The Circle of Blackwald

by **Psykhe** Sun Jun 17, 2012 9:07 pm

[[Please, do avoid spamming this down with non guild related post. Thank you Smile

]]

About our guild:

«It is better that you rush upon this blade, then enter this circle with fear or corruption in your heart. How do you enter?”

Like many Druidic orders before them the Circle of the Blackwald have learned to put aside their petty differences to focus upon the calling of protecting the sacred ground beneath their feet upon which every creature must tread. Led by a matriarchal figure and a ‘council’ which believes that the combined powers of their members, working together, can get more accomplished than by means of practicing the old ways alone. Together they rally in securing their territory from those who wish to do it harm or harm their kind, to cleanse their home and aid their fellow kin. A sanctuary is one of the things they do offer, safe shelter and a home.

But what is a home worth, when it’s rotting away… Their tree, Tal’doren was dying, rotting and if it is not stopped in some ways or means, what will rot away next?

With their numbers dwindling in the wake of the cataclysm the remaining Harvest Druids realized that they could no longer care for what remained of their lands as they once had before the great wall came crashing down. With this in mind a few Adept and Initiate Harvest Druids banded together to form the ever widening Circle of the Blackwald. Little do they yet know of the past circle that came from Blackwald...

The Role-Play within and around the Circle of Blackwald:

As the above fluff hints The Circle of the Blackwald is for any Race or class. Though there is a Druidic theme to the guild all are welcome to join as I hope that as the guild grows we can add other touches of town life to the RP.

The style of RP I intend to promote (*with the help of those willing of course*) is taking the step towards making the progression from what I call Night Elf Druidism (*which is great and I have no trouble with) to the more traditional Gilnean Harvest Druid's way of things.

The Idea came to me once I noticed the similarities between the WoW Harvest Druid lore and traditional Celtic Druidism.

So to put it in its most basic of terms:

I'm trying to make a guild with a shamanistic / Druidic theme for all classes and Races that will RP in and around Gilneas <barring events in other lands ofc>.Whose main aim is the healing and restoration of the land especially the Blackwald. - Bob

Where are we?

The guild will be based in the Blackwald / Stormglen for obvious reasons and will be making use of the Brennen Family homestead; which will double as a Tavern and a meeting place when outsiders ect. are involved.
The Brennen homestead is the big building on the left as you enter Stormglen.

The Circle of Blackwald Celtic_knot_tree

The Druid's Rest is a vital component of our RP in Stormglen.

A Brief History

> Essentially Bob's home for the last 5 months or so.
> Acts as a place to hold meetings with non druidic allies
> It's also an Inn allowing us a place to rest while caring for the land
> Here we serve up food and drink to the community and travellers (if you wanna call it food that is)

For Contact or sending in an application:

Our guild forum

If anyone is interested poke me ingame on Kyrbÿ or pm him here.

*Additional information is a work in progress. Rituals will be written, seasonal ones and common, some will be made on the go as the rp developes. But here are some information added so far.

Ranks:

"It is important to note that a member of The Circle of The Blackwald can hold more than one rank and or title. It is also vital to know that in addition to these ranks there are other ranks defining the people among the circle".

The Circle of Blackwald Circle_Celtic_Tree_of_Life_by_foxvox

Elder:
A member valued for his/her wisdom who accordingly holds a particular position of responsibility within "The Circle"

Druid:
A member of "the Circle" who has chosen to devote their file to the prospect of becoming one with the natural world

The Circle of Blackwald Somberwald_sage_by_steveargyle-d4zm4rj

Dogmatists:
A philosopher, teacher, counsellor who follows Druidism as their chosen spiritual path

The Circle of Blackwald Seer_V_by_Eirian_stock

Ovates:
An Ovate is a member who studies or practices herbalism, healing and divination within our Druidic context, or who has entered the Ovate level of training within another Druid Order.

Bards:
A Bard is a member who sees their creativity as an innate spiritual ability, and who chooses to nurture that ability partly or wholly with Druidism.

The Circle of Blackwald The_scribe_by_remton-d34ukyj

Scribes:
A member that specialized in creating new spells and writing them into the books

The Circle of Blackwald Asterith_and_Arrizard_coloured_by_dashinvaine

Initiate:
A newly recruited member of The Circle the Initiate is a trial phase rank, during which the member in question will undergo the scrutiny of the Circle and the rest of the guild. Only having passed through this trial phase does one become a full member of the Circle.

Other ranks may be generic ranging from warrior to magister (currently undecided)
*Ranks..Especially the higher ones will have to be earned ICly not even rolling a druid automatically entitles you to the sacred rank

Recruitment Policies of The Circle of the Blackwald

Adhering to the teachings of The Circle it's members realise that everyone and everything has it's place in the world.They know the power of change and how it effects people's hearts for better or for worse.
They have heard and seen those exalted under The Light terrorise and murder innocence and seen those who society shuns rise up in defence of the weak and helpless.

"People are capable of kindness beyond angels, yet we also commit sins that would put a demon to shame."

"I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of The Light"
All those who seek to join or aid the circle will have to prove to it's membership , the purity of their intentions.

The Lore of Blackwald ((As we see it ))

IN THE BEGINNING:

The Blackwald is a forest in southern Gilneas, located south of Greymane City and north of the village of Stormglen. The Blackwald was the home of the Druids of the Scythe, who eventually became the first worgen. Tal'doren - a tree identical to the one where the original worgen were imprisoned in the Emerald Dream - is in the forest's center.

During the initial Forsaken invasion the Blackwald was home to a host of spirits and Dark Rangers who were sent to retrieve the relic known as "The Scythe of Elune”. Shortly after the Gilnean people now bolstered by their Worgen brethren took the fight to the Forsaken and drove them out.

After their hard fought and well-earned victory the remaining Gilneans fled their crumbling nation with the aid of the Kal'dorei vowing to return. During this time the Blackwald remained fallow.

A NEW ERA:

Many months after they retreated to safety a Gilnean Lord led the first expedition to reclaim his homeland.

With the aid of the Seventh Legion Gunwell's expedition secured a foothold on Gilnean soil. Later this major success led to the founding of three Orders. The smallest of these orders consisted of the remaining druids. Upon their return to the land the Blackwald was once again tended too and a form of balance restored. The Druidess Marlann and her coven tended to the Blackwald until tragedy struck. After the murder of her lover by her own hands the remaining druids fled as did Marlann. With the balance hanging by thread and those remaining few tiring of the tyrannical Lord's rule. Most sought shelter in the Eastern Kingdoms. For those who remained it was truly the end of an era.

UNDIEING RESOLVE:

In the wake of Lord Gunwell's departure little is known of what transpired to the Blackwald. As far as is known it merely lay dormant perhaps playing host to some vagabonds. All that is truly known is that after a few months the number of reclaimers dwindled until personal differences and infighting saw them disperse and return to their new lives in the Eastern Kingdoms.

Harvest druids, druids, shamans, the believes and ways of The Circle of the Blackwald.

Some may find it strange how druids of various kinds ends up following the path of the harvest druids along with shamans following down the very same path…

Unlike other shamans and druids, the Circle of Blackwald have taken a different path. Among them are Shamans and druids alike, walking the path of the old ways of the harvest druids. Their methods can be seen as brutal and harsh but along with these old ways, comes an open mind… For it is in their belief that what you were born as, does not dictate what you can be, or who you already are… “It seems so natural… That is because it comes from within you…”

The harvesters are not just druids tending to the soil, the nature, the balance but they also have oracles and seers among them. And they do not hide it, they use their oracles and seers, those who can predict the future, read the signs of the nature, the herbs, the bones and leaves as guidance, tutors for others among them and those who dare to seek them out.

“Know that when you come to me, you shall find no answers that you already have inside of you…” A wise word to keep in mind should you seek their guidance. For their powers, they do not use lightly. All use of magic /powers come at a price. The bigger the task, the greater the ritual; the greater the cost.

Knowledge is the key to success, through knowledge we gain wisdom and through wisdom we use our powers to make the purpose come to be.

For more info check out the forum, its guides, lores, rituals and etc.

More of our History:

Bob grunted as he moved another pile of debris away from the door.Talk of the undead behind their lines had made him quite paranoid.The Inn had laid idel for nearly a week now as he had been aiding the reclaimers with theit preperations.
Chilled to the bone and his teethe chattering Bob forced the last of the makeshift baricade from the door.
The warmth had faded from the interior ,it's chill equaled that of the elements.Bob quickly set to lighting a fire with whatever he had to hand to stave off the cold.

After an hour of reflecting on his situation he realised that the fire had almost died out.
The results of a frantic rumage yielded amoung other things a smallish box.Bob cast it onto the dwindeling fire with some kindling and went back to his brooding.

The Circle of Blackwald Campfire_by_Cavalleria

Something caught his eye as the burning pieces of wood succumbed to the ravages of the flames.Leaning forward Bob saw it more clearly.What appeared to be a fern was looking at him from within the crumbeling box.
Perplexed and reacting more on instinct Bob cast his hand into the fire and withedrew the burning box.As soon as it was free Bob realised that his hands were burning .The box fell from his grasp shattering on the floor and revealing a curious tome.
Bob peered at the book astounded that it had not burnt."Clearly a relic of sorts" he thought as he picked it up for futher examination.

The Circle of Blackwald Druid_Book_by_LeopoldGarrity

Flicking through the pages the book surprised Bob.It seemed to contain many references to bloodlines,witchhunts, strange symbols of a mystical nature.The images and mention of rituals and rites were more graphic than informative.The only words of meaning seemed to be Circle and Blackwald. Perplexed Bob examined the book's rear and side for any clues to a name or even an author.All he could denote were odd looking circular symbols which he had never seen before.

After finding something else to burn Bob read through the book or what little of it he could understand.It seemed that he had stumbeled upon a book partaining to an aincent druidic sect.
It seemed these Harvest Clerics and such were native to the area and revered the local Blackwald as a place where the link to the spirit world was strongest.

Calling themselves "The Circle" and preforming their most sacred rituals in the sacred wood made Bob think that it was time for "The Circle of the Blackwald " to rise up once more and continue it's sacred traditions.

by **erwtenpeller** Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:29 am

Fantastic.

by **Psykhe** Mon Jun 18, 2012 7:39 pm

The Folly of the Gilneans

A Question of Race

Upon arriving in Gilneas on the heals of the Ninth Legion two years ago to aid the stricken nation.With the hopes of setting up a "legitimate" buisness venture Bob approached the locals.He was branded as an outsider and met with nothing short of scorn and suspicion.There were times infact he was certin he'd be chased from the city by a horde of feral creatures.
After no success and tiring of such an attiude towards one whose help was offered in earnest....as far as the Gilneans knew anyway.....Bob left for Stormwind.

Through chance Bob had befriended a Gilnean and over the space of a few weeks had learned more about the Gilnean people's culture.Confident now that he could use this information to his advantage he returned to Gilneas.
Unfortunatly more of the same traditional Gilnean hospitality greeted him.

The next time Bob faced another group of Gilneans he havving been infected some months before was mistaken for a local and excepted.Unfortunatly by then his buisness had evaporated.But he at least realised why the Gilneans treated him so poorly.A fatal mix of pride combined with their xenophobic nature had held the Gilneans back.Even with the wall down old habits seemed to die hard.If they were to have any chance they'd need to set these idiotic notions asside.

Having learned from the past most Gilneans now are less arrogant to outsiders.Bob and others have lectured at length to Gilneans about this and eventually it seemed to sink in.Though some still remain suspicious and slightly racist the majority have become more accepting.

Druids:

Druids are keepers of the world who walk the path of nature, following the wisdom of the Ancients and Cenarius, healing and nurturing the world. To a druid, nature is a delicate balance of actions, in which even the smallest imbalance can create storming turmoil from peaceful skies.

"Harvest Druids" (AKA Gilnian Druids) origionally founded "The Circle" while living on the fringes of society to keep their traditions alive. Such people are a welcome addition to the fold.
There is a stark contrast between Gilnian and Elven Druidism.But having played a key part in aiding Gilnias the Kaldori are welcome within "The Circle" as honored guests and are often revered for their wisdom.

Priests:

Most of the membership of "The Circle" focus on their spiritual connections and have a deep respect for kindred spirits reguardless of what name they call their Dieties.Priests as long as their worship is justly spiritual are welcome within the ranks of "The Circle"

Shamans:

Shamans are spiritual visionaries. These gifted warriors can see into the world of spirits and communicate with creatures invisible to eyes of normal beings. They are beset by visions of the future and use their sight to guide people through troubled times. Seen as their craft is similiar in many ways to that of the ways of "The Harvest" the membership of "The Circle" welcomes Shamans and Farseers,in hopes to commune better with the spirits of the Blackwald

[

Hunters:

The hunter is one of the oldest classes in history. They represent a deep connection between man and beast.Hunters are also keepers of balance. They understand the cycle of life and death, and their part in maintaining it.The hunter is deeply in tune with nature, and some of the mightiest beasts are his allies.

As hunters seek to aid the balance of nature along with their druidic allies they and their skills are a welcome boon to "The Circle"

Rogues:

Masters of stealth, rogues are the whispers in shadowy corners and the hooded figures crossing dark fields. Skilled with daggers and the art of silent death, they skulk about Azeroth seeking profit. Rogues play prominent roles in every aspect of society — albeit, they will rarely be written in history books because their involvements will be largely unknown to the common person, but they are always there, greatly affecting the flow of events from the shadows.

Though their motives are constantly questioned by "The Circle" their skills and knowledge of certin crafts are not.The ability to conceal one's self and stalk tresspassers who would defile "The Circle's" lands is seen as an asset.Though few in number these silent sentries are often the thin line between balance and chaos.

Warriors:

The warrior is no mere brute.They are skilled combatants.Masters of swords, spears, and weapons of all kinds, warriors share a common way of life on Azeroth. Using their abilities to deal pain and cause bloodshed, warriors are deadly adversaries and welcome friends in violent times.

As anyone willing to take up arms to defend their people can be classed as a warrior,the title applies to many.From a blood thirsty feral worgen rending it's foes asunder,to a half starved gnomish begger defending his friend."The Circle" respects those who fight for a just cause and welcome those who would lend their arm in service to "The Circle's" cause.

Paladins:

Found in almost every corner of Azeroth fighting the forces of evil.These warriors uphold the tenets of the Holy Light and defend the Alliance from the predations of any threat to their peoples.

The melding of a warrior's strength and skill with a profound spiritual calling.Seen as Warrior Priests these Knights are valued allies to "The Circle" given it's position on the Forsaken's doorstep."The Circle" also realises the important role they play and often gives food and shelter to such warriors if they find themselves lost or injured within "The Circle's" sphere of influence
((* While not lore based certin server lore has formed around Gilnians training to become Paladins.Given their hatred towards undeadand the fact that it makes sense)) this guild welcomes Gilnian Paladins pending of course that their background makes some sort of sense.Sadly though as far as I know a Worgen Paladin may be hard to pull off given their nature with the light.

Mages:

Mages, the most common of arcanists, are found all over Azeroth. They focus on magic that creates and that changes the fabric of things. Though the arcane escapes most who study druidism there are a few in "The Circle" know it's value.The use of fire and ice magics are of little use to "The Circle" yet the ability afforded by instantaneous travel via an arcane made vortex can come in handy.Though few in number "The Circle's" Mages are an asset.

Warlocks:

Warlocks are former arcanists who, in pursuit of greater sources of power,cast off their studies of the arcane to delve into the darker, fel-based magic of shadow.Warlocks advocate bending demonic forces to one's will without succumbing to complete corruption. They summon demons to serve them, and cast many painful spells. Compared to other arcanists, warlocks are among the strongest. Those who cast their lot in with the demons often fall prey to their master's twisted will.Willingly or unwillingly Fel useage is abhorred by all but the vialest of races."The Circle" stands against such forces of discord and would not suffer "The Fallen" within their Order.

((There is a fine line between Fel and Fire & Shadow magics if someone is RPing a warlock as an Arcane Fire Mage or Priest membership would be granted.However if you are an active Fel using ,Demon loving stereotypical Warlock membership would not be granted for obvious reasons))

Death Knights:

The Knights of the Ebon Blade ,anew group of death knights, the Death knights of Acherus, was later created by the Lich King to garrison the necropolis of Acherus: The Ebon Hold for the ultimate purpose of assaulting Light's Hope Chapel and destroying the Argent Dawn. these death knights are freed from the will of the Lich King and working closely under the guiding blade of Highlord Darion Mograine and the bolstered Argent Crusade, the freed death knights have began their march to Northrend.Free of the Lich King's control they have pledged to rid the world of their former master.

Since being freed from the will of the Lich King these Knights have worked to regain the trust of the living.While some view them with suspicion and fear others recognise them as versions of fallen comrades and respected champions.Though in good standing with these Knights who are allied with "The Circle" none would likely seek to join "The Circle" due to their commitments to "The Ebon Blade".

(The Guild may chose to take a few DK's as envoies to local DK Guilds in the future but atm given the relationship between the heads of both orders this would be an OOC membership at best.If in the meantime you feel you have an alternate reason for RPing a DK in the guild let us know)

Gilneans

Not all of the Gilneans recieved the curse in the run up to the fall of their great city.Some still remain human and travel all over Azeroth clearly eager to explore this new world after being cooped up for far too long.
"The Circle" does not discriminate between cursed and uncursed Gilneans.Quite the contrary it was infact the Human Gilneans who first re-established the rituals of the Harvest Druids when the wall was errected.

Quite simply put and as stated in the above Paladin segment.Since Gilneans are Humans this guild has no objection to someone RPing a normal Human character and claiming him/her to be Gilnean

by **erwtenpeller** Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:14 pm

Wait... worgen don't have shamans do they?

by **Demurral** Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:35 pm

They don't as a class option, but based upon their history, especially with natural magic, You could always RP one regardless.
Especially when you consider that they have a rich history focused upon natural magic, such as druidism - that of life, the harvest and beastlore.
It could be argued that they could also have a few shamanistic members of their society, even if they don't realise it - a sailor who can call forth winds to help his voyage, or else calm down seas by asking a deity for it (assuming that elementals answer said call, for that deity, and still gaining from the magic and belief used to do so), they would technically be a shaman, even if they called themselves by other titles, lacking the knowledge to truely identify their powers. Such people might call themselves air or water mages, but use elemental magic and believing it to be Arcane.

by **Psykhe** Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:39 pm

erwtenpeller wrote:Wait... worgen don't have shamans do they?

If you truly want this answered there is a lot to read here:
Shamanism guide
More on the subject in:
Dranei- guide and lore
Shamanistical Excersises

In short: The difference of a Shaman, who was given that path from birth and one who have thaught the ways of Shamanism and become a Shaman are only different in their degree of power. Now you could argue: Its not possible.. And even the 5 real life books about Shamanism stuck on this computer does claim the above statement. Lore may not give in as easily, but it is again supported by this:

And we have already established on this forum as well as other places with support of lore I do believe, also not just priests, same with paladins in another thread here, that this would definiftly fit shamans too.. It is the same kind of excersies and criterias for it: [/i]

Now this is from the Ask Dev..
Can you please explain how "light" works? The lore states that undead are physically incapable of using the light, much like the Broken, but then we have Forsaken players casting healing spells, and Sir Zeliek in Naxxramas using pseudo-paladin abilities.

A: Without spoiling too much, we can tell you that wielding the Light is a matter of having willpower or faith in one's own ability to do it. That's why there are evil paladins (for example, the Scarlet Crusade and Arthas before he took up Frostmourne). For the undead (and Forsaken), this requires such a great deal of willpower that it is exceedingly rare, especially since it is self-destructive. When undead channel the Light, it feels (to them) as if their entire bodies are being consumed in righteous fire. Forsaken healed by the Light (whether the healer is Forsaken or not) are effectively cauterized by the effect: sure, the wound is healed, but the healing effect is cripplingly painful. Thus, Forsaken priests are beings of unwavering willpower; Forsaken (and death knight) tanks suffer nobly when they have priest and paladin healers in the group; and Sir Zeliek REALLY hates himself.

by **Eodan** Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:07 am

Big massive thumbs up you guys. I seriously wish you the best. Love the posts!

by **Ara** Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:16 am

positive feedback...ahhh a welcome change from the Bliz support forum.Thanks.I wonder if Yolun would appriciate the irony of Bob trying to revive a Druidic sect?

by **Eodan** Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:25 am

I'm sure even Yolun would be supportive seeing Bob's change. Who knows?

by **siegmund** Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:58 am

Silver was called "The Fallen" before it was cool.

Anywho he might return to Gilneas to Collect some things. The time for gathering power has come.

Expecting a "warm" welcome especially from my favorite Tree huggers

by **Ara** Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:21 am

Considering the circle's striker to wards del and shadow......well at least since Cath left there'll NE no shocks

by **erwtenpeller** Tue Jun 19, 2012 11:29 am

Kyrby wrote:Considering the circle's striker to wards del and shadow......

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Thu Jun 21, 2012 12:56 pm

Giving this a shameless bump of approval

by **Ara** Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:38 pm

bump for bump's sake

by **Ara** Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:01 pm

"Calling all Gilnians The Circle of the Blackwald will host a meeting at The Howling Oak this Wednesday at 20.30 to discuss your nation's future.Come make your voices heard./w for more info

by **Gesh** Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:08 pm

Looks like an awesome idea!

Has my approval, but sadly I haven't got the time to roll another alt!

Hope we cross paths, someday.

by **Ara** Mon Jul 02, 2012 12:55 am

ohhh f**k it's Victoria..... I hope she never meets Bob (0_0)

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:48 pm

http://circleoftheblackwald.forumsfree.org

Now with a shiny, yet another new look! Work in progress.

by **Ara** Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:48 pm

Bringing Worgen RP back one mental plot at a time.
*Uberbump from the righr hand of Bob*

by **Ara** Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:38 pm

well guess I'll start hanging around the Howling oak and hope for the best

by **Lorainne/Bridlington** Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:15 pm

Personally I find it a shame 'Gilnean RP' became 'Worgen RP', but that's just me.

The best of luck with your guild, Kyrby.

by **erwtenpeller** Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:43 pm

Lorainne/Bridlington wrote:Personally I find it a shame 'Gilnean RP' became 'Worgen RP', but that's just me.

This seems a little odd.

by **Ara** Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:58 pm

hmm..I'm lost now but ehh what else is new.Howling oak then onward to the real deal... unless things go well and my new crazy plot to graft works out then who knows where we'll end up

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Wed Jul 18, 2012 3:20 am

Remember our Tal’doren?
Hear our call druids of old…
Hear us those of the Circle…
For the time have come for us all,
To once more gather..
You may have considered the old ways lost..
You may have thought you are forgotten…
But that… is not so.
We call on you now, to find us.
We call on you brother, sister…
To come home..
Not to Tal’doren but to us…

Find us…

The Circle of Blackwald Flat5510

Come to us, take part in building up the circle. Make The Circle of Blackwald, once more rise. Let the old ways, be the new ways. Let us together ensure that our home returns to how it should be, let us all ensure that Tal'doren is safe, let us all ensure that what we see as right, remains right.. We must claim back what was, take what will be and make it ours..

by **Ara** Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:39 pm

The awesome red head in the pic has a good point.I say we all listen and join the CotB.

by Sponsored content

The Circle of Blackwald

The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald

Re: The Circle of Blackwald