Deacon, High Verdant of Idunia, Knight Captain of the Dawn, Slayer of the Gilded Queen,

and Patriarch of the House Glennmaer

 

HER LADYSHIP,  Lady Safiyaa-Yavanna Vourkehardt Glennmaer of Tir-Glas, Hand of the Crown of Tir-Glas, Master of  Tir-Glas Revelries, Physician of Tir-Glas & Idunia, Knight of the Dawn,

and Daughter of House Vourkehardt

 

HER GRACE, Princess Sascha-Anoreth Gwyeneth Glennmaer of Tir-Glas, Verdant-Squire of the Dawn, Firefly of Tir-Glas, Protector of the Aldtree

and Matriarch of the House Glennmaer

 

[StingyParrot 1595]

Spoiler

NOOOO THEY GOT THE DRUIDS TOO 

 

[Onnensr 1908]

Cardinal-Emeritus Nerium smiled the Sun's smile, the seed he'd encouraged had grown in great splendor. Canondom's overeliance on the Grove to purge the voidal magi's mistakes had always been an aggitation to him, a nearly humiliating act as he saw it. Now that reliance had changed hands, shifted into the talented fist of the righteous and reverent. "GOD bless the Glennmaers!" he spoke to himself with glee, sending Llewyn another 100,000 mage badges.

[JudgeTrudy 610]

In the hour of this Order's announcement, a grown man sitting amongst the courtiers in Alduun found himself deeply intrigued and inspired by the missive and the Order. Lukas von Theonus was a grown man already, and yet, he'd recently found himself in a pit of despair. For the first time in months, though, the relatively young Petran felt the spark of inspiration in his heart. From beside his mother, watching the seasoned knight's announcement of the Verdants, Lukas von Theonus considered, after some months, what it meant to break free from one's shell, to do what is hard, and to stand in defiance against the dark.

 

"Zhe Bishop told me it was not too late to make a change in life. Maybe Ich should see if it is too late to be brave." he thought to himself as he traced the missive's words once again.

 

Spoiler

I've long admired the Verdancy tradition of the Glennmaers and this whole Order is super rad. The post itself is also very well written and made. I may never actually advance this character's dreams, but, I will look forward to seeing many great things from the Verdants of Idunia moving on. <3

 

[Marthia 273]

Sascha Glennmaer smiled upon the missive’s publish. She hoped, not only for those of Idunia to aspire to acquire Verdancy, but for the new Order to flourish. 

[ChainedDragons 1374]

The omen felt knots twist in his gut. So close.. and yet..
He hides the missive amongst his shelf. 
Another opportunity gone.