Druidic

There are rumors that, deep within the woods, you might just stumble upon hidden messages left on the back of trees or the face of boulders. These rumors are true.
Known only to Druids and their anscestors, the Druidic language serves as a way of communicating short but important messages about surrounding areas. Often marked onto various natural materials via druidcraft, Druidic functions as a language by using symbols to convey things like directions, warnings, and advice to all who are able to decipher it.

Writing System

Symbols

Directionals

Directional symbols are ones that give physical direction, or insight about the path ahead.

Direction (Cardinal)

In druidic, any and all physical directions are given via this symbol -- an 8-sided star with a dot to notate which of the 8 cardinal directions the writer intends to convey.

Danger Ahead

This symbol, along with the symbols for [Safe Ahead], [Patrols Ahead] and [Go Around] function as Warnings and are often found in the Primary Message or Modifier position, preceded by one of the 8 cardinal directions in the Directional position to notate which direction is being talked about. This symbol is often followed by a modifier identifying the cause of the danger ahead.

Safe Ahead

This symbol, along with the symbols for [Danger Ahead], [Patrols Ahead] and [Go Around] function as Warnings and are often found in the Primary Message or Modifier position, preceded by one of the 8 cardinal directions in the Directional position to notate which direction is being talked about.

Patrols Ahead

This symbol, along with the symbols for [Safe Ahead], [Danger Ahead] and [Go Around] function as Warnings and are often found in the Primary Message or Modifier position, preceded by one of the 8 cardinal directions in the Directional position to notate which direction is being talked about. This symbol is often followed by a modifier identifying the race/species of the patrols ahead.

Go Around

This symbol, along with the symbols for [Safe Ahead], [Danger Ahead] and [Patrols Ahead] function as Warnings and are often found in the Primary Message or Modifier position, preceded by one of the 8 cardinal directions in the Directional position to notate which direction is being talked about. This symbol is unique in that, when applicable, the arrowhead will change from left to right depending on which path the scribing druid sees considers the safest -- meaning, if the arrow is on the right side, go around to the right, if it is on the left side, go around to the left.

Places of Interest

Place of Interest symbols are those that identify natural or man-made structures/locations

River

This symbol is used to represent a river. It is sometimes followed by the [Bear] symbol as a modifier. Be wary of rivers that are often visited by bears, unless you are confident in your ability to soothe and communicate with them.

Lake

This symbol is used to represent a lake.

Cave

This symbol is used to represent a cave.

Secret Path

This symbol is used to represent a secret path. Often, this symbol is not preceded by a directional, but is instead given a modifier of a Forest/Fey Creature that acts as a guide if located. This is done in an effort to hide such a path from non-druid readers. If you see a Forest/Fey Creature modifier next to a [Secret Path] symbol, try taking a look around to see if you can find them.

Ruin

This symbol is used to represent a Ruin. It is sometimes followed by a [Dwarf], [Elf] or [Human] modifier, which is meant to represent the creators of the ruin -- but as with all Druidic messages, things like this can be unclear. It is just as possible that it is simply a ruin that is currently filled with Dwarves, Elves, or Humans.

Sanctuary

This symbol is used to represent a Sanctuary. Sanctuaries, in druidic tradition, are places where druids often congregate -- they are generally very hidden deep within the forests or feywild, and similarly to Secret Paths, they often are not preceded by a Directional symbol. Instead, in a similar fashion, Fey/Forest Creature modifiers are used to represent nearby guides.

Grove

This symbol is used to represent a grove or a unique clearing within a forest.

Camp

This symbol is used to represent a camp. It is often followed by the [Small] or [Big] modifier to determine size, as well as a Humanoid/Monster modifier to convey its inhabitants.

Town

This symbol is used to represent a Town. It is often followed by the [Small] or [Big] modifier to determine size, as well as a Humanoid/Monster modifier to convey its inhabitants.

Fey Crossing

This symbol is used to represent a nearby crossing into the Feywild, often in the form of a portal, door or a rift. Similar to the symbols for [Secret Path] and [Sanctuary], the symbol for [Fey Crossing] is sometimes followed by a Guide modifier in place of a Directional -- although, out of the three symbols, [Fey Crossing] would be the most likely to be preceded by a directional marking.

Modifiers

Modifier symbols are used as a way to further inform the Primary Message. Symbols in this category are ones that are often not able to stand as Primary Messages on their own.

Big

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Big in size.

Small

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Small in size.

Far

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Far away.

Close

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Close by.

Wrong

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Wrong, Unnatural or Unholy.

Dangerous

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Dangerous.

Safe

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Safe.

Good

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Good in nature.

Bad

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Bad in nature.

Sacred

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Sacred, and potentially connected to a Deity or Archfey.

Likes Food

This symbol is used as a Modifier specifically related to Primary Messages containing Forest/Fey Creatures or Humanoid/Monster symbols, and is used to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message will trade information/service for food

Territorial

Scout

Messenger

Magic

This symbol is used as a Modifier to inform the reader that the subject of the Primary Message is Magical in nature, or possesses the ability to perform spells.

Forest / Fey Creatures

Forest/Fey Creature symbols are used to represent different woodland beings on the material plane, as well as beings of the Feywild.

Owl

This symbol is used to represent the Owl. In Druidid culture, owls are particularly good scouts and specialize in night-time missions due to their nocturnal nature. While they are not as common to find, they tend to have a good memory and can often remember night-time events for up to a week's time.

Bear

This symbol is used to represent the Bear. It is said that some Druids are able to coax a bear into aiding for small time in battle in exchange for food -- but that is not a goal worth chasing as it is very dangerous. Bears are known to be extremely territorial, especially when accompanied by offspring. Always approach bears with caution.

Horse

This symbol is used to inform the reader that Horses are nearby.

Squirrel

This symbol is used to represent Squirrels, Chipmunks and other woodland critters. In Druidic culture, woodland critters are often particularly good at keeping an ear to the ground during the day due to their own innate curiosity. They can be relied upon for information regarding day-time events that occured within the past few days, although often they will require food as compensation. Beware, they might be a little scatterbrained.

Hawk

This symbol is used to represent Hawks, Eagles and other scouting birds. In Druidic culture, Hawks and other scouting birds are particularly good at daytime scouting. Although their memory isn't quite as good as an Owls, their keen eyesight and ability to travel far distances at fast speeds lends to their advantage.

Satyr

This symbol is used to represent Satyr. Satyrs are well known in Druidic culture as expert messengers, and are quick to charm. They are an endless fountain of stories and tales from past experiences, and they are very curious creatures by nature, but they are also adept at hiding and are very rarely ever seen. If you see this symbol, be on the lookout; you might just find one if you're lucky.

Centaur

This symbol is used to represent Centaur. Depending on the modifiers attached, it is generally a good idea to act with caution when you see this symbol. Centaur are a very proud and violent race, and up until the point where you earn their respect they can be a dangerous foe. Past that point, though, they can be an incredible ally.

Pixie

This symbol is used to represent Pixies. Pixies are notorious within Druidic culture for being as frustrating as they are mesmerizing. They are natural born tricksters that love to play pranks whenever able. They are generally good in nature, however and are good allies to have in a pinch, if they let you find them.

Dryad

This symbol is used to represent Dryad. In Druidic Culture, Dryad are known as protectors of the woods. More specifically, their area of the woods -- as each Dryad is magically bound to a specific tree. This tree acts as the Dryad's life force, and they will fight to the death to protect it from harm. Dryad are almost always very good in nature, and are great company to have. They will often come with news or warnings from the trees.

Treant

This symbol is used to represent the Treant. Treants are guardians. They are giant defenders of the feywild and material forests alike. So long as you are in their good graces, you are in good hands -- because, when provoked, they are vicious foes. Some Treants are not as benevolent as others, and as such it is always wise to approach with the utmost of caution and respect.

Humanoids / Monsters

Humanoid/Monster symbols are used to represent different Humanoid races as well as well known Monsters throughout the material plane.

Dwarf

This symbol is used to represent Dwarves.

Elf

This symbol is used to represent Elves.

Human

This symbol is used to represent Humans.

Halfling

This symbol is used to represent Halflings.

Druid

This symbol is used to represent Druids.

Dragon

This symbol is used to represent Dragons. As with all Monsters symbols, pay attention to the modifiers following the [Dragon] symbol, as they may indicate a benevolent dragon, or a dangerous one.

Kobold

This symbol is used to represent Kobolds. As with all Monsters symbols, pay attention to the modifiers following the [Kobold] symbol, as they may indicate a benevolent Kobold, or a dangerous one.

Goblin

This symbol is used to represent Goblins. As with all Monsters symbols, pay attention to the modifiers following the [Goblin] symbol, as they may indicate a benevolent Goblin, or a dangerous one.

Orc

This symbol is used to represent Orcs. As with all Monsters symbols, pay attention to the modifiers following the [Orc] symbol, as they may indicate a benevolent Orc, or a dangerous one.

Troll

This symbol is used to represent Trolls. Trolls are almost never benevolent. Avoid at all costs.

Miscellaneous Things / Objects

The symbols in this section are used to represent different Things and Objects often found within the forest.

Food

This symbol is used to notify the reader that there is food nearby, often as a way to inform others that the berries nearest are edible.

Land

This symbol is used to represent the land, ground or dirt.

Message

This symbol has a specific use. When an object has the [Message] marking placed upon it, it means that there is a message left somewhere on or within that object. Druids are taught how to locate and decipher these messages. While the symbol is usually easy to see -- the messages are often tougher to find. When written on a tree, the message is usually written on the inside of the bark via druidcraft, and will require some effort to read. When written on a rock, the message often lies underneath.

Tree

This symbol is used to represent a Tree.

Rock

This symbol is used to represent a Rock.

Morphology

Throughout tradition, messages in Druidic have been standardized to ensure clarity between writer and reader. One important standard is the orientation of the markings. Druidic is written on the Southern-most side of the chosen object (or if marked on the land, top-down from North to South). This serves to ensure that the reader is facing North when deciphering the message, and therefore, directional markings remain true to the surrounding geography.
Throughout tradition, messages in Druidic have been standardized to ensure clarity between writer and reader. One important standard is the orientation of the markings. Druidic is written on the Southern-most side of the chosen object (or if marked on the land, top-down from North to South). This serves to ensure that the reader is facing North when deciphering the message, and therefore, directional markings remain true to the surrounding geography.
With a limited number of characters and symbols within the Druidic language, modifiers act as a way to get creative -- because, while some symbols might not make as much sense when used as Primary Messages, any symbol can act as a modifier with a bit of craftiness. Over the years, certain symbols have taken on multiple meanings. For example, the modifier [Wrong] in druidic has long stood for the concept of something "Unnatural" or "Unholy." See a desecrated section of land? That is [Wrong] land. Notice a tree that appears to be under the influence of evil magic? That is a [Wrong] tree -- or, even more accurately, a [Wrong] [Magic] tree.

Syntax

Druidic has a very simple, but very important grammatical structure
The Primary Message acts as the "subject" of the message, and is to be in the center position of the marking
The Directional goes to the left of the Primary Message, and notates the direction you'd take in order to reach the subject
Modifiers acts as ways to alter or inform the Primary Message, and are placed to the right. Important to note: Modifiers should be made smaller than the Primary Message to avoid confusion. Usually, three Modifiers will suffice for a message but, on occasion, more can be used to add more detail.

Vocabulary

Within the language, there are 45 symbols representing different ideas or places that are relevant to all who wander through the wilds -- within these symbols, short, simple phrases are able to be crafted
For example, marking the symbol for "Camp" would mean that there is a camp nearby. In addition, you can use one of the symbols to represent one of the 8 cardinal directions, coupled with the symbol for "Far" or "Close" in order to give a more accurate location.
Lastly, using modifiers, you can add to this message by including, for example, the symbols for "Orc" and "Danger". Together, this message would read "Danger, close by in [X] direction there is an Orc Camp"

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