The Forsworn

A Natural Danger

There are many threats to settlers on the frontier of southern Schleswig, but one could argue among the gravest to be that of the brutal and unforgiving Druidic circle, The Forsworn. To the south of Gothenburg, in the forests and glades shrouded in shadow, roam these vicious and zealous shapeshifters. Many adventurers have told stories of unholy sacrifice and ritual killings within their hidden enclaves, using the blood of mortals to grant their corrupted spells of nature even greater power. While they usually maintain small communities, sometimes numbering in dozens or less, a single Forsworn is a considerable match for new adventurers.

A Desperate Struggle

Long ago it is said the Forsworn were protectors of the ancient forests, and with their guidance the land prospered. After HER arrival, the destruction wrought by the flames of dragons and marching of armies had decimated large swaths of the Forsworn forests. Stemming the tide of the Abyss was taking all the efforts of the druids, and many fell during this time. In the end, the Forsworn prevailed, and the Abyss was driven from the land, but at great cost. Almost all of the Speakers had perished. The Leader of the Forsworn, and a member of the circle of Three, Mag Ruith, had been slain in defense of the Great Tree of Schleswig. In their last bit of strength the Druids created a protective ward around the Forests, powered by ancient ritual and the essence of their souls, leaving only a handful of Forsworn remaining.

Dark Gifts

For centuries the Forsworn remained in a deep state of isolation, venturing from their wood rarely, and only in defense of their home. This proved to be difficult to do, and for years the druids retreated further and further form the encroaching threats they were no longer able to combat, and with time the protective barriers that had kept the Abyss at bay for so long had failed. Humans had begun to settle nearby as well, and this was troubling to the druids. The mortal realms, so easily corrupted, could quickly prove to be a bigger problem than the beasts and monsters that trespassed in the forests, The Forsworn, leaderless and hopeless, needed a miracle. A miracle that arrived in the form of a powerful Druid from a far off land to the west. Vath Ferncutter was a hero, having defeated the Dark Lord Strahd and liberated the Barony of Barovia, he came to the Forsworn with great wisdom, and knowledge of ancient power. Assuring the Forsworn their path to survival, the druids followed Vath to the Amber Temple, and it was here they began their journey, a long and arduous path to reclaim what had been taken, even if it meant using a path fought so hard to keep closed.

Forsworn are Capable combatants, able to wield powerful nature magic twisted by the Dark gifts, as well as their ability to shapeshift. The unmistakable howl that their self mutilated vocal cords make can haunt one for their entire life.

Founding Date

917 A.D

Type

Druidic Circle

Leader

Vath Ferncutter

Ruling Organization

The Forsworn

Location

Duchy of Southern Schleswig