HYBITHNIUS TOWER: ONE OF THREE TOWERS OF NITHNAMAR
There are three towers that exist in the city of Nithnamar. There is the main tower, called Nithnamar Tower, where magic-users study. There are two lesser towers, called Towers Hybithnius and Kragnan (for clerics). Tower Hybithnius is the tower dedicated to druids in their pursuit in magic of the natural world, yet to honor The Twin Gods.
Within this section are the following topics:
The Paradox of Druid Study
The Tower of Hybithnius stands as a paradox. Here, within its hallowed halls, druids attempt to capture the untamed essence of nature magic in a formal system -- a pursuit that by its very essence seems contradictory. Nature, after all, thrives on spontaneity and chaos. Yet, the druids believe that analyzing and recording their findings allows them to better understand and ultimately protect the natural world, acting as stewards for Sesamar and The Twin Gods.
Pursuits of the Druids
This endeavor faces unique challenges. Druids, often reclusive or wary of civilization, must bridge the gap with their scholarly pursuits. Within the tower, they meticulously study various aspects of the natural world: the impact of environmental conditions on plant growth, the influence of diet on animal behavior, the delicate dance of pollination, and the diverse properties of soil. Through these investigations, they aim to unlock beneficial truths that can be used to heal and protect the natural order.
The Call of the Wild
Being a druid is a constant act of balancing opposing forces. They recognize the inherent duality in everything: strength is tempered by charity, vigilance by wrath, and life inevitably leads to death. These forces exist not as absolutes, but as a spectrum. To remain attuned to these subtle shifts, druids often seek periods of solitude or long journeys into the wilderness.
A Place of Sharing
However, the Tower of Hybithnius also serves as a vital point of connection. Druids from all corners gather here to exchange knowledge and experiences. They discuss the ever-changing landscape of human society, share advancements in nature magic, and most importantly, advocate for the regulation of transmutation magic, fearing its potential to disrupt the delicate balance of the natural world. Within these walls, nature's untamed power meets the structured hand of scholarship, fostering a unique approach to preserving the world's fragile equilibrium.
Renowned Tomes
Druids are at home with the natural world and writing about it. Druid writers enjoy solitude, study, and being introspective. The books below are common knowledge among druids who are new to the discipline. Only superior druids have mastered their content.
Animal Brain by Nettlecast
This groundbreaking work by Nettlecast, who did his work in the Great Forest, delves into the secrets of shapeshifting. It details the process of transforming into various creatures, ranging from nimble frogs to formidable bears, offering insights into their unique strengths and primal instincts. However, Nettlecast also warns of the dangers of lingering too long in an animal form. The longer a druid inhabits another body, the greater the risk of becoming trapped by the animal's mind, unable to return to their own.
Equilibrium by Whisperelm
Whisperelm's passionate plea, Equilibrium, focuses on the delicate balance of the natural order within Brightwood, a vibrant forest teeming with diverse flora and fauna. He chronicles past acts that have disrupted this equilibrium and calls for vigilance against encroaching forces seeking to exploit Brightwood's resources. The book subtly raises concerns about potential threats, such as orcs, who could be manipulated for such destructive purposes.
The Beholder by Cherrywood
Cherrywood weaves a captivating tale in The Beholder, a work of fantastical fiction. Through a cast of enchanting forest spirits -- from playful charms and graceful nymphs to mischievous satyrs and wise elves -- she unveils the secrets and natures of these fascinating beings. Readers gain insights into the various spirits that reside within the forest, their unique powers, and the role they play in maintaining the ecological balance. Her book is written through the persona of a floating, omniscient eye.
Scars of Brightwood by Entshield
Picking up the bough where Whisperelm left off, Entshield's Scars of Brightwood delves deeper into the nature of orcs. The book chronicles a chilling experiment -- the capture and "civilization" of three orcs who were captured near Dreadwood. While initially appearing to adapt, they tragically revert to their destructive ways once released. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the difficulty in changing ingrained patterns of behavior, sparking debate about the potential for orcish redemption.
