The Old Faith

The Old Faith in Aeriador is a unique religious order that venerates three deities in a single religion. This faith unites the worship of Silvanus, the Oakfather, Selûne, the Moon Mother, and Mielikki, their daughter, under the guidance of druids as their priests. The druids uphold the tenets and values of these deities, seeking to maintain a balance in nature and preserve the sanctity of the world they inhabit. This summary provides an overview of the Old Faith and descriptions of its three revered deities, drawing upon original D&D source material for authenticity.

I. Silvanus, the Oakfather: Silvanus, the Oakfather, is the head of the tri-god hierarchy of the Old Faith. He is the god of nature, wild places, and druidic magic. As the patron deity of druids and the embodiment of the untamed wilderness, Silvanus is often depicted as a wise, ancient being with the visage of an oak tree or an elderly, bearded man with leaves and vines adorning his body. He is known to be stern, slow to anger, but implacable when roused. Druids who worship Silvanus dedicate themselves to preserving the natural world, promoting growth, and maintaining the delicate balance between civilization and wilderness.

II. Selûne, the Moon Mother: Selûne, the Moon Mother, is the wife of Silvanus and the second deity in the tri-god hierarchy. She is the goddess of the moon, stars, and navigation, often associated with the ebb and flow of the tides and the cycle of life. Selûne is depicted as a beautiful, ethereal woman with silver hair and radiant, moonlit skin. She is a kind and compassionate deity, offering guidance to those who seek her wisdom, especially during times of darkness or uncertainty. Druids who venerate Selûne focus on the importance of cycles, transitions, and the balance between light and darkness, acknowledging that change is an essential part of existence.

III. Mielikki, the Forest Queen, Daughter of Silvanus: Mielikki is the daughter of Silvanus and Selûne and the third deity of the Old Faith. She is the goddess of forests, woodlands, and the creatures that dwell within them. Mielikki is known as a gentle and nurturing deity, responsible for the health and growth of forests and the protection of their inhabitants. She is often depicted as a young woman with green hair, dressed in leaves and adorned with flowers. Mielikki is closely associated with rangers, hunters, and those who respect and protect the natural world. Druids who follow Mielikki are dedicated to the conservation of forests and the creatures that inhabit them, ensuring that the wilderness thrives and remains a haven for all living beings.

The Sacrament of Natural Orders of the Old Faith in Aeriador

In the world of Aeriador, the Old Faith represents one of the oldest and most respected religions. It venerates the natural world and its balance, embracing the power of the elements and the wild. The Old Faith, as a religion, serves the Nature Triad comprised of Silvanus, the Oakfather, Selûne, the Moon Mother, and Mielikki, the forest queen. Druids, as the central figures of this faith, maintain a structured hierarchy of three Orders. This document outlines the Sacrament of Natural Orders of the Old Faith in Aeriador, describing the three ordained orders within the faith and an additional order existing outside its structure. Progression in ranks, and especially progression from one Order to the next, can only happen with the proper approval, selection, or challenge as it is appropriate for the next level of rank. The only exceptions are Aspirant to Ovate is automatic, and within the Initiates, progression is automatic until the 8th Circle where the only way to advance is the druidic Challenge. Challenge is the most accepted method of advancement for Initiates going into the 8th and 9th Circles, and for progression from 9th Circle into the Order of Druids to become a Druid. Advancement to Archdruid is also mostly through the druidic Challenge, but advancement to Great Druid and Grand Druid are through selection only.

I. Order of Druids: The Order of Druids forms the highest echelon within the Old Faith's religious hierarchy. These individuals hold positions of great responsibility and authority. The Order of Druids is further divided into four distinct ranks, each with its own duties and roles:

Grand Druid (D15): The Grand Druid serves as the spiritual leader of the Old Faith in Aeriador, guiding the faith's direction and maintaining its core principles. As the chief figure within the druidic hierarchy, the Grand Druid is responsible for overseeing the spiritual growth and development of all druids in Aeriador. There is only one Grand Druid in Aeriador at a time for the Old Faith, and that person is the Grand Druid of Silvanus, Selûne, and Mielikki. The Grand Druid is their Chosen.

Great Druids (D14): Great Druids are the regional leaders within the Old Faith, overseeing the activities of druids within their designated territories. They provide guidance to the Archdruids under their jurisdiction and ensure the consistent application of the faith's teachings across their regions.

Archdruids (D13): Archdruids serve as the spiritual leaders for their local communities, guiding and mentoring the Druids, Initiates, and Ovates within their areas. They are responsible for the spiritual well-being of their congregation and act as intermediaries between the Great Druids and the lower ranks.

Druids (D12): Druids represent the backbone of the Old Faith's hierarchy, serving as the practitioners, teachers, and protectors of the natural world. They are skilled in the arts of nature and elemental magic and dedicate their lives to preserving the balance of the world. Druids are leaders and advisors in their local communities, and they are generally responsible for the order and leadership of the Initiates below them.

II. Order of Initiates: The Order of Initiates comprises those who have been ordained into the Old Faith but have not yet achieved the fullness of the highest Order of Druids. They serve as helpers of Druids, tenders of groves, healers, advisors, and teachers. As fully ordained priests of nature, they have the full power and backing of the Old Faith behind them, and they have authority to conduct rituals, ritual spells, ceremonies, and provide blessings. Initiates are fully devoted to the Druids they serve. The Initiates are further divided into 9 Circles or Ranks, with each higher Circle outranking the ones below it, granting them greater authority within the faith.

Initiate of the 1st Circle (D3)

Initiate of the 2nd Circle (D4)

Initiate of the 3rd Circle (D5)

Initiate of the 4th Circle (D6)

Initiate of the 5th Circle (D7)

Initiate of the 6th Circle (D8)

Initiate of the 7th Circle (D9)

Initiate of the 8th Circle (D10)

Initiate of the 9th Circle (D11)

III. Order of Ovates: The Order of Ovates are the ordained laypeople of the Old Faith. They are ordained for service and serve the Order of Initiates and Order of Druids in many capacities. Druids and Archdruids are known to have Ovates act as lore keepers, assist in rituals, and even act as teachers to unordained. These are the workers of the Old Faith. The Order of Ovates is further divided into two ranks: Aspirants (druid level 1) and Ovates (druid level 2).

Aspirants: Aspirants represent the first step on the path to serving the Old Faith. They are typically responsible for tending to the sacred groves, assisting in rituals, and learning the basic principles of the faith. As the foundation of the Order of Ovates, Aspirants support the higher-ranking members in their duties, while receiving guidance and instruction from both Druids and Ovates. An Aspirant will remain an Aspirant for a minimum of three years before progressing to Ovate.

Ovates: Ovates are ordained for service within the Old Faith and possess a deeper understanding of its teachings than Aspirants. They serve as advisors, healers, and caretakers of sacred groves, ensuring the preservation of nature's balance. Ovates may also assist in leading rituals and ceremonies, provide counsel to Initiates and Druids, and share their knowledge with Aspirants as they progress on their spiritual journey. An Ovate will remain an Ovate for a minimum of four years before they are ready to progress to Initiate of the 1st Circle. Progression is not automatic, and a special counsel of Initiates of the 9th Circle will convene annually in the spring to select Ovates who have fulfilled their service and show the maturity and responsibility to be in the Order of the Initiates.

IV. Order of Hierophants: The Order of Hierophants exists outside the traditional hierarchy of the Old Faith, representing a group of individuals who have achieved profound spiritual insight and understanding of the natural world. These enigmatic figures often serve as mentors, guides, or guardians of ancient knowledge and sacred sites, preserving the essence of the Old Faith beyond the confines of its formal structure.