Greenheart

Deep within the Towering Wood stood a large greatpine. The various druidic circles of the Eldeen Reaches would gather here to celebrate holidays and settle disputes. However, as tensions rose between the groves the leaders agreed to create an impartial third party to represent the will of nature. This is when Oalian was awoken, the greatpine the circles gathered under. Oalian was deemed the avatar of nature itself and would have the final say in all aspects of the Towering Wood and the Eldeen Reaches. Rarely does the greatpine invoke this power, instead it acts as a gentle mediator for the groups of the wood.
After millennia, Oalian became the greatest of druids in Noyatu having learned from all circles of the continent and truly mastering the natural ways. As he learned, he became wiser and founded Greenheart as a permanent home to all that respect the natural world. Today Greenheart is home to rangers and druids who respect and honor nature and the resources the Towering Wood provides. This comes with the caveat that all forms of commerce are not permitted within Greenheart, including inns and taverns.

The Avatar of the Green

Archdruid Oalian is the absolute ruler of the Eldeen Reachesbut does not abuse its power. The greatpine is not a tyrant, in fact, it acts more like a wise mentor to the head druids of the various circles and groves, including Greener Ceropia Willowstand of Varna. Archdruid Oalian's wisdom draws in druids from across Noyatu. It is now a tradition for most druids to make a pilgrimage to Greenheart and meet with the Avatar of the Green.

Keeping the Peace

The Wardens of the Wood are the police force for Greenheart and all of the Towering Wood. They are based within Greenheart, but the entire force is rarely gathered in one place; the last time they were was during the War of the Five Nations. They are adorned with black leather that proudly displays the enlarged Eldeen insignia on the breastplate. Patrols within Greenheart are no more than three wardens, but patrols in the Towering Wood contain anywhere from five to twenty wardens, one of which has lycanthropic ties. The Wardens monitor disputes between the shifter tribes making sure, if the conflicts get physical, battles avoid permanent settlements. Occasionally, Archdruid Oalian calls in the Wardens of the Wood to calm relations between various circles and groves. These more major incidents are handled by the Head Warden and werewolf, Zamana Willowswift.

Circles of the Eldeen Reaches

The Eldeen Reaches is the home for most of the druidic circles in Noyatu. There are dozens that find their home in and around the Towering Wood, but described below are some of the more prominent circles and groves. 

• The Grove of Oceans is a group of druids located on the coast near the Canaver Sea. The group finds peace in the waves and has close ties with the sea elves that live in the waters around Chult. They are led by Greener Holdita Sarranne.
• The Circle of Webs is a group of druids located near the southeastern border of the Towering Wood, close to Mercy Grounds. This group of drow celebrates the arachnid aspects of nature and shows how even a Dark Sovereign like Lolth brought beauty to the world. They are led by Iamos Wisirve.
• The Bright Circle is located south of Varna and are wildfire participants. They are led by Greener Kadash Dayhunter.
• The Circle of Whispers are secretive druids with ties to the Shadowfell. They are located on the northern edges of the Gloaming. Their leader, Greener Humusi Kerbert, is a shifter who was supposedly born and raised within the Gloaming.
• The Astral Grove druids study the stars and celebrate the movements of Linia and I'ala. The group is located south of Anvathyr and their leader Enusat Farscream is an Anvathian-born elf. 

Greener Iamos Wisirve

Faith of the Wood

Many druids don't follow a strict faith towards the Gods of Taridad and though there are no temples within Greenheart, some are moved by the doings of the Prime Deities so small altars are created for a few of the Gods. Arawai and Melora have the largest followings in Greenheart. Many halflings and humans in the Eldeen Reaches find the teachings about life that Arawai represents appealing. Given the veil between the prime material plane and the Feywild is thin in the Towering Wood, many elves are drawn to their origins in the wilderness and find Melora alluring. Probably the least openly followed Prime Deity, Phenax has a handful of shifter and lycanthrope followers in the Eldeen reaches.

Population: 1,260 (40% elves, 40% humans, 10% shifters, 5% halflings, 5% other races)
Government: Archdruid Oalian, The Awakened Greatpine, The Avatar of the Green.
Defense: The Wardens of the Wood
Hallmarks: Druidic circles, communal resources, commercial ban

Commercial Ban

Commerce is strictly prohibited within Greenheart. The Wardens of the Wood enforce this, and any warden will incarcerate coin, barter, and trade participants. Since residents of Greenheart cannot buy crops and livestock from the farms that surround the Towering Wood, communal farms are tended to and groups of hunters bring in game form around Greenheart.

Founding Date

951 PDE

Type

Capital

Owning Organization

Eldeen Reaches

Archdruid Oalian and Gentle Pine Grove

Places of Interest

• Deepwood Citadel is the headquarters of the Wardens of the Wood. 
• Gentle Pine Grove is Archdruid Oalian's grove and meeting place.
• Primal Road is a residential street where religious altars are made.

Druidic Attitude

Greenheart residents are generally welcoming to outsiders and will never turn anyone away. However, they are wary of adventuring parties and handle interactions with them cautiously. Greenheart residents believe that they bring problems with them but are likely more capable than most.