Druids of the Grove

> "*Welcome wanderers, to our grove*"
> ― Reithann
>
>

The **Druids of the Grove** is a druidic circle located in Harkenwold which worships Melora. Their number is primarily composed of elves, however the druids are not above inducting others into their order, such as Lorel Faetouched. Dating back to the Second Claiming, the druids once commanded much of the northern forests of Nerath before the rise of man. Now they are relegated to Harkenwold Forest with an ostracized branch in Winterbole. The druids are currently led by Reithann.

## History

### Ancient History

The original elven Druids of the Grove came to Nerath shortly after the Second Claiming to join their Eladrin kin. Relegated out from the southern realms of Sarthel, they settled in the northern forests of Nerath, which at that time extended throughout the Nentir Vale. Over the ages their domain of woods were slowly eroded by the emergence of human kingdoms which had sheltered the Dawn War in the far northwest.

Eventually conflict between the druids and human kingdoms erupted into a bloody war for the forest. During the war, one sect of the druid, the Evergreen Tribe became so vicious and murderous that it appalled even the stalwart elders. Fearing this would spread and eventually turn the forest red with unending hate and bloodshed, the leader of the druids Eyton took action. He banished the Evergreen Tribe and revoked their druidic magic. However, the Evergreen Tribe sough the intervention of Melora, for it was in her name they fought so hard to defend the forest. Melora interceded and granted the tribe a forest to protect within Winterbole, but they would lose their powers should they ever leave the forest. Thus they could only act in self defense.

Eventually the war came to a close. The druids lost most of their forests, but retained presence in Harkenwold around the sacred Tree of Almaiker. All of this was witnessed by the dryad Pinophy, who in old age would eventually settle down and form the druidic sect of Woven-Wood around herself.

### A Heart of Sorrowful Power

The Party sought out the Druids of the Grove shortly after their visit to Hyana's House. There they had found a squadron of Bloodreavers wiped out by druidic poison. Eventually tracing these back to the Druid's Grove, they with met Reithann. Aisu and Zander prayed at the Tree of Almaiker, receiving the blessings of Melora. Reithann revealed that her protégé Lorel Faetouched had been responsible for the dead Bloodreavers and was convinced to send Lorel to help the Harkenwold Militia recapture Tor's Hold.

After the fortress was retaken, Lorel returned to Druid's Grove, having gotten tired of The Party's antics. When The Party returned to pray Lorel avoided them, although Reithann still welcomed them as normal.

Lorel reappeared to aid the Fallcrest Army in the campaign against Saruum Khel, evidentially being sent by Reithann to assure the Bloodreavers' destruction.

Luna Starleaf, a former member of the Evergreen Tribe, would later seek out the sect of Woven-Wood while searching for answers on how to cure the Evergreen Curse. After meeting with Qivin Sheenani and Pinophy, Luna was able to determine a way to seek forgiveness for her tribe's actions. With the help of Reinys, the druids successfully performed a ritual which rid Luna of the curse.

## Sects

### Main Sect

The primary sect of the druids is in the eponymous grove at the heart of Harkenwold. It is these druids which hold vigil over the sacred Tree of Almaiker, whose roots are said to spread all the way to the Midnight Sea. As of AHOSP these druids were led by Reithann, who also leads the druids at large.

### Woven-Wood

A smaller sect of druids on the northeastern edge of Harknewold Forest. They formed around the tree where the elder dryad Pinophy took residence and are currently led by Qivin Sheenani.

### Evergreen Tribe

Formerly a sect of the Druids of the Grove. They were banished by Eyton for their bloodlust and settled in part of the Winterbole Forest.