Beryl's Journal Arrival and Assessment of Heartwood Grove (132 AR)
A notebook filled with pages from the diary of Archdruid Beryl Whitestorm.
The first page of this book prefaces its contents, covering Beryl's arrival to Arelith and her assessment of the Heartwood Grove during that year.
Arriving on Arelith
I believe the year was 132 AR that I came to Arelith alongside Edgar Linneaus, my closest friend and traveling companion at the time. As soon as I'd heard about the Heartwood Grove, I made my way there, excited to meet and work alongside my druidic peers. The Archdruid at the time was Xellree, who was growing tired of his position by the time I had arrived.
Though I had never been able to meet him, I had heard Xellree's pupils eventually drifted away and he grew tired and lonely within the Heartwood. He had given up his mantle a few years after my arrival, so that he could go and gain employment within the Nomad as a bartender with his wife.
The Heartwood fell silent for many years, and without a proper leader or any tenders present, I left it to continue journeying around the isle to learn all I could. I understand that during this time, Archdruid Vrin Y'ladda, during the year 137 AR, came and went, though I never met them. I had heard that, like Xellree, they grew tired and lonely and eventually left.
It was not until the year 140 AR, eight years after my arrival that I heard about an attempt at the Grove's revival.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Joining the Circle
Shortly after hearing that a new Archdruid had been chosen, I made my way to the Heartwood to not only offer congratulations, but to ask to join their circle. I was fortunate to find that upon my arrival, a moot was about to be held, to discuss how to form a new circle. With the Heartwood's stagnation for such a long period, there were no druids remaining to act as tenders, so our intent was to discuss how to address this.
To my dismay, the moot consisted mostly of talk of a gnome named Wotan Woodberry. He and Lilah had exchanged harsh words, regarding her stances on certain things. When I questioned what these stances were, I found that Lilah permitted monstrous folk to enter the Heartwood if they claimed they were nature-walkers.
Edgar and I expressed that this made us uncomfortable, but we were quickly dismissed. We were assured that the monstrous druids of the Undergrove were safe to be around, and that we were not to accost them while they were here. We questioned how Archdruid Lilah suggest we determine whether or not these monsters were nature-walkers. She told us to simply ask them when they entered. We did scold those few present and warned them of the dangers of allowing monsters into our grounds.
We were asked to remain quiet. The moot continued on, discussing Wotan Woodberry and Lilah's conflict until it was brought to a close. We made no progress discussing the formation of a circle.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Monsters - The Drow
And then came the monsters.
Over the next few months, we had experiences with these nature-walker monsters that were permitted within the Heartwood. First of these experiences was Kalyin, a drow druid who called himself The Keeper of the Zurkhwood Grove, a grove in the Underdark.
Whenever he would visit in Lilah's presence, he would act cordial and soft. Though when she was not present, the nature of his filth did shine through. He would threaten residents of the Heartwood with death or slavery if they did not kneel to him. He would bring his Underdark filth with him to visit and claim that Archdruid Lilah had given him freedom to roam the forest with them.
At the time, he was mated to Vance Gravelle, the island's most notorious necromancer. I recall a discussion where Kalyin tried to justify undeath's place in the natural order and why reanimation should not be condemned. That alone is enough for me to dismiss his reputability, even if he was not a drow.
We did not hide our disdain for him. Because of this, he would often threaten to kill us if we did not leave the Heartwood during his visits. We approached Archdruid Lilah with these troubles, and she instructed us to do as he bade. She also told us not to harm him, because in her words, he was a druid and he had a right to be here.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
The Grove Accord
I feel it is important to mention this, before continuing any further. Kalyin had worked with Archdruid Lilah to establish what he would later name "The Grove Accord." This agreement stated that Underdark nature-walkers were permitted to freely and safely walk the Surface and that members of our grove would be tasked with guiding them around and protecting them from harm. The same would be extended to our people, promising safe travel while in the company of nature-walker monsters in the Below.
However you might fancy the sound of this agreement, dear reader, know that it was heavily abused. It was more or less used as a sort of claim to sanctuary. A monster could come into the Grove, quote the accord and face no trouble. It was an excuse for them to exploit our good will.
It was a very one-sided agreement that did not offer us nearly what it offered them. This would be the cause of much strife for Lilah, though she was not willing to admit this accord business was a terrible idea.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Monsters - Kobolds
There were a number of times Edgar and I would visit the grove and find a gathering of kobolds within it. Each time, we questioned their presence there, and each time, they stated that they were given permission by Lilah to be there.
We approached Lilah with this concern, and she stated that she did not tell them it was fine to linger. We suggested that perhaps, because of her lax stance on monsters, they assumed they had permission to make camp in the Grove.
She dismissed us and told us that we simply needed to trust her judgement. She instructed us to ask all monsters within the Heartwood whether or not they were nature-walkers, and then to act accordingly.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Monsters - Gnolls
During this period of a few months, word had gotten to Edgar and I that gnoll warbands were using the Grove as a place to hide in between raids on the Dale or near Myon. They would come up from the Below, rest within the Heartwood and then make for their target.
When this was brought to Lilah's attention, she grew irate and began to call everyone who would report a monster sighting to her a 'liar.' We advised that she inform Myon and the Dale of these troubles, just in case, but she declined.
Day 20, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Advising and Denial
The remaining members began leaving the Heartwood, stating that they did not support Lilah's leniency regarding monsters. I have been told by Clarissa that she spoke with Lilah during this time and advised her that this policy was unwise. Lilah argued that monsters are natural beings too. Clarissa responded by saying that monsters are not like the animals and creatures druids often tend to, and this distinction is important.
For whatever advice Clarissa offered, it was dismissed by Lilah.
At this point, Lilah began to take any form of questioning, be it criticism or not, as outright insubordination. She would accuse her grovemates of trying to work against her when they did not defend her choices and actions regarding these monsters. Because our neighboring villages and cities began hearing about this mess, and they wanted answers.
Day 20, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
The Two Hunters of Malar
Two hunters who claimed to follow Malar came into our Heartwood. They began setting up altars dedicated to Malar, without the Archdruid's consent. They also left a note stating that they would be having a feast to Malar and would be hosting it within the Heartwood.
Lilah came to me to ask my opinion on this.
I found it a tricky situation and unfavorable to us in many regards. Lilah wanted to simply kill them and be done with it. I told her that perhaps it would be best to inform them that they will need to first ask her permission before hosting any events within the Heartwood. Secondly, I told her that despite the two potential hosts being Malarites, she could take control of the event and gear it towards attracting Surface nature-walkers to the Grove, steering the celebration away from a focus on Malar. This is not what was done.
Day 20, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
The Feast of the Stags
Lilah decided to let the two hunters host their feast within the Heartwood and took no control over its proceedings. The Malarites brought in a deer and carved it ritualistically while we were to sit and watch. Lilah simply sat quietly and allowed them full range of running this festival.
Myself, Edgar, Archdruid Lilah and her mate were in attendance. Though, there was a much larger number of Underdarkers. The drow Kalyin I had mentioned before, all of his friends of Andunor and even Vance Gravelle were welcome to this feast.
I tried to speak to Lilah and inform her of who Vance was, in case she did not know. Once again, she bade us to do no harm to the drow or his necromancer companion. We could not stand it any longer. Edgar and I left the feast, having been harassed and laughed out by the Underdarkers and by Kalyin in his dragon's form.
The feast would later be considered a spectacular failure on Lilah's behalf, and she would place the blame entirely on me for not advising her against it in the first place. However, I could not have known that the scum of the Below would be in attendance, nor that she would welcome them when they arrived.
Day 20, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 155 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Seeking Aid
Despite what has been said, I did consider Lilah my friend. It is very possible to have a friend, to love that friend, but to know they make poor choices and are not fit for leadership. She would not listen to Edgar and I when we tried to speak our troubles, and so, we took our troubles to our neighbors.
First, we went to Myon. We met with the Sentinels first, who were led by Lady Kerri, a paladin of the Radiant Heart order. They had no knowledge of what was happening within the Grove, and agreed to extend their patrols eastward in defense of our grounds. They promised they would tell Coronal Zathlan of our troubles, as well.
Secondly, we went to Bendir. We met with Meriam Fuzzypaw, the Mayor of Bendir at the time and the one who had chosen Lilah Lannald as Archdruid a year or so ago. She stood by Lilah's choices and shared the sentiment that nature-walking monsters had every right to be in the Heartwood. It is important to note that I think because of her focus on the Dale, she was quite unaware of what Lilah had been allowing.
Given that Lilah was Meriam's friend, I believe that Meriam chose to believe Lilah over us. Regardless of this, we disagreed with Meriam's shared sentiments on monsters and parted knowing we would get no help from the Dale.
There was one within the Dale who was willing to offer his aid: Wotan Woodberry, Commander of the Hawk'in. Due to his prior conflicts with Lilah, he was equally troubled by her negligence. He promised us that he would order the Hawk'in to extend their patrols to the Grove and keep watch for monsters within the forest.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Boiling Point
I came to Lilah and informed her that I would be hosting a moot to discuss the troubles we had been experiencing with monsters, with the hopes that I could make her see reason from the perspective of our neighbors. At this point, the only remaining members of the Heartwood were Lilah, her mate, myself and Edgar. Her mate, an elven druid named Vaethendril, rarely gave his opinion and mostly kept to himself.
Lilah grew irate with me, that I would involve the Dale and Myon in our troubles and told me it was none of their business. I told her that if monsters were coming into Arelith Forest, it was indeed their business. She agreed to attend the moot and give her reasoning to our neighbors for why she was permitting monsters within the Heartwood.
However, a tenday before the agreed upon date, Lilah informed me that she would not be able to attend. We agreed that instead, she would host her own moot a tenday after mine. I agreed to this and prepared to welcome our neighbors to the Heartwood.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Our Moot (1)
The day came when I was to host our moot. The Coronal of Myon and his guard were the first to arrive, as well as a few other elves who were no longer associated with the elven city, such as Nicodemus. The Radiant Heart came next.
The drow Kalyin then made his appearance, thinking himself welcome to our moot. Since this moot was mine to host, I asked that he leave our grounds in peace or be made to leave. He made it clear that he should be welcome, and he would be if Lilah were here. He promised that he would kill me one day, before making use of a portal lens to leave.
The elves of Myon saw firsthand what we dealt with on a regular basis. Next to arrive was Vaethendril, Lilah's mate. He said that he would speak for her during our moot. After him came the Dalefolk, such as Meriam and Wotan.
We began with our first and only order of business: monsters within the Heartwood. I informed our neighbors what was happening, of the leniency of our leadership when it came to our safety. By this point, Myon's Sentinels had already formed their opinion based on seeing a drow walk so freely into the Heartwood and expect kind treatment.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Our Moot (2)
Vaethendril spoke. He chided me for going against his wife's wishes, but stated that he knew what his wife was doing was wrong. He petitioned the room, asking what they thought would be best. The Coronal stated he did not feel comfortable with Lilah as an Archdruid and asked that we consider electing a new one.
Much to my surprise, Lilah's mate Vaethendril agreed, and then suggested it be me. There was a hint of bitterness in his tone, with how much he felt we had worked against his mate, but he conceded that he knew she was wrong. Edgar supported this. Myon chimed in their support, as did the other elves of Arelith Forest. Lastly, so did the Dale, with Meriam offering me her blessing and acceptance to lead the Heartwood. She then left.
The moot drew to a close, but I knew that Lilah still had her moot planned. I wished to give her the opportunity to voice her reasoning, her concerns and what she intended to do.
However, Lilah's moot was never held.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Lilah's Departure
Lilah returned to the Heartwood and her mate immediately took her aside. Unbeknownst to them, I eavesdropped from afar. I had wished to speak to her first, but I could not get to her in time. Her mate told her of what had happened in our moot, that much of the forest had voiced that they wished for a new Archdruid if she could not change.
Rather than contest me, defend herself or offer to change, Lilah packed her belongings and left her cave. Left the Heartwood, without a word spoken to me. I know she must have felt betrayed. I did my best to try and speak with her, to let her know that I did what was best for the safety of all within the forest, but I did not want her to go. To let her know that I had tried for a year to live as she wished. I merely wished for things to change.
She ignored me. She would not so much as look at me as she left us. Before they left, Vaethendril stopped me and wished me good fortune in leading the Heartwood. He told me he had always hated this place and was glad to be leaving. He admitted to using this as an opportunity to convince Lilah to leave, even if it meant making it seem that I had stabbed her in the back.
He never made mention to her that he was the first to choose me.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Struggle
My welcome into leadership of the Heartwood was hardly a welcome, at first. There were many threats made against mine and Edgars lives, mostly in the form of notes left by Underdarkers. Rumors began to spread about how Lilah had been removed, neglecting to mention the truth that she had chosen to leave.
The drow Kalyin did all he could to attempt to drive me away. He would plant sickly, twisted belladonna within our Grove and claim it had grown that way simply due to my presence. He would make attempts to capture myself or Edgar, or compel Vance to do so for him. No matter the vileness he brought, we met every challenge as bold as the last.
Eventually, Kalyin disappeared. Since then, we have never been lacking in monstrous folk from Below who wish to disregard all of this history for the sake of friendship or some small form of alliance, and then bleat and whine when we do not accommodate their selfish wishes.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm
Conclusion
What has been written upon these pages is the truth of this history. I will leave this book here and let it sit as my voice in the matter.
Lilah was given all the chances in the world to make change, or bid me to leave, or do anything other than what was done: nothing.
It is my hope, too, that the more we fill our shelves with histories and writings of the many ills wrought upon us by the wickedness of those Below, that future leaders and tenders of the Heartwood will have the good sense to not welcome them with open arms. Please, learn from the mistakes of those who came before you.
Day 8, Month 12 (Nightal), 154 AR
Beryl Whitestorm