The Grove The World of Greyhawk & The World of Greyhawk Wiki The current year for our World of Greyhawk campaign is set during 579CY. Inspired By Gary Gygax

The Grove lies along the quiet outskirts of Hommlet, where the last cottages give way to open meadows and the untamed beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Rather than being enclosed within stone walls or marked by towering spires, the grove is an open-air sanctuary dedicated to Obad-Hai, the Shalm, god of nature and the balance of the wild. Towering oaks, windswept pines, and ancient standing stones form the boundaries of this sacred place, while winding footpaths weave between patches of wildflowers and weathered wooden benches.

To those who worship Obad-Hai, every tree, stream, and blade of grass within the grove is considered holy, making the entire area a living temple where the rhythms of nature are celebrated instead of controlled. Far more than simply a place of worship, the grove serves as one of the most welcoming gathering places for Hommlet. Hunters from the surrounding forests, traders returning from roads leading into Hommlet, trappers from the forests, and travelers passing through the region often stop beneath its shaded canopy to rest and exchange news.

Informal markets occasionally spring up among the trees as locals barter fresh produce, herbs, pelts, or handcrafted goods. The air is filled with the scent of flowers and plants from the surrounding area, mingling with the fragrance of pine needles and damp earth. Various birds frequently circle overhead, drawn to the region by the steady stream of visitors and the hope of an easy meal. The grove is lovingly tended by Jaroo Ashstaff, a thoughtful and soft-spoken druid whose quiet demeanor masks a keen awareness of the natural world. Jaroo spends his days caring for the sacred grounds, treating injured animals, and advising townsfolk on matters concerning the forests, hills, and the general region surrounding Hommlet. While some mistake his reserved nature for sadness, those who know him understand that Jaroo carries the weight of constant vigilance, always listening for subtle changes in the balance of nature that others would overlook. Jaroo's responsibilities extend well beyond the boundaries of the grove itself.

Through longstanding friendships with the elves of Celene who dwell south in the Kingdom of Celene, he receives warnings whenever dangerous beasts, twisted monstrosities, or other unnatural creatures stray toward civilization. Upon learning of such threats, Jaroo quietly begins gathering capable adventurers or trusted hunters before panic can spread through the Hommlet, even more now with the rise of banditry in the region. In this way, the grove serves not only as a sanctuary of peace and reflection but also as the first line of the Hommlet defense against the hidden dangers lurking within the wilderness. Though few citizens fully appreciate its importance, many owe their safety to the quiet work carried out beneath its ancient trees.