It would be fantastic to see some ARG activity in SWL again, even if only for vanity items for those Black Watchmen supporters.
Vomher I’ve been waiting to hear about the Druids ever since we saw their badges in the Sunken Library years ago!
From the dusty, damp vaults of the Sunken Library.
Also just prior to the release of the Defence Scenario video, a SWL Twitter feed made references to the COV, Druids and to Avalon.
‘Avalon’ being connected to Arthurian Legend, notably as the location where the sword Excalibur was forged.
The island’s name is considered a derivation of ‘apple tree’, therefore perhaps giving indication of the species depicted on the COV visitor pass above.
“The island of apples which men call the Fortunate Isle ( Insula Pomorum quae Fortunata uocatur ) gets its name from the fact that it produces all things of itself; the fields there have no need of the ploughs of the farmers and all cultivation is lacking except what nature provides. Of its own accord it produces grain and grapes, and apple trees grow in its woods from the close-clipped grass. The ground of its own accord produces everything instead of merely grass, and people live there a hundred years or more. There nine sisters rule by a pleasing set of laws those who come to them from our country.” - Avalon
Shrouded in mist, mystery and myth, there are numerous proposals for the modern location for Avalon in the British Isles. However, the island of Anglesey off the north coast of Wales, is considered to have been the sacred island of the druids of Britain.
Alternatively, it is possible that the legend of the “apple” island is derived from Celtic mythology of the Otherworld, a supernatural realm where the souls of the dead gather. An intrusion into our world being signalled by phenomena such as the appearance of a magic mist and unusual animals.
The Otherworld is elusive, but during certain times such as Samhain, contact with the Otherworld was more likely. It can be reached by entering ancient burial mounds, these were known as sídhe, bringing to mind the Secret World’s haunted cats of Solomon Island.
Perhaps the development of the Druids as a secret world faction will bring additional relevance to agents Calum MacLeod and Callie James, as well as John Galahad, Ealdwic Park and the missing sword of Dawning of an Endless Night.
And a similar discussion underway on reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SecretWorldLegends/comments/9fhbfv/new_scenario_new_secret_faction/e5x5drt
