History of the Ranger’s Redwood Reprinted from The Ranger’s Guild News As the clan (now known as the Rangers) explored and conquered areas of Terris their skills became acute and precise. The Rangers began to flourish, more and more born into the world each awakening of the day. Many Rangers sought out protection and cover within the forest of Terris, but as the major cities of Tranos and Devardec became bustling with more and more merchants, the Rangers were often sighted and killed. Rangers had been tales of legend and myths, being accused of the brutal slayings that often occur in the forests, though they were usually caused by the ferocious trolls. Seeking shelter many Rangers headed north toward an ancient and sacred burial ground, dedicated to those who had died with in the forests. Bodies of those the Rangers had found and tried to nurse back to the living but had failed, and those of lone travelers who had been ransacked by the creatures of the dark forests lay among the fallen rangers, some marked graves most not. As the Rangers fled to the trees in times of trouble they became known as the shadows of Dirimloth. Tales of the Shadows spread through the lands, more and more braves headed to the forests looking to vanquish the creatures. Yet again the Rangers out moved the hunters and found solitude. The lands were growing; people were seen more and more each passing day. The Rangers had found a secret clearing in the heart of Dirimloth, were they made camp and built their homes. Guards were posted, and the Rangers were always prepared for an invasion, but never the ones to attack. They had customs and beliefs to which they were devoted relying on their secretive nature to keep the clan alive. Many years passed and the Rangers grew stronger, strengthening their skills and learning of magic through books found at deserted camps. To see this village would be of most splendor, as written in some of the most ancient scrolls by the Elders. "Tiny huts made sturdy and strong gather about the waterfall. A rainbow can be seen through the mists in the early morning lights. The sun trickles through the treetops casting a starry haze over the village. Men practice their hunting tactics in an offset opening. Targets are placed strategically. Young boys stand beside the strong slim elven men, studying them closely with a look of awe and respect. The meeting house stands beside a Great Redwood, strong, glorious and commanding, known to represent the pride of the rangers. Elven women wash garments in a small stream leading away from the great river, as small children splash about laughing and giggling, all is at peace, this is utopia."- Unknown. " Daily life of a young man consisted of training in the morn, breaking at noon to do his chores which consisted of collecting firewood, hunting small animals to provide food, and then return to training in the evening until dark, then retreating to the meeting house to speak of old times and past battles."-Unknown. "The life of a young female ranger was trying, learning to hunt and sew, cook and clean, and find a young mate!" - Unknown. The Elders were those who knew of the world beyond the brush. They knew that soon this haven would be exposed. Recent word from scouts had reached the camp. A large company was working their way through the forests; the leader they learned was called by the name of Roachmill. As days came and went they knew something would have to be done. The Elders approached the group and told them of the up and coming danger. An idea was brought forth one that would change history forever. They idea was to approach the outsiders and demand they leave these sacred grounds. All fell quiet and the Elders had retreated to a closed hut to decide the fate of the Rangers. Two days passed without word from the Elders. The troops could be heard cutting closer and closer, finally just as Roachmills troops opened a path brushing the edge of the village the braves were called forth and the plan was decided. Nightfall came and the cutting had ceased. The next day they would make their move. As dawn arose so did the Rangers, a group of the strongest were to accompany the Elders and belay a threat of power. As the troops woke, they were astonished by men dropping into the camp from the trees. Roachmill was alerted and as he exited his tent he was surprised by a man flipping from a high branch to the ground and stating, "The destruction stops here". Roachmill very shocked and impressed he decided a meeting was in order. The Rangers were angry that they were forced to reveal themselves and took it out on Roachmill, and they started to tell of the Troll King and his minions and of the destruction they once had brought to the Rangers. Roachmill was concerned but until he realized that he was in danger of this ferocious attack he didn't react. Once he realized what he had done by exposing these Rangers it was already too late. The Elders received word the trolls where almost to the village. When they arrived at the village it was still quiet, Warriors, Rangers and others took shelter within the leaves and trees waiting for the attack. The trolls had reached the village bringing with them a force of destruction unseen before or ever again. The Rangers fled to the trees and were fiercely defending their families. With a great ROAR, Roachmill and his troops advance among the rangers, striking at the trolls. The war was referred to as the "thunder of Dirimloth", the losses were many. Finally reaching the Troll king, Roachmill and a small mixed group bombarded the King. After hours of fighting the outcome was clear. The Troll Kings head was held high with the pride and honour of true legends. As the Rangers went back to their grove they were saddened by the loss of their huts and loved ones. Everything was in ruin. All that remained was the Great Redwood. tree. After some deliberation it was decided that the Rangers would start their new future hidden within the powers of what remained great and strong through the toughest of times. The Great Redwood. It took years to perfect the tree for the lives of the rangers, but once the guild was sanctioned the construction was swift. Today it stands as tall as then with more secrets then any of us really will ever know. Additions have been made, and thanks has been given to those who helped us along the way. The most important thing to remember here is we are a proud and strong group, and that we must stay...looking toward the future and learning from the past.