ArchSibyl
Long-standing Druid of the Shelterwood
Appointment
The ArchSibyl isn't appointed by anyone in particular. As an informal title, however ostentatious, it is simply something the less experienced foresters and druids assign to the individual who is the most helpful with their knowledge and willing to share it for the betterment of the surrounding forests. This usually means it's the oldest druid serving the Shelterwood, however specifically isolationist or rude druids exist and aren't suited to a more social role. Even these hermetic druids are usually given the chance to step into the role, however unlikely they'd accept. If the role is declined, formally or not, the next suitable druid is tapped to fill the position.
Duties
Generally the ArchSibyl is a figurehead and first among their equals among the druids who cultivate the land around Shelterwood forests. They often spend as much time advising their fellows as they do tending the plants and flora of the region, despite frequently being better suited to the later. It's expected of them to be present for every meeting, official or otherwise so their expertise can be included in all decisions even when they don't have an opinion or lack understanding of the information being discussed.
Benefits
Even though it's an informal title others within their sphere tend to defer to the ArchSibyl in all matters related to the health and wellbeing of the trees and ecosystem in the region. They are usually considered the foremost expert on such things and unless greivously incorrect regarding a matter, will likely not be contradicted or opposed.
History
Hundreds of years ago, before a 'first-among-equals' style of leadership evolved among the druids in the Shelterwood settlement there was a devastating wildfire that threatened to force everyone to evacuate back to Clavier. It tore through the woods and despite being a natural phenomena that rejuvinates the landscape, it was seen as a major threat to the settlement and the prescious trees they cared for and harvested.
No two druids consulted eachother which led to many different approaches to protecting the area. If one druid was making a firewall to stop the approaching flames, they'd be disappointed to realize that another druid had summoned a storm in the area that quenched their efforts. Oppositely, a druid who conjured a mighty rain might quickly see their storm clouds blown away by strong winds summoned to direct the oncoming fire away from cultivated areas.
Among them, they inadvertently hindered others and overall weakened the response to the crisis and much more woodland was lost to the fire than if they had all worked together. After that, it became habit to consult with another druid before taking significant action that effects a large area. Over time this evolved into having a single person as the hub for this communication and then the position of ArchSibyl emerged.
Type
Informal
Related Locations
Comments