Order of the Grove Protectors

Though their organization is not entirely secretive, it is unknown to most outsiders, who consider druids and rangers to be loners. They form part of a society that spans the land, ignoring political borders.

A prospective member is taken into the society, trained in their ways, and inducted through secret rituals, including tests that not all survive. Only after achieving some level of competence is the individual allowed to strike out on her own.

Goals and Ideals
Not all Rangers and Druids form part of this society, but those that do, are sworn to follow the ideals and goals of the Order. These are: Most of the order give praise to Ziphion, the Goddess of Beasts and the Wilds.
 * Preserve nature in all its forms
 * Control civilization's expansion
 * Protect civilization from the dangers of nature.
 * Recognize that nature encompasses more than just forests
 * Agree that magic should not be used for mass destruction
 * Warn against the use of magic on a grand scale for fear of unexpected side effects
 * Present a united front to the outside world.

Protectors
After an individual is trained and inducted, reaching the level of Autumnreaver, they can choose to be assigned to a specific region, acting as a Protector of that region. Some individuals become so isolated that they have never seen any new high-ranking members of the society or participate in Order meetings.

All members recognize each other as brothers and sisters. Members can be identified by a silver ring, in the style of a tree trunk. A ring is only earned after reaching the rank of Autumnreaver and completing various tests and training.

Depending on the situation, the Grove Protectors Order is also known as the "Protectors", "Nature's Chosen", the "Order".

Hierarchy
The Order has the following ranks, from lowest to highest. The Order is ruled by a circle of 6 Highly praised and skilled individuals, called the Circle of the Grove.
 * Springwarden
 * Summerstrider
 * Autumnreaver
 * Winterstalker
 * Master of the Wild