Wardens of the Wood

The great forest of the Eldeen Reaches is filled with a dozen druid sects. Each sect consists of druids, rangers, and others who feel a bond to nature, and each has its own beliefs and motivations. The largest and most influential of the sects is the Wardens of the Wood. The Wardens are primarily human, but include elves, half-elves, gnomes, and a few members of other races. They guard the plains and forests, protecting nature and the people living there from all threats—natural and unnatural alike.   The Great Druid Oalian (N awakened greatpine, druid 20) is recognized as the ultimate authority in the region by all the sects except for the Gatekeepers. The Wardens of the Wood directly serve Oalian and act as his eyes and ears throughout the region.   The Wardens of the Wood, like the Gatekeepers, maintain static communities where children are raised and taught. The Wardens of the Wood dominate the region. Over the last three decades they have spread out across the plains as well as continuing to occupy the great forest. The Wardens seek to maintain the balance between civilization and nature. Human, orc, bird, and beast all have a place in the world—they just need to be provided with the proper aid and guidance. The Wardens protect travelers from bandits, rabid beasts, and the aberrations that lurk in the shadows. They have no problem with agriculture and animal husbandry, as long as both land and beast are treated with respect and compassion. They work with farmers and ranchers to ensure that the needs of nature are met.   The druid sects have little influence outside the Eldeen Reaches. Within the great forest, there are friendly ties between the Wardens of the Wood and the Gatekeepers. The other sects respect the Great Druid, but generally come together only for important conclaves and rituals. Oalian has forbidden open conflict between the druid sects. However, individual druids and rangers often follow their own hearts. Wardens of the Wood often interfere with Ashbound raids, and the Children of Winter occasionally clash with members of other sects. However, all personal vendettas are set aside while druids are in Greenheart or in the presence of the Great Druid.