Rangers of Melrath: The Ydalir

The Ydalir

The Ydalir Rangers of Melrath were first founded within the ancient city of Fensalir. These individuals make up one of the oldest factions in Melrath, and they have guarded the wilderness of their home for generations. The Ydalir Rangers serve outside the command structure of the Ragnari. They have no ties to the military and are set apart from the Aesir. While they work with the spirits of the land, they also work to protect the people of Melrath as well. In a way they are peacekeepers of the highest order who work to deter conflict between civilization and the wilderness.

It is the sole responsibility of the Ydalir to protect the wilderness of Melrath from forces that would harm it. The Rangers often patrol the forests and wilds of the land; ever watchful for foreign invaders or people who have malintent. It is because of this that this group is considered the first line of defense against invasion as they are masters of navigating the mountains and forests that make up the wilderness of Melrath.

Each Ydalir Ranger works alongside an animal companion that they select after they first join the faction. This may be whatever the recruit chooses but they must tame the creature on their own either before or after they have reached the second tier rank of Scout. Certain animals will be harder to tame than others, this should be considered when choosing which companion you wish to take.

There are no specific branches within the Ydalir as everyone is tasked with the same mission. To be a Ydalir Ranger is to be a member of an elite group of warriors and wayfinders. Not all of the rangers focus on combat prowess, some might be better suited as healers or navigators. It’s really up to the recruit in question as to what they wish to do during their time as a Ranger. However once a Ranger reaches the second rank and tames their animal companion they must make a commitment to the Ydalir, to serve in protecting the Wilds for the rest of their lives.

This takes the form of a special initiation ceremony which will determine if the Scout is ready to dedicate themselves to the path of the Ydalir. This is known as the Harrowing.

The Final Initiation (The Harrowing)

During this ceremony the Scout and their animal companion are taken deep into the Myrkvior Forest during the night when the moons are at their absolute fullest. Another Ranger will be their escort during this journey. Eventually the Scout and their escort will arrive at a place in the woods that is known only to the Rangers as the Elden Glade. Here there is a wide but shallow crystal clear pool with an ancient cypress tree standing at its heart. The Scout and their animal companion must step into the pool and meditate before the tree. During this time their escort shall leave them.

It is said that each initiate’s experience is different during the Harrowing but that a few details always remain the same. They all experience vivid hallucinations where they are show their greatest fears. They must face those fears and remain kneeling in the waters of the Glade. Those that fail often flee from the pool and find themselves quickly picked up by their escort who will return them to Fensalir but deny them the chance to return to the Ranger’s Hall. If you fail the initiation then you are no longer a Ranger.

Those who continue the Harrowing will find that the hallucinations seem to torture them throughout the night. Again and again their resolve will be tested. Many not only see their fears but are also tempted by mysterious figures in their minds eye to turn upon the Ydalir Rangers and the wilderness they are tasked to protect. Those who pass the test awaken the next morning alongside their animal companion to find that they have gained not only full membership to the Rangers, but they will have also gained the unique ability granted to all fully initiated Rangers.

Beast’s Heart (Ranger Ability)

This ability allows the Ranger to feel the emotions of nearby animals as if they were their own. This allows the Ranger to better understand the creatures that inhabit the wilderness. It also allows an experienced Ranger the ability to more easily track animals within a small area. Over time many Rangers suggest that depending on the particular “flavor” of the emotions they are detecting, they can discern the species of the creature before they even see them. Birds tend to have sharp capricious emotions, whereas a wolf might experience emotions that are more predatory in nature. Beast’s Heart is essentially a simple form of empathy that allows for a deeper understand of nature.

This ability applies uniquely to your specially selected animal companion as you will not only be able to feel their emotions but you will also be able to sense their thoughts and general intentions. Animals cannot communicate clearly with words per’se but you will be able to sense their goals and desires. If your animal companion is an eagle then you will know when it is itching to fly or hunt. If your animal is a wolf you might know when it might want a scratch behind the ears or a quick run outside. Over time this bond will deepen and you will be able to more clearly understand their thoughts and even attempt to communicate with them via this link. Communication will be rough and very broad in terms of level of detail. But it would not be outlandish for an experienced Ranger to possess the skill to give their companion simple instructions, or greet them by using this ability.

Leaving the Ydalir

Should one desire to abandon their promise to protect the Wilds of Melrath, they will find that over the following season their ability to use the Beast's Heart ability will slowly diminish until it is gone entirely. Additionally, your animal companion will very likely abandon you once the ability has vanished. To abandon the Ydalir is to abandon the life you had among them. From then on you will find that animals shy away from you, as if they can sense the void left behind by the lost of Beast's Heart.

Ranks:

Sage (100 Points): Sages represent the highest authority within the Ydalir Rangers. They command the Preservers and ensure that the mission of the Ydalir remains focused on preserving peace between the natural and civilized world. Sages are wise and often have experience in dealing with animal and nature spirits. Many prefer consulting their wisdom on spiritual problems before seeking out a robed member of the Aesir.

Preserver (80 Points): The Preservers of the Ydalir are highly respected individuals who are often considered those responsible for the day to day leadership of the faction. They often are responsible for arranging patrols into the wilderness, and are the general decision makers when it comes to solving problems.

Conservator (60 Points): Conservators are considered the veteran Rangers of the Ydalir. These individuals often tend to their own territory while also reporting back to the Hall occasionally to meet with the leadership of the faction to discuss plans for the future. The Conservators work closely with new Rangers as well to help teach them the skills they will need in their roles as protectors of the natural world.

Ranger (40 Points): It is at this stage that the Ranger truly comes into their own and begins exercising more independence. These individuals will often have swaths of territory that they are responsible for overseeing and protecting. Rangers are expected to work alone, alongside their animal companion of course, but without the aid of other members of their faction unless dire help is needed.

Scout (20 Points): The Scouts of the Ydalir can have many roles though often they serve essentially as squires to older more experienced members of the faction. They spend time caring for the equipment and weaponry of the other Rangers while also honing their own skills. The most trusted Scouts are tasked with acting as message runners between Rangers out in the wilderness. They can also be assigned to easy missions that are suitable to their experience level.

Wanderer (Starting Rank) : Wanderers are considered to be individuals who are simply attempting to join the Ydalir Rangers. These are recruits who are training to reach the rank of Scouts when they can attempt to pass the trial known as the Harrowing which fully initiates one as a Ranger. Wanderers spend their time training in skills such as combat, navigation, and animal training. Many invest most of their time in trying to tame an animal that will serve as their companion.

How ranking up and rewards work for this faction (Link Here)