Druidic Grove of the Willow Tree

> *Note: This is player-created lore. Ping @Sylverwing on the Discord if you have any questions.*
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The Druidic Grove of the Willow Tree is the main religion of the Bestial Tides. It is focused on the worship of the ancestors and spirits of the forest.

## Spirits of the Forest

The followers of the Druidic Grove of the Willow Tree worship two main types of spirits, in addition to their ancestors: elementals and fey.

### Elementals

The residents of the Bestial Tides believe elementals to be the physical manifestations of the spirits of the land. While people are allowed to hunt them, it is expected that they are paid the utmost respect by using every part of their body and giving offerings and prayers to the spirits as thanks for a successful hunt.

### Fey

The most ancient residents of the island, the fey are often treated with god-like reverence. They keep mostly to themselves, with portions of the island sectioned off for them. The only person allowed to visit these areas is the Maiden of the Forest.

## Maiden of the Forest

Chosen from among the young girls of Clan Broin, the Maiden of the Forest is usually between 10-14 years old when she is given the title, and keeps it until she dies. Her main responsibility is to be the mediator between the living, the dead, and the spirits of the island. Ancient law requires her to stay in the Brentrior Forest until her time as the Maiden is over unless she takes a partner, in which case she is permitted to leave the forest for half of each month. If she leaves the forest without this exception, her connection to the forest is severed, and any chance of ascending to the home of her ancestors is lost.

The Maiden of the Forest resides in a cabin in the forest, which is tended by a select group of people, who care for the Maiden during her younger years. This group also functions as the keepers of ancient knowledge, such as the treaty of clan unity and the tale of the Clan Wars.

In 2354, the Maiden of the Forest was Lady Bébinn Nualláin.

## Constellations

Stars and constellations are very important to the followers of the Druidic Grove of the Willow Tree, as they tell stories of the past and guide those still living into the future.

### Adraitheoir

Commonly known as Taurus, this constellation represents the Worshiper or Adorer. It is believed that once, a fey dreamed to live among mortals. They adored mortals more than other fey, and so they hid themself among them, slowly becoming more mortal over time. However, they never truly understood what it meant to be mortal. Perhaps this was due to the pedestal they had placed mortals on, or their purely scientific attempts to understand them. When they took their final breath of their life lived between mortality and immortality, they took their place among the stars, no longer having a place in the Feywilds, and never having gained a place among mortals.

### Anamchara

Commonly known as Gemini, this constellation represents the Soulmates. There is a story told that this constellation came into being due to the love between two ancient beings, forced to live intertwined lives over and over, for good or for bad. In the end, their choice to love each other forever allowed them to stay together forever in the stars.

### Béar Beag

Commonly known as Ursa Minor, this constellation represents the Little Bear, and is also called Astar Beag (Little Aster). Many say the little bear is a protector given to the Bestial Tides to watch over those in need, and would appear as a bear cub to some and be their stalwart companion for many years. It is common for the Maiden of the Forest to summon a bear cub familiar called Aster, but no one is certain if this bear cub is truly the starry protector from the constellation above.

### Béar Mór

Commonly known as Ursa Major, this constellation represents the Great Bear.

### Broc

Commonly known as Libra, this constellation represents the Badger.

### Claíomh

Commonly known as Aries, this constellation represents the Sword.

### Cléibhín

Commonly known as Capricorn, this constellation represents the Basket.

### Cosantóir

Commonly known as Orion, this constellation represents the Protector.

### Damhán Garraí

Commonly known as Virgo, this constellation represents the Garden Spider.

### Duán

Commonly known as Scorpius, this constellation represents the Fishhook.

### Luchóg Mhór

Commonly known as Leo, this constellation represents the Rat.

### Ollphéist

Commonly known as Aquarius, this constellation represents the Serpent.

### Reith

Commonly known as Pisces, this constellation represents the Ram.

### Sciath

Commonly known as Cancer, this constellation represents the Shield.

### Téadchnoba

Commonly known as Sagittarius, this constellation represents the Mouse.

### Croíthailte

Called the Milky Way by some, this vast expanse of stars is called the Heartlands by the residents of the Bestial Tides, and is believed to be where all ancestors of the clans reside once they pass from the mortal plane of existence. It is said that once you have reached Croíthailte, you are truly home and can rest for eternity in the warmth of the fires of your loved ones.

## Private Shrines

Most people have small shrines in their homes or village to worship their ancestors and the spirits of the forest. Nobles often have fancier shrines to honor their lineages. The shrine is constructed in the shape of a willow tree, similar to the tree at the center of the Brentrior Forest. A person's mask of spirits is hung here once they die to honor their soul. The shrines are well-kept, as it is considered disgraceful to those who have passed to allow them to fall into disarray.

In addition to honoring their ancestors, many leave trinkets and treats at the base of their shrine as offerings to the spirits of the forest.