Druids

Various kinds of Druidic portals facilitate travel through the sprawling forests of Kalderesh.

One of the oldest longstone collectives stands on the Endless Plains in southern Kirvan. Known as Lugan’s Krainer, it was raised over six centuries ago, in the early 4020s, by Lurimol Three-Eyes. In those days, it stood within the Greater Kascht. After humans arrived and began cutting down the forest, it was abandoned by the Druids. The Circle of Blood, however, insisted that the longstones be left unhindered, and today they still stand, unchanged after the ages. Lugan’s Krainer may be visited, but since it is a druidic holy site, certain precautions need to be taken, and engaging the services of a local guide from Marbleash, some 20 km away, is advised.

Druids represent an interesting case of theological diversification. Druids were originally a sect of Qidranians from the ancient times. Originally from Muhjan, they moved into the jungles of Hafthir and from there spread across Brundonica. Over time, their application of practical theology placed a greater emphasis on actions on behalf of nature. In practice, druids do not worship Qidra in the same way that Qidranian clerics do. In fact, some druidic philosophers believe that the source of their power are the elementals, and not Qidra.

Interview: Vitor Pergilon, Great Druid of the Circle of Blood, Greater Kascht

"Our people and customs are as ancient as the land we serve. We were the first humans to settle in the land now called Kalderesh.

"City folk think of the land as wild, calling it “the wilderness”. They think of themselves as ordered and structured and describe us as chaotic and primitive. We respect their right to think such things, because we are all children of the Seven, and the shade of the Seven’s blessings is for all living things.

"Consider day and night, body and soul, baby and elder. Two aspects of the same singularity. Qidra has revealed herself to us in one fashion, and to the clerics in another. Her blessings are sufficient for both druid and priest.

"Now look closely at a flower, a sea shell, the leaves of a fern. See the rhythm, pattern, and structure. We follow this design, laid down by Qidra when the first flower bloomed, long before there were humans. The natural order has always been there, written in the stars and under the waves, and we are their natural disciples. The city folk have been blinded by their bright lights and eternal fires, and have forgotten where they came from. From their tall towers and lofty spires, they may see far, but they don’t see deep.

"We abide by these regulations of life, and druidic structure reflects this. Nine Druids, three Arch-Druids, and one Great Druid, exactly, make up a Druidic Circle. The Great Druid of each Circle is also a member of the Grand Circle. The Grand Circle is led by the Grand Druid, who is assisted by the Druidic Emissaries: three Arch Druids and six Druids.

"I am of the Circle of Blood. As with other Circles, our traditional home is the ancient forest. There may be several sacred places within a consecrated forest. In the Greater Kascht, for example, you’ll find the Circle of Blood as well as the Soulful Circle, while ancient Duskwood is home to four Circles, as well as the well-known Bilberry Grove. Within a druidic forest is a holy clearing, the Grove, where young druids perform rituals and carry out their studies. On special days, all Kalderani are welcomed into the Grove to join us in sacred celebrations.

"I’ll leave you with two thoughtful sayings that, for me, encapsulate what it means to be a Druid. The first is about the world outside: “In every change there is pain and beauty. That's how new leaves grow”. And the second is about the individual: “Being a Druid is not a choice, it is a destiny”.