12.3.4 Village of Eleusis
Bound in service to the earth and forsaking the ramparts of urban civilisation, the Village of Eleusis is home to the forestal Houses, the Scions of the Ithmia and the Heartwood Kin. Grown with the aid of the Earthmother and Dryads, the village rests in the treetops of the Eastern Ithmia around the Great Oak at its heart. Wandering peddlers and merchants supplement village life. Bakers, candle makers, forgers, bookbinders, glassblowers, and more all enliven the village, hawking their wares to its inhabitants. Eleusian beliefs are oriented around service, from which springs their deep desire to both expand and protect the breadth and depth of Nature. Guided in this by the Viridian Charter, the village exists solely for those who will devote themselves to Her, place Her needs first, and for those who willingly shed tears, sweat, and even blood in service of a cause greater than their own. Stretching through the treetops while its roots expand beneath the earth, Eleusis does not impose itself on the forest which surrounds it, but instead exists in harmony with its surroundings. Naturally elevated and camouflaged, it has no need for walls, for in its defence the very trees will come alive. The Eleusian Rangers are its champions, and together with their Treekin, Dryad, and Tsol'aa allies they fight to turn away any invaders. "River, forest, sky And ye with Nature at heart Come together here"