Circle of the Ancients
The Cirle of the Ancients has its origins amount the nature spirits long before the days of elves and men. While some spirits had limited circles of influence, like the dryads, others could freely roam and communicate throughout the region, like the hamadryads. While nature can be distructive and seemingly at odds with itself, the circle strove to protect the wilds against wanton destruction by nature of the various emerging races.
Later, individuals of the various races noticed the wilds and began seeing their inherent value and the need to protect them, they began forming "circles" loosely based on the principles of the protective nature spirits of old. These original circles protected specific regions. But with them came the politics and machinations of men and elves. Positions of authority developed within the circles, and with them came trials and tests of prowess to earn those positions, including duals to the death.
It was not long before secret alliances were formed to help some members to ascend to power, and along with them the agendas of those secret alliances. While certainly enough, the agendas of the faithful own out, often enough the agendas of those seeking power for powers sake won as often. It was not too long before secret Shadow Circles began forming with motives from the darkest corners of the hearts of men and elves.
The oldest and wisest spirits from before the rise of the Druids deemed it wise to retain their original circle. Most continued to work with the Druid circles, but as the threat of the Shadow Circles grew, they chose to form a new secret society within the ranks of the Druids. Thus arose the Circle of the Ancients.
The Circle of the Ancients knows no boundaries. Members are very carefully chosen, usually by the nature spirits themselves, and often after some great service to the circle is performed. Members can be identified by their Amulet of the Ancients.
Patron Powers
- Faeruniun: Chauntea, Eldath, Gwaeron Windstrom, Lurue, Meiliki, Nobanion, Shaundakul, Shiallia, Silvanus
- Ordning: Hiatea, Stronmaus
- Lords of the Golden Hills: Baervan Wildwanderer, Segojan Earthcaller
- Seelie Court: Caoimhin, Damh, Eachthighern, Emmantiensien, Fionnghuala, Nathair Sgiathach, Oberon, Skerrit, Squelaiche, Titania, Verenestra
- Seldarine: Angharradh, Deep Sashelas, Sehanine Moonbow, Shevarash, Solonor Thelandira
- Yondalla's Children: Sheela Peryroyl
Circle Elders
Certain members of the circle who become leaders are granted status as Elders of the circle with associated powers granted by the circle's patron powers. While Elders are held in high esteem by circle members, the Elders are so varied in race and power that Hallowed and Hierophant do not defer to each other based on this rank. Rather, Elders defer to the Elder that called them together for a specific purpose or to the one whose home territory they are in.
The human races typically achieve these ranks around 12th level to be Hallowed and 13-15 level to be considered a Hierophant.