[A/N-RP] Hand of Cenarius - Until the End of the Earth

Argent Dawn
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Current Location: Spread over Val’sharah
Recruitment Status: Closed
Contact(s): Mythundis
Argent Archives: https://www.argentarchives.org/node/211703?

Hand of Cenarius

Concept

Founded shortly after the third fall of the Burning Legion, the Hand of Cenarius is an aggressive, extremist order consisting of both Night Elves and worgen devoted to protecting nature. Leading a nomadic lifestyle, the Hand roams freely through Azeroth, heeding the call of nature. They travel far and wide to protect the lands from any defiler, be they Horde, Demon or Undead.

Small in number, the Hand of Cenarius often employs guerrilla warfare; their mobility allows for hit-and-run and ambush strategies, and is effective in their battle against the Horde. Currently, they are most active in northern Kalimdor, where they fight who they believe to be nature’s – and the kaldorei’s - greatest foe: the Horde.

Fueled by vengeance for the War of Thorns, the Hand of Cenarius feels increasing disdain for other, more passive druidic organizations like the Cenarion Circle. Keeper Mythundis is a strong critic of the Cenarion Circle’s deeds in the Battle for Azeroth – he believes that they shirk their responsibilities by not taking up arms against the Horde who desecrate Night Elf lands.

Tenets of the Ancients

The Hand of Cenarius has adopted tenets based off of the values of certain Wild Gods. These tenets, collectively called the Tenets of the Ancients, should be used as a guide for one’s actions. Not only do the tenets bring the Hand closer to their worshiped deities by being more like them, they also ensure a stronger sense of group cohesion while still adhering to druidic values.

Breaking the tenets is frowned upon and is answered with punishment. Following them accordingly will be rewarded with praise, respect and promotions.

Tenet of the Twin Bears

Protective and loyal, the Twin Bears are always at each other’s side, no matter the odds. The bear brothers share an inseparable bond, and are fiercely dedicated to each other. Ursoc stands for strength, whereas Ursol stands for wisdom. Together, the two bears form a powerful duo.

The Tenet of the Twin Bears embodies the loyalty of the Twin Bears. Members of the Hand are to be fervently loyal to each other and their allies; care for them like the bear brothers care for each other.

Tenet of Ashamane

Determined, fearless and fierce, Ashamane gave her life to protect the city of Suramar. Even in the face of the Burning Legion’s cruelest, she did not back down. She fought until the bitter end, adamant to halt the Legion’s advance.

The Tenet of Ashamane embodies the fearlessness and ferocity of the Wild God Ashamane. Members of the Hand are to be tenacious in all tasks given to them, and to be fearless in combat.

Tenet of Malorne

Consort to Elune and father of Cenarius, Malorne is one of nature’s oldest beings. The White Stag is characterized by wisdom and swiftness of action; he knows better than anyone when to begin battle, and when to stay away.

His is a voice of reason. The Waywatcher’s mere presence is enough to calm those around him - sometimes, his soothing presence even stopped battles before they broke out.

The Tenet of Malorne embodies the virtues of the Wild God Malorne. Be like the Waywatcher in your decision-making; be swift of action, and be wise. Know when to engage and when to stay away, both in combat and out of combat.

Tenet of Aviana

Mother to all winged creatures on Azeroth, Aviana holds dominion over both the skies and the winds. The Mistress of Birds loves all her children equally, and her love for them is selfless and unstinted. Harm any of her sacred children, and you will soon find yourself facing her swift, taloned fury.

Caring as she is, Aviana is equally cunning. The Mistress of Birds looks at the bigger picture; she is not afraid of using clever, underhanded methods if it helps her achieve her goals.

The Tenet of Aviana embodies the wrath and cunning of the Wild God Aviana. Members of the Hand are to bring her wrath down upon any who harm your allies and nature - invoke her cunning in doing so, if you must.

Tenet of Cenarius

Cenarius was born from a union of the heavens and the earth, and inherited a deep connection to the world from his father, Malorne. The Forest Lord taught the night elves druidism, and aided them countless times in their wars against world-threatening foes - all for one thing: the preservation of nature.

The Tenet of Cenarius embodies the virtues of Wild God Cenarius. Members of the Hand are to be compassionate to surrounding nature; take into account how your deeds affect nature and her creatures, for example.

Members of the Hand are also expected to care for the well-being of nature and her balance wherever they are. Watching the balance between predator and prey, ensuring local flora is healthy, and controlling the populations of animals are all good examples of things one should consider.

Hierarchy & Recruitment

The hierarchy within the Hand of Cenarius is one largely based on rewarding devotion and zeal. Ranks mirror one’s dedication to the order and nature, and come with a deal of respect.

We accept night elves and worgen, and any class except for warlocks, mages, death knights and demon hunters. Currently, we’re also willing to experiment with a few Thornspeaker recruits.

Hierarchy

Companion

Companions mean little in the Hand of Cenarius. They’re the new bloods; the wheat and the chaff alike; the unproven. They are not very well known with the members of the Hand of Cenarius and have not yet been welcomed into the druidic order.

Neophyte

Neophytes are part of the order. They have withstood a so-called Pilgrimage of Reverence, passed a Rite of Initiation and have been introduced to the Tenets of the Ancients. They’re members - but they have a long road ahead of them.

Neophytes are tasked with learning of the Hand’s ways - they are to work on their overall knowledge and skill, but most importantly on learning and living by the Hand’s tenets.

Guardian

Guardians are the proven. They have passed a Trial of Spirits, and have shown their responsibility and loyalty. They have shown heart, proven they know the Hand’s tenets and that they know how to work with them.

Guardians have the added task of watching over Neophytes during their learning process. They should intervene when Neophytes go too far; lecture them on the tenets, on the virtues of nature, or otherwise.

Herald

Heralds are the strongest, wisest and most trusted of the Hand of Cenarius. They are paragons of the ways of the druidic order, and shoulder the same burdens as the Guardians - with more added.

Representing all the good of the Hand’s tenets and ways, these Heralds carry out the order’s virtues. They have the added task of attending public events that align with the Hand’s interests, and, if doing so alone, will be representing the entirety of the order. There, Heralds spread the good word of the Alliance - both literally through speech and their views, and figuratively by weaving the Tenets into their every action.

Advisor

Advisors are the Keeper’s most trusted confidants. As the name implies, they offer the Keeper their views and opinions on his decision-making, effectively forming a small council of leadership. They are figureheads and leaders in the Keeper’s absence.

Keeper

The face, the voice, and the one with the final say in all matters, the Keeper is the one who guides the Hand on their goal to preserving nature’s balance. Together with his council of Advisors, the Keeper leads the Hand of Cenarius.

Recruitment

Joining the Guild

Becoming a Companion

Becoming a Companion is a simple process - but not per se an easy one. The to-be Companion must convince the leadership of the Hand that they are interested in becoming a part, and that they’ll be a worthy addition to the cause. They’ll be asked about their views, about their strengths, and about their weaknesses.

Becoming a Neophyte

Companion to Neophyte

Pilgrimage of Reverence

To become part of the Hand of Cenarius, Companions are sent on pilgrimages to prove their faith. Accompanied by a Herald or a Guardian, they go to honor one of nature’s sacred entities - be that by placing an offering at the shrine of a Wild God, by paying tribute to one of nature’s animal spirits or by simply visiting places of druidic importance.

Rite of Initiation

When they return, they are thrown before a congregating Hand of Cenarius where they will answer some questions before the members of the Hand. Their accompanying Herald or Guardian recalls the Companion’s pilgrimage. Then, together, the Hand of Cenarius decides the worth of the Companion: if they are deemed worthy, they will become Neophytes.

Becoming a Guardian

Neophyte to Guardian

Trial of Spirits

In this trial, the to-be Guardian is sent out to one of nature’s lesser animal spirits to gain its favour. This animal spirit is who the trial revolves around; they will be tested on knowledge of the animal spirit’s traits, and they will be tested on their skill. The trial is completed when the Neophyte returns with the animal spirit’s favour.

Becoming a Herald

Guardian to Herald

Trial of the Herald

To become a Guardian, one must complete the so-called Trial of the Herald. The Guardian has to prove they are worthy of representing the Hand of Cenarius; alone, this trial tests them on their strength, wisdom and knowledge of the Hand’s tenets. If they return successful, they will be made Heralds of the Hand.

Contact

If all of this sounds interesting and intriguing to you, come find us IC or contact us OOC. Any of the members can point you in the right direction, or add me directly on Discord (Karbonkel#3509).
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At the moment, recruitment is closed to inexperienced characters (both druids and non-druids). We’re looking for skilled druids, priestesses and guardians of nature (treants, moonkin) - if you think you’ve got what it takes to combat the red defilers, come find us in Feathermoon!

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Not going to say your old model looks ugly as sin. But… it does look ugly as sin.

That said, I always upvote the Hand of Cenarius because they’re taht great as a guild!

10/10 nature RP and ofcourse grabbing their swords and fighting the Hordes.

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Our festive hiatus comes to an end today, bringing with it events and a campaign starting next week. We’re still within Feathermoon so now’s the time to approach before we get moving yet again!

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Rumour spreads from the star-touched north, to the verdant south. Unnatural wildfires in the centre of Ashenvale, spreading to the south of Felwood, and touching even the frozen north of Winterspring. The native elves, ever-vigilant over their sacred homeland, fight to keep the flames contained; all the while, blame shifting between the treacherous satyr, the ever-defiling Horde, or the increasingly bold cultists of the end. The balance of nature must be upheld, and the culprits found; before their nefarious schemes can continue.

The Hand of Cenarius embarks into their new campaign, Elemental Empires: The Rage of Teldrassil, next Monday!

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Glad to see you’re still out there, looking out for the wilds. :deciduous_tree:

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Hello! We’ve started to get back into the swing of things with the help of Runescroll’s campaign, Elemental Empires, where we investigate the matter of strange, unnatural wildfires appearing in the north of Kalimdor.

Though we’ll be on campaign until the 27th, recruitment will open afterwards and we’re also looking to attend the Lunar Festival on the weekend of the 31st - if you’re interested in the guild, catch us then and there!

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From the dead walking again to presumed flame druid activity in Hyjal, it’s all proving too much as conflict between the druids become apparent.

Meanwhile… sk’yahf agth huqth N’Zoth qornaus.

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Ashes to Ashes

The Hand of Cenarius, just in their cause and vigilant in their duties, were able to vanquish the fallen Druid Salvenar Ashfang. The Hand succeeded in undoing the worst of his apocalyptic machinations; finally putting the Druid, too twisted by hatred and rage, out of his prolonged misery.

Irelden accepted the staff offered to him by Isalye Foxcrown, a grim affirmation of his brother’s fate. The lonely gravekeeper chose to burn the staff, aware of the irony in his deeds; but decided to mourn the brother he had lost, not the monster he had become. He returned to the peaceful lake surrounding Astranaar each night, mourning their bygone days in the tranquil forest. His thoughts occasionally turned to the lonely girl with amber eyes; and he knew that his warnings not to succumb to the same forces as his brother had most likely fallen upon deaf ears.

Although the Hand ventured to the sacred peak with a noble purpose, division from within proved as lethal as from without. The Hand was hounded at almost every moment about what had become of Melysanna Ravencaller, and the same hatreds that raged within the heart of the corrupt druid stirred within that of Isalye Foxcrown. Isalye, choosing to preserve the profane scrawling of Ashfang, had seemingly chosen to pursue darker fates.

And so, the Hand toppled an attempt by the ever-capricious elementals to carve an empire from northern Kalimdor, just as they had done years ago, and millennia before. They can only pray that others will be so vigilant, as other empires threaten to emerge.

The guild remains an absolute joy to DM for. If you’re looking for quality Night Elf and Worgen RP with a strong ideological influence, this guild is absolutely worth checking out.

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Runescroll is a great DM and any guild can deem themselves lucky to be graced with one of her storylines :clap: :deer:

Thanks a lot!

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Most of us are in Moonglade currently, for the three-day Lunar Festival hosted by the Handmaidens of Elune. Very much looking forward to it; I’m sure the activities will be great! If you wish to join, now’s a time of peace – come find us in the woods of Moonglade!

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She hated the undead. The risen humans serving the Horde were the reason for her disability, the reason she had nearly lost all hope of living a life with purpose. Now she had only one hand and could scarcely protect anyone, or even herself. To her, the undead were an affront to nature; walking corpses who defiled the sacred woods with their presence.

Frokna had not taken the news that the Hand would fight alongside a death knight well. But when she had understood that this was one of their own—a former priestess of the Hand who had died fighting for Frokna’s own cause only to be raised against her will—she had felt uncertain. Her Shan’do had deemed it right, and he understood the need to uphold nature’s balance better than anyone she knew.

As the death knight had accompanied the group from a distance, Frokna’s sympathy for the rotting priestess had slowly grown. But the Keeper had been mistaken. This was now clear to her. His judgement had failed, and though their mission had succeeded with the help of the death knight, their order had splintered because of his error. Brother had turned upon sister, and it pained Frokna to think of the heartlessness and cruelty with which some of her companions had acted towards one another. “We are family,” she had thought. “We must stand together.” But when they had finally parted ways, all hope of unity had been destroyed, and Frokna returned to Ashenvale alone.

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Whilst in Moonglade for the festivities, a handful of the druids have bitterly taken on insincere well wishes and smiles – last night’s interactions with Horde festival-goers was great fun to play out. If you’re interested and don’t so easily forgive or forget, seek us out!

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After a tumultuous night within Moonglade, the severed head of a troll death knight is placed on a spike on the long road leading to Timbermaw Hold. A signpost below reads: “The Black Moon does not suffer Horde defilers within Moonglade.”
One or more druids prowl nearby. An attempt to simply remove it might lead to conflict.

The location: https://imgur.com/a/ZmsA0l6

A decent amount of pamphlets are later dropped over Nighthaven by a flock of birds. It calls on all Kaldorei to reject the presence of the Horde at the festival and defend the honor of the Kaldorei if they have to. It also reminds them not to accept food or goods from them, lest they are poisoned or cursed as it already occured before, and that they should not walk the woods alone.

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Ercia comes across some the pamphlets during her stroll across Nighthaven. There’s some mixed feelings presented by the elf, though ultimately she comes to one decision. There’s been enough bloodshed spread across the recent times, there need not be more. She makes an attempt at clearing up at least of the pamphlets and disposing them away. Out sight, out of mind. Naturally one elf can only do so much.

Loving these little tidbits being presented in the event by the way, though haven’t much of an opportunity to interact with it. Ercia’s spite is towards Sylvanas not so much the entirety of the Horde.

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The Hand of Cenarius enlists the help of Kalendil Silvercrest, a priestess recently returned from her duties at the Temple of the Moon in Val’Sharah.

Saddened by many of her kin’s apparent dereliction of morals and, quite frankly, sanity, she sees the Hand as one of the few remaining orders that would uphold the High Priestess’ - and indeed the Kaldorei’s - true values.

Excited to join the guild properly soon!

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Niámh, on finding the scattered and slipshod leaflets scattered across her path while she runs frantically too and fro preparing for the the final night of the festival, snatches one up and stares down at it, her entire body quivering. She reads and rereads it several times, then abandons what she is doing to gather up every one she can find, bringing the central tavern of Nighthaven and tossing them into the fire.

A disgrace to the Ancestors. A disgrace to the true faces of Elune and not the bastardized version of the Night Warrior they claim to justify their blood lust.

A disgrace to all those trying to rebuild what is left of her people’s way of life…

A disgrace to the innocents who died for nothing…

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The Hand is currently camping in Talonbranch Glade, keeping a good eye on the road to Moonglade and the troll head adorning it. Anyone up for any RP with us is very welcome to seek our members there out, be that friendly or hostile!

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We’re in Felwood still, recuperating at Whisperwind Grove. Tomorrow we’ll be heading to Feralas for [Night Elf & Worgen RP] A Place of Discourse & Controversy - Kaldorei Forum - 13th of March! – The Felled Tree event!

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We’re currently hanging out in Feathermoon until our next campaign with two other great guilds, so come by if you are up for some casual RP or, alternatively, a fistfight and clash of opinions :elf: :fist_left::palm_tree::evergreen_tree::deciduous_tree:

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