Friday, October 30, 2015

Druids and Rangers of the Broken World

Though they are both wielders of Divine power, Druids and Rangers are mostly free of the persecution that Divine practitioners suffer in most parts of the broken world. This is in part due to an important distinction: Druids and Rangers do not worship the Echo Gods, and never did. Instead, they draw their power from the life-force of the earth, harnessing it and strengthening it, only to use that power to protect the world as its healers and wardens.

Druids

Druidic traditions were seen as backward and heretical in most human lands for centuries prior to the breaking, as the churches tried to stamp out rival faiths. However, amongst the tribes of the Ilthunwe elves, druids often rose to positions of prominence, offering guidance to their people in the forests. The Ophiduans also had some Druidic traditions, though they were more seen as tenders to the jungles, those who kept them under control and safe. Amongst the Dwarves, the tradition was unknown, and the Dromite hive mind was unable to connect to the power of the wilds. Hobgoblin druids were not unheard of, but rare and usually outcasts from their militaristic society.

Since the breaking, Druidic circles have been rising in number, with several traditions rising in the aftermath. There is even a tradition that has recently arisen that blends the divine power of nature with psionic potential, a connection described as "The Worldmind". Most druids are welcomed openly now, as they seek to heal the world and curb the monstrosities birthed by the vengeance of the goddesses Garneae and Ithiriae.

Mechanically, very little has to change with the druid. Removal of any reference to alignment is the only change.

Rangers

Some see Rangers as the subordinate member in a Druidic hierarchy. In reality, the two traditions are more allies than partners. Whilst druids protect nature through Divine power first and martial second, the Rangers are the opposite. Also, Rangers are not content to merely drive the defilers of nature out, but instead continue to hunt them like prey, tracking them down and ending their threat permanently. Rangers also guide those less skilled through the wilds as needed, and accept payment for these services. 

Most races had some tradition of Rangers through history: Ranger traditions were tolerated more than Druidism in human lands prior to the breaking, as their more martial bent and useful skills made the clergy see them as less of a threat. The Ilthunwe practiced the ranger traditions for untold centuries, and often a Ranger will be the leader of their hunting parties and Warden forces. The military of the Hobgoblins of Maryx were supported by scouting forces and snipers, able to deal with minor threats quickly and quietly.

There are no mechanical changes to Rangers other than the removal of any reference to alignment.

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