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#Post#: 1238--------------------------------------------------
The Moot
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 20, 2025, 4:57 pm
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[center]The Moot [/center]
The three archdruids share the druid's responsibility for
initiating newcomers to the Order. In addition, they each have
the right to summon a moot: a gathering of the entire circle,
traditionally held at the solstices and equinoxes. By ancient
custom, moots are called four times a year at these set dates,
once by each archdruid and once (usually in spring) by the great
druid. A moot on a nontraditional date means the summoner sees
something so deeply amiss in the domain that the entire circle
must discuss it as soon as possible.
These gatherings enable the circle to celebrate the changing of
the seasons, to gossip and socialize, to exchange information on
the state of the domain, and to fight druidic challenges before
an audience. Druids at a moot perform ceremonies to celebrate
Nature, honor their dead, marry a couple within the Order, and
initiate new 1st-level druids.
Along with these ceremonial duties, small groups at moots
disappear together into the wilds to talk quietly while
searching for herbs or mistletoe.
The climax of any such gathering is the High Council of the
Moot; the circle's nine druids, three archdruids, and great
druid meet in a secret location to discuss the state of the
domain and make plans to rally the circle against a particular
problem, if necessary. Sometimes an ambassador from a
neighboring circle (usually a character of at least druid rank)
or an emissary of the Grand Druid attends a council. These
personages bring news and greetings--and sometimes requests for
help. After the High Council, the great druid (or an archdruid)
addresses the entire moot, answers questions, and takes advice.
To call a moot, an archdruid (or the great druid) sends
messengers out across the domain to spread the word to druids of
all branches. All members of the circle above 7th level must
attend or explain their absence. Members of 3rd to 6th level may
come, but usually do so only if their journeys bring them to the
vicinity or if they have business with others there. Those of
1st or 2nd level may attend a moot only with the permission of a
member of the inner circle.
The moot is scheduled to begin two weeks after the summoner
dispatches the announcements, giving all druids in the circle
enough time to settle their business and arrive. Such a
gathering generally takes place at a sacred grove under the
stewardship of the summoner. Though most moots last about four
days, the meeting cannot end until the summoning archdruid or
the great druid dissolves it.
Bards, elves, rangers, swanmays, and other sylvan folk often are
invited to a moot, but its location remains a secret to others.
In troubled times, elves, rangers, friendly beasts, or forest
creatures may patrol the moot and take trespassers prisoner.
If the domain's circle is on good terms with the land's rangers,
a spring or autumnal
moot may take place in conjunction with a rangers' forgathering.
However, like rangers, druids prefer to keep their gatherings to
themselves, and such cooperation usually results from personal
friendships between the great druid and notable rangers--or
signals a desperate alliance against a greater foe.
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