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Worlde Arcane:
The Great Hall Of Guilds:
The Sisterhood Of Dryadic Grove Guardians
 History: In another time, long ago, the worlde was covered by great forests of sizes unimaginable compared to those in existence today. It was a time when the races of the worlde were few and the population small. But as their number grew, they began to cut down the forests for homes, fuel, fencing their stock, and to clear land for agriculture. In their short-sightedness the people never imagined a future where trees could be limited in number and might eventually disappear from existence altogether. There was no thought to preservation; and so, little by little, many of the forests and the profusion of flora and fauna within them, began to dwindle and disappear. In this ancient time there existed a powerful Spirit of Nature, the Great Urmother of Treesland. Working tirelessly she was able to save many forests, but as Umankind and other races continued to multiply, she saw that the task was impossible for One, even One as powerful as herself. And so, from the elements of the forests, she created the Dryads, a race of elf-like females, each one tied to a specific tree. Since a Dryad’s mortality is tied to her Home Tree, she will naturally protect it at all cost. (See more detailed description of the Dryad Race under “Races of Worlde Arcane”.) In time, even the Dryads were not always enough to stop the decimation of the forests, particularly when Great Wars erupted between the Races, resulting in vast burns across the countryside. Thus, the Sisterhood was born, founded by Dryads who have reached a level of maturity and selflessness enabling each to go beyond their own Home Tree and Sacred Grove; to go whereever they are called to aid forests in distress. The Sisterhood is led by one Dryad, chosen by the Great Urmother herself, and designated the High Priestess of the Urmother. Purpose: To protect and preserve the vast forests and their inhabitants within Worlde Arcane. To take the Oath of the Sisterhood of Dryadic Grove Guardians takes a special commitment, maturity, and devotion to the great Urmother. Very young dryads may or may not be ready to take on such far-reaching responsibility. Guild Symbol: The dragonfly The dragonfly symbolizes going past self-created illusions that limit our growing and changing. Dragonflies are a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. Just as dragonflies are inhabitants of two realms - starting with water, and moving to the air with maturity, so are dryads members of two worldes; their own Sacred Tree and Grove and later, the larger worlde around them. The dragonfly symbolizes emotional and passionate early years, followed by maturity and growth where one achieves balance with mental clarity and control. Requirements: 1. Open to anyone who subscribes to the common goal of Grove Guardianship. 2. Must be willing to leave the safety of their Home in times of need in order to render aid to forests in danger of defoliation or extinction. 3. Must pay homage to the goddess and Urmother of Treesland at least once a year, making the annual pilgramage to the Great Tree Temple of the Urmother found deep in the Falcon Forests on the great continent of Ufaeria. 4. Must take the Oath to actively protect the forests and all manner of Natural Growth within the great forests of Worlde Arcane. Secondarily, will do their utmost to protect all the fauna within their own Sacred Grove. I, (name), give my solemn pledge in the name of the Great Urmother of Treesland, to obey and fulfill all tenents of the Sisterhood of Dryadic Grove Guardians. I shall be selfless in carrying out these charges in order to promote the Greater Good. I shall wear the symbol of the Dragonfly with pride and honour at all times. How to Join: To petition for membership contact: Kymera Ravenwood, Oak Dryad and High Priestess of the Urmother. Approval is the sole decision of Kymera Ravenwood, Oak Dryad and the current High Priestess of the Urmother.  |
