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.

Core Beliefs and Practices

The Old Faith, a spiritual path deeply woven into the fabric of the Flanaess, is rooted in the observance and reverence of the natural world's intrinsic truths. Druids of the Old Faith are the stewards of these truths, dedicating themselves to understanding, internalizing, and preserving the sanctity of nature through a series of core beliefs.

The Eternal Circle

The concept of the Eternal Circle stands at the heart of the Old Faith's doctrine. It is a cyclical view of existence that emphasizes the perpetual motion of life and nature:

• Endless Cycle: Nature's cycle is unending—spring leads to summer, summer to autumn, autumn to winter, and winter back to spring.
• Life and Death: In this cycle, life begets death, and from death, life is reborn. Each end is seen as the beginning of a new existence.
• Natural Rhythms: The phases of the moon and the changing seasons are both respected as manifestations of this continuous cycle.

All Things in Balance

Balance is crucial for the sustainability of the Eternal Circle. Druids believe that everything in nature has a rightful place and purpose:

• Harmony Between Extremes: Just as death is necessary for life, predation is essential for the health of the prey population.
• Ecological Equilibrium: Druids work to preserve natural balance, intervening when necessary to prevent one force from overwhelming another.

Symbolism through Nature

Symbolism is a significant aspect of how the Old Faith interprets and interacts with the world:

• Oracles and Omens: Druids utilize natural signs and symbols, from animal behaviors to weather patterns, to glean insights into the future or divine truths.
• Oracular Animals: These creatures are kept and revered by druids for their supposed connection to the divine, aiding in prophetic endeavors.
• Elemental Weirds Reverence: Elemental manifestations, or weirds, are consulted for their ancient wisdom and guidance in complex natural or moral dilemmas.

The Power of Four

The number four is sacred within the Old Faith, symbolizing the foundation and balance of the universe:

• Seasonal and Familial Cycles: The year's four seasons and the traditional family structure each reflect the quadrilateral balance essential to Old Faith teachings.
• Celestial and Elemental Harmony: Four major celestial bodies and the four classical elements together underpin the physical and mystical structure of the world.

These beliefs form the philosophical backbone of the Old Faith, guiding its adherents in their rituals, practices, and interactions with both the natural world and the broader community of the Flanaess. Through these teachings, druids of the Old Faith seek not dominion over nature, but a profound harmony with the world that sustains them.

Historical Background

The Old Faith traces its roots back to the dawn of civilization on Oerth, among the ancient Flan tribes who first venerated the natural elements and seasonal cycles.

• Origins: Began with the Flannae Flan tribes recognizing the divine in natural phenomena.
• Adaptation and Spread: Expanded and adapted its pantheon and practices as it absorbed influences from neighboring cultures and migrating peoples.

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.

The sun rises and the sun sets, the two moons dance across the heavens, and the seasons pass. Since the earliest days, the druids of the Old Faith have watched the Eternal Circle of Nature. They know the ways of nature and the mysteries of Oerth, but they are not its master. Instead, they are servants of nature and tend to the needs of the land and its creatures. Only the foolish would underestimate their power for they have mastered the secrets of the world itself.

The Druids of The Old Faith are the revered stewards of ancient natural wisdom, maintaining a sacred balance between all living entities and the cyclic rhythms of the world of Oerth. Their profound connection to the environment is not merely religious but an embodiment of their everyday practices, making them pivotal figures in the preservation and understanding of nature’s mysteries.

• Role and Importance: Serve as mediators between nature and civilization, guiding both in sustainable coexistence.
• Philosophical Approach: Emphasize living in harmony with nature, advocating for a life that respects the balance of the natural world.

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.

Deities of the Old Faith

At the heart of the Old Faith are several deities, each symbolizing different aspects of the natural world, from life-giving earth to the destructive yet cleansing power of winter. These four deities are the primary focus of what has been termed the “Old Faith.”

Flannae Seasonal Deities

The Flannae Flan pantheon features gods that embody the changing seasons, each bringing unique aspects to the cycle of life, growth, decay, and rebirth.

• Ehlonna, the Spring Maid: Symbolizes new beginnings and fertility, often depicted amidst blooming flowers and vibrant growth.
• Obad-Hai, the Lord of Summer: Represents the peak of natural abundance and wild freedom, characterized by lush forests and rich harvests.
• Beory the Lady of Autumn: Embodies the harvest and the waning of life, overseeing the preparation for winter and the cycle's decline.
• Nerull, the Winter King: Governs the end of the life cycle, associated with death and the necessary decay that leads to rebirth.
• Pelor, the Sun God: Central to the Flannae beliefs, Pelor is seen as the sustainer of life, ensuring the progression and change of seasons through his solar journey.

Oeridian Seasonal Deities

As the Old Faith spread among the Oeridian Oerid, new agricultural deities the Velaeri, were integrated into the faith, representing the seasons through a slightly different lens.

• Atroa, the Spring Maiden: Reflects renewal and youth, often depicted with gentle rains and soft breezes that awaken the sleeping earth.
• Sotillion, the Summer Mistress: Exemplifies the warmth and comfort of summer, her presence marked by sultry warmth and sustained growth.
• Wenta, the Autumn Harvester: Associated with the joy of the harvest and the festive gathering of resources before the cold sets in.
• Telchur, the Winter Harbinger: Known for his stark and brutal nature, symbolizing the harsh realities of winter and its challenges.
• Velnius, Lord of the Sky: Mirrors Pelor’s role among the Flannae, overseeing the overarching sky and its influence on the climate and weather patterns.

Political Influence and Social Structure

The druids often interact with political entities, advocating for the protection of natural areas and advising leaders on sustainable practices.

• Advisors to the Powerful: Druids frequently counsel kings and lords on environmental impacts of their decisions.
• Guardians of the Wild: They play an active role in opposing actions that would lead to ecological imbalance.

Gnarley Forest Relations The Old Faith

The Gnarley Forest is a vibrant ecosystem, not only in terms of its flora and fauna but also in the diversity of its inhabitants. This ancient woodland is home to races and cultures that have, over the centuries, developed deep connections with the druids of the Old Faith.

Elves and the Old Faith

Elves of the Gnarley Forest have long maintained cordial relations with the Old Faith, dating back to when the first human druids encountered elvenkind.

• Historical Bonds: The interaction began with the Flan tribes, who were early followers of the Old Faith, impressing the elves with their deep respect for nature.
• Diverse Attitudes: Wood and snow elves show the warmest reception towards druids, appreciating their dedication to natural harmony, while grey elves remain cautious and distant.

Fey Relations

The fey creatures of the Gnarley Forest interact with the Old Faith druids based on a mutual understanding of nature’s intricacies.

• Fey Respect: Druids’ intrinsic connection to the land makes them respected counterparts in the eyes of the fey, leading to interactions that are generally peaceful but can be unpredictably perilous by human standards.
• Sacred Sites: Many druidic sacred groves include dryads' trees or are home to a nymph's pool, signifying deep spiritual connections.
• Transient Allies: Satyrs and sprites, though nomadic, frequently engage with druids for counsel and companionship.

Old Lore Bards

This elite group of bards holds a special place within the Old Faith, serving as the druids' voice and historians.

• Noble Lineage: Members are traditionally chosen from the Flan nobility, with a requirement now extended to those of human or half-elven noble descent.
• Academic Institutions: The bards are organized into seven colleges across the Flanaess, focusing on preserving and disseminating the philosophical teachings of the Old Faith.
• Diplomatic Roles: While druids often shun social interactions, Old Lore bards act as their envoys, ensuring their messages reach far and wide.

Rangers of the Gnarley

This group of The Gnarley Rangers works to protect the forest and maintain its autonomy against external political forces.

• Independent Guardians: Approximately 200 strong, these rangers are dedicated to preserving the independence of the Gnarley Forest from cities like Greyhawk and Dyvers.
• Complicated Alliances: Though their good alignment often aligns with the goals of the Old Faith, their proactive stance sometimes clashes with the druids' strict neutrality.
• Mutual Support: Rangers often turn to druids for guidance, and druids rely on them to address threats that could disrupt the natural balance.

Foes of the Old Faith

The Druids of the Old Faith, while deeply respected for their connection to the natural world, have historically faced significant opposition from various factions and ideologies. These conflicts range from doctrinal disagreements to existential threats against the natural order they strive to protect.

Clerical Rivalries

The Old Faith often finds itself at odds with more structured religions, particularly those with an aggressive approach to conversion or territorial control.

• St. Cuthbert Clerics: There is a friendly rivalry with the followers of Church of St Cuthbert, primarily over the devotion of the common folk. This competition, while robust, remains mostly peaceful and does not escalate into open conflict.
• Pholtus' Followers: The relationship with the followers of Church of Pholtus the One True Way is strained but not openly hostile. The two faiths disagree fundamentally on several doctrinal issues, leading to a chilly but manageable coexistence.

Historical Conflicts

Some of the most significant threats to the Old Faith have arisen from historical events that challenged the very essence of their beliefs.

• Aerdi and the Great Kingdom: The arrival of the Aerdi, an Oeridian tribe, marked a dark period for the Old Faith. The Aerdi often conflated the druids with decadent Flan tribes worshipping demonic entities, leading to widespread persecution and forced retreat into the forests.
• Prophecy and Resurgence: Despite this persecution, the druids prophesied that the Great Kingdom's fall would herald their resurgence. With the kingdom's decline, the druids have begun to re-emerge, vindicating their long-held belief in the cyclical nature of power and civilization.

Cosmic and Supernatural Threats

The Old Faith also contends with foes that are not of this world, posing existential threats to the natural order.

• Elder Elementalism and Tharizdun: Initially underestimated, the cults of Elder Elemental God were later revealed to be connected to Tharizdun, the Unmaker. This discovery has led the Old Faith to actively oppose these cults, recognizing them as severe threats to the Eternal Circle.
• The Far Realms: Encounters with entities from the Far Realms represent a direct affront to nature's laws, as these beings distort reality itself. The druids are committed to repelling these invasions and sealing any planar breaches to maintain the natural order.

The Shadow of the Ur-Flan

The dark legacy of the Ur-Flan sorcerers remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the perversion of natural law.

• Vecna's Betrayal: Vecna, a figure of immense power and malevolence, was once a leader among the Ur-Flan. His betrayal and transformation of natural magic into a tool for undeath marked a significant historical trauma for the druids.
• Legacy and Secrets: It is rumored that some druids who served Vecna managed to salvage forbidden knowledge from the Ur-Flan, which the Old Faith might still hold. This complex legacy contributes to the deep historical and magical reservoir from which modern druids may draw, albeit cautiously.

---

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, Viscountyillustrates 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
• 24. The Druid’s Grove
• 4. Temple of Beory - Osterk
• 5. Shandril’s Cottage
• P24. Druid's Grove: Sanctuary of Beory

Notable Members

• Beory
• Berei
• Ehlonna
• Elder Kenter Sr.
• Holdefer Paravis
• Jaroo Ashstaff
• Nerull
• Obad-Hai
• Shandril
• 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.

---

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.

---

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.