Alsonan Rangers
The Alsonan Rangers are an organization not directly tied to any official noble or aristocratic endeavor, but are rather more of an adventuring guild. Founded in the past two hundred years, they possess a lodge in the eastern part of Alsona. This “lodge” is actually a truly massive building with two built in taverns and a drinking hall for the celebration of great deeds and heroes. The Rangers are most known for seeking out monsters from the Deadlands who have sought to set up a home in Alsona, and track them throughout the area. They also occasionally are the launching point for expeditions into ruins of the Nameless Empire far to the north and are experienced guides and trackers.
Anyone can join the Alsonan Rangers, from natives to migrants from other lands. They do not remain exclusive to just rangers either, welcoming anyone seeking out glory and adventure fighting the horrors of the Deadlands. The majority of Rangers are Alsonan natives, seeking out adventure but unwilling to head to the Civilized Lands or the Shin Empire. They typically have an independent streak and want to protect their homes while remaining free of the restrictive bureaucracy and leadership of the Alsonan Army or the Royal Order.
The Rangers are specialized in Alsonan monster lore and knowledge, and have an extensive amount of records on any local threats that could be found. The Rangers’ library is one of the preeminent institutions for the collection of information of monsters throughout Emicara and the Deadlands. Similarly, the Trophy Hall has a vast collection of beasts, skins, and relics collected from the adventures of the members. Both of these areas are known to the masses, but access is restricted to Rangers only. The Vault, a more secretive part of the Rangers, is guarded by the most powerful retired heroes, and consists of relics and artifacts acquired by the Rangers over the years. These relics have been deemed too dangerous for use and stored here to keep them out of dangerous hands. Only the guards and a select few Rangers know of the existence of the Vault.
Structure
The Rangers officially have no leader or leadership, and the lodge acts mostly as a gathering place for the vast membership to gather and await plans for adventure. The lodge itself is run by the ever busy Klaus Tassos, a human Alsonan who is well known for his efficiency and dedication to the Rangers. He was an adventurer himself once, but was the badly injured sole survivor of an expedition into the Long Road, that he returned and settled down to assist the Rangers in his retirement. His vast network of local employees and informants help him arrange and set up jobs for the organization’s roster. When promotions within the ranks and admittance of new members take place, it is usually done by the acclaim of the Rangers' members, who have heard tales of deeds or otherwise accept the newcomers.
Public Agenda
The Rangers are strictly a monster hunting organization and are bound by oath to avoid political entanglements and disputes. The sole exception is in the occasional infighting that can take place among the Rangers themselves. All Rangers must take an oath to protect the people of Alsona from beasts and to sacrifice themselves before innocent lives can be lost. They also swear to harm no other Ranger and to lend aid if another Ranger is in need. If they fail in any of these oaths or otherwise besmirch the good name of the Rangers, often a contract will be issued to eliminate the offenders.
Assets
The Alsonan Rangers possess ample assets to accomplish the goals they have set out to achieve. Large amounts of gold and treasure have been accumulated from the various expeditions sent to the north, including items of magical value. Some of these were lost in the Wingo War, when the Rangers were contracted by the Kingdom of Alsona to act as scouts and guides. Among the other assets lost were nearly half of the Rangers' roster, having died in battles and skirmishes throughout what was once the westernmost province of the Kingdom of Alsona. Those who remain are either the greatest veterans or the rankest newcomers to the guild, and most have lost numerous friends and allies in the conflict with the dwarves. The Rangers still have numerous treasures to offer to those who take upon their bounties, but the hands available for work have become slim.
History
The Alsonan Rangers were founded long ago by Queen Adrianna II Taeyllor, who was well known as and adventurer and marksman of some renown. The story went that the entire garrison of Potami Keep had been wiped out by a foul medusa, who turned everyone there into stone. Then she treated the eight regiments of Alsonan soldiers the same way. The grounds of the keep had become a graveyard with the bodies acting as their own tombstones. Not willing to suffer the loss of any more of her subjects, the queen rallied her closest friends and companions, and they journeyed across the forests to the south. Facing trials and tribulations along the way, they ultimately triumphed over the Potami medusa, although many were lost. The survivors founded the Alsonan Rangers, and the queen vowed that no such monsters would ever again threaten Alsonan lands.
Since the 8th century, the Alsonan Rangers have kept to this vow and for the most part, they drifted away from the monarchy and became an apolitical organization, keeping away from the affairs of state. Numerous beasts and monsters that threatened the kingdom were destroyed, and the Alsonans accumulated one of the most specialized and in depth libraries on monsters that existed in Emicara. Though some of these were lost in the fire of 870, which acted as a precursor to the Battle of the Shards, much of this treasure of knowledge still exists.
Sadly in 1025, the apolitical standing of the Alsonan Rangers was broken. Through threat of force and banishment Queen Miranda III encouraged the Rangers to sign on as scouts and archers with the Alsonan army during the Wingo War. Though many chose exile or flight from Alsona rather than taking up arms in what some viewed as a righteous cause, nearly half joined the army. Many of the dissenters chose the side of the dwarves instead, and the war began. The ranks of the Rangers were devastated, as former brothers in arms fought each other for nations and banners. When the war concluded, the Rangers were returned to their previous status, but bad blood remains to this day.
Ranging the Frontier
Founding Date
756
Type
Guild, Adventuring
Demonym
Ranger
Leader
Parent Organization
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments