The Old Faith

Guardian of the Natural Cycle

The Old Faith represents the ancient druidic traditions that have persisted across the Flanaess, weaving the fabric of natural reverence and cyclical balance into the heart of countless cultures. This venerable order, deeply rooted in the worship of nature deities and the stewardship of the earth, holds a complex structure and rich dogma that both guides and defines its followers.

Lore and Description

The Old Faith is not merely a religion but a way of life that honors the intrinsic value and sacred cycles of nature. Its origins trace back to the dawn of humanity's reverence for the wild, where the spirits of fertility, creation, sustenance, and death were venerated as reflections of the natural world. Central to this faith are the deities Beory, the Oerth Mother, and Obad-Hai, the Shalm, symbolizing the earth's feminine and masculine aspects, respectively. Pelor and Nerull, representing life and death, are considered their progeny, illustrating the cycle's continuity.

Relationships and Motivation

The Old Faith maintains a harmonious relationship with the bards of the Old Lore and the Rangers of the Gnarley, sharing goals despite differing alignments. Its enemies include entities of the Far Realm and the cult of Elemental Evil, both antithetical to the natural order the Old Faith seeks to protect.

Geographical Domains of The Old Faith

The Old Faith, in its wisdom and understanding of the natural world, has organized the vast and diverse landscapes of the Flanaess into nine distinct regions. Each of these regions falls under the watchful eye of a Great Druid, who oversees the balance and harmony of nature within their domain. These regions, while varied in climate, culture, and landscape, are united under the common purpose of preserving the natural order and upholding the principles of The Old Faith. Below is a detailed look at these nine geographical domains: _{See side bar}

Dogma

The Old Faith's dogma centers on the sanctity of nature, particularly venerating trees and celestial bodies. Its followers are charged with protecting the natural world, advocating for a balance between the needs of civilization and the preservation of the wild.

Worshippers and Clergy of the Old Faith

The Old Faith, an ancient and deeply-rooted spiritual tradition, encompasses a broad and diverse community of worshippers and clergy who are unified by their reverence for nature and the cycles of life. This faith, central to the spiritual life of many across the Flanaess, emphasizes a harmonious existence with the natural world.

Worshippers

• Widespread Communities: Followers of the Old Faith are found throughout the Flanaess, from remote villages to large towns. Hommlet serves as a prime example of a community where most inhabitants embrace the Old Faith.
• Diverse Adherents: The faith attracts a wide array of followers, including humans of various cultures, as well as many non-human races who share a deep bond with nature.

Clergy

• Composition: The clergy of the Old Faith primarily consists of druids who serve associated deities embodying aspects of nature, such as growth, weather, and the seasons.
• Symbols: Common symbols among the druids include oak leaves, holly leaves, and mistletoe, each representing different aspects of nature's power and beauty.
• Druidic Language: Druids use a secret language known as Druidic, which has its origins in the ancient Flan tongue. This specialized language focuses on the natural world, particularly plant growth, facilitating a unique form of communication among the clergy.
• Communication with Nature and Its Denizens: Druids often learn the languages of creatures closely tied to nature, such as centaurs, elves, gnomes, green dragons, hill giants, lizardfolk, manticores, treants, and various fey beings. This ability underscores the druids' role as mediators between the natural world and the communities they serve.

Temples of the Old Faith

Sacred Groves and Stone Circles

The Old Faith, with its deep-rooted connection to the natural world, eschews traditional temple structures in favor of the raw beauty and sanctity of nature itself. Services and rituals are conducted in megalithic stone circles or within the sacred confines of woodland groves, places where the veil between the earthly and the divine is perceived to be thinnest.

Sacred Groves

• Oak Groves: Oak, revered for its strength, longevity, and resilience, is the most common choice for sacred groves within the Old Faith. Oak groves are places of power, protection, and wisdom, often used for rituals of healing, strength, and community bonding.
• Ash Groves: Ash, symbolizing connections and transitions, is also held in high regard. Ash groves serve as sites for rites of passage, spiritual communication, and practices that bridge the physical and spiritual worlds.
• Deklo and Usk Groves: These less common but equally sacred groves are chosen for specific types of ceremonies. Deklo groves, with their vibrant life and lushness, are often sites for fertility rituals and celebrations of birth and growth. Usk groves, known for their serene and reflective atmospheres, might be used for meditation, introspection, and rites of remembrance.

Megalithic Stone Circles

The Old Faith also venerates ancient megalithic stone circles as temples of worship. These stone circles, found in various locations across the land, serve multiple purposes:

• Celestial Alignments: Many stone circles are aligned with celestial bodies and events, such as solstices and equinoxes, making them ideal for rituals that honor the cyclical nature of the universe.
• Communion with Nature Spirits: The circles are believed to be focal points for natural energies and gateways to commune with nature spirits, elemental forces, and ancestral spirits.
• Community Gatherings: Stone circles provide a gathering place for followers of the Old Faith to celebrate festivals, conduct rituals, and strengthen communal bonds.

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Hierarchy and Organization

From Aspirants to the Grand Druid, the Old Faith's structure is both a spiritual and a hierarchical journey, with each rank embodying deeper communion with the natural world. Trials by combat ensure that only the most worthy advance in this sacred hierarchy.

Beliefs of the Old Faith

The Core Truths

The Old Faith, deeply rooted in the natural world and its cycles, is based on a series of profound truths that guide its followers' beliefs, practices, and understanding of the universe. These truths form the foundation of the druidic philosophy, offering insights into the eternal and ever-changing aspects of nature.

The Eternal Circle

• Cycle of Seasons: The belief in the Eternal Circle emphasizes the continuous cycle of the seasons, from the rejuvenation of spring to the dormancy of winter, mirroring the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
• Cosmic and Natural Cycles: This belief extends beyond the seasons to encompass all cycles of existence, including the phases of the moon and the life cycles of all beings, asserting that everything in the universe is part of this endless cycle.

All Things in Balance

• Harmony in Nature: Central to the Old Faith is the principle that for the Eternal Circle to turn unceasingly, all things must exist in balance. This includes the acceptance of death as necessary for life, and the coexistence of predator and prey.
• Preservation of Balance: Druids of the Old Faith actively work to maintain this balance, recognizing that every creature, every plant, and every force of nature has its rightful place and purpose in the world.

Symbolism through Nature

• Significance of Omens: Symbolism plays a crucial role in the Old Faith, with druids placing significant emphasis on interpreting natural signs, omens, and auguries. These signs could be as subtle as the flight path of birds or as simple as ripples in water, each carrying deeper philosophical meanings.
• Oracular Animals and Elemental Weirds: Druids often keep animals known for their oracular abilities and seek the counsel of elemental weirds, entities that embody the raw forces of nature, for guidance and divination.

The Power of Four

• Quadruplicity in Nature: The number four holds sacred significance within the Old Faith, symbolized by the four seasons, the four roles within the family (mother, father, daughter, son), the four great celestial bodies (Oerth, the Sun, Luna, and Celene), and the four elemental forces (fire, water, earth, air).
• Foundation of Druidic Practices: This emphasis on the number four influences the structure of rituals, the organization of the faith, and the understanding of the natural and cosmic order, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence.

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Friends of the Old Faith

Allies Across the Flanaess

The Old Faith, with its deep roots in the natural and spiritual realms of the Flanaess, has fostered relationships with a diverse array of beings and factions. These alliances are built upon mutual respect for nature and the principles upheld by the Old Faith, particularly the tenet of All Things in Balance. Below are some of the most notable friends of the Old Faith.

Gnarley Forest Races

Elves

• Ancient Bonds: The relationship between elves and the Old Faith spans millennia, beginning when elves first encountered the Flan tribes. Impressed by the druids' reverence for nature, this friendship has endured through the ages.
• Varied Relations: Sylvan Elves and snow elves share the closest ties with the druids, valuing their wisdom and dedication to nature. Grey Elves maintain a more reserved stance, while valley elves show recent antipathy, a shift attributed to the influence of the Mage of the Valley.
• Complex Relations with Drow: Despite the Dark Elves's darker inclinations, their reverence for spiders and aspects of nature leads to nuanced interactions with the Old Faith's druids.

Fey

• Capricious Allies: The Old Faith's druids share a strong bond with the fey, rooted in a mutual understanding of nature's whims. This connection allows for interactions that are mostly free of peril, though fey definitions of respect and danger can vary greatly from those of mortals.
• Sacred Groves: Many groves sacred to the Old Faith are home to fey beings such as dryads and nymphs, with satyrs and sprites frequently visiting druidic circles to exchange tales and seek advice.

Old Lore Bards

• Scholars and Messengers: The Old Lore bards, an esteemed order affiliated with the Old Faith, serve as scholars, messengers, and ambassadors for the often reclusive druids. Chosen from human or half-elven nobility, these bards are entrusted with the druids' secrets and are organized into seven colleges across the Flanaess.

Rangers of the Gnarley

• Forest Protectors: The independent Rangers of the Gnarley Forest, numbering around 200, work to unite the forest's good folk and protect it from external influences. While their good alignment does not automatically align with the Old Faith's strict neutrality, the rangers and druids often collaborate to address threats to the Balance, with rangers seeking druidic counsel and druids relying on rangers to maintain the natural order.

Foes of the Old Faith

Adversaries Through the Ages

The Old Faith, while deeply respected for its reverence of nature and the balance of the world, has not been without its adversaries. Over the centuries, the druids have faced opposition from various quarters, ranging from ideological rivals to existential threats.

Rivalries and Ideological Conflicts

• Clerics of St. Cuthbert: Often find themselves in competition with the Old Faith for the hearts of the common folk. Though mostly a peaceful rivalry, it underscores differing spiritual priorities.
• Followers of Pholtus: While not heated enough to be considered foes, there exists a chilly distance between them and the Old Faith, marked by a lack of mutual affection or understanding.

Historical Enemies

• Aerdi and the Great Kingdom: The arrival of the Oeridian Oerid tribes in the Flanaess marked a dark period for the Old Faith. The Aerdi, failing to distinguish between the Old Faith and decadent Flan tribes worshipping demonic entities, contributed to the near obliteration of Flannae Flan culture. The druids retreated into the forests, biding their time until they could re-emerge following the Great Kingdom's fall.

• Vecna and the Ur-Flan: Among the Flannae, some, like Vecna, rose to power through dark means, twisting the Old Faith's natural magics into undeath. This betrayal deeply impacted the Old Faith, leading to the loss of many druids and the corruption of their teachings.

Threats to the Natural Order

• Elder Elementalism and Tharizdun: Initially underestimated by the Old Faith, the revelation that Elder Elementalism served the dark plots of Tharizdun—a deity aiming to destroy the Eternal Circle—galvanized the druids into action against this existential threat.
• The Far Realms: The intrusion of aberrations from beyond reality, warping nature in unspeakable ways, represents a dire challenge to the Old Faith. Druids strive to seal the breaches between worlds and eradicate these alien threats to preserve the natural order.
• Demonic Cults and Decay: The worship of entities like Demogorgon by certain Flan tribes presented a significant challenge, blurring the lines between ancient traditions and the encroachment of malevolent forces.

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The Great Druid Holdefer

Holdefer Paravis, the Great Druid overseeing the region encompassing the Dominion of Greyhawk, epitomizes the dedication and influence wielded by the highest echelons of the Old Faith's hierarchy. Her ascension from Archdruid to Great Druid at the summer solstice, marked by an impressive feat involving fireflies, underscores her deep connection to nature and her innovative spirit.

• Residence: Making her home within the verdant expanse of the Gnarley Forest, Holdefer maintains strong alliances with the rangers, the Swanmay of the Gnarley Forest, and the fey communities.

Observation and Diplomacy

While the Greyhawk militia remains wary of Holdefer's intentions, her current focus on rejuvenation rather than confrontation speaks to a strategy of careful observation and potential diplomacy.

• Cultivating Alliances: Her relationships with the rangers, fey, and other forest denizens will be crucial in maintaining the balance and health of the Gnarley Forest, leveraging these alliances to foster a unified front in defense of the natural world.

Politics and the Old Faith in Verbobonc

The intertwining of the Old Faith with the political and cultural fabric of Verbobonc illustrates the enduring influence of ancient traditions in shaping the identity and governance of human settlements. From its earliest days to the current Viscount's reign, the Old Faith has played a pivotal role in the life of the viscounty, weaving a rich tapestry of tradition and belief that continues to guide the people and their leaders.

Historical Influence

• Druidic Foundations: The initial settlers of what would become Verbobonc brought with them the tenets and traditions of the Old Faith. Druidic councilors served as advisors to clan chiefs, integrating Druidic customs into the ceremonies and governance of the early communities.
• Continuation of Traditions: Despite changes in political advisement, with the Bishop Haufren of the Church of St Cuthbert now serving the current Viscount, the rural populace of Verbobonc remains deeply rooted in the practices of the Old Faith.

Cultural Practices

• Harvest and Birth Rituals: The Old Faith is integral to key aspects of daily life in Verbobonc. Farmers seek the blessings of the Old Ones for a successful harvest, while the presence of a druid is sought for the Ritual of Days during childbirth, highlighting the faith's role in pivotal life events.

Political Acumen of the Viscount

• Recognition of Influence: Viscount Wilfrick Verdanhart, aware of the Old Faith's deep-seated influence within his viscounty, has chosen a path of acknowledgment and cooperation rather than confrontation. This approach has allowed him to maintain peace and harmony within his domain.
• Alliance with Nature Folk: By respecting the Old Faith and its followers, the Viscount has forged powerful yet subtle alliances with the "nature folk" of the region. This relationship benefits both parties, ensuring the continuity of ancient practices while fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect.

The Protectors of the Gnarley

Members of the Old Faith

Within the verdant expanse of the Gnarley Forest, a dedicated group of druids, known as the Protectors of the Gnarley, uphold the tenets of the Old Faith with fervent devotion. These guardians of the natural world work tirelessly to preserve the sanctity and balance of the Great Forest, forming alliances and confronting threats to ensure its protection.

Composition and Allies

• Devoted Guardians: Though their numbers are few, the druids of the Gnarley Forest are deeply committed to their cause. Their devotion is not only to the forest itself but also to the principles of the Old Faith, particularly the veneration of Ehlonna, the goddess of woodlands.
• Elven Collaboration: The Protectors maintain a cordial relationship with the elven clans residing within the Gnarley, especially the Sylvan Elves, who share a similar reverence for the forest and its preservation.
• Partnership with the Gnarley Rangers: Working alongside the Gnarley Rangers , the druids play a crucial role in safeguarding the forest from external threats, ensuring that it remains a haven of natural beauty and balance.

Threats and Challenges

• The Black Thorn Orc Tribe: A significant threat to the peace of the Gnarley Forest and the surrounding regions comes from the Black Thorn Orc tribe. Originating from their lair known as Black Thorn, these orcs launch raids into the Verbobonc, Viscounty, disrupting farming and trade with their aggressive incursions.

The High Druids

• Maiya Dewshine: A Sylvan Elves of profound wisdom and grace, Maiya Dewshine stands as one of the High Druids overseeing the protection of the Gnarley. Her deep connection to the forest and its creatures, along with her knowledge of ancient magics, makes her a formidable guardian.
• Laric: A human druid, Laric brings to the group a fierce determination and a broad understanding of the wider world beyond the forest's borders. His insights and strategic mind are invaluable in the ongoing efforts to protect the Gnarley.
• Naimur: The elder Gnomes Naimur adds a unique perspective to the High Druids. Known for his deep knowledge of the undergrowth and the secrets of the soil, Naimur's expertise is crucial in understanding the subtle shifts within the forest and combating the threats it faces.

"Through Nature's Cycle, Balance Prevails."

Symbol: Mistletoe
Leader: The Grand Druid

Type

Religious, Druidic Circle

Deities

• Beory
• Ehlonna
• Nerull
• Obad-Hai
• Pelor

Controlled Territories

• 2. Hearth of Obad-Hai
• P24. Druid's Grove: Sanctuary of Beory

Notable Members

• Beory
• Berei
• Ehlonna
• Holdefer Paravis
• Nerull
• Obad-Hai
• Tanithil Mornala

Hierarchy of the Old Faith

From Aspirants to Heirophants

The Old Faith, with its deep connections to the natural world and ancient traditions, maintains a structured yet mystical hierarchy among its clergy. This structure not only organizes the faith's practitioners but also guides their spiritual journey and growth within the faith.

Aspirants

Entry Level: Aspirants are the lowest-ranked members, earnestly seeking admission into the Old Faith's order. Their journey begins with learning the basic tenets of the faith and demonstrating their commitment to its principles.

Ovates

Augury and Administration: Positioned above Aspirants, Ovates are responsible for reading auguries—interpreting the will of nature and the gods through natural signs—and performing minor administrative duties within the faith.

Initiates

• Progressive Circles: Initiates progress through nine circles, starting from the First Circle and moving up to the Ninth. Each circle represents a deeper understanding and greater mastery of the Old Faith's teachings.
• Rising Responsibilities: With each ascension in circle, an Initiate's responsibilities, knowledge, and powers within the faith increase.

Druids

• Regional Leaders: Above the Initiates stand the Druids, with only nine Druids serving each region. Druids hold significant authority and are responsible for major rituals, guidance of the faithful, and the protection of sacred sites.
• Trial by Combat: Advancement to the rank of Druid, as well as to higher ranks, is achieved through trial by combat, emphasizing the importance of strength, wisdom, and leadership.

Archdruids

Overseers of Druids: Three Archdruids oversee the Druids within each region, answering directly to the Great Druid. Their role involves regional governance, high-level decision-making, and mediation between Druidic circles.

Great Druid

Regional Supreme Leader: Each region is led by a Great Druid, who holds ultimate authority over the Old Faith's practices and its followers within that area. The Great Druid is responsible for maintaining the balance of nature and the faith's teachings across the region.

Grand Druid

Dominion Over Oerth: At the pinnacle of the hierarchy stands the Grand Druid, whose dominion extends over the entire Oerth. The Grand Druid embodies the ultimate earthly authority within the Old Faith, guiding the faith's direction and major decisions.

Heirophants of the Cabal

Ascended Mystics: Beyond the Grand Druid, the Heirophants of the Cabal comprise former Grand Druids who have ascended to an inner circle of mysticism. Their existence, while not widely discussed outside the hierarchy, represents the pinnacle of spiritual achievement within the Old Faith.

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Geographical Domains of The Old Faith

Baklunish West

• Encompasses the western lands of the Flanaess, known for their vast deserts and the majestic Barrier Peaks.
• Rich in ancient Baklunish culture and traditions, deeply intertwined with the worship of natural phenomena.

Bitter North (Old Blackmoor)

• A harsh, frozen landscape that tests the resilience of its inhabitants and the druids who protect its delicate ecological balance.
• Home to mystical sites and ruins from the age of Blackmoor, veiled in snow and secrecy.

Western Nyr Dyv (Old Ferrond)

• Features the expansive Nyr Dyv, the Lake of Unknown Depths, and surrounding fertile lands.
• The region's waterways and forests are carefully guarded by druids against encroaching civilization.

Sheldomar Valley (Old Keoland)

• A verdant valley known for its rich soils and diverse ecosystems, cradled by the Crystalmist and Jotens mountains.
• The Old Faith thrives here, in harmony with the valley's myriad of creatures and spirits.

Empire of Iuz (Northern Reaches)

• A land under the shadow of the malevolent demi-god Iuz, where druids work in secret to mend the wounds inflicted by war and dark magic.
• This domain exemplifies the Old Faith's resilience against corruption and evil.

Thillonrian Peninsula (Barbarian North)

• Characterized by its rugged terrain and fierce inhabitants, the peninsula is a testament to the raw power of nature.
• The druids here are as hardy as the land, safeguarding the ancient traditions amidst the snow and ice.

Old Aerdy West (Old Nyrond)

• Once part of the Great Kingdom, these lands have seen much turmoil and change, offering the Old Faith challenges and opportunities to restore balance.
• The region's forests and rivers are vital to the Old Faith's efforts to heal past scars.

Old Aerdy East (Former Great Kingdom)

• A region marked by the rise and fall of empires, where the Old Faith works to preserve the remnants of natural beauty amidst the ruins of man's ambition.
• Here, the druids often find themselves in conflict with remnants of the Great Kingdom's legacy.

Isolated Realms

• These enigmatic lands are less known and seldom tread by outsiders, holding deep secrets and ancient magic.
• The druids of the Old Faith are the stewards of these mysteries, protecting them from those who would misuse them.

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Deities of the Seasons

Flannae Tradition

•   Ehlonna, the Spring Maid: Symbolizes rebirth and new growth.
•   Obad-Hai, the Lord of Summer: Represents the lushness and abundance of life.
•   Berei or Beory, the Lady of Autumn: Embodies the harvest and the preparation for winter.
•   Nerull, the Winter King: Associated with the end of the cycle, death, and the promise of renewal.
• Pelor: The sun's embodiment, ensuring the change of seasons and the balance of light.

Oeridian Tradition

Atroa (Spring), Sotillion (Summer), Wenta (Autumn), and Telchur (Winter): Deities born of Procan to assume the roles of the seasons among the Oeridians. Velnius: The lord of the sky, paralleling Pelor's role in the cycle.

Suloise Tradition

Bralm (Spring), Llerg (Summer), Phyton (Autumn), and Vatun (Winter): Stewards of the seasons among communities with a significant Suloise presence. Lendor: The keeper of time and the cycle, ensuring the continuity of seasons.