The Druidic Order

~*~ Large Update ~*~ New Dedicants have sworn in... :D Dedicant Marcy (JPStalker) Dedicant Hreidmar (Mazama) Dedicant Laura (DefinitelyKnot) Dedicant Sarre (Origin_lark) Dedicant Erin (_Altariel_) Dedicant Henry (EpicSmith) Dedicant Jawn (Rethai) Three Druids have been attuned ((since the last thread update))... :) Scroll Druid Kyral ((Arkelos)) Coyote Druid Ryn ((Melodystar)) Amber Druid Tippen (Yannirog) Three Druids have been deemed Lost Druids... :( Rabbit Druid Hoppy (Liandry) Rose Druid Elswyen (jollyb123) Sloth Druid Bod (Pengepi) Six Druids have been deemed Forgotten Druids... D; Blood Druid Briza (Pinsir99) Death Druid Ruaonna (xXVenomcastXx) Fox Druid Anarane (casanova9) Wolf Druid Ouity (Ouity) Bear Druid Isabella (TheEpicFiend) Life Druid Pebble (TheEpicFiend)

~*~ Update ~*~ Wheat Druid Renn has changed her totem to Wisteria Druid, blessed be. Wisteria Druid Renn has ascended to the rank of Guide. Hare Druid Taynuel has ascended to the rank of Guide. Grizzly Druid Barry has ascended to the rank of Guide. The position of Head Teacher has been returned. Song Druid Arik has been named Head Teacher. Wolf Druid Ouity Deathsbane has been moved to Lost Druid. Bear Druid Isabella Deathsbane has been moved to Lost Druid. May their travels be safe, and their footsteps watched over by the Aspects.

~*~Update~*~ Upon the decisions reached at our recent Moot… Pine Druid Gi'Garun and Sunshine Druid Verden have retired from Archdruidship and rejoined the ranks of the Hierophants. Squirrel Druid Veren and Snow Druid Beth both arose from Guide to fill the position of Archdruid, leaving Mist Druid Earendur as the sole Guide.

~*~ Huge Update ~*~ Dedicant Baine (sealteam2) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Smurgla (Tantaparo) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Enelyn (FappingGod) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Josef (Deutschland63) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Tarnov (demonxerov2) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Ierven (Greenpelt2013) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Manuel (ACanadianCraft) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Sky (xXxSKY_BOOTAYxXx) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Eldrin Nym' (xXtornmageXx) removed from Dedicant list. Dedicant Aeran (Space0fAids) added to Dedicant list. Dedicant Valen (Brokencrowe) added to Dedicant list. Dedicant Aolis (AlteredGENx) added to Dedicant list. Dedicant Endrai (miningwolf14) added to Dedicant list. Dedicant Bippen (Hieya) added to Dedicant list. Dedicant Dasos (TeaRex) added to Dedicant list. Crow Druid Briar (Briar_Ophiuchus) removed from Lost Druids. Fox Druid Anarane (casanova9) removed from Lost Druids. Orchid Druid Isabella (Ellacohed) removed from Lost Druids. Hare Druid Taynuel (KibagoKid) removed from Lost Druids. Wheat Druid Renn (jaeden111) removed from Lost Druids. Crow Druid Briar (Briar_Ophiuchus) added to Active Druids. Fox Druid Anarane (casanova9) added to Active Druids. Orchid Druid Isabella (Ellacohed) added to Active Druids. Hare Druid Taynuel (KibagoKid) added to Active Druids. Wheat Druid Renn (jaeden111) added to Active Druids. Ox Druid Popo (soresan) added to Forgotten Druids. Rest well, Brother.

~*~ Updates ~*~ Dedicant Barry removed from Dedicant's list. Grizzly Druid Barry added to Druid's list. Welcome brother! Dedicant Eldrin Nym' (xXtornmageXx) added to Dedicant's list

~*~ Updates ~*~ With our recent moot, the following changes have come about: Sunshine Druid Verden (Jallentime) moved to Archdruid List. Apple Druid Leyun (Katherine1) moved to Hierophant List. Owl Druid Arinislia (Delmodan) moved to Archdruid List. Squirrel Druid Veren (legocrazy7) moved to Guides List.

This is a revised outline of clarifications and revisions to the rules and guidelines of Druidism, revising old rules, putting more emphasis on our ideals, and helping ensure a lasting, sustainable future for Druidism on LotC. All Druids on LotC are subject to these rules, without exception. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OOC Mission Statement:: The Druids are here first and foremost to provide fun and interesting RP, as well as a friendly, family-like environment OOCly within our Skype channels. We are strict in adherence to our lore and rules, but we are friendly and lenient, and more than willing to discuss ANYTHING with you in a calm setting. Please keep in mind your behavior OOC is also important as a Druid, you represent us on and off the server. IC Mission Statement:: Druidism exists to preserve the balance of nature in the world, and seek to restore that balance to places that have become imbalanced or corrupted. We praise the Aspects, and only the Aspects, no other deity, prophet, or leader holds the heart of a true Druid, they are loyal only to the Aspects. We are a family, and we obey the will of the Aspects in order to preserve both the Order and the Balance. People You Can Approach About Druid Lore Questions And Issues:: -Lillith (Menarra): Lore Admin of LotC and also Druid Lore Master before that. -Rittsy (Alan): Former Lore Admin of LotC and a longstanding Druid Lore Master. -Arik (Jamie): Creator of original definitive work for Druidism Magic. -Arinislia (Delmo) : Lore Master and also a Druid Lore Master. -Callax (Shrub) : Well known with the knowledge of Druid Lore. -Milo (the Transgressor): For all your mushroom knowledge needs! Important Links:: -Druidism Magic Guide: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/122468-the-revised-druidism-guide/ -Druid Wiki: http://wiki.lordofthecraft.net/The+Druids -Druid Library: http://grove.conforums.com/index -The Druidic Order Thread: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/102575-the-druidic-order/ Druidic Terms those outside the Order may not be familiar with:: Druidism and the use of Other Magics:: An Insight into Druidism and it’s mindset, by Arik:: Attunement Rules:: Unattunement Rules:: General Rules and Guidelines for Attuned Druids::

~*~ Update ~*~ Moved Sloth Druid Bod (Pengepi) to Lost Druids Moved Crow Druid Briar (Briar_Ophiuchus) to Lost Druids Moved Daisy Druid Elizabeth (shorty794) to Lost Druids Moved Elk Druid Danic (jpiroden) to Lost Druids Moved Drifting Druid Mith'laku (Tadmonster) to Forgotten Druids Moved Raven Druid Primrose (Natethegreat237) to Forgotten Druids Moved Butterfly Druid Makayla (MonkeyCoffee) to Forgotten Druids Moved Storm Druid Prishe (ZeroMasterZX) to Forgotten Druids Moved Frost Druid Dain (candydeath13) - Hierophant to Lost Druids Moved Arum Druid Dover (racingbrother) - Hierophant to Lost Druids Moved Rose Druid Elswyen (jollyb123) to Active Druids New active grove location added: The Elavriel Island Grove - Athera

Added Dedicant Sky (xXxSKY_BOOTAYxXx) to Dedicants List.

Druidism: A Revised Guide Forenote:: This revision to the original Guide by Arik has been carefully considered to further define and clarify Druidism and it's magic, helping Druids to better understand limitations, speed of progression, and their ability to be creative. The original Guide was a solid foundation, and like all foundations they were meant to be built upon, as we have now done. Druidism is an ancient form of magic, tied to the most ancient of all Guilds of Aegis, the Druidic Order. Centuries of guarding secret knowledge and protecting nature has been this Order’s calling, bringing balance through healing land and spreading verdure with their unique arts. Druidism is controlled in such a way, and taught, through a clever process of training that is designed to “indoctrinate” the student into a certain way of thinking, opinion, etc. That is not to say it is always successful, but it is a powerful tool of regulating who has access to these arts. As with any training, these things occur in stages. The most commonly known one is Dedicancy. This stage is most common because it is the one newcomers enter the Order as. During this time they are given tasks and lectures over a period of time that teach them the Order’s culture, and an appreciation for all things natural. This process, cleverly designed, to open the mind of the Dedicant to the flow of nature, through meditation, assistance and an understanding of ways. When the Dedicant has finally completed their tasks, and their Guide has deemed them ready, they are instructed to devise and complete theirGrand Task, a milestone task for a Dedicant that shows they are ready to take on the full mantle of responsibility of being a Druid. Upon completing this task the Guide takes the Dedicant to the Attunement Pool, an area within the grove high in natural Druidic Energies, and begins the Attunement Process. This process involves the Guide invoking an ancient knowledge to forge a connection to Nature within the mind of the Dedicant. One could consider their initial training to be similar to opening a small hole to allow light to pass, and then the attunement process as using the small hole to bore a larger one, creating a ray of light-a connection. Thus is the way one comes into Druidism. The Arts: Druidic Magic is broken down into several subtypes: Control of Nature Blight Healing Healing Nature’s Communion Shapeshifting Nature’s Communion Defining the Tiers This is the starting point of all Druidic abilities. One is connected to the ebbing flow of life around them. They can feel, see, listen, and even speak to nature and creatures that inhabit it. Yet when just attuned, the connection itself is weak. Your abilities just beginning and through training, experience, and meditation, your communion will become stronger and your requests and abilities easier to manage. No Druid can advance in any druid magic subtype more than their current Communion Tier, PERIOD. For more detailed information on interacting with animals of various types/behaviors through communion, and requesting their aid, a separate post is being prepared for these details, and a link will be put here when it is ready. Tier 1: The Druid has been attuned. You connection is weak, but only just beginning. Through mediation, you are able to slightly feel the ebb and flow of life, faintly hear the melodies within the trees and plants yet cannot make out their meanings. This goes the same for animals. Through mediation, you can hear their words, but the words they speak you will not be able to understand. During this time, it is recommended to meditate and focus on strengthening your connection. Tier 2: Reaching this tier can be achieved within 2-3 IRL weeks through training and meditation. Your connection to nature strengthened, requiring less time to meditate in order to be able to feel the ebb and flow of life a little more within the plants and a little more attuned to the melodies, hearing them clearer. Upon hearing animals, you will be able to understand a few words here and there, but not enough to fully understand the meaning of what they speak. Tier 3: Reaching this tier can be achieved within 2-3 months through training and meditation. You will be able to strongly feel the ebb and flow of life and be able to listen to the melodies without the need of meditation, even the whispers of the trees. You will also be able to understand animals more, but with a few words not being understood. Depending on the situation, animals will be able to comply with some requests. Tier 4: Reaching this tier can be achieved within 7-8 months through training and meditation. Feeling the ebb and flow of life is almost second nature to you now. The melodies of nature and whispers of the trees heard almost clearly. Animals’ words are able to be completely understood and, depending on the situation, will comply with requests. Tier 5: Reaching this tier can be achieved within 12-14 months through training and meditation. You are completely at harmony with nature, feeling the ebb and flow of life without even a second thought. The very nature around you reacts to your presence. Animals will take pause at the druid, their language completely understood and, given the situation, can be easily soothed and will comply with most requests from the druid. Control of Nature Defining the Tiers Control of Nature enables the druid to interact with the plants around them. Whether as simple as growing a flower or as difficult as controlling roots and trees to aid you when needed. Each tier here is determined by your Nature’s Communion. It is REQUIRED to be taught this by someone already highly learned in this subtype. Once you are Tier 3 or above in Control of Nature, you can self improve through practice and meditation over time. Tier 1: The Druid has had their first lessons beyond their attunement and have been instructed on proper meditation to learn how to begin to interact with the living world around them, listen to the melodies of nature, and start to make requests of nature. At this early stage, most requests will go unheard by nature without the guidance of a more powerful Druid. With attention, a Druid of this skill could perhaps coax a single plant into a healthier state through meditation and care. Tier 2: The Druid has learned, through lessons and meditation, how to influence already growing plants, and with focus draw into them more life essence with which to grow slightly faster than normal. With effort, they can aid a small number of plants in growing more healthily, becoming more lush, or yielding a better harvest, but cannot overly affect the speed of their growth. Tier 3: The Druid has spent years in both meditation and lessons, and can begin to manipulate plants. At the beginning of this tier, a druid would need to have focus when requesting the movement of things, like roots or vines. Even making a seed begin to sprout and grow from their own essence within their palm would require a lot of focus. As the druid starts to become familiar with this tier, they start to truly understand the ebb and flow of life within the plants they wish to request from, requiring less time to focus upon said movements. Tier 4: The Druid has spent a few decades meditating and taking counsel from their peers and instructors. They can manipulate roots, vines, and smaller plants with ease, and larger plants and trees with focus. They can grow plants to full size with focus and effort over a fairly short period of time. Plantlife has begun to note your presence when you enter an area, and are more likely to respond to your requests. Tier 5: The Druid has spent several decades in lessons, and in meditation beyond these lessons, attuning to the intricacies of the living world around them. Plantlife around you responds actively to your presence, flowers blooming even in their off-seasons as you pass by, crops seeming more vibrant, and plantlife healthier and lush with minimal attention from the Druid. Nearly all requests that do not upset Balance will heed to the Druid’s call, even to the most ancient of plants and trees to some extent. Nature’s Healing Defining the Tiers Healing is one of the greatest yet most dangerous abilities a druid can learn and achieve. It can be as simple as using a specific type of herb to remedy a headache to as hard as giving one’s own life energy into that of another to heal them. This subtype is not to be taken lightly for, if not learned enough, one runs the risk of even ending their own life if they do not act carefully. It is REQUIRED to be taught by one already highly skilled in this subtype. Once you are Tier 3 or above in Nature’s Healing, you can self improve through practice and meditation over time. Tier 1: The Druid has taken their first lesson from their teacher, and has been taught some of the core concepts of Nature’s Healing. They are able to use their power to enhance reagents and remedies, but not to heal directly. Using bandages and reagents, a Druid can administer more effective first aid than an average non-Druid, enhancing the healing properties of the reagent(s) used. During this tier as well, the druid is taught about different types of herbs and the capabilities of how each herb can affect/help within healing. The Druid will still fatigue quickly from this technique as they are just learning how to draw from themselves, and have not learned how to moderate this process yet. Tier 2: The Druid has refined the basics on their own and through further instruction, and has begun to learn about the living essence that is present in all living things of nature, be it plants, animals, or people. They have generally observed their instructor while sitting within a Fairy Ring to allow them to better see the flow of living essence during a healing lesson. They are still unable to heal anything in this manner, but they can begin to practice the method, and their bandages and remedies will be quite effective, and will fatigue them far less as they have begun to learn how to draw more carefully from themselves. Tier 3: The Druid has had many lessons, and has been taken out on many ‘learn by example’ trips by their teacher. Through meditation and practice, they have begun to understand the flow and transfer of life essence from reagents and plants to aid in healing a person or animal. They have been instructed on the dangers of healing, and the need to pace themselves, lest they draw too much and cause damage upon themselves. It is extremely important at this skill level to use powerful living essence from reagents, or be within a Fairy Ring or a powerful natural area, to avoid drawing too much from themselves. Tier 4: The Druid has refined their skill at transferring living essence from themselves and reagents to heal a victim on their own. They must still take care, but they have mastered how to draw essence from reagents, and to direct their own to aid their efforts. Flesh wounds can be healed over the course of minutes, more severe wounds taking longer and much more effort, putting great strain on the Druid. Only flesh and skin can be mended, not bone. The Druid is able to heal a few people before the strain becomes too much for them. Tier 5: The Druid has fully mastered every aspect of the healing of flesh through their gifts, and can draw much more safely from themselves to do so. In minutes they can mend most non-fatal flesh wounds, and even save someone on the brink of death, with great strain and personal sacrifice. Some of the eldest healers of this skill are even rumored to be able to mend bone to some extent to aid in it’s natural recovery. ((to be clear, the bone is still more fragile until it heals naturally, but could again bear strain and weight)) The Druid is able to heal several people, depending on the injuries, before the strain becomes too much for them. Blight Healing Blight healing is a most noble ability of the Druids. Lands afflicted by blight, or plague, disease and death, decay or magical scarring are given new life, and in the place of the infertile soil there is flourishing new life. It is REQUIRED to be taught by someone already well learned in this subtype in order to progress it. Once you are Tier 3 or above in Blight Healing, you can self-improve over time through practice and meditation over time. Defining the tiers Tier 1: The Druid has begun to study the basics, and can more clearly feel taint and imbalance from plants nearby. They cannot yet heal taint from land, but they can expel sickness from smaller plants and restore them to health with great effort. The Druid cannot purge taint from the soil itself yet, but they can, with great concentration and effort, cease the further spread of the sickness. They can only affect plants affected by disease or plague, magical taint is beyond them. Tier 2: The Druid has had many lessons, and much practice and meditation in assisting a mentor during Blight Healing sessions, and can now feel blight and imbalance at more distance, generally limited to the immediate ecosystem around them. They are able to purge taint and blight from most plantlife with great effort. With great concentration, they can cleanse disease or plague from soil and plants. Tier 3: The Druid has undergone long lessons, study, and meditation, and over the course of many long years has learned to be able to locate imbalance in the land around them, generally within the same ecosystem. They are able to bring dead plants back to life by grafting living, healthy bits of similar plants to the dead and tainted plants, essentially reseeding life into the plant. The Druid is able to purge plague and disease from both plant and soil, and with great concentration they are able to stop the further spread of magical taint. Tier 4: The Druid has spent decades refining their knowledge of bringing life back to lifeless and tainted lands. The Druid is able to draw life back into lifeless soil, and purge all forms of taint, be it disease, plague, or magical in origin, from both plant and soil in a medium area around them with concentration and focus. The Druid is able to bring even the sickest and most tainted of plants and trees back from the brink and restore them to health with effort. It is rumored that a Druid can even grow a new, healthy tree from the stump of a former tree. Tier 5: The Druid has fully mastered their studies of Blight Healing. With effort, they can rapidly heal all forms of taint from both plant and soil in a large area around them. It is said that with prolonged meditation and focus, a Druid of this skill can even grow life from stone using only pure natural energy. If there is any trace of life within a plant, they can restore it to full health nearly instantly, and they can sew new life into dead plants in a short time with focus. Shapeshifting: Shapeshifting is a very rare, mostly unknown ability in Druidism. Most Archdruids even do not learn of it, and those Druids who are inducted by the Shapeshifters keep the secret well, not even telling their closest loved ones about it unless in dire need. The average Druid will not hear more than vague rumors of shapeshifting throughout their time as a Druid. Do not RP it in any shape or form if you have not been approached and gone through the trials and rituals. For information on shapeshifting, refer to: http://www.lordofthecraft.net/forum/index.php?/topic/81980-loredruid-magic-shapeshifting/

~*~ Updates ~*~ With the recent events that have unfolded, the Sequoia Druid has passed on from this world. May the Aspects comfort her by their side. Moved Sequoia Druid Lillith (dagothagahnim) to Forgotten Druids Archdruid Danic has stepped down from his position. May the Aspects be thankful for all he has done for the order. Moved Elk Druid Danic (jpiroden) to Active Druids More Updates to come in result of the recent events. Blessed Be. ~*~

~| Thread Updated: Moved Inactive Hierophants to Forgotten Druids Moved Bee Druid Ker'vuln to Active Druid List Removed Dedicant Raenor from Dedicant list Added Dedicant Smurgla to Dedicant List Added Dedicant Perdric to Dedicant List Added Dedicant Gileandra to Dedicant List Added Dedicant Josef to Dedicant List If there are any mistakes, missing names, misplaced names, or any other form of misinformation, do notify us. |~

~| Thread Updated; Cub Druid Gildun has been promoted to the Status of Guide. Congratulations! Pine Druid Garun has taken his place as Archdruid once more. Removed Fox Druid Anarane from Guide list Removed Drifting Druid Mith from Guide List Added Dedicant Dwyn to the Dedicant list (xRenaix) Shunned Virella Deathsbane Shunned Aphoros |~ ~*~ ~*~ Mind Druid Aeras has resigned as Druid Guide to become Grand Druid

|~ The forum has been completely updated; Do take a look! If anything seems wrong or out of place, tell us! Dedicants are now being accepted again as well! Simply come to the Father Grove and speak to a Guide or Archdruid. If you cannot find either, leave a post here or PM one of us on the forums and we'll get to you as soon as possible! ~|

*fliers are sent out on the backs of birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer and every other animal willing to help the Druids spread word, and fliers are posted up around the Father Grove and several major cities* Winter Solstice Festival Hosted by Greyhaven and the Druidic Order The City of Greyhaven and the Druidic Order invite everyone to a festival celebrating the Winter Solstice. There will be food, drink, and games! Where: Greyhaven Hold, on the border of the Kingdom of Urguan and the Southern Wilds. Follow either the road through Fiandra heading west, or the main Dwarven road through the mountains, then turn left when it splits beyond the caverns. When: On the shortest day of the Winter season, the Winter Solstice. ((Friday, December 19th. Actually 2 days before the irl solstice)) ((Will Begin after 1PM EST, and last however long the RP lasts. Time adjusted by request of them GMT folks.)) Details: The Druidic Order has decided to host this Festival to celebrate a special time of the year, as well as bring the peoples of Athera together in celebration rather than war. We recognize the need for the Descendants to have reason to come together once more, so what better way than a fun-filled festival with feasts, drink, games, prizes, and general merriment! We invite all peoples of Athera to come and have fun on the outskirts of Greyhaven, where we are working diligently to set up the festival grounds and preparing the activities for all of you to enjoy! Activities: -A grand Feast, prepared by Yvette, cook and handmaiden of the leaders of Greyhaven, sure to delight and amaze! -Fishing Tournament: Turn in the biggest fish and you win a prize! -Brewing Garden: Brewers are welcome to come share the stalls to pass out samples of their brew to everyone! -Docile animals from the Wilds and Fiandra, brought up by the Druids to enjoy the Festival alongside us! -Live Auctions!: Come bid on valuable items donated by Archdruid Lillith, Jarl Kirrekith, and others! -Archery Contest: Come test your skill on a custom range of targets and compete for prizes! -Boat Race: Navigate the river and have some fun! -Huge Bonfire!: Stay warm and comfortable while sharing stories and tales around our firepit! -Music: We have acquired musical discs from across Athera and will be playing them from time to time during the festival for everyone’s enjoyment! -Snowball Fights: Come pelt your friends, or enemies, with snow on our winter battlefield, complete with snowforts! -Ice Skating: buy a pair of handmade Ice Skates and glide across the frozen section of lake in front of Greyhaven. -Market: Browse Greyhaven’s lakeside Market and Auction House while you enjoy the festival! -Building Contest: Use the materials and space we provide to make a masterpiece to be judged! So come by and enjoy the offerings your neighbors can provide, and enjoy this day of peace and harmony! ((Also, we have a pun reputation to protect, so: oh deer, this entire post was punless, that is almost un-bear-able. We must take hare to include some puns somehow!))

Updated rules for all Druids regarding the use of other Magics, please bear with us and take a look over them at the bottom of the OP on this thread, we promise to make this as pineless as possible for you! Note that you are bound to these rules simply by being in the Druidic Order. If you aren't frond of them, start running now, we'll give you to the count of tree. If we make a mess of you, oh deer. ~Updated Policy also included here in spoiler for your convenience if you can't sparrow a moment to go to the OP!~

-*- Update Time -*- I I Please welcome our newly Attuned Druids!! (Moved from Dedicant's List to Druid's List) Raven Druid Primrose {Natethegreat237) Kitten Druid Lilliana (Maynard66) Honey Druid Mirabelle (GurenRycerz) Crow Druid Briar (Briar_Ophiuchus)