Clans
Clans
While all Rangers are sworn to protect all of the animal kingdom from
the ravages of humanity and the many monsters that kill for sport, it
is perhaps inevitable that many have a certain affinity with a particular
type of animal. But it goes much beyond this - the vast majority of
Rangers, choose to become a member of a Clan devoted to the protection
of a particular species.
A Clan is not, though, a mainly social group - each member gains a number of skills and benefits, normally related directly to the animal that the Clan is based around. Some of these are inherent bonuses, while others are spell like effects
It is of vital import to note that no Ranger should *ever* kill a Clan Animal of their own Clan under *any* circumstances *whatsoever*. Doing so carries the harshest of penalties.
The Clans that are known to Exist at the moment are:
The Clan of the Bear
Clan Bear are strong and tough, advocating physical strength as the means to win the day. While every Ranger knows that cunning and strength go hand in hand, those of Clan Bear have honed their raw physical power to such an extent that all other things being equal, they will best all but the toughest of foes. Thus Clan Bear are extremely strong, hardy and powerful in hand to hand combat. At high level they even gain the ability to summon the raw strength of their kin and deal a devestating Bear Hug to any who get too close.
Clan Bear hold any kind of Bear as sacred, but above all, they have an affinity to the Grizzly Bear, with whom they share a special bond.
The Clan of the Wolf
Clan Wolf are stealthy and above all the other Clans understand the value of working as a pack. They often travel in parties composed solely of Clan Wolf members, and it is reported that at even modest levels such packs can benefit from sudden and terrifying bursts of ferocity - enough to overcome all but the most stalwart defenders. Clan Wolf excell in matters of hunting and stalking, preferring sudden hit and run attacks, and the ferocity of the pack at hunt to bring down their foe before their victims can react. They can also tap into the raw, primeval fear of the Wolf that dwells within every creature, and use it to their advantage. Clan Wolf are kin to all the many Wolves of the Realms, but spend most of their time around Forest Wolves.
The Clan of the Eagle
Clan Eagle best represent the ideal that precision of action and timing can turn even the toughest battle. Of all the Clans, they also share the closest links to their animal kin, even to the extent that Giant Eagles have been known to fly to their aid in times of trouble. Clan Eagle also benefit from vastly improved vision, not only the ability to see through all but the darkest nights, but it is rumoured that they can form telepathic links to the Eagles and view the world through their eyes in some limited fashion. Although extremely rare, it is reported that the most powerful members of Clan Eagle have at times summoned flights of ancient, huge Eagles to strike down their foes. Fairly obviously Clan Eagle prefer being under an open sky, and have an extreme dislike for being underground.
Clan Eagle are kin to every type of Eagle found within the Western Realms, but the lack of such birds means that it is hard to say if they are particually close with any one type.
The Clan of the Stag
Clan Stag, like their forest dwelling kindred, are experts at evasion and getting out of tight situations. More than any other Clan, they understand that to stand and fight when the advantage is with your opponent is foolhardy in the extreme. By choosing their battles carefully, Clan Stag show a remarkable degree of success in combat, and should the tide turn against them can deprive a hunter of his kill. Some have made the mistake of believing this to be a sign of weakness, and have paid for their mistake with their life. In particular it is rumoured that the most powerful members of Clan Stag are taught a devestating impalement attack, capable of felling an attacker instantly. Clan Stag also gain incredible stamina, even by the standards of the already hardy Rangers, and can cover extremely long distances without needing to stop and rest. Members of this Clan are particually unfond of towns and built up areas, finding the closely packed streets to be extremely claustrophobic.
Clan Stag are kin to all kinds of Deer and Stags, and show great affinity to all such creatures.
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