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Note: This lore is more to explain the origins of how the Aspects have influence over nature, how the first druid came to be, creation of the Aspect Stones, Elder trees, and Fae Ring origins to explain their creation and clarifying the vagueness that is within their lore, along with placing it within the timeline of other lore accepted works. This by no means is changing how each magic/creature works, merely giving a story and explanation behind why they exist. The Origins of Druidism Chapter 1: The Beginning Chapter 2: The First Druid Chapter 3: The Betrayer’s Destruction Chapter 4: Life Reborn Chapter 5: The Truth of the Great War Chapter 1: The Beginning “With Creation comes life, with life comes conflict, and with conflict comes the natural pull to fall into balance.” - Riitill’eliuii, the First Elder Tree In the beginning, the Creator gave birth to nature. Lifeforce. A gift so sacred that three Aenguls took notice of this mortal realm and descended down upon to watch it flourish. The plants, first brimming with life and growth, soon began to wither and fade. Cerridwen saw as the plants could not grow, adapt, or reproduce. Thus, with her blessing, she gave life. The flora rejuvenated and life started to take hold, creating vast plains, forests, and wilds. The Aengul Cernunnos observed life flourish, becoming abundant, yet having nothing to control its rapid overtaking. To correct this problem, he gave the blessing of endings. The first creations of animals were produced by the Father of the Hunt, along with plants overtaking others and the fight with life and death began. For a time, Cernunnos’s creations halted the plants that were growing too evasive, yet there was no control over this process. Thus what Cerridwen had created now was being destroyed. The Aengul Nemiisae saw the beginnings and endings of nature collide and shift about in a chaotic manner. No balance had yet taken place until the last Aengul intervened, giving her blessing of Culling. A hardened, darker truth to some; to others a necessity. Toxins, claws, fangs, defensive attributes and predatory tactics to cull out the weak. Nemiisae’s blessing filled the hole that the cycle of the two blessings missed. Thus, with this final piece of the triad, the natural balance was complete. The Life Cycle was created. Seeing the Creator’s design now flourish upon the realm, The Three Aenguls, now known as the Aspects, sought to keep watch over this new founded creation. To protect and preserve the of the Creator's work for all time, the three Aenguls pooled their power together into one, so creating their own realm- the Eternal Forest. It remained connected to the Mortal’s realm, though existing as a world of its own. The Aspects took sanctuary within this sacred forest and have ruled over their own respective sections as the guardians and protectors of nature. Before they left to reside in the Fae Realm, three stones were created from each Aengul as a representation of their gift to the world: The blue stone of Cerridwen, the silver stone of Cernunnos, and the black binding stone of Nemiisae. These stones hold a small portion of each respective Aspect’s power. The area that surrounded the stones became sacred groves to which the lines separating the Fae and Mortal Realms blurred until almost as one.Yet because the Aspects could not linger for an extended period within the mortal plane, even within this sacred area, they in turn began to create guardians to aid in watching over nature. Cernunnos’s creation of animals sparked an idea within Cerridwen and Nemiisae’s mind. They created mighty natural beings that would later come to be called Elder Trees. Riitill’eliuii, the first Elder Tree that came into existence, had direct natural energies from the Aspects flowing within its very trunk and roots.. Its very being became sentient and aware of itself, as well as what was around it. Within the pool below its trunk, the Sacred Stones which the Aenguls had created were housed. With this new life, Riitill’eliuii produced seeds that gave birth to the Elder Trees that surrounded the Sacred Grove and protected it from those that wished to destroy it. Some of the firstborn of Cernunnos’s blessing stayed within the Sacred Grove and became guardians that protected over the domain while the rest spread out across the realm. Within the Eternal Forest were created varied beings that would come to be known as Fae. They were each created for different purposes, residing in the respective area of influence of the Aspect that created them, and would at times venture to the Sacred Grove and live among the guardians there. Chapter 2: The First Druid “With time comes understanding, experience, and the need to protect all we hold dear from the threats that wish to destroy it all.“ -The First Druid Mortals...a creation made by the composer to live and survive on this realm. Nature created for the means of giving them nutrients, food, and shelter. Yet with all things so readily available, abuse and neglect soon did follow. Mountains carved and hollowed out, forests chopped down for lumber, animals hunted to extinction, and rolling plains flattened for the development of civilization. Across the realm, the Betrayer had begun his war; whispers were heard that it approached the Wilds.. The forest in which the sacred grove resided warded off those that wished to do it harm, save for one race that seemed to wish to adapt and live in harmony with what the world offered, instead of destroying and fighting against it. The elves at first found hostility and aggression, nature lashing out at all mortals for a time. Yet instead of falling into the habits of the other races, they grew to learn from the wilds, and it was then The First would find the sacred grove. A band of elven warriors had broken away from the likes of their kin to live and become protectors of the forest over the years. They saw the fierce power the wilds had to offer and knew such cannot be controlled, only respected. Knowing of the dangers eventually drawing near, the leader of the warriors ventured deep within the ancient woods where stories and legends said none would ever return. The trees creaked and swayed as if speaking to one another. Animals shifted about and lingered as if watching the elf from afar. Further and further the elven warrior would walk, undeterred by the presence he knew was there for his determination was unshakeable, until at last he came to a dead end. The warrior was frustrated and lost, he sat down and began to pray. To what? He did not know. The wilds, the sky, or even the unknown creatures that seemed to constantly watch him. Silence, however, would be the only thing to greet him in return, having not yet truly shown his worthiness. A rustle of leaves was then heard from the nearby bushes before a deer would step out before the warrior. The creature’s gaze focused upon the warrior before suddenly bolt away to the cover of the forest.. The elf, surprised by the behavior of such a normally timid creature, drew his bow and began to give chase. The hunter moved fluidly along the roots and forest floor while the prey ahead darted back and forth until finally an arrow would pierce its flesh and bring the creature to the ground. Catching up to where his quarrel fell, a faint growl emitted nearby as the grass beneath his feet seemed to grow with several flowers sprouting up and taking bloom. The very bushes in front of him then melded away to reveal a massive white wolf with various vines, twigs, and leaves covering part of its body. It’s eyes emitting a radiant emerald glow while it’s form displays pure might and power towards the elf. The warrior, caught off guard by this spirit’s presence, immediately lowered his weapon and bowed before such a beast then steps back from the corpse to give as an offering. The Mani Spirit Morea, Prince of Wolves and Hounds, watches the warrior’s actions intently then steps down towards the fallen prey and devours it. Satisfied with the offering given, Morea steps back while raising its head and parting its maw to let out a loud howl that echoed across the ancient forest, before its entire being would meld back into the flora surrounding the elf, vanishing from sight. It was then his plea was answered, a melody lingering within the air then the trees would seem to part. Mesmerized by the faint voice that called, the elf would move to stand then walk towards the source of the melody. As soon as he stepped inside, the trees would close from behind and his senses would suddenly get overwhelmed by the vast number of whispers and melodies of nature all around him. At first, the sensation would cause the elf to collapse as he tried to focus. Eventually overtime, he would be able to concentrate enough to pick himself back up and venture further within. As the warrior passes by, the flora seems to move of their own will. Several Mani Spirits watched intently, some from afar, others more closely to attack if needed. He knew of the dangers and power within the wilds itself, something that cannot be controlled and demands respect in order to lend its aid. Having seen a massive tree within the center of the grove, the elf ventured towards the Elder Tree to speak and converse with it. Holding curiosity of this mortal being that had wandered into its realm, Riitill’eliuii guided the elf to the pool beneath it’s trunk where it’s roots ran deep, the pool itself shimmering with a faint emerald hue from the Aspect Stones that resided within it. There within the water, the warrior’s mind and soul was transported to that of the Fae realm. The Aenguls, aware of the warrior’s desires and presence within their domain, each sought to test the warrior through trials in order to be deemed worthy of taking on such a blessing to fulfil his needs. Cerridwen’s test of life and respect, Cernunnos’s test of the hunt and strength, then Nemiisae’s test of culling and wit. Each trial the elf warrior passed and thus all three Aenguls imbued the warrior with their blessing, creating the first druid. As the elf emerged from his vision, he felt, heard, and saw the ebb and flow of life all around him. With the gift of the Aspects now granted to him, the elf went forth and spoke with the guardians of the wilds, requesting a pact to be formed so that those blessed with this gift can co-exist and utilize the flora and fauna to help maintain the balance. The Mani Spirits, Fae and Elder Trees all conversed with the elf and the ability of communion was truly born. With this ‘Pact’ now made, the elven leader guided his other warriors through the trials of the Aspects to be granted the blessing, then went forth to utilize their new gifts. The other races soon learned of the druids and their blessing as they would wander across the land to enact nature’s will, and fight back those that would bring destruction and imbalance upon it. Chapter 3: The Betrayer’s Destruction “Can you hear it? It’s getting closer now...the screams are burning my mind.” -Taynei’hiylu, the Transcendant Druid With the coming years of destruction from the Betrayer’s war that stretched over the land, the druids that were at first so few grew in number and word spread about their presence within the world. One such person that grew to highly respect the druids and their ways was one of the four brothers, Malin. His curiosity and leadership of his kinfolk to respect nature and live within it did not go unnoticed by the druids and they often ventured to aid and advise the elven leader and his council. The stories of the Aspects and the creatures of the Fae intrigued Malin and with permission of the druids, they guided him on a journey to visit the sacred grove itself and commune with nature there. The love and respect that the Elven King had turned to a way of life for his people, and the worship of the deities of the wild became tradition over time. During this time, Malin ventured out one day and discovered an emerald dragonling by the name of Taynei’hiylu. Her beauty and kind nature Malin grew to love as he took her back to raise as his own daughter. He taught her about the elven culture, how to disguise and even blend in with his people, until the day came when he took her on the journey to meet with the druids and train under them. There under the guidance of the Aspects and the creatures of nature, they discovered her true purpose of existence and with the blessing gifted to the now young dragaar, she became the Transcendent Druid Taynei’hiylu, the Watcher of the Wilds. Though with every passing day, as the Betrayer’s war drew closer and closer, Taynei’hiylu was the first to begin to succumb to the influence. Nightmares and visions plagued her mind even when she hid away within the sacred grove to try and find some peace. Malin and the elder druids took heed of the Watcher’s illness and warnings and went to fight against the forces of undeath that spread ruin and despair. The elves fought alongside their leader, trying their best to push back and reclaim the land, yet as their numbers decreased, Iblees’ forces grew. The druids aided as best they could, but they too were pushed back, eventually to where the ancient forest resided. The land became scorched, the trees burned and decimated while the very ground plagued with taint and corruption. Taynei’hiylu was afraid, yet she moved to stand by her brothers and sisters. Her presence alone rallied the others to stand their ground while nature itself heeded her call. Various beasts moved to strike, large roots of ancient trees shot forth from the earth to crush or entangled their foes, and her claws ran deep as she swept through the undead abominations. The Betrayer however had a plan to remove the Green Spirit of the Wilds and thus sent the God Eater Azdromoth, a powerful Drakaar, to kill and consume the Transcendent Druid.. Seeing the massive Archdrakaar swoop towards the elves and druids, the first druid, her mentor and guide, grasped ahold of Taynei’hiylu and told the young dragaar to run. He knew if she fell, nature itself would turn and be completely destroyed. So in their hour of need, she fled as Azdromoth was tailing her from behind. Malin knew of her departure and the reason why, yet to others, especially the younger ones, they would not understand and cast her off as a traitor or coward. At last in what seemed like the final hours, the elves and druids were pushed back into the sacred grove itself. The elder trees that were the borders struck back but began to become twisted and overwhelmed. The cries and absolute rage of nature echoed within the grove and the fae creatures moved to attack. The Mani Spirits charged in with a vicious assault and ripped through the armies of the vile and corrupt. Some would fall, others would succumb to the taint and turn into twisted vile versions of their former selves. The elves fought alongside the wild creatures as a barrier while the druids seemed to have drawn back towards Riitill’eliuii. The first druid felt the area die and twist with the roots of the sentient being above him starting to turn. He gathered his druids around him and went into the shimmering emerald pool to circle around the Aspect Stones. The power of the stones already waning from the might of the Archdaemon and his army attempting to spread the taint further within the grove. The last of the fighters now near the tree as the grove itself was mostly destroyed, the sounds of nature starting to fall silent. With a final prayer, the once strong, elven warrior of old drew forth the natural energies of the stones and his fellow druids that willingly gave their power for him to use. A thick veil of shimmering emerald mist would erupt from the pool of the stones, spreading forth and deterring away the vile taint that took hold upon the earth. Malin and the elves charged in once again, having the land itself safe to stand upon once more, and drove back the undead filth that plagued it. The power of the divines showed true that day, yet at a cost. While the elves proceeded to drive back the forces and leave, the damage had already been done. What was once a merging of Fae and Mortal realms alike was now severed and gone. The cleansing mists washed like a cooling stream over the grove to remove the taint and corruption that had nearly overwhelmed it, while the flora revitalized as best it could, yet some things even the power of the Aspects cannot return. The oldest and wisest of the druids, the first ever and leader of the warriors of old, had perished. The pure deific energies that coursed through his very being had turned his skin to bark, his hair to leaves, and eventually his entire body to that of a tree silhouette of the former elf, an ultimate sacrifice given to preserve life itself. The stones as well were drained of their properties and had gone silent while the exhausted druids both wept for and praised their fallen brother. Chapter 4: Life Reborn “Do not fall into the endless dark abyss of hopelessness and despair, nature will always endure..” -Malin With Malin’s forces pushing back the Betrayer’s armies, they could not relent nor look back as the elves left the once beautiful, ancient forest that was now quiet and barren. The emerald mists removed much of the tainted areas, with new life slowly blossoming up from the remains of many of the elder trees. Yet still what was once full of melodies and voices now held only silence. The druids, however, did not give up hope, despite seeing the destruction of their sacred home. The blessing of the Aspects still within them, they moved forth to rebuild and regrow as much as they could of the damage. Riitill’eliuii however had become very weak, as the Fae Realm was now cut off from the Mortal Realm. It’s connection to the Aspects was severely damaged from the effects of the war and destruction upon the land, and for many years the Elder Tree went quiet, save for the few older druids that first connected within the pool beneath its roots, still able to just barely hear it’s strained words. With the four brothers sealing away the Betrayer and the war finally coming to an end, Malin wished to return back to the land that he and his people had grown to cherish and respect. The other races, due to the curses now given, were impossible to truly coexist with. As they came towards the isle and travelled across the land towards where the sacred grove once resided, only then did the elves realize the true destruction that had been wrought. Most of the Ancient Forest was gone, save for a small part that seemed to have been restored. The Sacred Grove itself was exposed now, yet with the work of the druids, it was slowly recovering, though never again to what it once was. When Malin went to pay respects to the remains of the The First Druid, a strange sight was seen as the tree like silhouette body seemed to have vanished or been moved. Malin and his elves had fought side by side with the druids and with the bond formed from helping to preserve the wilds, the druids allowed the elves to build and live there. The throne of the elven king, and his council of elves and druids, was placed within the trunk of Riitill’eliuii, just above where the shimmering emerald pool resided. Malin’s City eventually built around Riitill’eliuii’s thunk and coexisted with nature itself. Centuries would pass as the druids and elves lived together within the Kingdom of Malin. A group of Archdruids rose up and were named the Taynei’Sil, in honor of the Watcher of the Wilds that had fallen during the Iblees War. The Elven Council, having added the Taynei’Sil, were guided for many years with druidic influence. The first discovery of the word altars is what would set off the first chain of events that eventually would lead the druids to split from the elves for a long time. These altars held power within the strange, cryptic words that resided upon them, able to control and harness the wilds so that the threat of Iblees would not happen again. Garthon, one of the Archdruids of the Taynei’Sil, was the first to discover these ancient altars and understand their properties. However, his concern of Larihei and her followers that appeared to cast away the traditions of respect for nature to hide away within their library and research planted worry and arrogance within his mind. Though her warnings ignored, the other Archdruids did not see her as a threat nor cause for concern. Garthon was appalled by this, and even to his own brothers and sisters he started to grow distant from. His greed, arrogance, and blind ambition to preserve nature to how he saw fit became a grave mistake. Stepping up on the word altar, he went to activate it to try and force control over the wilds to remove Larihei, the elves, Malin, and even his own brothers and sisters of nature. Such abusive harm to those that have preserved and protected the wilds caused it to backfire and nature lashed out. The word altar went haywire, the flora around him moved to attack for such a selfish and forceful demand, and in the end, he ran and disappeared. Most of the isle of Malin became feral and wild. Decay taking hold and dead plants washed from the shorelines towards the sea. The wilds itself were angered at such disrespect and abuse of the power placed there. Seeing the mass devastation of the word altar’s power, Malin, the rest of the Taynei’Sil, and the elves fought and were able to stop the altar long enough to bury it deep within the earth so it could not be abused again. Chapter 5: The Truth of the Great War “Progress? You rip the very foundations from under you to fill this need to ‘progress’ in this world! It has not gone unnoticed..” -The last Taynei’Sil Where progress is seen to push forth and advance, the foundation of once was can easily be forgotten and shattered. The Mali’aheral were the first to truly disregard the wilds that had protected and given them shelter. Decades passed since Lari’hei and her followers officially departed, and Malin’s disappearance unclear to many, perhaps only known to so few yet the result is the same. What was once the proud kingdom of elves was starting to crumble and fall. The old ways brushed aside for new development as the mali’aheral went forth and built their magnificent structures and cities where the old ancient woodland ones resided. Practitioners of the voidal arts did not care for their magic’s effects upon nature. One such elf that grew up within one of the many cities of the mali’aheral became such and more. Serri'ahil would be the one that started the conflict. His lust for power and desire over such knowledge led him to begin a war to try and sieze power over several other mali’aheral cities. Avenin'ni was the one that opposed Serri'ahil and led her army to attack his. Both armies would collide, the casters of the voidal arts were used and destruction of the forests were the result. Fire would destroy the trees, the earth would scar the land, the air uprooting flora, and the water devastating areas caught in their torrential flow. Days turned to months which turned to years, yet neither side saw no end to this battle, no victory on the horizon. The druids however, would.. Whispers held the song of pain. The voices flowed through the trees, filled with anger. The melodies held a saddened sound, and cried out for the imbalance of the realm caused by the two sides. The druids had heard and seen enough. The last of the Taynei’Sil called forth several of the mani spirits to assist then gathered druids and several elves to travel towards the battlefield. The ground would tremble from the herd of beasts, the roots of the trees sprouted from the earth to entangle and crush the armies while the druids and elves moved in to attack. Blood splattered in the air from the sword strikes as the smell of burned flesh lingered from the voidal fire cast upon the druids and mani spirits, the battle fierce and many lives lost, several mani spirits slain from the conflict. The Taynei’Sil moved in and found both Serri'ahil and Avenin'ni , fighting it out until eventually they were killed. Only one Taynei’Sil remained from the conflict, with wounds burned deep into her flesh. The rest of the armies either killed or fled in fear of the druids, the wilds picking off whatever survivors that may have fled into the deep forest. The scope of loss in this land finally came to the Archdruid, her eyes seeing the careless disregard of nature and the destruction wrought by the use of the voidal arts and the ‘progress’ that the mali’aheral have pushed for, and it pushed her to the limit. The fragments of the once great elven race were all but gone, so with those that followed under her, the last Taynei’Sil broke the druids away from the elves. Few remained and followed the last of the elves that stuck with the old ways, to later become seeds and tribes. The Archdruid and her followers went deep into the wilds to carry on and preserve nature in their own way, eventually becoming wanderers that spread the word of the Aspects, and the respect that nature demands upon this realm to those who would listen. References Below is the list of all the canonized lore used in the making of this lore above. Credits Dagothagahnim and Conspirator_ -thank you for being my grammar nazi’s <3 Leowarrior14 - thank you for your ideas and support. Ski_king and Flamboyant - thank you for reading it over and giving your thoughts. And thanks to all others that have read it and gave me their feedback. Love you guys <3