What is a Protector of Nature?
Typically a 'Protector of Nature' is classified as any person who goes out of his/her way to defend the balance and order within the natural cycle of life. This means that this person uses caution in his/her dealings not only with nature but also mankind.
A True Protector of Nature will show respect for all living things.
A 'Protector of Nature' will practice moderation, meaning they do not take more than they need. They give back to the Earth from which they take, and they will aid in eliminating any unnatural imbalances that may occur.
However, a 'Protector of Nature' also knows when to step back and yield to Nature's own cycle. They realize that sometimes taking no action is the best course because nature has various ways of correcting imbalances by itself.
For example, a 'Protector of Nature' realizes that brush fires, while sometimes highly destructive, often serve a greater purpose. The brush fires clear out a great deal of flora that may be responsible for choking the life out of other species. The 'Protector of Nature' realizes that the fire is nature's way of clearing out the old and making room for the new, therefore, they will not interfere.
'Protector's of Nature' realize that mankind is a vital part of the natural cycle of life, as vital as the trees that produce our oxygen, or the animals that provide us sustenance. They show kindness and consideration in their dealings with others even if they can not be of direct assistance to that person. They seek to see the truth in all situations and will not belittle or intentionally cause direct or indirect harm to another. A 'Protector of Nature' will try to educate others on the importance of moderation, balance, and compassion.
You need not be a Druid to understand and uphold the laws of nature and respect your fellow citizens. Although a Druid is inevitably classified as a 'Protector of Nature' because of their innate ability to listen closely to all living things and perceive which steps should or should not be taken to assist in achieving the natural order, every now and then you will find a special person, who while not a Druid, shares many of a Druid's characteristics.
When a person such as this is brought to the attention of the Druid path, we have the ability to give them a mark, recognizing them as a 'Protector of Nature' so that all the community may see and acknowledge them as such. If you believe that you know of someone within our community who has the qualities of a 'Protector of Nature' we encourage you to bring them to our attention.
Nomination Requirements
Those with red justice brands will not be considered. Red subpath marks are frowned upon but not altogether ruled out.
The community member being nominated must have resided in the in the Kingdoms for at least 8 Hyuls (1 real life year) at the time of nomination.
Multiple nominations are accepted for a community member by separate nominators (you personally may not nominate a person twice). However, the number of nominations does not factor into the decision process.
At least 6 of the 10 characteristics listed must be used by the nominator to describe the person they are nominating.
The nominator must make sure they are thorough in their description of the nominee. They should place time and thought into their nomination to ensure the candidate is adequately represented.
Notes
Nomination is not a guarantee that a community member will be marked Protector of Nature. It will however allow the Druid Sub path to distinguish those special community members and give them a closer look.
The Druid Elder and the Druid mystics will review all nominations and will then vote on their choices to participate in the Protector of Nature ceremonies (held occasionally, usually during Fire Festivals). Any nominations that are not chosen at this time may be held over for review and discussion for later ceremonies.
At one point, Protector of Nature was able to be obtained by completing a quest. This is no longer the case. However, we are more likely to favor those who have completed other Druid quests.
Community Protectors of Nature are able to work on Goibniu's quest. Also, they are entitled to complete trials to earn an Awen's Blessing helm - if interested, they should contact any Mystic.
The Protector of Nature mark can and will be removed from a community member if they later display actions that are unbecoming of a Protector of Nature.