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as Scribed by Iochtar No doubt the most important event in the history of the Ranger Guild (as without this event there would be no history to record), here is the story of how it has been founded, as it has been passed on through the ages. Even before the first circle of Immortals rose to the heavens, there were rumours of a secretive clan of elves who broke away from their cousins in Woodtop and deserted the safe forest of Nirimloth to explore and conquer new regions of the lands. Originally called Pioneers, no one could prove or disprove their existence for almost a century. Parties of adventurers would form expeditions to the dark recesses of Dirimloth forest, but never returned with proof. Each party was either found dead or were never found again. Wild tales of the existence of Rangers spread through the land like a wild storm, unleashing half-truths and peaking interest from everyone. In the year 133, another party of adventurers travelled to the untamed forests of Terris. Roachmill and several others headed up the East Coast Road, scouting for a place for him to establish his Barony. Moving slowly, they built the bridge over the River Derillan, opening the way into the northern reaches of Dirimloth Forest, a virgin territory, never before explored. Though the conditions were harsh, they camped, nestled against the side of the mountain, listening to the tingling of the Hellegost dwarves mining for minerals. Scouts frequently reported catching glimpses of movement in the trees as Roachmill’s troops continued to clear away trees in preparation for the town they were about to build. One evening after dinner, a band of Rangers approached Roachmill and his crew, claiming to have been watching the party since their arrival. With their arrows notched, the Rangers appeared less than happy about revealing themselves to the group. After hours of discussion, Roachmill learned the reason for the strange visit. Having lived in secrecy for nearly 100 years, the Rangers were faced with losing all they held dear as the forest was cleared. Their way of life was in jeopardy. Relying on the camouflage of the dense forest to move and hunt, the Rangers would be unable to stay if the felling of trees continued. After a century, they were exposed and vulnerable. The clearing which had already taken place caused the Ranger home to be accessible to the Trolls. Scouts informed the group that a large band of trolls, their only enemy, was just over the mountain and were preparing to attack within the day. In a few short hours, thousands of trolls would come pouring through the cleared areas leaving nothing but destruction of Ranger homes, customs and their beloved forest. Roachmill realized not only were the Rangers in danger but his new Barony was too. Without hesitation he offered his assistance in the defense of the area. Gladly accepting any help they could muster to delay the inevitable, Rangers and Warriors fortified the area and waited for the Troll forces to strike! The Rangers were hearty veterans of many a campaign, having fought the trolls within the forest their entire lives. Roachmill’s troops were some of the best trained Warriors in the land. And yet...The outcome was uncertain! The Trolls outnumbered the brave defenders nearly ten to one, and the battle was both fierce and deadly. Horrific casualties mounted on both sides. For every defender that fell the mounting wall of slashing Trolls moved nearer to the Giant Redwood which the Rangers called home. For every Troll that fell, two more moved to take its place. Roachmill, however, did not become a Baron by accepting defeat, and he used his vast knowledge of tactics to mount a last ditch effort. He led a small group of Warriors and Rangers, the most skilled of the defenders, across enemy lines. Jelana Starburst, granddaughter of the great Ardon Starburst, travelled with Roachmill on his mission. They skirted the battle, which was turning ugly against the defenders--not a few of these brave souls yearned to turn back and die with their brothers--and soon found their quarry. It was the general of this army of Trolls, the Troll King himself. They stole down into the small valley and at an opportune moment, raced forward to engage the Troll King and his most trusted minions. The Herald of the Troll King blew his bugle and the trolls who had the smell of victory in their nostrils, turned in confusion. The defenders cheered, new energy surging through their veins and cut through the retreating Trolls. The gore and devastation was high, but this time it was on the right side. The Trolls were routed. As the Trolls fled back into the southern reaches of the forest, Roachmill and Jelana Starburst crested the hill, the Kings head held high in Victory. The toll of the battle was high, and the forces of the Rangers drastically defeated. Baron Roachmill despaired as well, as he realized he no longer had the men to build his town. Roachmill and Jelana looked across the fire, a similar look in their eye. It was for a different reasons, but a similar cause, that the Warriors and Rangers joined together, and appealed to the council of Guilds. They elected Roachmill as Guildmaster of the new Guild and opened their doors to any who could pass their tests. They would be the protector of the forests, ensuring trolls and other enemies would never gain access to the knowledge hidden within the walls of the Great Redwood. Together these Rangers, old and new, worked to build simple roads, connecting to the main roads of Terris. They also crafted the test for admittance. One of the rites of passage the old community used to observe was the hunt and solo kill of the Spiritual Stag, since it was the most elusive of the forest creatures. Feeling this was a fair test for admittance, since upon attaining adulthood you gained a vote in the community, the Rangers began training new members almost daily. Since the Guild was originally founded, the tree has flourished, growing larger and larger each year, its branches spreading wide. But no matter how large the tree grows, each new Ranger is asked to remember and honour our original pledge to protect the forests and pass along the ways of a Ranger. A reminder of the tradition that we all are heirs of. |