There's a ceremony the Animists have sometimes for saplings ending their apprenticeships and becoming, as they used to be known, full Druids or Druidess(es). Of course, with the formation of the actual Druids' Guild, this may need to be revamped to avoid confusion. All my comments are in
bold. This was a generic ceremony designed to just fill-in-the-blank with the sapling's information but of course, it can be tailored to the situation. I used to have logs of these but in their absence, here's the jist of it:
Kayen the Animist enters surrounded by several butterflies. Your spirits rise as Aloides the Druid enters.
Aloides the Druid says, "It is nearly time! The sun begins her descent into that sacred place where earth meets sky. Come, don your cloaks and let us trek through the wooded realm. Let us depart!"
Platform overlooking Forest.The sky is dark, night covers Avalon. You are forced to pause, taking in the sight before you, which few outsiders rarely behold. Here, spread amongst the branches of the Greenwood, is the home of the forest folk. From your position on this wide ledge you are offered a clear view of the main tree house of the Animists above, nestled into the crown of the oak akin to a giant bird. A ramp suspended midair crosses one branch to another towards a large garden shouldered by massive ropes, hanging in the trees. Limbs of a wider girth broaden into tree lanes for passage from bole to bole, melding like sinew and bone to fashion living platforms. Rope walkways span fleeting distances to the dwellings cropping like acorns from trunk and platform alike, surrounded with terraced gardens and pavilions. An ancient tree's leaves rustle as the forest stirs. As the glow of the sun diminishes in the west, faint lights flicker through the forest eaves growing brighter as they approach, it is candle light.
An ancient tree soars above the forest floor far below, the giants planted like columns of some ancient temple to support the ceiling of the sky itself. From the hollow of the ancient tree emerges a silent procession of hooded figures who pause on this platform to kneel to the God of Life before continuing down the steps toward the famed Hanging Gardens.
Hanging GardensThe sky is dark, night covers Avalon. This amazing garden is literally hanging above the forest floor. Enormous branches have been tied with thick ropes which hold some strong, unseen material. The ground here is shockingly sturdy, and vibrant with growth. Flourishing flower beds stretch out in every direction, filled with colours and richly perfumed. A small pond is nestled in the centre of the garden, with small fishes darting about playfully. Birds twitter from overhead boughs and flit around the leaves. Herbs and other practical verdure have been tastefully arranged around the blooms. Resting by the walkways are small seats, designed for peaceful repose. In the far corner is an amazing site. Three trees form a canopied shelter, a magnolia and an oak, sheltering a willow. Within this haven is a statue. Carved from a long fallen willow is a rendition of Brigantia, goddess of nature stepping out of Aldaron's form, holding in one hand a sapling, and in the other a handful of acorns. Aloides the Druid stands within the group and catches your eye significantly. You notice each member, save the last, appears garbed in the russet cloaks and jeweled leaves marking the life-calling of the Animist.
An ancient tree stands among its brethren parting way in respect for the silent progression of hooded figures approaching the dual shrines of the goddess of Life and the god of Compassion.
Kayen the Animist draws a reverent bow before the altar to Brigantia. Several others among the group demonstrate signs of patronage and respect where a statue of Brigantia stands, emerging from a fallen tree sheltered under the boughs of an oak and magnolia.
Kayen the Animist turns toward the altar of Rhadamanthys and bows low before an alabaster stone figure of a dove, a golden heart captured eternally within its beak. Shoulders seem to relax under the cloaks as a a cool breeze rustles the buds of the climbing roses which surround you everywhere, filling the air with their delicate scent. Petals carpet the ground where many of the number have knelt before rising once more.
Aloides the Druid stands beside Kayen between the dual altars overlooking the vista of the Greenwood that serves in lieu of an altar to the god of Life. The line of cloaked figures parts now, some to the right and some to the left of the famed tutors, forming a ring with the final member, _____ , in the middle.
Kayen the Animist and Aloides the Druid join hands raising them to the star-lit heavens, offer a quiet prayer of thanksgiving for this blessed night. Ending the prayer they unanimously turn, their eyes flashing searchingly toward ______.
Aloides the Druid sings melodically, "Man car chin tiri an nith?"
Most of the language here is the Old Tongue. The Sapling is familiar with what the expressions means and responds as his/her own heart dictates.Kayen the Animist sings in a clear, strong voice, "Car chin teli ned sidh nith?"
Sapling again makes his/her response.Kayen the Animist bursts exuberantly, "Galu na! I agar ned Cuil siria ir goll a ist aer."
Aloides the Druid joins in song with Kayen the Animist as they sing, "Galu na! Pari ai tol an ammen ned Sidh innas gar nestad."
Aloides the Druid says, "Have you been through the training, Sapling? Who has offered [him/her] their support?"
An ancient tree speaks, "Im (name) anno nin tulu."
Kayen the Animist says, "Do you understand the commitment to which you are vouching yourself?"
At this point, the sapling has a chance to respond accordingly.Kayen the Animist says, "Then we may proceed. Who has brought the relics of the dryad?"
Aloides the Druid says, "Who has brought the woodman's cup?"
Sapling hands cup to Aloides.Aloides the Druid smiles and accepts a woodman's cup, and holds it in plain view for the benefit of all. Carved from cedar, the goblet has a crude rustic look and is certainly very old. Spying the jagged 'A' scratched on the base, you realize the drinking vessel has a greater value than you first surmised. Equipped with these cups, the gentle healers of Aldaron, the god of life would wander the realm using their arts to cure the afflicted.
Aloides the Druid says, "From the waters of the ocean did mankind spring into existence and from the Pool of Life, are we renewed. Though this be but a humble cup of cedar, its value lies in its content, not its appearance. Like the goblet which inspires our learning, may you, ____, be inspired to be a healing vessel for life. "
Kayen the Animist says, "Which among you have brought me a silver cross?"
Kayen is handed a silver cross.Kayen the Animist smiles and accepts a silver cross. Kayen the Animist holds the cross in both hands aloft so it catches the glow of the moonlight. Two simple strips of silver form the cross. There are neither embellishments nor inscriptions upon it but it glows softly with a light generated by the faith and humility of its bearers. Armed with nothing but this token of devotion, the pious cleric might fend off a legion of the undead.
Kayen the Animist says, "As an animist, ____, you may never find the wealth or power many seek to master. You will find we live our lives free of the embellishments of wealth or the inscriptions of grand titles, but like this humble cross, those who seek to truly dedicate themselves to the ideals of the Dryad will find they radiate a glow of Compassion and Love for others, a light that stems from the cultivation of your roots in a family such as the Animists. "
Kayen the Animist says, "You will see, like that pious cleric, when you stand for something greater than yourself, and you remain faithful, you are capable of extraordinary resilience to the storms that come and they will come. Though the wind bellows, the tree with firm roots, stands."
Aloides the Druid smiles encouraging at _____. Aloides says, "Thoughtful youth, have you remembered the living branch?"
Aloides is handed a living branch.Aloides the Druid pauses while accepting a living branch and nods in thanks, revealing the treasure to all. When the dark sorceries descended and rent the Golden Wood, fragments of those ancient trees were cast far from the shores of Alessandria. Although severed from their roots, the Old Magic in them was strong and held safe by descendants of the forest guardians, they preserved a little of the essence of that fabled time.
Aloides the Druid says, "In my life, I have been known to speak before many, whether it be the oratories of my younger years or instructing generations of druids in the ways of nature. I have spoken in the tongues of man and in the tongues of the Old Magic as we have voiced this evening, and like the druids before me, and the druids after me, ____, I have learned a particular lesson I would like to share with you."
Aloides the Druid says, "We are endowed with great power, the power of the forests, a touch of the Old Magic passed down through the generations. We have the ability to bring fruit into existence where none was previously, the power to grant life, or to take it. With that power, always remember you will be held to scrutiny by the gods on high, outsiders who do not always understand our ways, by your own guild members, and even yourself."
Aloides the Druid says, "Always take into consideration, ____, what you choose to say or write as much as you take into account how you choose to act. Be mindful of your surroundings and on your guard for those who wish to bring harm to you. Take joy in learning but do not forget the lesson along the way."
Kayen the Animist sits nodding toward Aloides and puffing away at a clay pipe. Drawing a deep breath, he releases a stream of smoke and passes the pipe over to you for a brief examination. The pipe has a long tapering stem and an aroma, deep and sweet, is still discernible in the bowl. It is a soothing scent, one that draws you to sit back and toke. Inhaling the heady vapours, you feel a profound calm and a welcome presence besides you, jovial and avuncular, possessed of a deep earthy wisdom.
Kayen the Animist says, "Though you may or may not perceive otherwise ____ , I am not without fault, all animists are. Never forget that while you are a tree, you are also human and will probably make as many mistakes as you have rings, although I've known some trees to fall into mishaps as numerous as the leaves on their crown'd heads..."
Kayen the Animist coughs glancing at Aloides who shares a sly grin with him before he continues.
Kayen the Animist says, "As animists we seek to aid all life regardless of social status, city background, or alignment. We are neutral, as was spoken earlier, we aid all who come to us in peace, even when the going is not easy, and it can be rough, even for those of us who are seemingly without fault, including myself."
Kayen the Animist mumbles something about orcs.
Kayen the Animist says, "Dear one, if you feel you are ready to take up the mantle of Druid, you must be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of Animism. You must strive to maintain the balance and use wisdom, always, to see each season turn."
Kayen the Animist smiles warmly at ____ and says, "After these past few years of study, I have watched you grow and now, you are here before Aloides and I, and this gathering of trees. Do you feel ready to join us fully?"
The sapling has a chance to respond.Aloides the Druid says, "Does anyone present oppose ___ becoming a full member of the guild?"
This is merely a formal question. They'd better not have a problem with it this far into the ceremony. 
Aloides the Druid claps her hands delightedly and whispers, "My favourite part!"
The sapling is now given the gifts of an animist, usually, the markings of an Animist, and sometimes, a special gift from the members.An ancient tree's leaves rustle as a flock of small birds leave its shelter frolicking in the sky, pale with the light of dawn approaching. The birds carry a russet cloak which they drop about %1 's shoulders before disappearing into the distance.
Aloides the Druid gives ____ a gentle squeeze and adjusts the cloak, pinning it shut with a brooch that gleams emerald in the shadows, it is the leaf brooch, the symbol of membership among the Animists Guild.
Kayen the Animist beams broadly and says, "The ritual is officially over! My thanks to all in attendance and congratulations, ____." Over the hum of the well wishes you think you hear Kayen whisper in your ear, "And now for MY favourite part...where's the nearest tavern?"
