Welcome to brothers and apprentices a role play based off of the brotherband and ranger apprentice series your character will either be three things , a young skandian joining the brotherband training , a rangers aprentice, or a battleschool student . Ages will depend on what you're character is and will be said in the descriptions. If you are a rangers apprentice or battleschool student your character will love in arulean witch is like medieval England , if you are a brotherband participant you will live in hallasholm skandia (which is like norway and Denmark etc )
Groups:
Character sheet:
Name:
Age(if brotherband then 16, if aprentice/battlechool then 15
Appearance:
Brotherband,ranger apprentice, battleschool cadet:(put whatever one your character is going to be )
Bio :
Extras:
Theme song:
Groups:
Brotherbands are teams of Skandian boys and in this case also girls that compete to be the winner of the Brotherband contest.
When a Skandian boy/girl turns 16, he is required to compete in the yearly Brotherband competition, where they will camp in the woods and compete in a series of test designed to ready them for manhood/womanhood. The purpose of this competition is to instruct young Skandians about becoming men/women.I
The program is run by 4 or 5 Skandian men appointed by the Oberjarl. Boys/girls enter the program once they have turned 16, and attend the program for around 3 or 4 months When they arrive they put themselves into “Brotherbands” to compete in the competition. Usually there is about three or four teams, and each Brotherband is led by a boy/girl that the others in the Brotherband deem worthy (this is usually based on popularity, and the boys/girls in a group are friends) Upon creating the Brotherbands, the boys/girls decide on animal mascots to name their bands by, the names chosen are almost always strong and fierce animals respected in Skandian culture, although there is no rule on what animal it can be. After this first session, each Brotherband is assigned a supervisor, and the respective bands are led to their camp grounds. Once there, each of the bands is required to construct a shelter which their team will sleep in during the training, with materials provided.
After being introduced to the program and constructing their shelters, the Brotherbands start the training/tests/competition, which are a series of physical and sometimes also mental challenges where each brotherband competes against the others. These test can include, running, tug of war, and wolfship navigating.
Wolfships:
Wolfships are the Skandian ships, modeled after the Viking longships.
Description
Wolfships are long open aired ships that are used by Skandians. The wolfships are named, however, the names are not painted on the sides. They have a usually horrific figurehead on the front of the ship, and very little else in the way of decoration. The names usually begin with Wolf, such as Wolfwill, Wolfwind, and Wolfcloud.
Viking longships
A fleet of Skandian Wolfships
They are very slim, very fast, and very efficient ships, with 16 oars, 8 to a side, and at least one mast, with square sails. Alternatively, they can be rigged with The Heron Sail Plan, with two triangular sails, one on each side of a backset mast, that allow blinding speed and the ability to sail against the wind.
They carry a full crew of 30 Skandians, including the skirl (or jarl) in command of the ship. They are raiding ships, and thus are designed for that purpose. Below the deck, the ship is separated into four independant, watertight compartments, which allows the ship to stay afloat if swamped. These compartments also act as storage areas for the loot that the Skandians "liberate" on their raiding trips, and can also be converted into temporary stables for horses.
Weapons:
Battleaxe – A specialized axe designed for fighting. This weapon is extremely popular in Skandia.
Sword – A weapon good for stabbing and slashing. Used by Skandians who have a small build. It is also used around the world in many different places, but design and technique varies.
Broadsword – A larger version of a sword and used with two hands. Deals more damage because of the added weight, but is more difficult to wield. Like the axe, it is fairly popular with Skandians.
Spear – A long wooden pole (varies in size) with a sharp metal blade. An excellent weapon as it can be used as a pike or lance. These are popular with Skandians although not as much so as the axe or broadsword.
Saxe Knife – A large broad knife used by most Skandians and Rangers. It serves as an excellent tool as well as a weapon if regular weapons are not in reach.
Shields-Viking style shields
When a Skandian boy/girl turns 16, he is required to compete in the yearly Brotherband competition, where they will camp in the woods and compete in a series of test designed to ready them for manhood/womanhood. The purpose of this competition is to instruct young Skandians about becoming men/women.I
The program is run by 4 or 5 Skandian men appointed by the Oberjarl. Boys/girls enter the program once they have turned 16, and attend the program for around 3 or 4 months When they arrive they put themselves into “Brotherbands” to compete in the competition. Usually there is about three or four teams, and each Brotherband is led by a boy/girl that the others in the Brotherband deem worthy (this is usually based on popularity, and the boys/girls in a group are friends) Upon creating the Brotherbands, the boys/girls decide on animal mascots to name their bands by, the names chosen are almost always strong and fierce animals respected in Skandian culture, although there is no rule on what animal it can be. After this first session, each Brotherband is assigned a supervisor, and the respective bands are led to their camp grounds. Once there, each of the bands is required to construct a shelter which their team will sleep in during the training, with materials provided.
After being introduced to the program and constructing their shelters, the Brotherbands start the training/tests/competition, which are a series of physical and sometimes also mental challenges where each brotherband competes against the others. These test can include, running, tug of war, and wolfship navigating.
Wolfships:
Wolfships are the Skandian ships, modeled after the Viking longships.
Description
Wolfships are long open aired ships that are used by Skandians. The wolfships are named, however, the names are not painted on the sides. They have a usually horrific figurehead on the front of the ship, and very little else in the way of decoration. The names usually begin with Wolf, such as Wolfwill, Wolfwind, and Wolfcloud.
Viking longships
A fleet of Skandian Wolfships
They are very slim, very fast, and very efficient ships, with 16 oars, 8 to a side, and at least one mast, with square sails. Alternatively, they can be rigged with The Heron Sail Plan, with two triangular sails, one on each side of a backset mast, that allow blinding speed and the ability to sail against the wind.
They carry a full crew of 30 Skandians, including the skirl (or jarl) in command of the ship. They are raiding ships, and thus are designed for that purpose. Below the deck, the ship is separated into four independant, watertight compartments, which allows the ship to stay afloat if swamped. These compartments also act as storage areas for the loot that the Skandians "liberate" on their raiding trips, and can also be converted into temporary stables for horses.
Weapons:
Battleaxe – A specialized axe designed for fighting. This weapon is extremely popular in Skandia.
Sword – A weapon good for stabbing and slashing. Used by Skandians who have a small build. It is also used around the world in many different places, but design and technique varies.
Broadsword – A larger version of a sword and used with two hands. Deals more damage because of the added weight, but is more difficult to wield. Like the axe, it is fairly popular with Skandians.
Spear – A long wooden pole (varies in size) with a sharp metal blade. An excellent weapon as it can be used as a pike or lance. These are popular with Skandians although not as much so as the axe or broadsword.
Saxe Knife – A large broad knife used by most Skandians and Rangers. It serves as an excellent tool as well as a weapon if regular weapons are not in reach.
Shields-Viking style shields
the Ranger Corps is an organization established during King Herbert's reign of Araluen. They are an elite paramilitary organization, tasked with foreign and domestic intelligence gathering, law enforcement within Araluen's borders, and special operations.I
The Ranger Corps was originally founded during King Herbert's reign, 150 years before the events of The Ruins of Gorlan. There are 50 rangers, one for each Fief. Later exceptions to this rule include Redmont Fief, which briefly had two Rangers, and Gorlan Fief, which does not have a Ranger at all.
During the reign of King Oswald, a number of ambitious barons-led by lord Morgarath started to take over Araluen, as the king's mind was old and compromised. They had Prince Duncan sent to a far corner of Araluen and began to get rid of the loyal and potentially dangerous rangers, such as Pritchard. These Rangers were banished and replaced with unqualified noblemen who gained entrance to the Corps by paying a pension, resulting in the corruption of the Ranger Corps. Around this time, Crowley and Halt first meet; both were Pritchard's pupils and taught as rangers should be. Together, they decided to revitalize the Ranger Corps and bring an end to the barons' schemes.
To minimize enemy knowledge about them, the Corps shrouds itself in a wealth of mystery and misinformation. This proves to be effective when the Temujai are shown to know little about the Rangers, referring to them as "Atabi".
Although Rangers are traditionally men, this is changed when Alyss, Will's wife dies, due to a fire caused by Jory Ruhl and his gang, and Will went into a state of depression, so Halt, Gilan, Horace, Princess Cassandra,(AKA Evanlyn) decided to start Princess Madelyn training to become the first female Ranger.
A Ranger's most essential article of clothing is the mottled green and grey camouflage cloak. Made of tightly woven wool, it offers protection from the weather, and the color makes it easier to remain unseen in the forests of Araluen.
The cloak has a heavy, deep cowl which, when pulled over the head leaves the Ranger's face in deep shadow. This hides the Ranger's face and allows him to scan his surroundings without being too noticeable. This cloak also helped start the rumor that Rangers studied witchcraft because, when a ranger reveals himself after being camouflaged, they seem to conjure themselves out of nowhere, as stated by various individuals.
Most Rangers wear a long sleeved, green linen shirt covered by a brown leather tunic that also aids in concealment and helps the Rangers to carry all of their tools and weapons.
They wear light-weight, soft-soled, brown leather boots, which allow them to move silently but also aid in riding. They never polish their boots (nor their buckles), as the glint of reflected sun can give their position away.
Attire:
They usually have a leather gauntlet on their non-dominant forearm to protect them from the strings of their own bows when firing.
On their belt they wear a double-scabbard with their throwing and saxe knives placed next to each other. They carry a quiver of 24 arrows on their back (with extras in their pack) as well as a longbow. Apprentices often use recurve bows.
Around their necks they wear a metal oak leaf on a chain, bronze for apprentices, silver for fully-fledged Rangers, and gold for retired Rangers. Although this is usually hidden beneath the shirt, for the same reason they do not polish their boots.
Weaponry:
Rangers are best known for their longbows that they carry and the twenty-four arrows in their quiver - this, combined with the fabled accuracy of Rangers, gave rise to the saying "a Ranger carries the lives of twenty-four men in his quiver." They of course carry extra arrows in their saddlebag. Rangers are extremely accurate with their longbows and can shoot rapidly with accuracy. A Ranger's main tasks include special reconnaissance, intelligence, assassination, national law enforcement, situational intervention, and special operations. They also wield a throwing knife, a heavy bladed saxe knife, and strikers. From the time of the A New Beginning onwards, Rangers included a sling and lead bullets among their arsenal. While apprentices would use a recurve bow
Skills:
Stealth - Rangers are incredibly stealthy and many believe that they practice the dark arts, though this is not true. They achieve their far-famed stealth through years of rigorous training and camouflage cloaks.
Archery - All Rangers are accomplished archers, having a standard of shooting that is achieved only by few, their skills far outmatch that of the Genovesians, who are known for their use of crossbows in assassination. As Pritchard, Crowley's and Halt's mentor, said, "An ordinary archer practices until he gets it right. A Ranger practices until he never gets it wrong."
Tactical Thinking - All Rangers are taught to be tacticians as they are often called into situations which involve the need for tactical thinking.
Knife Throwing - All Rangers use knives, placed on their belts in a special double-scabbard, containing a useful saxe knife and throwing knife.
Double Knife Defense - The double knife defense involves the Rangers using their two knives to defend themselves against swordsmen. It does not appear to be used often.
Horse Riding - It is necessary that all Rangers are proficient horse riders and every one of them owns a horse specially trained for their line of work.
Fitness - Being a Ranger is a physically demanding task, requiring high levels of fitness and training.
Tracking - All rangers are able to track across all types of terrain.
Unarmed Combat - Ranger's are expected to excel in combat, with or without a weapon.
Cooking - All Rangers have to take an instructional course in cooking, so all can at least cook halfway decently.
Sewing - Most Rangers can sew, in case there is a rip in the cloak.
Couriers Code - This is not only a Ranger skill but also a Couriers skill
Training:
To become a Ranger, apprentices must go through five years of vigorous training to bring them up to the high standard required of King's Rangers. During these years they are know as Ranger's Apprentices.
Apprentices are personally chosen by Rangers who have held the Silver Oakleaf for at least a few years to ensure they are experienced and mature enough to take on and adequately train an apprentice.
The Ranger will observe a potential apprentice discreetly to discern whether or not they would make a good Ranger. If they meet up to the standard then the Ranger will propose the prospect, and if they accept, they will be trained.
Initial Training
Apprentices initially learn the history of the Rangers Corps from its formation during the reign of King Herbert. They are then taught about the various weapons which are used by Rangers such as the bows, and throwing knives, and strikers.
They are taught about tracking, camouflage and concealed movement. Tracking consists of finding the right animal the After being taught the basics in these areas they will be given a mottled camouflage cloak and taught how to utilize it in their movements.
After a few weeks of this training they will be granted a specially-bred Ranger horse, taught to take care of and bond with it, and learn the different signals and routines which will help the apprentice when they are fully qualified.
Assessment
Bronze oakleaf
Will's bronze oakleaf
Generally after a year (though Will's case was a little different for he started 9 months after the last gathering) of initial training the apprentice is then taken to the Gathering Grounds to be assessed by other Rangers to decide if the apprentice is ready to be granted his or her Bronze Oakleaf which indicates they are ready for further, more intensive training.
The assessments involve things like demonstration of archery techniques using an apprentice Recurve Bow, knife skills, concealment, etc. If they pass, they will receive the Bronze Oakleaf and will begin further training upon return to their respective fiefs.
Further Training
From then on the Ranger's training steps up a pace. They learn the secret codes used by Rangers and Couriers to communicate, battle tactics, leadership skills and more besides.
They also need to develop a high level of fitness and learn to push themselves, a mentality which is needed for the rigors and challenges of a Ranger's life.
When they are ready, the apprentice will be given a longbow in place of their recurve bow. Up until this point they are not physically strong enough to handle the draw weight and size of a longbow. From then on they will work their way up to stronger longbows. Most fully-fledged Rangers use full-sized longbows with incredible draw weights.
During their time training the apprentices will gradually be given more and more responsibility and join their mentor on missions throughout the Fief, and on rare occasions, outside the fief or even abroad. They also help their mentors with paperwork that needs to be completed, a less glamorous, but still important aspect, of life as a Ranger. and must learn unarmed fighting techniques.
Horses:
he Ranger Horses were specially-bred horses, originally bred from Temujai horses. The Ranger Halt stole them from a Temujai army when they refused to sell them to him.
Description
Ranger horses are normally small, often mistaken for ponies. They have incredible endurance and are described as barrel shaped. Ranger horses are very smart and can learn many diverse signals for the purpose of their rider's work. They are extremely loyal and affectionate toward their Rangers.
You must tell a Ranger horse a special password in order ride it. In Tug's case, for example, you have to ask "Do you mind?". If you attempt to ride a Ranger horse without speaking the password, it will buck violently and do anything to get you off. However, once you speak the password, you will have no trouble riding it. The password system exists to make Ranger horses extremely difficult to steal.
Rangers believe that their horses can talk to them, not out loud like a person, but through actions and noises. Ranger horses are often witty and make fun of their riders in a lighthearted way.
After about fifteen years in the service of their Ranger they are retired, their name is changed, and they are taught that riders no longer need a password to ride them. They are cycled into the Ranger horse breeding program, and replaced with a new horse with the same bloodline and name as the previous horse.
The Ranger Corps was originally founded during King Herbert's reign, 150 years before the events of The Ruins of Gorlan. There are 50 rangers, one for each Fief. Later exceptions to this rule include Redmont Fief, which briefly had two Rangers, and Gorlan Fief, which does not have a Ranger at all.
During the reign of King Oswald, a number of ambitious barons-led by lord Morgarath started to take over Araluen, as the king's mind was old and compromised. They had Prince Duncan sent to a far corner of Araluen and began to get rid of the loyal and potentially dangerous rangers, such as Pritchard. These Rangers were banished and replaced with unqualified noblemen who gained entrance to the Corps by paying a pension, resulting in the corruption of the Ranger Corps. Around this time, Crowley and Halt first meet; both were Pritchard's pupils and taught as rangers should be. Together, they decided to revitalize the Ranger Corps and bring an end to the barons' schemes.
To minimize enemy knowledge about them, the Corps shrouds itself in a wealth of mystery and misinformation. This proves to be effective when the Temujai are shown to know little about the Rangers, referring to them as "Atabi".
Although Rangers are traditionally men, this is changed when Alyss, Will's wife dies, due to a fire caused by Jory Ruhl and his gang, and Will went into a state of depression, so Halt, Gilan, Horace, Princess Cassandra,(AKA Evanlyn) decided to start Princess Madelyn training to become the first female Ranger.
A Ranger's most essential article of clothing is the mottled green and grey camouflage cloak. Made of tightly woven wool, it offers protection from the weather, and the color makes it easier to remain unseen in the forests of Araluen.
The cloak has a heavy, deep cowl which, when pulled over the head leaves the Ranger's face in deep shadow. This hides the Ranger's face and allows him to scan his surroundings without being too noticeable. This cloak also helped start the rumor that Rangers studied witchcraft because, when a ranger reveals himself after being camouflaged, they seem to conjure themselves out of nowhere, as stated by various individuals.
Most Rangers wear a long sleeved, green linen shirt covered by a brown leather tunic that also aids in concealment and helps the Rangers to carry all of their tools and weapons.
They wear light-weight, soft-soled, brown leather boots, which allow them to move silently but also aid in riding. They never polish their boots (nor their buckles), as the glint of reflected sun can give their position away.
Attire:
They usually have a leather gauntlet on their non-dominant forearm to protect them from the strings of their own bows when firing.
On their belt they wear a double-scabbard with their throwing and saxe knives placed next to each other. They carry a quiver of 24 arrows on their back (with extras in their pack) as well as a longbow. Apprentices often use recurve bows.
Around their necks they wear a metal oak leaf on a chain, bronze for apprentices, silver for fully-fledged Rangers, and gold for retired Rangers. Although this is usually hidden beneath the shirt, for the same reason they do not polish their boots.
Weaponry:
Rangers are best known for their longbows that they carry and the twenty-four arrows in their quiver - this, combined with the fabled accuracy of Rangers, gave rise to the saying "a Ranger carries the lives of twenty-four men in his quiver." They of course carry extra arrows in their saddlebag. Rangers are extremely accurate with their longbows and can shoot rapidly with accuracy. A Ranger's main tasks include special reconnaissance, intelligence, assassination, national law enforcement, situational intervention, and special operations. They also wield a throwing knife, a heavy bladed saxe knife, and strikers. From the time of the A New Beginning onwards, Rangers included a sling and lead bullets among their arsenal. While apprentices would use a recurve bow
Skills:
Stealth - Rangers are incredibly stealthy and many believe that they practice the dark arts, though this is not true. They achieve their far-famed stealth through years of rigorous training and camouflage cloaks.
Archery - All Rangers are accomplished archers, having a standard of shooting that is achieved only by few, their skills far outmatch that of the Genovesians, who are known for their use of crossbows in assassination. As Pritchard, Crowley's and Halt's mentor, said, "An ordinary archer practices until he gets it right. A Ranger practices until he never gets it wrong."
Tactical Thinking - All Rangers are taught to be tacticians as they are often called into situations which involve the need for tactical thinking.
Knife Throwing - All Rangers use knives, placed on their belts in a special double-scabbard, containing a useful saxe knife and throwing knife.
Double Knife Defense - The double knife defense involves the Rangers using their two knives to defend themselves against swordsmen. It does not appear to be used often.
Horse Riding - It is necessary that all Rangers are proficient horse riders and every one of them owns a horse specially trained for their line of work.
Fitness - Being a Ranger is a physically demanding task, requiring high levels of fitness and training.
Tracking - All rangers are able to track across all types of terrain.
Unarmed Combat - Ranger's are expected to excel in combat, with or without a weapon.
Cooking - All Rangers have to take an instructional course in cooking, so all can at least cook halfway decently.
Sewing - Most Rangers can sew, in case there is a rip in the cloak.
Couriers Code - This is not only a Ranger skill but also a Couriers skill
Training:
To become a Ranger, apprentices must go through five years of vigorous training to bring them up to the high standard required of King's Rangers. During these years they are know as Ranger's Apprentices.
Apprentices are personally chosen by Rangers who have held the Silver Oakleaf for at least a few years to ensure they are experienced and mature enough to take on and adequately train an apprentice.
The Ranger will observe a potential apprentice discreetly to discern whether or not they would make a good Ranger. If they meet up to the standard then the Ranger will propose the prospect, and if they accept, they will be trained.
Initial Training
Apprentices initially learn the history of the Rangers Corps from its formation during the reign of King Herbert. They are then taught about the various weapons which are used by Rangers such as the bows, and throwing knives, and strikers.
They are taught about tracking, camouflage and concealed movement. Tracking consists of finding the right animal the After being taught the basics in these areas they will be given a mottled camouflage cloak and taught how to utilize it in their movements.
After a few weeks of this training they will be granted a specially-bred Ranger horse, taught to take care of and bond with it, and learn the different signals and routines which will help the apprentice when they are fully qualified.
Assessment
Bronze oakleaf
Will's bronze oakleaf
Generally after a year (though Will's case was a little different for he started 9 months after the last gathering) of initial training the apprentice is then taken to the Gathering Grounds to be assessed by other Rangers to decide if the apprentice is ready to be granted his or her Bronze Oakleaf which indicates they are ready for further, more intensive training.
The assessments involve things like demonstration of archery techniques using an apprentice Recurve Bow, knife skills, concealment, etc. If they pass, they will receive the Bronze Oakleaf and will begin further training upon return to their respective fiefs.
Further Training
From then on the Ranger's training steps up a pace. They learn the secret codes used by Rangers and Couriers to communicate, battle tactics, leadership skills and more besides.
They also need to develop a high level of fitness and learn to push themselves, a mentality which is needed for the rigors and challenges of a Ranger's life.
When they are ready, the apprentice will be given a longbow in place of their recurve bow. Up until this point they are not physically strong enough to handle the draw weight and size of a longbow. From then on they will work their way up to stronger longbows. Most fully-fledged Rangers use full-sized longbows with incredible draw weights.
During their time training the apprentices will gradually be given more and more responsibility and join their mentor on missions throughout the Fief, and on rare occasions, outside the fief or even abroad. They also help their mentors with paperwork that needs to be completed, a less glamorous, but still important aspect, of life as a Ranger. and must learn unarmed fighting techniques.
Horses:
he Ranger Horses were specially-bred horses, originally bred from Temujai horses. The Ranger Halt stole them from a Temujai army when they refused to sell them to him.
Description
Ranger horses are normally small, often mistaken for ponies. They have incredible endurance and are described as barrel shaped. Ranger horses are very smart and can learn many diverse signals for the purpose of their rider's work. They are extremely loyal and affectionate toward their Rangers.
You must tell a Ranger horse a special password in order ride it. In Tug's case, for example, you have to ask "Do you mind?". If you attempt to ride a Ranger horse without speaking the password, it will buck violently and do anything to get you off. However, once you speak the password, you will have no trouble riding it. The password system exists to make Ranger horses extremely difficult to steal.
Rangers believe that their horses can talk to them, not out loud like a person, but through actions and noises. Ranger horses are often witty and make fun of their riders in a lighthearted way.
After about fifteen years in the service of their Ranger they are retired, their name is changed, and they are taught that riders no longer need a password to ride them. They are cycled into the Ranger horse breeding program, and replaced with a new horse with the same bloodline and name as the previous horse.
Battleschools are schools which apprentices attend in order to become knights. Many of them will move on to become a part of the Araluen army, but they can also choose to be a freelance knight. Each fief has a battleschool attached to it, which is run by a battlemaster. Each school has a different number of apprentices, based on the size and importance of the fief. Apprentices must go through five years of training in order to become a knight.
Like all other apprentices, battleschool apprentices join at age fifteen. Parents usually make the decision by using their connections, but wards are offered the chance to join without going through this process. Because knighthood is considered low-level nobility, it’s likely many peasants view it as a chance to improve their social standings.
Weapons drills are a common feature in battleschool. Mock swords are used in the first few years, but advances to real swords with blunted edges later on. Other features of battleschool training are obstacle courses; long runs with heavy packs; brief and cold showers; short mealtimes; and classes on strategy, geography, leadership, and other topics.
Weapons:
Knight weapons
Like all other apprentices, battleschool apprentices join at age fifteen. Parents usually make the decision by using their connections, but wards are offered the chance to join without going through this process. Because knighthood is considered low-level nobility, it’s likely many peasants view it as a chance to improve their social standings.
Weapons drills are a common feature in battleschool. Mock swords are used in the first few years, but advances to real swords with blunted edges later on. Other features of battleschool training are obstacle courses; long runs with heavy packs; brief and cold showers; short mealtimes; and classes on strategy, geography, leadership, and other topics.
Weapons:
Knight weapons
Character sheet:
Name:
Age(if brotherband then 16, if aprentice/battlechool then 15
Appearance:
Brotherband,ranger apprentice, battleschool cadet:(put whatever one your character is going to be )
Bio :
Extras:
Theme song:
