The Players Corner Archive

Dateline 12/12/2001: RANGER GUILD MEETING

Attention Rangers!

A meeting hosted by the Official Ranger guild will be held on The Day of the Huntress, Eorgaen 14th at 8 PM EST. Join our hostess, Dresdena, as she shares anecdotes of her friends, family and the mistakes of men in a discussion of how her choice of Voln was influenced by her choice of profession.

Please meet us just outside the Wehnimer's Landing Guild, where we welcome all rangers young and old. If you have any questions, please contact Sage Marysa at GS3-Marysa@play.net.

END NEWS ITEM reg

If you're looking for more guild-related issues, head toward the far end of this post. Marysa answers several questions on skills, AC, and symbols.

-------
Marysa says, "While we are waiting, I just did want to update you on the guild symbol."

A gentle breeze brushes by your ear, whispering softly, "The Ranger Guild meeting will begin in five minutes outside the Wehnimer's Landing Guild, in the green canvas tent.

Marysa says, "Gwalmachei and Revalos were both extremely helpful pulling together many of the ideas... and that is a project I am focusing on right now."

Gwalmachei chuckles.

Gwalmachei says, "herding cats"

Marysa chuckles.

Bruys smiles.

You grin.

Revalos grins at Gwalmachei.

Bruys says, "indeed"

Marysa says, "Yes.. sometimes it is, but a very nice group of cats."

Marysa says, "I know at the last focus group, that we spoke about the guild, we also chatted about some sort of hours Id be available here for you all. I will be setting up that as well, so you can know a time to expect me each week."

----

Marysa says, "Our guest speaker tonight is Dresdena, who will be talking to you tonight about the ranger profession, her chosen society.. and I am sure will share some fun stories about her family friends."

Dresdena says, "Well...."

Dresdena says, "I was drafted into this."

Dresdena says, "So they say I'll do well but I don't know"

Dresdena says, "As most of you know, I'm the daughter of our spiritual leader, Gwalmachei. What you don't know is that he left me to raise all the other little siblings while he wandered everywhere."

Dresdena glances at Gwalmachei.

>l[Ranger Forum Tent]
In this large assembly room meetings are convened to deal with the affairs of Rangers. There is ample room for benches, long tables and other furnishings befitting special occasions. Sconces for torches, chandeliers holding many candles, and broad windows impart a warm, friendly glow of good fellowship to this space. You also see the Tyras disk, the Jhadusar disk and a pinewood bar with some stuff on it.
Also in the room: Tyras who is kneeling, Jhadusar who is seated, Dienjiini who is lying down, Myridok, Journeyman Drenius who is seated, Lord Speaker who is seated, Brazilopelma, Lady Tigerlillie, Gwalmachei, Journeyman Bruys who is seated, Dresdena who is seated, Revalos who is seated, Sage Marysa who is seated, Lady Erzina
Obvious exits: out.

Dresdena says, "When I finally started out exploring on my own, I got killed. A lot. So I started wearing deep red. I found it hides my blood the best...... and I still bleed a lot."

Dresdena says, "I eventually met my husband, Connachtach, also a ranger, after I was old enough to be titled. He was one of the few men to treat me as a partner instead of an object or toy. We eventually had.."

>Dresdena says, "However, before I met my husband while I was still very young."

>Dresdena says, "Daddy gave me some advice"

>Dresdena says, "After being approached by the mystic with something about threes or fives or whatevers, Daddy counseled me to try Voln. He said that for a ranger, it's really the only way to go......"

Gwalmachei says, "lots of advice actually"
>Gwalmachei winks at Dresdena.
>Dresdena says, "always advice"

>Dresdena says, "after telling me I was waaay to expensive to be free, he reminded me of what rangers are: considerate of others, guardians of nature, keepers of natural lore, and mana batteries for other professions. In other words, the good glue of society. Y'all remember that discussion he had with us a few months ago? Think of him giving it to you, alone, as a young adult."

>l slekYou see GameMaster Sleken Sneleken the Elf Huntmaster.
He appears to be in his 30's, has short, straight black hair, green eyes, and tanned skin.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a snifter of berry brandy in his right hand.
He is wearing a large sack, a large sack, a large sack, a small cylinder, a black cotton cape, an imflass tinder box, some full leather, a linen pouch, a misshapen gold star, a long-sleeved blackened pyrothag hide shirt, a lump of igneous rock, a pair of soot-stained pyrothag hide gloves cinched tightly at the wrists, some pyrothag hide boots fitted with obsidian soles, some black pyrothag hide pants dusted with small grey flakes of ash, a glaes belt buckle inscribed with "GameMaster Sleken Sneleken", a long-handled iron shovel, some reinforced leather, a heavy backpack, a Sparky doll, a large sack, a large sack, some wickedly spiked gauntlets, some wickedly spiked boots, some spiked shoulder pauldrons, a metal breastplate, some wickedly spiked gauntlets, some wickedly spiked boots, some spiked shoulder pauldrons, a metal breastplate, some dirt-caked brigandine armor, a dirt-caked helm, a dirt-caked helm, some wickedly spiked gauntlets, some wickedly spiked boots, some spiked shoulder pauldrons, a metal breastplate, a metal breastplate, some spiked shoulder pauldrons, some wickedly spiked boots, some wickedly spiked gauntlets, a metal breastplate, some spiked shoulder pauldrons, some wickedly spiked boots, some wickedly spiked gauntlets, a metal breastplate, some spiked shoulder pauldrons, some wickedly spiked boots, and some wickedly spiked gauntlets.
**[notice he's wearing two of everything? ]**

>Dresdena says, "There are a few places where there are no options at all."

>Dresdena asks, "anyway, do we want to run down the traits Daddy led us to agree on for rangers?"

>Dresdena says, "so Daddy, you start"

Gwalmachei says, "well, when I was very young someone told me to go see the mystic"

>Gwalmachei says, "which I did and I tried following his advice but it did not feel right to me"

>Gwalmachei says, "so after a while I started talking to other friends of mine and they told me about voln"

>Gwalmachei says, "so I looked into it and what it meant to us"

>Gwalmachei says, "and how it could help us"

>Gwalmachei says, "now you need to remember that when I was younger I trained to get stun relief ahead of other spells because I worried about my friends getting stunned"

>Gwalmachei says, "and that was more important then the powers I got for myself"

>Gwalmachei says, "and voln seemed to fit that mold"

>Dresdena asks, "So, Voln fit because it helped you help others?"

>Gwalmachei nods.
>Gwalmachei says, "yep"

Gwalmachei says, "which seemed to fit in with me and how I viewed rangering"

>Gwalmachei says, "being of service to the lands and to the people in them"

>Dresdena says, "now, back to those rangering traits from your meeting."

>Dresdena says, "other traits Daddy didn't mention are keeping in touch with nater, being courteous, and having a good moral compass"

>Dresdena says, "I had heard rumors of another, more secret, organization. One that stole the souls of the innocent after having them bring all kinds of items for the storehouse. "

>Dresdena says, "No honor in something like that. And honor is just as important to me, as a woman, as it is to you guys! Yes, I know you think us little fluffy headed kittens, but we have more than that to offer."

>Dresdena says, "No honor in being swept away as a mere servant of something you cannot fathom."

>Revalos says, "I think it should be said that joining a society based on honor does not honor make, one can be honorable without a society"

>Dresdena says, "yes, Revalos, one can be honorable without a society."

>Dresdena says, "but to join an honorless society dishonors yourself"

>Jhadusar says, "One might be dishonorable with a society-but a society attracts those with traits that fit."

Dresdena says, "well..... unfortunately that has not necessarily been true in these lands"

>Dresdena says, "much as it should be"

>Dresdena says, "and Voln is a long, hard slog. No way around it. Not an easy way to go."

>Dresdena says, "Unless you have friends to make it so."

>Drenius frowns.
>Drenius mutters voln.
>Drenius gags.
>Delthore no longer appears to be listening intently.
>Jhadusar says, "I was speaking more in generaly terms"
>Dresdena says, "yes, there are a lot of members of Voln I would rather not associate with either, Drenius"

>Dresdena says, "However, "When I was in my last several steps of the path to Enlightenment, I ran into some very good people. We ended up being together for several trainings, hunting together, learning Voln. One of them was my husband, of course. At least four others were rangers. Was a crowd of about a dozen of us. We shared everything, including roast marshmallows and stories, companionship and commiseration."

>Dresdena says, "and that is what makes Voln special"

(Dresdena pulls out her battered Lady Ranger's Picture Book.)

>(Dresdena leaves through all the pages, looking for a rather smudged one.)

>Dresdena exclaims, "here it is!"

>(Dresdena peers intently at the book, raises her hand, does something that looks like a weird growing pattern, and over on the bar appear some soft, plump marshmallows.)

>Dresdena says, "to get on with things......"

>Dresdena exclaims, "Those friends and our grouping was probably the best time I have ever had here..... if you can, organize a group like that and keep it going. It makes a world of difference!"

>Dresdena says, "That's the reason I ended up helping out on the group hunt."

>Dresdena says, "To help others form the groups"

>Dresdena says, "Anyway, back to Voln"

>Dresdena says, "Daddy was right, as usual. Voln is where I belong. NOT because of who else is Voln..... because there are a lot of idiots in it. But because of what the organization stands for."

>Dresdena says, "he's right most of the time"
>Dresdena grins.

>Dresdena says, "except when he's wrong"

>Dresdena examines her fingernails.

>Dresdena says, "Rangers, for all their wandering, are committed people. When we give our hearts, it's forever. When we give our pledge, it's binding. When we give our word, it's final. Voln is a commitment. Voln is a pledge to fight the evil curse of undead, releasing them back to their natural states."

>l[Ranger Forum Tent]
In this large assembly room meetings are convened to deal with the affairs of Rangers. There is ample room for benches, long tables and other furnishings befitting special occasions. Sconces for torches, chandeliers holding many candles, and broad windows impart a warm, friendly glow of good fellowship to this space. You also see the Jhadusar disk and a pinewood bar with some stuff on it.
Also in the room: Lord Dravnum, Zanatra, Pharadus who is seated, Riaz who is seated, GameMaster Sleken, Jhadusar who is seated, Fylo who is seated, Kanein who is seated, Lord Zanteal who is seated, Delthore who is seated, Journeyman Drenius who is seated, Lord Speaker who is seated, Brazilopelma who is seated, Gwalmachei who is seated, Journeyman Bruys who is seated, Dresdena who is seated, Revalos who is seated, Sage Marysa who is seated, Lady Erzina
Obvious exits: out.

>Dresdena says, "Voln is something you can be proud of, not bury deep inside the recesses of your former soul. As rangers, we are of the light. We guide and channel the nature of Imaera and Phoen to bring that light to the farthest corners of the Lands. That is our job."

>Dresdena says, "yes, I know this is going to get criticism"

>Dresdena says, "so, before I go on...."
>Dresdena says, "criticize me"
> * Lede just bit the dust!
Dresdena smiles.

>Dresdena asks, "Well?"

Delthore says, "we have been, with sign language"
***[note: There were several COL members present who didn't agree with what she was saying.]***

**[At this point I left briefly to help a newer player with a some questions. I came back about 10 minutes later. If anyone wants to fill in what happened while I wasn't there, please do.]**

Dresdena asks, "Do we have a mission in the other soulblighted place? Is there a job for us there?"
>The air about Dravnum stops shimmering.
>Drenius asks, "are we going to talk about rangers at all?"
>Dresdena asks, "can anyone enlighten me, please, as to what it is?"
>Dresdena says, "Drenius, I just gave you an opening"
>Dresdena says, "Tell me what the mission of rangers is in this other place you have joined."
>Dresdena says, "please"
>Dresdena says, "I want to understand it."
>Delthore asks, "what other place?"
>Drenius says, "oh, our 'evil' society"

>Dresdena says, "since no one will explain the mission, I will assume there is none."

>Delthore asks, "mission of what?"
>Drenius growls ferociously!
>Dresdena says, "Rangers"

>Marysa says, "If I may speak for a moment.. "

>Marysa says, "For those of you curious, I will be here afterwards to help address any ranger specific concerns that we like to talk about at ranger focus group."

>Marysa says, "Right now, I think Dresdena's personal stories are quite interesting, and will help others who chose her, or a different path, understand better about her personal life."

>Gwalmachei says, "the point is there are many paths to follow in rangering, Dresdena is trying to explain one and why it is the right one in her mind"

>Dresdena says, "Voln and how it fits into rangering"
>Marysa nods to Gwalmachei.
>Revalos nods to Gwalmachei.
>Dresdena asks, "In return for our responsibilities of pruning the undead and allowing light to shine in dark places, what does Voln provide rangers?"

>Dresdena says, "Firstly, it provides the means to say...... "I wasn't lost, I got us home, didn't I?!""

>Dresdena says, "The symbol of return is the ranger's best friend. It returns you AND your group to a place of safety."

>Dresdena says, "without anyone the wiser that you're lost....."

>Dresdena says, "talking about lost"

>Dresdena says, "So, what happens if you are lost and you bring your group into somewhere you've never been before and you all get slaughtered three seconds later? Voln has the answer! Symbol of preservation and symbol of need. Not only can you LK yourself with preservation, you can LK those around you. And with need, you can show others were you are."

>Dresdena says, "been there, done that, an invasion of what were they? temporal shades, I think, when we were in moaning spirits once"

>Dresdena says, "eight of us, dead, in half a minute"

>Gwalmachei says, "there was one nasty night out in shadow mares where there was a pile of dead and no living adventurers"

>Dresdena says, "What else does Voln offer? How about a way to be unlike every other ranger out there? There's a way you, as a ranger, have an advantage over every other spellcasting profession in Voln. Your magical foot."

Dresdena says, "Take training in brawl, mix it with your mobility spell, and you have a wonderful way to knock the stuffing out of almost any undead you encounter. No other profession has this advantage."

Dresdena says, "my husband is able to fu waerns and other creatures his age, still, with his foot."

>Dresdena says, "and well, I might add"

>Dresdena says, "there is more than one path a ranger may take..... the fuing ranger is rather unusual but very viable"

>Erzina says, "up to a point anyway"
>Kanein rubs his chin thoughtfully.
>Dresdena says, "up to a rather high point"

>Dresdena says, "I can tell you about a daughter in Plat" *[yes, she did go OOC]*

>Revalos coughs.

>Revalos asks, "where?"

>Dresdena says, "She is fully singled in brawl, is a Voln master"

Dresdena says, "parallel universe"

Dresdena says, "She is able to hunt with her own spells and nothing else, at her age level"

Dresdena says, "She is titled"
>Dresdena says, "it IS viable"
>

>Dresdena says, "My husband has been fully singled for all his trainings"

>Dresdena says, "he's able to use fu to hunt, and is a Huntmaster."

Dresdena asks, "Does anyone have any questions about either the tools or the mission or anything related to my life?"

*[no questions. Her favorite color is deep red by the way]*

>Dresdena says, "Thank you all for listening to me ramble..."
------

>Marysa says, "For those of you who haven't attended a guild meeting yet, I am very happy that you were able to make it this evening."

>Marysa says, "Dresdena, Gwalmachei, Revalos.. are just three of the group leaders we have had so far."

>Revalos says, "it's a great time...I reccomend it to everyone"

>Marysa says, "Each month, another ranger hosts a guild meeting, to share their personal experiences and knowledge with us"

>Gwalmachei says, "maybe you could get some volunteers for the future from the group here"

>Marysa says, "Currently, I am working on scheduling an archery guild meeting.."

>Marysa says, "And yes, Gwalmachei, I am always looking for.. "volunteers"."

>Marysa says, "I also hold regular focus groups, where we talk about issues that are of concern to all rangers. Our last focus group was to brainstorm our guild symbol, which will be available inside the ranger guild."

>Marysa says, "While our Ranger Guru, GameMaster Dimigor isn't here this eve, Id be happy to answer any questions you may have, or ask him any that I dont know the answers to."

>Dravnum asks, "our symbol is finalized?"

>Marysa says, "Not yet.. but the ideas that everyone submitted that night, and ont he boards, have been complied with the help of a few rangers, and the symbol is coming along nicely."

>Dravnum asks, "The issue of companions?"

>Marysa says, "Animal companions.. I had the idea that would come up."

>Marysa says, "Before I get to that.. "

>Marysa asks, "Avalos, you had a question?"

>Marysa smiles at Avalos.

>Avalos says, "Just wondering if the guild found any trainers that might hire on in the near future."

>Marysa says, "While currently they are not hiring any trainers, the guild is looking for those who will give presentations to not only the guild members, but to any ranger who wishes to come."

>Gwalmachei says, "should note that the tent is outside the guild so all rangers can attend these meeting"

>Marysa says, "While the guild will not be teaching any new skills to rangers, what we can do, is help you to better understand ones that you do have."

------

That's basically it. After a few more minutes people started getting on the argument of 'no guild skills' again. reg

My Ranger is Col, I think I remember yours being in Voln?

Just wondered what your perspective was on being a ranger in Voln.

-=Insomniac=- reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Taernath:
>Dresdena says, "I can tell you about a daughter in Plat" *[yes, she did go OOC]*

---

Um... There's a GM there. The whole event, therefore, is out of character. reg

Marysa is not a GM, she's a sage, I consider her a kind of mentor. The attempts at guild meetings is to stay IC, the focus groups and GM run forums are not.

If there is a desire to both provide the COL signals, as well as that 10 minute gap, I can do so Taernath. But let's just say...you didn't miss much.

I was dissapointed at many COL members there, I am of the opinion that people should be treated with courtesy even if they share different beliefs. I posted about this on the official boards, though it may get pulled.

-Revalos
reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gnomad:
Um... There's a GM there. The whole event, therefore, is out of character.

---

GM Sleken was only watching, and didn't offer any advice or insight. The presence of a GM doesn't make OOC talk acceptable, and as a general rule the ranger guild meetings are held IC. reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Insomniac:
My Ranger is Col, I think I remember yours being in Voln?

Just wondered what your perspective was on being a ranger in Voln.

-=Insomniac=-

---

Yep, I'm in Voln.

Both societies are valid choices, but as always each offer advantages over the other one.

COL, in my opinion, is great if you want more hunting power. Mana and health recovery are incredibly easy. And of course, the abilities only require spirit or mana. However, there's a definite lack of unity and communication between the members.

Voln is good if you'd like to become a part of a community. Members regularly go on rescue missions for each other, and there's the Voln net to use if you need to contact somone. You gain the power to bless your own weapons, LK yourself and others, plus several symbols that deal with the undead.

Anyway, the main reason I chose Voln was due to my characters history and the way I wanted to portray him. He's aligned with Liabo, which would make it difficult at best to explain why he's in an organization associated with the Unlife. Even though the Unlife is considered a dead ICE storyline, since nothing else has been put forward I'm still going by that. reg