The Wilds (Druid-centric campaigning)

[DeeL]

While going over the Book of Exalted Deeds, I noted the rather largish proportion of prestige classes focussing on an affinity to undeveloped, biodiverse regions.  The number of such prestige classes in the Book of Vile Darkness accounts for a much lower proportion.  This leads me to the conclusion - hackneyed as I'm sure it is - that a solid and diverse campaign could be made of the idea that druids, rangers, barbarians and wild-oriented rogues and bards were all part of an overarching movement to preserve the Wilds from encroaching 'development.'  Accordingly, I am now soliciting opinions, reflections and stories regarding such campaigns.

To begin with something specific - would all druids be part of the same organization, as has been the traditional depiction since 1e, or might they be part of a number of different organizations with only a few similarities of focus and supernatural power?  If the latter, would these 'denominations' of druids be separated on lines of alignment, or on less abstract decisions of policy or dogma?

[Kalos Mer]

I think you could argue it either way.  I will say, however, that the 'Druid World Order' that has been advanced (as you say) since early in D&D history has always seemed a little strange to me.  

To me, it would be most interesting to have multiple druidic societies and to have them divided not by alignment lines, but by more 'real' differences - in this case, how best to respond to the imminent 'threat' of development.  (IE, you could have the 'immediate and violent response' faction, the 'diplomatic' faction, etc.)

[Numinous]

The Ebberron campaign setting presented various druidic sects divided on lines like Kalos mentioned.  Some were devoted to certain aspects of nature, such as death and the natural cycle, while others promoted the symbiotic advancement of civilization in tandem with nature.  It was all rather interesting...

[Tybalt]

I'm not so sure druids would be divided that way--actually one of the more interesting fictional depictions of druids was this: druids that are a solid part of society as lawgivers and counsellors; druids that teach other druids; druids that are solitary or in small cabals pursuing esoteric knowledge; druids that have become corrupted in the pursuit of power.

[DeeL]

Tybalt, that seems like what I've been assuming for my setting.  One tradition, many aspects.  What would it be called, I wonder?  'Druidic Tradition' has been a kind of default for me...  alternatives?  The Circles of Time?  Biodiversity R Us?

[Le Narcissique]

Well, I'd also recommend you to read the "Eldeen Raches" from Eberron, there are a lot of interesting things regarding Druids and also Rangers, one interesting thing about barbarians too which is: A Druid sect, I don't remember which one, I think the Gatekeepers, see the barbarian rage as a divine state of mind in which one gives up rationality to embrace natural instinct.

Also, there are druid sects that embrace the protection of the woods whole other revere the Fey (I personally like this one. I love fey, specially pixies >.<) Other sect embraces death as a natural part of life, and thereâ,¬,,¢s other that has a really close concept of nature and hates arcane magic and civilization.

That could be a great starting point if you want to make a campaign based on a druidic world.

[Tybalt]

I've been thinking about something that I might like to brainstorm with you--what it is exactly that such people as druids, elves, and rangers see in the world?

I have been re reading the works of Stephen R. Donaldson along with David Gemmell on the subject and it occurs to me that there could perhaps be a form of 'natural magic' that doesn't require damaging nature to use it. For instance: fire out of wood that does not consume the wood unless it is damaged, or heat generated from stones. Building without nails because the wood is encouraged to form itself into buildings, or stone likewise. That the health of the land could be perceived, vital and vibrant. However most of the world in say my campaign has become stale and the power dormant--only in such places where the guardians of nature remain in strength does some of the power of the earth persist. Perhaps the very environment of your campaign area might be different from the usual?

[SDragon]

the thing about druids that's always struck me is that they don't seem to be organization-oriented. they strike me more as individuals that just happen to hold the same beliefs, goals, lifechoices, etc. the only organization i see is the occasional friendship between themselves, and nothing at all as formal as some sort of "druids guild".

i'd imagine this idea could possibly stretch over all classes, but it seems to me as if the three wild classes- druids, especially- are the best fit for this.