The Emerald Spiral
Runes
Earth, Plant, Fertility
Mythos and History
The Emerald Spiral take its name from one of Erik's avatar forms, in which he appears as a majestic, towering pine rising out of a rocky tor.
Nature
The Emerald Spiral is the conservative wing of the worship of Erik. Members of the Spiral recall a golden age when the world was uncivilized and all men lived in harmony with nature. Other gods gave their people grains and taught them farming. When this knowledge came to the Rjurik, the pollution of the golden age began. Since then, the druids have struggled against the further corruption of the Rjurik way of life by outside influences.
The Emerald Spiral prefers to see chiefs of tribes advised and guided by druids. Where Rjurik have settled down, the Spiral sees the jarls and eorls as the successors of the chiefs, and resists the power of the kings. The Spiral has no use for any kind of guilds, for guilds engage in practices offensive to the memory of the golden age. The storage of wealth, the unequal distribution of wealth, the weakening of self-sufficiency by craft specialization, the pursuit of wealth above the care for nature, these all offend the Spiral. The druids teach that we should all take from the world only what we need to subsist. As such there is no storage. When we only have what we need, we have what our brothers and sisters have, and no one has more than any other. When nature comes before all other things, man is content to subsist, and let nature's glory reflect Erik's will unhindered by man.
Organization
The Grand Druid of the Emerald Spiral is Gretta Seligsdotter, an old and wise woman who discourages competition between the two temples of Erik while quietly looking down on the lack of tradition in the Oaken Grove. She also officially discourages conflict between nomadic and urban Rjurik, but does little to stop it when it does arise. Under Gretta are various High Druids of individual realms and further subordinates beneath them. While the top level structure of the cult is well defined, beneath the High Druid rank is very loosely organized.
Membership
In the more remote and rural areas of the Rjurik lands where the Spiral holds sway most residents join the cult as Lay Members. Due to the strongly traditional views of the Spiral few urban or non-Rjurik people join. Such 'outsiders' may be allowed to join, but would likely face a more difficult proving process.
Ranks
| Rank | Title |
|---|---|
| Common | Lay Member |
| Dedicated | Initiate |
| Proven | Druid |
| Overseer | High Druid |
| Leader | Grand Druid |
Restrictions
- Never take more than you need from the wilderness
- Never settle in a community larger than a homestead or small village
- Never linger in a community of any size for more than a season (Druid rank and higher)
Skills
Athletics, Devotion, Endurance, Exhort, Lore (Geography), Survival, Rjurik Hunter Style
Magic
Initiates gain access to the skills of Theism and can pray for miracles.
Miracles offered are:
Initiate: Behold, Blessing, Dismiss Magic, Heal Wound, Lightning, Ripen, Soul Sight
Druid: Beast Form, Cloud Call, Consecrate, Entangle, Fecundity
High Druid: Excommunication, Extension, Growth, Outlaw, Rejuvenate, Tree Communion
Gifts
Those who show true and selfless dedication to the cult, whatever their rank, are gifted with Healthy. Grand Druids are gifted with Sanctuary
Allies and Enemies
The various goblin and giant deities are chief among the enemies of the Spiral. The cults of Belinik and Kriesha follow close behind.