Icladreaf

The seasonal exchange of guardianship is steeped in ceremony and tradition. When the elves take over in the spring, they conduct a "renewal ritual" involving the planting of sacred seeds around the tree. The dwarves in the fall perform maintenance on the structures and pathways that protect the sacred land. Each brings their own cultural strengths to the guardianship, further emphasizing unity and cooperation for the sake of the holy land.

The truth of Icladreaf’s origin—its connection to the fallen goddess of war—is a secret that has been lost to the passages of time. The only people that know the truth are a handful and most of them have already perished.   The Shepherds of Icladreaf were founded in the year 1093, nearly 57 years after the fall of the Goddess of War in 1036, and their creation was deeply influenced by the region’s unique cultural and spiritual dynamics. The fall of the goddess marked the creation of the world tree, Icladreaf, which grew around her dormant form and became the focal point of life in an otherwise barren tundra.   (1036-1050) After the goddess fell to the mortal plane, a sense of awe and reverence spread across the lands. Various races—humans, elves, dwarves, and orcs—were drawn to the sacred site of Icladreaf, seeing it as a divine occurrence. However, there was no formal system to oversee the sanctity of the tree or its surroundings. The first few decades were marked by disorganization, as different factions attempted to claim ownership or leadership over the land.   (1050-1075) The walrus-folk, known for their deep connection to the tundra and their traditions of stewardship over the land, played a significant role during these early years. For generations, they had lived in the harsh, frozen lands and had developed an intricate understanding of nature’s cycles. Recognizing the divine importance of Icladreaf, they took it upon themselves to protect the tree and its sacred grounds, albeit without any formal structure. They established seasonal traditions, such as the rite of passage where one from their village, Uron, would guard Icladreaf for a year and a day, a practice that continues today.   (1075-1093) In 1075, after years of informal guardianship by the walrus-folk and a few neighboring races, tensions began to arise as other factions sought to exert their influence over Icladreaf. The orc tribes, with their warrior culture rooted in the goddess of war, demanded a more structured and militarized form of protection, while the elves, known for their spiritual connection to nature, advocated for a more harmonious approach. The humans and dwarves also expressed interest in establishing a more permanent presence in the region. In 1093, a council was convened at the foot of Icladreaf, attended by representatives of all major races, including the walrus-folk who had long been its protectors. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that a unified, cross-racial organization should be formed to protect the tree and the land surrounding it. This led to the official founding of the Shepherds of Icladreaf, a group dedicated to ensuring the sanctity of Icladreaf while maintaining peace among the various factions. The walrus-folk, as the first protectors of the tree, played a central role in the formation of the Shepherds, with their elders becoming the first leaders of the organization.   (1093-Present) From the time of their founding, the Shepherds of Icladreaf took on the dual role of spiritual guides and guardians of the land. They established strict laws around the protection of Icladreaf and the surrounding lands, codifying what had once been informal customs. The Shepherds acted as peacekeepers, enforcing the flow of life that emanated from the world tree, and they became a stabilizing force in the region, preventing any faction from gaining too much power. The Shepherds also codified the seasonal rotations of protection, with the humans watching over Icladreaf during the summer, the elves during the spring, the orcs during the winter, and the dwarves in the fall. The walrus-folk, while no longer solely responsible, continued their vital role in ensuring that the cycle remained unbroken and that the tree was never left unprotected.   Legacy and Continuing Influence Today, the Shepherds of Icladreaf are seen not only as the guardians of the world tree but as a unifying force among the various races of the region. The sacred nature of Icladreaf has led to a deep respect and cooperation between cultures, and the walrus-folk remain at the heart of the organization, ensuring that the tree is protected in accordance with ancient traditions. The Shepherds continue to uphold the ideals of balance, life, and protection, drawing on both ancient practices and modern strategies to ensure that Icladreaf remains a beacon of hope in an otherwise harsh and barren land.