The Circle of the Green Goddess
"Through the earth itself, with the harmony of nature, singing its chorus of life and death, roots to leaves, so above and so below." -- High Priestess Oona of the Grove
The Green Goddess is Osterra’s oldest nature deity. Although other deities may be more specialized in their domains, the Green Goddess oversees the rhythms of nature broadly. Certain characters may pay particular reverence to nature and count themselves among the Circle of the Green Goddess.
Approved by Skip Lipman, January 2025
Lore of the Green Goddess
The Green Goddess is a mysterious being; her name is shrouded in secrecy and her origins are sung in ballads of native Osterran legend. She is depicted as a shapeshifter, a woman of many faces. She comes to some in the light of the campfire, to others in dreams, and to her High Priestess, she whispers in the wind. It is easiest to feel the connection in forests and wildflower-filled valleys, but those who are attuned to her can even feel her on islands far at sea and high up on mountain peaks.
Key Figures: Oona, High Priestess; Fëawen the Green, Acolyte
Major Shrines: Aspen's Rest, Golden Glen, Cascadia
Symbol: A simple spiral, often adorned on the forehead during battle, or as a necklace
Domains: Nature, Balance, Life, Death
Her most holy site is on Nova Regnus, but her reach extends from Vetus Mundi to Mundus Ferox. The Temple of the Green Goddess is said to be guarded by trained hyenas with unusually long lifespans-- and mastery of the human language! Rivella Mundi (an NPC) leads the shrine keepers, folks who have kept the faith of the Green Goddess alive even during the dark era after the Cataclysm of the Blasted Lands.
The Green Goddess' most famous warriors (shown right), Sylvia Paladin of the Green Goddess (NPC) and Gwion Triarta (player character), not only followed the Green Goddess but demonstrated the Green Goddess’ power. Fierce in battle, loyal to the last breath, and strong champions of nature, these women live on past death and departure in story and song.
The Grove was entrusted with tending to the holy sites of the Green Goddess by the former King Foster soon after the faction formed. It has been their great honor to rebuild that which fell into ruins, transcribe the stories of old, and breathe new life into her teachings for all Factions and Free-Folk.
Not all lore of the Green Goddess is commonly known and some are only known by those most committed devotees: the Circle of the Green Goddess.
Roleplaying Tenets
The Green Goddess’s path is one of balance, and followers are deeply connected to the natural world, both seen and unseen. To honor her, it’s important to avoid practices that disturb the cycle of life.
Encouraged Practices
The following actions are supported by the Circle. Practitioners should seek out opportunities to roleplay accordingly.
Healing: Caring for others, tending the wounded, and showing compassion is strongly aligned with the Green Goddess’ essence.
Stealth: Rogues are welcome! Stealth and secrecy are whispers on the wind. But consider how you can role play mischief in a non-destructive way. The paths of the forest are dark at night, but evil does not need to be the only thing lurking in the shadows.
Defense: The Green Goddess does not consider anyone or anything weak; something that might appear to be weak or less capable simply has different strengths. However, defending others in battle, working cooperatively, and being a good team player are excellent ways to demonstrate tenants of the Green Goddess as a warrior.
Magic: Mages have a particular responsibility towards nature and the ley lines. Weather magic, nature magic, “green” magics can be Green Goddess oriented. We strongly encourage you to flavor your spells to channel “through the Green Goddess” while acknowledging that it is the ley lines that enable magic to flow through Osterra.
Forbidden Practices
The following actions are considered taboo or opposed by the Circle. Characters may grapple with these moral quandaries as part of their development.
Necromancy: Followers of the Green Goddess should refrain from delving into necromantic arts. Practices like raising the dead, commanding armies of the undead, or engaging in other forms of necromancy are in direct opposition to the principles of life and renewal upheld by the Green Goddess. While the Green Goddess allows for speaking with the dead (in the form of speaking to spirits for guidance or closure), the use of necromancy to control or animate the dead is a path that leads away from her teachings.
Null Magic: Magic that disintegrates or completely destroys the body or soul—such as spells designed to disintegrate someone—is similarly forbidden. This form of destructive magic conflicts with the Green Goddess’s ideals, which preserve the cycle. Followers should seek to restore life or ensure its passing to the next phase, but not to erase it from existence.
By following these RP guidelines, followers of the Green Goddess maintain their connection to the core values of the Circle—preserving the natural cycles of life and death, honoring the sanctity of the body and spirit, and fostering growth, healing, and renewal. In times of death or darkness, the Green Goddess’s followers seek to bring light, understanding, and peace, rather than manipulating or disrupting the natural order.
About the Circle
Any character is welcome to join the Circle of the Green Goddess. As a member of the Circle, your character’s actions and beliefs should reflect the core tenets.
The Green Goddess’s teachings are founded in the understanding that life is cyclical, that light and darkness-- death and rebirth-- are all part of the eternal dance of nature. Her followers are bound by a shared devotion to balance, growth, and connection to the land, upholding values of selflessness, compassion, and protection of the natural world. Their allegiance is to Osterra.
This does not mean that all practitioners are inherently Good-aligned. The forces of Nature are beyond Good and Evil.
Nature can be cruel. Nature can be kind. And all in-between. As such, there is variability within the community's practitioners. Characters might be ferocious sources of animalistic strength. Or gentle brooks of healing to knit wounds. Protectors of the wilderness or simply travelers passing through it. But all may find a home on the Path, regardless of Faction.
Joining the Circle, Walking the Path
A player starts by expressing interest in learning more about the Green Goddess. They may then be guided to follow the Path by established practitioners.
Level 0: Follower of the Green Goddess
A player begins their journey by receiving a Scroll of Mystery, marking their first step as a Follower. At this stage, they begin to immerse themselves in the teachings of the Green Goddess, reflecting her values of nature, growth, and balance in their roleplay (RP) interactions. They engage with the Circle, gradually building a connection to the Goddess’s path.
Followers are not bound by time and may remain at this level indefinitely. Their commitment to embodying the Green Goddess's principles deepens with each interaction.
Remember: Progression is not in itself a metric of success. It's engaging with the lore and elevating it for the community. Even Followers within the Circle can make huge waves in an Osterran history.
Level 1: Apprentice of the Green Goddess
Once a Follower feels a deepening connection to the Green Goddess, they may formally request to become an Apprentice to the High Priestess. If the High Priestess accepts, the Follower is initiated as an Apprentice. This marks a pivotal moment of spiritual commitment and personal growth. Apprentices take on more significant responsibilities within the Circle, actively participating in rituals and assisting in their preparation. They are central to at least one major ritual, either by planning or by taking on a key role. The Apprenticeship period is one of learning, service, and establishing trust with both the High Priestess and the Green Goddess.
Level 2: Acolyte of the Green Goddess
As Apprentices grow in wisdom and understanding, they begin to take ownership of their spiritual journey. Working alongside the High Priestess, they craft their own ritual—a deeply personal scene that reflects their connection to the Green Goddess. The ritual must tie into the themes of a specific event and be well thought-out, emphasizing the values of the Goddess. Once the ritual is successfully performed and received by the Circle, the Apprentice ascends to the rank of Acolyte.
The process from beginning to here can take a year or more. Don't rush! The idea is that there is sustained dialogue building a relationship between the High Priestess and Apprentice/Acolyte-- but more importantly the Apprentice/Acolyte and the Green Goddess.
Level 3: Novice of the Green Goddess
A Novice is an Acolyte who has deepened their bond with the Green Goddess and now faces the challenge of manifesting this connection in the physical world. The Acolyte is tasked with selecting a sacred location for a shrine—a space where the Green Goddess’s presence is honored. This is a significant undertaking that requires the Acolyte to engage with the land and the people of the surrounding area.
The Acolyte must choose a location thoughtfully, taking into consideration both the natural energy of the place and the willingness of the local residents to accept a shrine. This stage requires dialogue with those who live in the area, considering potential objections or concerns, and ultimately discerning the will of the Green Goddess through a ritual.
The path to becoming a Novice can vary in length, but it should be a journey of discovery and dialogue, ensuring that the Novice does not lose their connection to the task. Once the ritual is successfully carried out, marking the completion of the shrine and honoring the Green Goddess’s will, the Acolyte is officially granted the title of Novice.
Level 4: Priestess / Priest of the Green Goddess
A Novice who has fully embraced the teachings and path of the Green Goddess, and who has developed a deep understanding of her mysteries, is ready to take their vows. These vows are not just ceremonial but are deeply binding. The Novice, now ready to become a Priestess or Priest, must carefully write their vows, reflecting their commitment to living a life that serves the Green Goddess and her followers.
This pivotal moment is marked by a sacred ceremony at a campout or significant event, designed in collaboration with the High Priestess and other Circle members. The ceremony is private, deeply meaningful, and should incorporate key elements of the Green Goddess's essence. It is during this ceremony that the true name of the Green Goddess is revealed to the new Priestess or Priest, but not to the gathered audience. The vows are sworn, and the individual ascends to the rank of Priestess or Priest.
Level 5: High Priestess / High Priest
The highest rank within the Circle of the Green Goddess, the position of High Priestess or High Priest, is one that is chosen by the Green Goddess herself. There is only one individual who holds this title at any given time.
This individual is selected based on their deep spiritual insight, their unwavering dedication to the Goddess, and their ability to lead and guide the Circle. The High Priestess or High Priest is responsible for overseeing all rituals, guiding the faithful, and ensuring that the true teachings of the Green Goddess are upheld. This role is one of immense responsibility and spiritual depth, as the High Priestess or High Priest acts as a conduit between the Goddess and her followers, helping to maintain the harmony and balance that she represents.
Feats and Impact
The blessings or wrath of the Green Goddess has manifested at key points in Osterra's history.
Sylvia's Sacrifice and the The Sword of Sylvia
Fighting the Demonic Dominion and the Purification of the Plains of
SorrowHope.Stabilizing Osterra at the World Forge
But even small seeds planted by relatively mundane acts cause great ripples across Osterran history. The Circle understands that they are often one small part of something greater.
