Earthen Circle

The Earthen Circle is the largest nature based organization in Esseas. It comprises primarily of politically, and religiously neutral Druids, Shamans, Rangers and other nature worshipers who are dedicated to preserving the balance between the elements, nature, and civilization. The actions of the Circle have influenced the lives of the high and low, its members working to avoiding the traps of "good" and "evil" to focus on the needs of the natural world and resist the growing dominance of civilization over the wilds, and the unbalance caused by this disruption. Despite their primary goal of preserving the balance of nature and elements, members are not direct opponents of progress; they preferred instead to work with civilized folk to promote the health and kinship with the natural world without resorting to acts of violence.

A Coalition of Nature

While the Earthen Circle is an organization itself; it's primary strength comes from a loose federation of organizations, comprised of largely autonomous bodies, who loosely coordinate and affiliated with the Earthen Circle to achieve similar high aims and goals. It's members have put aside old rivalries and nationalities for the good of the world. Led by the Council of Elders, it includes Shamans, Druids, Magi, and other nature wardens which represent the leadership of its constituent body. It is comprised of organizations like the: Emerald Enclave, Circle of Ancients, The Druids of the Flame, Plains Walkers, Verdant Wheel, Earthen Hand, the Elemental Keepers, the Wardens of the Four Elements, and more. There are also many organizations who prefer to work on their own, either because their goals don't align with that of the Earthen Circle, they don't believe they require the assistance, or they don't want the assistance or oversight. While not serving any deity in particular; most members of the Earthen Circle are most often followers of Gods such as Ghyran, Keranos, Drakira, or Pelor; or one of a large number of Lesser Idols or Elemental Lords. Racially the Earthen Circle is a very diverse organization; with a large number of Wood Elves, Firbolgs, Humans, Tortles, Tabaxi, Orcs, being among the most numerous due to their close connections with nature. The Circle also sees a proportionally high number of members from the Fey community, such as Fairies, Centaur's, Dryads, Tree folk, and Satyr's; and other more bestial races like Minotaurs and Bugbears.

Beliefs

The Earthen Ring believes that the natural order and balance has to be respected and preserved, and that forces that would upset that natural order should be thwarted. They were also sought to keep elemental forces in check, and prevent the wilderness and civilization from wiping out one another. They also accepted that the wilderness could be harsh, and some could not survive in it without aid, and so they would help them.

The Tenants of the Circle are:

• Preserve nature and the elements, in all its forms
• Balance and harmony between civilization, nature, and the elements must be ensured
• Forces that seek to upset the natural balance must be thwarted
• Present a united front to the outside world.
• The wilderness can be harsh. Not everyone can survive in it without assistance.
• Compassion and understanding before anger and action.

Goals

To restore and preserve the natural order, keep the elemental forces of the world in check, keep civilization and the wilderness from destroying one another, and help others survive the perils of the wilderness.

The combined Tree of Life and Circle of Elements representing the Earthen Circle.