Just some general info about the Blackstone Order

[Milk_Chocolate]

First of all, many thanks to Aegis for providing the information on Druids straight from the pages of d20 documentation

The Blackstone Order (formerly the Ironwood Alliance)

Our members list is growing steadily, so I thought it was about time to post something so all the druids are on the same page. (Plus this takes too long to explain in game, especially IC). And for roleplay purposes, every druid should know this beforehand anyway. "Druid" denotes more than a class... it makes one a member of a worldwide faith called the Order. Similar to how the Harper Scout class or Shadowdancer class also implies membership to the appropriate organizations.

So here is a quick overview of the Order's organization (when adopted to BSK)

Quick Overview

Our Mission Statement: To preserve the wilderness, revere Nature, and maintain balance in Blackstone Keep and it's sphere of influence.

Each of the regions that surround blackstone keep: the wastes, the swamps, the forests, and the frozen wastes (we have not yet included the underdark), are domains and will be maintained by "Circles" within the Blackstone Order. The 4 circles are under the stewardship of the "Great Druids", who have the second highest level of authority within the Order. Above all others within the Order stands the figure of the "Grand Druid" who acts as a politician, responsible for keeping harmony between the Great Druid's of each Circle and between the various druidic branches.

Within each Circle, there is a 1x Great Druid and 1x Archdruids (No. of Archdruid's will increase at a later date). Any other druids who are members of that order have authority based on their druid (not character) levels.

So in any circle, the chain of authority looks like this:

1x Great Druid
1x Archdruid
x amount of Druids, with their hierarchy based on druid levels (Will recieve the title once they have reached a set level).
x amount of Initiate's, represent's a beginning druid.

The chain of authority for the Order itself is this:

1x Grand Druid
4x Great Druids

Gaining Rank

To maintain accuracy to PnP druid orders, members of the Blackstone Order gain rank through "The Challenge". We haven't yet determined how the position of Grand Druid will be decided. However, as for the ranks of Great Druid and Archdruid, duels (If agreed upon the duel can be non-combat orientated, such as a race, scavenger hunt, etc) will be arranged to determine who will take these ranks in the first generation of members to the Order. Of course, this is only necessary if there are more than 4 members in the Order.

For example, if an Archdruid desires the position of Great Druid within his circle, he would publicly announce this at one of the many secret meetings (called "moots") of the Order and a duel of ascension would be arranged. If he/she wins, he becomes Great Druid of the [Forest, Waste, Swamp, or Artic] Circle. If he/she loses no change in rank occurs.

The position of Grand Druid is the only rank that is not earned by winning a challenge. The Grand Druid passes authority to a druid whom he believes will rule the Order with wisdom, prudence, and of course, Nature and Balance at the highest priority.


That's all. This is the most I can publicly post. The more intricate details must be told in game and IC to ensure the Order's secrets stay secret. Thanks for reading!

-MC

[Pharo_IK]

sounds somewhat interesting. in this.. the formative stages... where does this new order stand on exisiting druids of note?


Pharo

[Milk_Chocolate]

If the druids adhere to the mission statement, they are welcome. (This is debatable though)

[Aegis]

The Order is welcoming of all those that practice the Druid faith whether native or not to the continent, whether you worship Nature as a force, as a progenitor, or personified by a great deity, etc and aslong as our etho's coincide then I see no problem.

[Hordack]

sounds like a nice idea ... may have to brush off the dust of my old druid Sabastain and bring him back.

[Milk_Chocolate]

The Order is welcoming of all those that practice the Druid faith whether native or not to the continent, whether you worship Nature as a force, as a progenitor, or personified by a great deity, etc and aslong as our etho's coincide then I see no problem.

Ya, what he said lol