Eldeen Reaches

Eldeen society is divided into two primary social groups: the druid sects who predominantly inhabit the deep forests, and the agricultural communities that thrive across the open plains. While historically distinct, their destinies have become increasingly intertwined over the past four decades under a single, unifying authority.

The Unifying Bough of Oalian

For the last forty years, the entirety of the Eldeen Reaches has officially been under the direct protection and guidance of Oalian, the Great Druid of the Wardens of the Wood. The ancient awakened Great-Pine and his revered order have become the central pillar of authority, extending their influence far beyond their traditional forest strongholds. Long dominant in safeguarding the ancient woodlands, the Wardens have proactively spread into the plains to ensure order and provide stability throughout the entire region.

Governance in the Plains

In the agricultural plains, where most of the population resides in settled communities, governance is built upon a foundation of local representation. Each farming community is administrated by councils made up of representatives from every farming family. This democratic approach ensures that the voices and needs of the local populace are directly heard and addressed in community decisions.

Crucially, however, these community councils do not operate in isolation. Each village benefits from the presence of a druid counselor appointed by the Wardens of the Wood. These counselors serve multiple vital roles: they provide invaluable magical assistance when needed, offer spiritual guidance that aligns with the reverence for nature, and act as trusted advisors to the community leaders. This unique arrangement ensures that local autonomy is respected while benefiting from the wisdom, power, and overarching vision of the druidic councilors.

Long before the rise of humankind, in the tumultuous Age of Monsters, the Reaches were not a haunted wilderness, but a sanctuary. Here, amongst the towering trees and winding streams, lived the orcs, a people dedicated to preserving the delicate balance of the natural world. They were not conquerors, but custodians, living in harmony with the plants and creatures that shared their domain. But this era of peace was shattered by the horrors of the daelkyr invasion. The orcs, though fierce warriors, were overwhelmed by the alien horrors unleashed upon their lands. The forests became tainted, scarred by the daelkyr's insidious experiments, leaving behind pockets of aberration and monstrous creatures that haunted the woods long after the war ended.

Millennia passed, and the echoes of the daelkyr war faded into legend. Humans, with their burgeoning kingdoms, began to spread across Khorvaire. The lands east of the Wynarn River were claimed and cultivated, yet the Eldeen Reaches remained largely untouched. Fear, fueled by the whispers of monstrous creatures and lingering magic, kept most at bay. But not all were deterred. Driven by a thirst for land, a desire to purge evil, or drawn by an unseen force, individuals and small groups ventured into the depths of the forest.

It was within these ancient woods that seekers encountered Oalian, an awakened greatpine who had witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. He was a living embodiment of the forest's wisdom, a conduit to the ancient spirits of the land, and a repository of the knowledge held by the surviving orcs. Oalian taught those who were receptive the ways of the wild, the importance of balance, and the methods to combat the lingering corruption of the daelkyr. From his teachings emerged the first druidic orders of the Reaches, inspired by the ancient Gatekeepers and devoted to protecting the natural world.

Over centuries, the druidic society flourished, transforming the region into what became known as the Towering Wood. Humans, shifters, and other races arrived, bringing their own customs and perspectives. The pristine teachings of Oalian began to fragment, leading to the formation of diverse druidic sects, each with its own interpretation of the natural order. Simultaneously, the kingdom of Aundair expanded westward, claiming the fertile lands along the eastern edge of the Reaches. Farmers and settlers pushed into the forest fringes, leading to inevitable friction between the newcomers, the druids, and the shifters who called the Reaches home. Despite localized skirmishes, a fragile peace prevailed, and the region prospered.

The Last War shattered this uneasy equilibrium. As Aundair's attention turned to its eastern borders, it abandoned the Eldeen Reaches, leaving its people vulnerable. Bandit lords, fueled by the ambitions of Karrnath and the Lhazaar Principalities, preyed upon the farmers, using the dense forests as their base of operations. In the south, Brelish troops crossed Silver Lake, seeking to exploit the region's resources.

From the heart of the Towering Wood emerged a unified force of druids and rangers, the Wardens of the Wood. In 956 YK, they rallied the beleaguered farmers and peasants, crushing the bandit armies with surprising speed and efficiency. Then, in 959 YK, they bravely drove the Brelish invaders back across the lake.

Betrayed by Aundair's abandonment, the people of the Eldeen Reaches declared their independence, swearing allegiance to Oalian and embracing a destiny intertwined with the forest itself. They resisted Aundair's attempts to reclaim them, demonstrating a fierce determination to govern themselves. In 958 YK, they formally seceded, a declaration finally recognized by the Treaty of Thronehold.

• 45% Human

• 16% Khoravar half-elf

• 16% Skinwalker

• 7% Gnome

• 7% Halfling

• 3% Orc

• 3% Elf

• 3% Other Races

While human settlements dot the landscape, carving out a living from the fertile soil, the enduring spirit of the wild holds sway over the hearts and minds of its inhabitants. While not a religion in the traditional sense, the dominant spiritual force in the Reaches is rooted in druidic traditions, particularly those guided by the influential Wardens of the Wood.

The Way of the Warden

The Wardens of the Wood are more than just protectors of the forest; they are the spiritual backbone of countless communities throughout the Eldeen Reaches. A Warden druid often serves as a guide, advisor, and mediator for their village, steeped in the wisdom of the natural world. Their faith is not about dogma or strict adherence to holy texts, but rather about understanding and respecting the delicate balance between civilization and the wild.

Unlike more radical druidic sects like the Ashbound, the Wardens don't see human advancement as an inherent threat. They understand that humanity must eat and live, and they don't shy away from agriculture, animal husbandry, or even hunting. However, it is the way these things are done that matters. The Wardens teach that respect for the land is paramount. A successful harvest is not simply a right, but a gift from the earth, earned through mindful cultivation and offering gratitude. Hunting is not a sport, but a necessity, and every animal taken must be used respectfully and with minimal waste.

This reverence extends to the fey, who are seen as living embodiments of the natural world. Destroying a dryad's tree, for example, is considered a grave offense, a violation of the fundamental pact between humanity and nature. The fey are understood to be capricious and powerful, deserving of respect and caution.

Beyond the Druid Grove

While the Wardens of the Wood hold a position of significant influence, the religious landscape of the Eldeen Reaches is far from monolithic. The Wardens are not zealots; they do not actively discourage the worship of other deities. They understand that the human spirit craves expression in many forms, and they recognize the value in diverse beliefs.

As such, while dedicated temples and churches are a rare sight in the Reaches, the Sovereign Lords are often invoked and revered, particularly those whose domains resonate with the spirit of the land.

• Arawai and Balinor: These deities are perhaps the most frequently honored. Arawai, the Sovereign of Fertility, is invoked to bless crops, ensure healthy livestock, and grant bountiful harvests. Balinor, the Beast Lord, is called upon by hunters and farmers to safeguard their animals and guide them through the wilderness.
• Dol Arrah and Olladra: These Sovereigns also hold a place of respect. Dol Arrah, the Sovereign of Sun and Justice, is prayed to for protection and guidance, while Olladra, the Sovereign of Good Fortune, is invoked for prosperity and good health.
• Boldrei: The Sovereign of Community and Hearth, is revered for her role in fostering strong bonds within villages.

The religious practice in the Eldeen Reaches is therefore a blend of ancient druidic traditions and the more structured worship of the Sovereign Lords. Many villagers likely offer prayers to Arawai for a good harvest, while simultaneously seeking guidance from their local Warden druid about the proper way to till the soil. This syncretic approach reflects the adaptive and pragmatic nature of the people of the Reaches, who understand that survival and prosperity depend on both respecting the power of nature and embracing the blessings offered by the Sovereigns.

The Shadow of Aundair

The relationship between the Eldeen Reaches and Aundair is perhaps the most fraught. Only forty years ago, the Reaches were part of Aundair, a border province known for its unruly inhabitants and untamed wilderness. The Last War, however, was the catalyst for their secession. Frustrated by the indifference of the Crown and the devastating impact of the war on the environment, the Wardens of the Wood, powerful druids, led the people of the Reaches in declaring independence.

This history fuels a deep distrust of Aundairian rule. While a tenuous peace exists, Aundair still considers the Reaches a rebellious province and occasionally attempts to exert influence, often through subtle economic pressure or clandestine support for dissenting factions within the Reaches. The Wardens vigilantly guard against such incursions, and border skirmishes, though infrequent, are not unheard of. The fertile lands of the Reaches are coveted by Aundairian farmers, fueling further tension and resentment.

Neighborly Relations with Breland

Unlike the contentious relationship with Aundair, the Eldeen Reaches maintain a more stable, albeit guarded, relationship with Breland. A shared border and a pragmatic approach to trade have fostered a cautious understanding. Breland, focused on rebuilding and expanding its influence through industry and innovation, tends to view the Reaches as a source of raw materials and a buffer against potential threats from Aundair.

While Breland doesn't actively seek to control the Reaches, they are wary of the region's unpredictable nature and the power of its druids. Formal treaties exist, outlining trade routes and establishing protocols for peaceful interaction, but these agreements are often interpreted loosely, reflecting the independent spirit of both nations. Breland also funds rangers and patrols along the border to protect against aberrant beasts and other dangers emerging from the Reaches.

Isolation from Thrane and Karrnath

The Eldeen Reaches maintain a policy of deliberate distance from Thrane and Karrnath. The zealous faith of the Silver Flame in Thrane and the martial regimentation of Karrnath are fundamentally opposed to the druidic principles of the Reaches. Trade is minimal, and diplomatic contact is rare, limited to addressing specific emergencies or resolving border disputes.

The Wardens view both nations with suspicion, fearing their potential for expansionism and their disregard for the natural world. This isolation is a conscious decision, designed to protect the Reaches from unwanted influences and preserve their unique way of life.

Other Considerations

• The Towering Wood: The Towering Wood itself is a major factor in the Reaches' foreign relations. A sentient forest, the Wood exerts its own influence, occasionally shifting borders, causing unpredictable weather events, and even animating trees to defend its territory. Negotiating with the Towering Wood falls to the Wardens, and their ability to understand and appease the forest is crucial for maintaining peace and stability.
• The Gatekeepers: The Gatekeepers, a druidic order dedicated to containing aberrations from Xoriat, maintain a presence within the Reaches, though they are fading as time passes. They are fiercely independent and often operate outside the formal diplomatic channels of the Reaches, focusing on their primary task of protecting the world from the threats lurking in the depths of Khyber. Their actions can sometimes strain relations with other nations, especially when they cross borders in pursuit of aberrations.
• Nomadic Tribes: The nomadic tribes that roam the Reaches, such as the Greensingers and the Orc clans, often have their own unique relationships with neighboring nations. These relationships are typically based on trade, tradition, and mutual respect, but can sometimes lead to conflict when resources become scarce or cultural misunderstandings arise.

Agriculture

The heart of the Eldeen Reaches' economy lies in its agriculture. Guided by druidic principles, Eldeen farmers cultivate abundant harvests of diverse crops. This production far surpasses the needs of the Reaches' relatively small population, transforming farming into a major trade enterprise. The agricultural surplus of the Eldeen Reaches is crucial for sustaining the more industrialized nations, particularly Breland and Karrnath. These nations rely heavily on Eldeen produce to supplement the output of their own farms and feed their bustling, urbanized societies.

This reliance has not gone unnoticed. Both Breland and Karrnath recognize the strategic importance of the Eldeen Reaches’ agricultural output and have historically sought to establish political or economic footholds within the region. The specter of renewed interference looms if current trade agreements falter or peace efforts collapse, highlighting the vulnerability of the Reaches in the face of external demand.

Animal Husbandry

Beyond the fields of grain and orchards of fruit, the eastern reaches of the Eldeen Reaches resonate with the sounds of diverse livestock. This region is the stronghold of House Vadalis, whose generations of dedicated breeders have transformed animal husbandry into a sophisticated art form. Through careful breeding programs and, in some cases, magebreeding techniques, House Vadalis has revolutionized the types of animals available within Khorvaire.

Their contributions are diverse and impactful. From sturdy mounts and fiercely loyal guard beasts to superior breeds of livestock and exotic pets, the Eldeen Reaches are the origin point for many animals found across the continent. House Vadalis' expertise has not only created a profitable industry but has also changed the very fabric of culture and society in Khorvaire.

The Druidic Influence

The influence of the druids pervades every aspect of life in the Eldeen Reaches, including its economy. While agriculture and animal husbandry are vital industries, they exist under the watchful eye of the various druid sects. Most sects, particularly those less radical, tolerate the activities of farmers and House Vadalis, recognizing their importance to the Reaches and the wider world. However, this tolerance comes with a crucial caveat: land and livestock must be treated with care and respect. Many villages even boast a resident druid who acts as both a spiritual advisor and an agricultural consultant, ensuring practices remain aligned with the principles of ecological balance.

Despite this general acceptance, the situation is not without its challenges. Darkwood groves are scattered throughout the Reaches, teeming with exotic plants and animals possessing valuable alchemical and mystical properties. The druids actively discourage the unchecked harvesting of these rare resources, and the Wardens of the Wood, a dedicated order of protectors, deal harshly with poachers caught exploiting the region's unique flora and fauna for personal gain.

Furthermore, extremist druid sects, most notably the Ashbound, vehemently oppose any manipulation of nature, viewing even responsible farming and breeding as violations of the natural order. These radical groups occasionally launch attacks against the northeastern communities, creating tension and posing a threat to the stability of the region.