The Rangers

Introduction

Rangers are sturdy, physically tough, rural folk. They make their home often outside the large cities and live off the land. Rangers are skilled in the arts of herbalism and poisons - they know the forests and the wilderness well. They are trained in Forestry and Stealth, able to spring unnoticed from the forest to surprise and vanquish unruly intruders. Rangers, like the Thieves, are well versed in the area of Trapping. They are excellent hunters - harkening back to the leadership of Maedhros Allendil, first Ranger and legendary Huntsman. Rangers are also fine fighters, they are competent archers and cunning adversaries.

The modern Rangers Guild was founded in the early eighth century at the centre of the Greenwood forest by Maedhros Allendil, then Lord Maedhros of the Grove. During their hey-dey the guild was the vibrant hub of active resistance against the evil wildlands. Eventually Maedhros enjoyed accession to the ranks of the divine, and the guild fell back into a less busy, but nevertheless potent and active force. Traditionally Rangers have concerned themselves with the defence of the city of Mercinae and the civilised villages of the eastern Greenwood. They are the first line of defence against the goblins, the foul beasts of the Cult and from invasion by the cities of the north. Rangers are therefore grizzled, hardy folk. They offer protection to those travelling through the forests and have the skill to fight away even the most mighty of enemies.

Words from Maedhros, the first guildmaster

Rangers love the forests, the freedom of unmolested exploration and blissful relaxation. Rangers fight like bears to defend their loves for once crossed they are enemies for life.

Words from Moonflight, the current guildmaster

The Rangers guild has attracted many to its hidden door in the greenwood since its founding day, on the 1st of Springflower, 819. Some come for the chance to one day take the form of the bear, some for the peace of the forests, and a wish to protect that peace. Whatever their reason for coming, everyone has always been welcome in the cool, shady boughs of the greenwood. We are, in many ways, connected to our Sister Guild of the Animists. We, too, strive to maintain peace, but we shun not violence and death. Instead, we accept it all as part of Life, for there is no Life without death. We have learned, in this way, to protect ourselves, the ones we love, and the things we believe in. This is how we have become the protectors, and caretakers of the sacred wood, and all the animals and plants that dwell deep within it. In this territory, we are unmatched. We know the woods better than anyone, and we can use it to our advantage, whether it be fighting or hiding, leading or following. We are equipped with staves, bows, knives and claws. We have the bountiful poisons and herbs of the forest, the use of the vines that hang low, and the branches of trees, high above the ground. We have th e aid of the wind, and the ability to turn into bears and cats. We are, if we choose, invisible, and if we choose, unbeatable. Be warned, though, the Rangers path is not a choice for everyone, as it is often a hard path to take. We strive to remain neutral, and still help those in need, defend the helpless, and defeat our attackers. We are, in ourselves, unconnected to cities and politics, and yet our loyalty is unmatched. We are the Rangers of the greenwood, defenders of the forest, and protectors of Life.

Guild Specialist Skills

Location

The precise location of the Rangers Guild is kept secret - the main guildhouse is in the Greenwood Forest to the west of the village of Eleuesis though the guild has presences in the city of Mercinae (by Park Elienna) and in the northern forests.