Stalwart Pines
 | This article is about a topic found primarily or only in the RPGA's Living Greyhawk campaign (2000-2008). While it is officially sanctioned and is frequently based on officially published material, it may be considered unofficial or non-canonical to the setting. |
| Stalwart Pines Ranger School | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Ranger school |
| Founded: | First century CY |
| Members: | Rangers |
| Headquarters: | Celadon Forest |
| Allies: | House Kilbourne Band of Ehlonna’s Faithful Duke Karll Elven Clan Tuliktu Elven Clan Shankopt |
Stalwart Pines is an "organized" school for rangers located in the Celadon Forest—the only known example of its kind in the Flanaess.[1] Graduation from the school is a mark of honor across the civilized world. While loyal to the Celadon, Stalwart Pines maintains strong ties with the Duchy of Urnst and Duke Karll is among its most notable graduates.[2][3]
History
Stalwart Pines was founded by wood elves in the first century CY[4] at the urging of Keurich, and c.350 CY they opened it to non-elves to foster peace with the Suel in the Duchy of Urnst.[3][4]
Members
Only rangers are accepted into training by the members of Stalwart Pines, though they do occasionally grant boons to their many friends.[5]
In 596 CY, the wood elves' relationship soured with humans when it was found a Suel noble from the duchy was responsible for a blight in the Celadonn. Afterward, they began looking warily upon Suel applicants unless they are already known friends of the organization or have standing or connections with them, such as through Duke Karll. They also began accepting gnomes, halflings, and dwarves into the schoool.[3]
Structure
The structure of Stalwart Pines is a fairly loose one, with mentor-mentee pairs each having their own practices and instruction schedule. While most students at Stalwart Pines spend a year training, in order to progress to further, mentors may permit students, especially adventuring ones, to come and go as they please and simply take their training back up where they left off, as long as they spend at least six weeks a year at Stalwart Pines.[6]
Ranks
Each year, prospective candidates gather at Stalwart Pines to compete in challenges, hoping to be selected as students by the Mentors. Newly appointed Runners oversee these contests before departing for their year-long trial. Ancient wood elf rangers also attend, choosing a few students to mentor. While candidates believe winning is key, selection is based on more than just performance.
- Student
- Those chosen by Mentors in the challenges become students, and undergo at least a year of rigorous ranger training in the Celadon.
- Runner
- A Runner, having completed initial training at Stalwart Pines, must now embark on a solitary journey through nature for one or more years. During this period, they apply their training to determine if the ranger's path is truly theirs. Until their trial is complete, they are not allowed to return to Stalwart Pines.
- Ranger
- Runners who survive a year alone and prove their skills may return to Stalwart Pines for final training and testing. Graduates leave not only with a degree but also with valuable skills and a respected reputation that serve them throughout the Flanaess.
- Warden
- Some Graduate Rangers pledge to protect the Celadon as Wardens, patrolling its borders and helping train new students. They are always welcomed warmly at Stalwart Pines. Respected by the forest folk, Wardens receive support from the Celadon’s natives.
- Mentors
- Mentors are the highest-ranking members of Stalwart Pines, typically elite wood elf rangers with over sixty years of experience defending the Celadon. While no non-elf has ever become a Mentor, this is due more to dedication and lifespan than elven resistance. Mentors pass down the secrets of the Celadon, ensuring the school's survival through their sacrifice and love for the forest. Their inspiration traces back to Keurich, a Suloise human whose devotion convinced the wood elves to establish the school over 500 years ago.
Creative origins
The "Stalwart Pines Ranger School" meta-organization was written for the Living Greyhawk campaign by Brad Street.[3]
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.139.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.125.
- ↑ a b c d Duchy of Urnst Meta-Org Book v1 (2007)(RPGA), p.38
- ↑ a b Duchy of Urnst Meta-Org Book v1 (2007)(RPGA), p.43
- ↑ Duchy of Urnst Meta-Org Book v1 (2007)(RPGA), p.39
- ↑ Duchy of Urnst Meta-Org Book v1 (2007)(RPGA), p.40
Bibliography
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalwart Pines | Building | College or School, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 125, 139 |