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#Post#: 1242--------------------------------------------------
The Grand Druid of Chislev
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 20, 2025, 5:06 pm
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[center]The Grand Druid of Chislev[/center]
Above all others within the Order stands the figure of the Grand
Druid, the highest-ranking (although not the highest-level)
druid in the world. The Grand Druid, a 15th-level character,
attains this position through a selection process rather than by
the challenge. Since only one person can hold the title of Grand
Druid, each world can have only one 15th-level druid at a time.
Duties of the Grand Druid is responsible for keeping harmony
between the great druids of each domain and between the various
druidic branches. The Grand Druid also rallies the circles
against the rare global threat to Nature or the cosmic balance.
This always proves a difficult task, as many circles fiercely
cherish their autonomy, believing each one should remain
self-sufficient and not meddle in other domains' affairs. Few
circles willingly send contingents off to aid other circles
unless they feel absolutely certain that the threat will menace
their own domain as well. To make matters worse, the inflated
pride of many circles prevents them from accepting help from
"foreign" druids. As a result, often only one thing can convince
the Order that a threat warrants a combined effort: the
destruction of an entire circle. Fortunately, such occurrences
are few and far between.
The Grand Druid and entourage (detailed below) spend most of
their time visiting different regions and speaking to the great
druids, archdruids, druids, and, rarely, lowly initiates. In
particular, this leader serves as a diplomat and peacemaker who
mediates disputes between druids of neighboring circles and
struggles involving members of the mysterious Shadow Circle
(described later in this chapter). Normally, the circles act
with autonomy. However, if a circle appears in great
disarray--for instance, an enemy has killed most of its members
or forced them into hiding--the Grand Druid may try to rally the
circle or recruit aid from other domains. If a circle has been
effectively destroyed, the Grand Druid might decide to rebuild
it from scratch. After selecting a rising archdruid from a
neighboring circle to step in as the new great druid, the Grand
Druid helps recruit volunteers from nearby domains to replenish
the circle. Often this assignment proves difficult and
dangerous; whatever destroyed the previous circle probably still
lurks nearby, ready to pounce on the new circle that, while
wary, will remain understrength for some time.
Servants of the Grand Druid. Like other inner circle druids, the
Grand Druid has personal servants: an entourage of nine druids
of various levels. These druids no longer owe allegiance to
their original circles but are subject only to the Grand Druid.
All druids consider it a high honor to serve the leader of the
Order, an honor that bears great responsibility but gives a
druid prestige and influence far beyond others of similar level.
Assuming a vacancy arises--and service involves enough danger
that openings occur reasonably often--a druid of any level can
seek out the Grand Druid and petition to become a retainer. This
relationship lasts as long as both sides wish--often many
years--and can end with mutual agreement at any time.
Three archdruids, often called the Emissaries, always serve the
head of the Order. They act as the Grand Druid's personal
agents--their leader's eyes, hands, and voice. To aid them in
their duty, they receive four additional spell levels (one
4th-level spell, two 2nd-level spells, etc.), usable as they see
fit. To keep the Grand Druid informed on the operations of the
circles in every land, they roam the world, visiting the various
circles as well as other places of interest to their master. The
arrival of an Emissary often coincides with the ascendance of a
new great druid. While conveying the respects of the head of the
Order, the archdruid takes the new leader's measure and reports
back to the Grand Druid. These servants also visit a circle in
response to a great druid's request for aid.
Traveling Emissaries normally find themselves welcomed, because
their visits give circles a chance to learn news from far-off
lands. An Emissary also may offer counsel about a menace or
carry a request for help to the Grand Druid or neighboring
circles. But Emissaries also must remain on the alert for
problems within a circle that the great druid has failed to
adequately handle--such as widespread conflicts between druids
or corruption in the ranks. In such cases, it is the Emissary's
solemn duty to take action to remedy the problem or, lacking
sufficient power, to report it to the Grand Druid. For this
reason, some circles-- particularly those secretly dominated by
the ruthless Shadow Circle--regard the arrival of an Emissary
with deep suspicion. In their role as agents of the Grand Druid,
these archdruids sometimes resemble spies. More than one
Emissary has met a mysterious end while visiting a supposedly
friendly circle. Besides the Emissaries, a Grand Druid has six
other servants. These druids, usually of 7th to 11th level, come
from a variety of branches but have all proven their dedication
to the Order. Many Grand Druids have been known to take on the
occasional lower-level druid, either because they feel the need
for a fresher viewpoint or because they sense a special
worthiness in a particular individual. These six druids of mixed
level act as servants, counselors, bodyguards, and useful
agents.
Selection of the Grand Druid. One of the duties each Grand Druid
must perform is appointing a successor, always an acting great
druid. Usually, after serving a minimum of four years, a Grand
Druid steps down to allow the chosen successor to assume the
mantle of leadership.
In theory, selecting a new Grand Druid is solely up to the last
Grand Druid. In practice, druidic order politics plays a major
role. For instance, if the forest druids have held the position
of Grand Druid for several generations, they may come to
consider it "their right" to do so. However, in the name of
fairness and harmony, druids from other branches may lobby to
convince the current Grand Druid to pick a successor from a
different branch. On the other hand, choosing a Grand Druid from
a minority branch could alienate large segments of the druidic
order's membership, even with an extremely competent Grand
Druid.
As a result, when a Grand Druid begins getting on in years, the
impending choice of successor becomes the subject of much
gossip, speculation, lobbying, and intrigue by archdruids, great
druids, and hierophant druids. For instance, a great druid
afraid of being passed over for the position in favor of a rival
may encourage a powerful, ambitious archdruid to challenge that
rival, hoping to put the favorite out of the running before the
Grand Druid can finalize the succession.
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