Druids of Esus, Part I

Esus
Gallic Forest God

Tenets of Esus

• Respect the Lord of the Forest, working his willows & woods
• Let things hang, maintaining peace in the cosmic order
• Be fertile like the bull
• Transcendent like the crane

Druids of Esus

• Special: Also known as Aisus, he is followed by druids, including Gallic druids (link, halfway down the page) and more naturalistic druids (link). Otherwise, simply treat them as clerics that abide by these rules. Many green axe cultists follow him too (link).
• Allowed Weapons: Axe (billhook), short sword, bow and arrow, stake, noose, dagger
• Allowed Armor: None
• Symbols: Noose, Willow Tree, Bull, Crane
• Can Turn: Those who have failed to show regard for one of Esus's tenets- discern which one it is in particular. If not known, there's a 20% chance of it being so.
• Emphases: Druids of Esus can emphasize one of his tenets. Those who do will use that aspect whenever it would otherwise be determined at random.

• Mysteries of the Forest: With a Wisdom check, druids of Esus have the ability to judge whether someone they speak with has failed to show the Lord of the Forest the proper reverence. Still, they may judge them to be guilty even if the check fails. His druids can make up to 1 attempt per day per level, though the ones they condemn likely won't live long enough for a retrial.

Magical Side-Effects of Esus
All must be hung rightly for the Gallic god of the forest. Roll 1d12. 

1. Tree-Fated: Something (or someone) must be hung from a tree, preferably a willow, so that the magic will function, showing absolution. Suspending a person for a brief time, the remains of a beast or other offering indefinitely, or even putting up one's personal hardships could be acceptable- there's only a 1 in 12 chance that it has to be fatal.

2. A Woodsman's Work: Do you know your way around the forest? If meant to help the spell's target, then the magic will be at just 1/2 its usual power unless they do, hewn by the Master instead.

3. Tarvos: One must make one's mark. As long as an actual bull is around, or at least one that is like one, then the spell can commence. Some charging, goring, and even finding 'cows' to mount might be in order. Unless in a rush, it would be more enjoyable to walk down and enjoy them all.

4. Ascending Cranes: The way to the Otherworld is near. Actual cranes, something reminiscent of death and rebirth, or the like will need to be here to represent it. If not, then the magic will only come to pass after 1d12 hours, needing more time to emerge to be revealed.

5. Arboreal Realm: The immediate 120' area has a 25% chance of, for the next 1d12 rounds, causing a -2 to all rolls to those who don't act in a certain way that salutes an aspect of the sacred space of Esus (roll 1d4):   [1] hanging, [2] woodsy, [3] bull-like, [4] crane-like

6-8. Standard Magic: Whether one of Esus's tenets is to be shown in some way (a 33% chance), the spell works without other side-effect for now.

9. Cycle of Woods, Bull, Noose, & Crane I: If one of those is actually in sight of the casting, then the magic's effect, range, or duration can be boosted by 50%. Determine which one it is at random.

10. Cycle of Woods, Bull, Noose, & Crane II: Like the above, but something representing them in a more abstract way will also suffice. One stage leads to another: life / birth -> fullness / fecundity -> demise / death -> otherworld / rebirth.

11. Cycle of Woods, Bull, Noose, & Crane III: As above, but doubling of the spell's effect, range, or duration will occur if a certain one of the four is present, whether in physical or symbolic form. 

12. Blessing of Esus: Along with it not being expended so that it can be cast again that day, the magic will confer a special boon if used on one it's meant to help. They will gain a +2 bonus to any woods, bull, noose, or crane-related rolls they make for the next 1d2 hours. 

For example, if a druid of Esus underwent Magical Side-Effect #5 and then rolled a 2, all within the area would have a 25% chance of suffering a -2 penalty to their rolls if they aren't being woodsy.

Next week: tests of Esus & Gallic nature spirits