The Druids are a futuristic organization that emerged from a network of human colonies scattered across the stars. With a unique blend of ancient religion and technology, the Druids have gained prominence in the galaxy as explorers, conservationists, and spiritual guides.
The Druid order was founded in the 51st century, after humanity had established settlements on multiple planets and moons. As humanity expanded into the cosmos, diverse cultures and faiths intertwined and coalesced, giving rise to new expressions of human spirituality. The Druids, drawing on ancient Earth traditions and embracing the scientific and philosophical advances of their time, united around a shared purpose of protecting life and pursuing knowledge.
The Druids espouse a pantheistic cosmology in which All That Is—the divine being that underlies all existence—reveals itself through a vast and unified universe. Druid teachings emphasize gwreiddyn, or connectedness, between all beings and the natural world. They believe that []$\kappa cos{$}}—a universal, multidirectional force—binds together the celestial bodies and underpins the [mathematics of the cosmos.
Druid rituals focus on meditation, prayer, and the cultivation of wisdom. Their skilled metallurgists and crystallographers craft cybernetic devices and bioengineered modifications that augment human cognition, perception, and empathy.
The Druids recognize technology as an extension of humanity's intelligence and creativity, and as a tool for advancing peace and prosperity. They have integrated numerous advanced technologies into their culture and spiritual practices. These include neural augmentation, algorithms, and cybernetic organisms that blur the lines between robot and humanoid.
Terraforming—the process of modifying a planet or moon to sustain terrestrial life—is a cornerstone of the Druid ethos and identity. Committed to preserving and expanding life beyond the confines of Earth, Druid engineers and biologists have translocated countless forms of life throughout space, and terraformed numerous celestial bodies to create new biospheres. Their advanced spacecraft have explored the distant reaches of the galaxy and unlocked new frontiers of human knowledge.
The Druid order is governed by a democratically elected council of elders known as the Archdruid Circle. They maintain a Mysterium, or secretive tradition, regarding their society and activities, even as they interact with other galactic powers and civilizations.
The Druids' diplomacy is marked by their neutrality and discretion—they rarely take sides in galactic conflicts and often mediate between intergalactic alliances. This approach has engendered both respect and suspicion, and the Druids have been known to cloak their true interests and agendas beneath a veil of secrecy.
The Druids have left an indelible mark on human history and the ongoing narrative of galactic civilization. Their spirituality, science, and art have influenced countless beings, and their network of astronauts and diplomats continues to disseminate knowledge and understanding across the cosmos.
Despite encountering adversity and prejudice, the Druids remain steadfast in their mission to nurture the cosmos and forge connections between all living beings. They embody the enduring resilience of the human spirit and the limitless potential of consciousness.
