Ranger

Deep Knowledge of the Forest

An aspiring ranger must possess a deep understanding of the forest, encompassing its geography, environment, flora, fauna, and other aspects that comprise its biosphere.

Physical Conditioning

A ranger must be able to move through the forest swiftly to address potential issues, or applicants must be in good physical shape.

Archery Skills

Any applicant must be proficient with a recurve or long bow. Mastery is preferred, but applicants skilled in other areas will also be considered.

Apprentice

Brand new Rangers are assigned to a veteran who has been serving for at least 50 years to begin their formal training. Between studying in their home guild and learning from their master in the field, Apprentices spent the first 10 years on the job learning the various aspects.

Ranger

Once they have been deemed ready by their master, Apprentices can take the formal test, and if they pass, are considered full Rangers. This leaves them free to receive solo assignments and respond to events as needed.

Veteran

This unofficial rank is given to individuals who have served for at least 50-100 years, and it is meant as a sign of respect in all of the Ranger guilds.

Guildmaster

There is a guildmaster for each of the 4 Rangers Guilds. Each ranger is responsible for the various duties and activities within their respective province of the Enclaves. They also provide regular reports to the Councilor of Defense, the Councilor of the Maiden, and the Steward of the Seasons about the status of their area.

The Rangers serve as general protectors of the vast forests of Maiden's Enclave.

Protection of Elemental Balance

Due to the deep faith in the Maiden and adherence to The Flow of the Maiden principles, the inhabitants of the valley strive to keep the elemental balance intact throughout. Rangers are trained to monitor this balance in key areas and report on where corrections are needed. They often help reinforce the balance.

Protection of the Wildlife

The Elemental Elves have generally managed to avoid running afoul of the Leshy and other forest guardian spirits that can be found, and the Rangers work to make sure that this equillabirum is mantained and that the various flora and fuana in the valley can thrive.

Search and Rescue

If an Elf is reported lost in the woods, the Rangers are called upon to lead the search and rescue operation, their vast knowledge of the woods providing a boon for such searches.

Rangers are held in high regard in each of the four Ranger Guilds found in Mauribon, Damadoer, Caldor, and Maurisolis. Experienced Rangers are given further prestige due to their decades or eventual centuries of work.

Only 0.02% of the population of the Enclave are Rangers.

Origins

It is hard to trace the origins of the Elven Rangers, since they have existed in an unofficial capacity since nearly the beginning of the Elvan race. Since Elves arrived in Maiden's Enclave over 30,000 years ago, they have sought to cultivate the land and fulfill their charge of bringing the potential of creation to fruition. This marked the beginning of the task to ensure the valley's balance through various means.

Establishment as a Profession

Stewardess Auralana Rylin signed the degree to formalize the first Ranger Guild in 1587 AoR. This marked the formal start of the profession which has continued over the next 10,000 years.

Weaponry

• Recurve bow or Longbow
• Quarterstaffs
• Utility Hatchet
• Seax

Regular Equipment

• Map and Compass
• Spyglass
• Various Guides (Up to the Individual Ranger)
• Light First-Aid Kits

Arcane Equipment

• Firestone - Used to light campfires
• Waterstone - Usable as a light source in the majority of the Enclaves, due to its mild, damp climate.
• Elemental Amulet - Grows when an elemental is nearby and vibrates when an elemental imbalance is nearby.