Hey folks! With the release of Kul Tirans and the popularity of the druids for these big boys, I’ve decided to release a gathered account of all the information that I can find in regards to the Thornspeakers. Much of this is taken from quest text, items found in the world, and other evidence as I’ve found it. More information is totally welcome.
Who are they?
The Thornspeakers are a group of druids located in Drustvar, on Kul Tiras. It was originally founded by the Drust druids, who did not agree with Gorak Tul, and left Drust society. Druidism used to be the old ways of the Drust before the days of Tul, whose ways the Thornspeakers consider to have brought disgrace upon the Drust. They are led by Ulfar, the High Thornspeaker and last of the Drust druids.
The Drust were originally some form of derivative of the Vrykul race. However, according to their depiction and difference in cultural beliefs, it’s suggested these were more akin to a real world ancient Celtic society. This idea is furthered in the lore of Kul Tiras itself and its relation to the British Isles, both of which stem from ancient societies that were considered primitive by individuals who came to settle it.
How does their power work?
Whereas the typical druid is a promoter of life above all, we see with the Drust druids a reverence for balance between life and death. This necessitates that Kul Tiran druids straddle the line between these two aspects, which can easily be evidenced by the macabre forms they take.
The many steles around Drustvar also grant insight into rituals and sacrifices performed by the ancient Drust, which with a bit of imagination can easily be related to the druidic practices of the Thornspeakers.
The steles’ tales include animal sacrifice, reverence of the trees, and the transference of one’s soul from body to construct. These sorts of sacrificial acts and primal rituals can be related to the modern Thornspeakers’ practices today through a mild bit of speculation. Some real world contextual evidence in relation to ancient Celtic sacrifices by their ‘Druids’, per se, allow this speculation some merit.
It’s stated that the original Drust druids were blessed by Athair and Athainne, the deer spirits residing in Drustvar. It’s suggested that these two entities are some form of Wild God, with their longevity and obvious significance in the wilds of the land.
Furthermore, as it is with the case of normal druidic magic, the Thornspeakers are capable of cleansing many forms of corruption. Namely, they are especially apt at undoing ancient drust magic. Ulfar’s cleansing of the haunted timber is the most obvious example. However, Morwin Gladeheart’s pause of the corruption of Farmer Jakob and capabilities to destroy the Runic Cores of the Drust constructs furthers the suggestion that this magic is particularly well-equipped to fight the Witchcraft/Drust sorcerery.
How do they fit in society?
As suggested by quotes from Ulfar, these druids have joined society, but their distance from much of Kul Tiras’ more opulent areas may suggest a more reclusive attitude towards society as a whole.
Quotes from Arthur Tradewind on the quest ‘The High Thornspeaker’ offer a brief context into how one inevitably becomes a Thornspeaker. By receiving a ‘calling’ at a young age towards the wild, these children are sent off to Ulfar in the mountains in order to learn. Arthur’s parents’ preference that he go into the Navy may suggest that the Thornspeaker route isn’t wholly popular among Kul Tiran society.
More evidence from quest text furthers the idea that the Thornspeakers aren’t entirely popular in the eyes of the commonfolk. In the quest ‘A Farmer’s Fate’, it’s stated that one of the local farmers is “one of the few folks who were never wary of us”.
The concept that Kul Tiran druids aren’t entirely celebrated in Kul Tiran society allots them an intriguing disposition that makes their roleplay more interesting than the run-of-the-mill druid. These are figures practicing an ancient form of Drust magic, and in doing so are performing macabre acts that may not be entirely smiled upon in the more ‘civil’ society of Boralus or otherwise.
What inspirations can I draw from to form my character?
Beyond the obvious examples we see with the few Thornspeaker NPCs we come across, tapping into real-world similarities between the Kul Tiran druids and ancient celtic societies allows a nuance to these types of characters that is often lacked when playing a druid. These are truly individuals concerned with the balance of nature, and the cycle of life and death. A quote by Morwin Gladeheart suggests a deep respect for what they watch over.
The most important part:
Have fun! Use this merely as a form of guidelines that help you figure out how to play your spooky druids. Enjoy the uniqueness and intrigue that come with this particular class/race combo, and use it as an excuse to promote more world RP for you and your companions.
If you have any questions regarding this, you can ask them here or shoot Ulfbear a whisper in-game!