Willow Rangers

Introduction

The Glaurid family have always been invested in the preservation and protection of nature, and always have focused on the aspect of keeping a natural order with the wilds. Long before Thalin stepped up to claim a seat of The Council of Minäih, he served as part of it with a private faction known as the Willow Rangers. Dedicated to the safety and security of the wilds surrounding Ne'haer, Thalin's role has been acting as the patriarch of the group, that is until he ran for a place on the Council that aligned with his interests; naturally earning him a spot among the six chairs after the people voted him into the position. Since Thalin has become an active member of the Council, it is his son Baelyn that now carries the role of Patriarch.

The Code of the Rangers

The Willow Rangers adhere to a strict code of conduct. Each Ranger swears an oath to uphold the code, as listed below.

1. Loyalty to the Rangers
2. Loyalty to the Council of Minäih
3. Preservation of Nature and Wildlife
4. Resolute Acceptance of Death.
5. Duty above all else.

Ranks

1st Strider

The Striders lead the company, and are tasked with maintaining close contact with each of their Sleuths. They deal with much of the political side of the Rangers, tending to hold meetings and consorting with the other Striders to encourage the fold of Rangers effectively.

2nd Sleuthhound

Each squadron in a company is led by a sleuthhound. The sleuth’s job is to ensure that his squad is being properly trained, equipped and battle-readied. He travels amongst the barracks and checks quality of life, and is personally responsible for appointing the Quartermaster of the company.

3rd Quartermaster

The Quartermaster is the trainer of the squadrons. Each quartermaster is hand-selected to by the three Sleuthhounds of the company, and is expected to temper the Recruits into seasoned hunters. Though the training never quite stops, as an individual advances through the ranks, the quartermaster works most closely with Recruits and The Outcasts.

4th Warden

These are the more Elite Rangers that not only patrol the wilds, but handle private jobs handed down from the higher ups. Their skills are far superior to the other Rangers, as they're not only survivalists but true apex hunters of the wilderness. Their time spent in the extremes helps them improve on adaptation above all, and it's generally because of their skill that they're handed down tasks from the higher ups.

5th Forester

These are the more experienced Rangers that not only survive, but navigate the wilds almost like a secondary home. To them nature and it's chaotic hierarchy are aspects they understand fluently, and they are charged with upholding the laws instated in the territories. They help instruct and guide the Sharpshooters in their spare time, and are permitted to patrol the more extreme landscapes of the wilderness.

6th Sharpshooter

At this rank a Ranger is capable of surviving on his own in the wilderness, and his patrols are branched out to various parts of the region. They are given more room to explore and expand their survival skills, however are still required to report into base occasionally. Sharpshooters are allowed to hunt monsters as well, as another aspect of their duty is to help maintain a balance with nature; therefore any time there's an overpopulation of predators or beasts in the area, Sharpshooters are permitted to cull their numbers to an agreeable standard.

7th Padfoot

These are fresh recruits that complete the trial and join the ranks of a ranger, green as the crops that grow in the fields of Treth; they're tasks evolve from the care of the Ranger's stronghold to frequent patrols. They are however only given routes and places with less danger, and even then they will find their skills extremely tested. Aside from patrols they are also charged with the task of apprehending poachers, and any other criminals that they may come across out within the wilderness.

8th Recruit

The recruit is new to the fold and, therefore, given duties that keep them close to base. They're first priority is their betterment in understanding how to live and hunt in the wilds, and most of the time they're either training to improve survival skills during their stay. They are also given the menial chores of keeping the Ranger's base maintained, so they're often required to help do things such as; meal preparation, barrack cleaning, even the care of the mounts the rangers utilize. This of course is all in part of the recruitment process, as it demonstrates dedication as well as humility on behalf of the recruits. When the time seems right for a recruit, a trial is held to see if they make the cut of a ranger.

Companies, Platoons, Squads

The Rangers have three companies, which are comprised of three platoons that each have five squads under them. The companies, Patrolman, Wranglers and Beastmasters, are all specifically designed to specific tasks that each embodies. Patrolmen are the watchful rangers dedicated to the cause of order and security. Wranglers are the task force that focus on apprehension of criminals and poachers throughout the region. The Beastmasters are the wilderness experts, focusing on the study as well as maintaining of Ne'haer's natural wildlife.

The Companions of the Rangers

The Willow Redbear are mounts tamed by the Beastmasters of the Rangers, and provided to a Ranger who has reached the rank of Sharpshooter upon their request. These impressive mounts are not only tamed from the wilds but also raised from cubs, with lots of time and care invested in their growth until they reach full adulthood. Partners to these massive bears are first required to have some aspect of training with animal handling, otherwise the effectiveness of these mounts is hindered by the Ranger's lack of experience. The Willow Redbear is a massive predator that, once bonded with a Ranger, becomes a very protective and important partner; as both ranger and redbear have to survive the wilderness together.

Purpose Within and Beyond The City

The Rangers hardly maintain a presence within the city; it is only when a Warden or a higher rank bring in apprehended criminals and poachers, that they actually make an appearance within Ne'haer. They generally bring in those in custody to be judged by The Council, for whatever crimes they have committed, and return back to the wilderness where their presence is strongest.

Beyond the city, the Willow Rangers are an operating force scattered throughout the region. Maintaining a private stronghold in Treth, they operate under the cover of nature; working tirelessly to help protect the territories of Ne'haer from danger.

The Outcasts

Criminals who are captured don't always make it back to the city, some are brought in by the Rangers and given a second change; as Outcasts. They are not true recruits to the Rangers, as they are viewed with great dishonor, but allowed to be tried as recruits nonetheless. If the criminal in question reforms to the principles of the Rangers, then they are allowed to join the Rangers if they managed to pass the Initiation trial. However if they falter and continue their life of crime, then their second chance is revoked and therefore; the criminal is placed at the mercy of The Council of Minäih. Also the lucky ones that do join are usually closely watched by the higher ranks, until they've earned trust and proven themselves worthy of the title Ranger.

Joining the Willow Rangers

Joining the Outcasts