The Oakstaff Tribe

The Oakstaff Tribe, led by Archdryad Kelcassandra Willowthorn, resides within the depths of the Cormanthor Forest around the Lifespring Woods.

Population and Geography
The Oakstaff tribe consists primarily of sprites, woodelves and dryads, although sprite populations heavily outnumber the rest. The tribe started out as a distant branch of the Eastern Feyheart, but gradually grew apart and formed its own identity and societal norms within the Lifespring Woods. The population resides around the Lifespring Willow, which conceals the Lifespring - with water capable of reviving recently-deceased organisms via ingestion - underneath its roots. A secret entrance only operable by the Archdryad reveals this, with a spiral staircase made from intertwined vines and root material leading down into the subterranean cave where the spring exists. The Lifespring Willow is made of the wood that produces Mystical Twigs - a highly-sought curative item used in potion-making. This part of the forest lay untouched by modern civilisation - there is absolutely no civilised-race influence whatsoever, and this tribe remain unknown to large parts of the realm.

The Archdryad is well-capable of imparting wisdom and shows much understanding of civilised speech. Her graceful form is carved from Lockwood - an extremely rare wood sought after by sorcerers and sorceresses alike for potion-brewing. However, she speaks in a language incomprehensible to man - only understood by the sprites and woodelves that serve her. The sprites and woodelves, however, are perfectly capable of civilised speech. Among the sprites, Zenditar, Fenditar and Keldor are the main sub-leaders, and they exercise this authority with great caution and respect for the Archdryad. The woodelves, on the other hand, generally keep themselves away from the public eye, preferring to forage and seek construction materials to continue maintaining their home.

Storyline
The Lifespring Willow was attacked by an Ettercap with its spider younglings in Arc 2, encasing much of the population in silken webs that were then suspended or tied against surrounding structures. Zenditar, Fenditar and Keldor wandered through wider Cormanthor and came across Udema, Luna and Hollyhana collecting materials for the sorceress. They sought the party's help, and led them to the Lifespring where they encountered the Ettercap and spiders. During the fight, Luna released her mid-air explosion and was incapacitated by the webs thereafter, leaving Hollyhana and Udema to fend off the beasts on their own. Though victorious, Hollyhana lost her life and was subsequently revived by the waters of the Lifespring with Kelcassandra's silent guidance. Kelcassandra then thanked the party, and the three sprites escorted the party back to Harrowdale.