Mirwood Ranger Handbook

The Mirwood Ranger Handbook was a reference book written by Dame Piper Cohen for the Ranger Order of Mirwood.

Ranger Code of Ethics
The Ranger Code of Ethics detail how a Ranger should carry about his/her duties whether it be on the frontlines, behind enemy lines, or in their everyday activities. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. Becoming a Ranger is a way of life as much as it is a professional career.


 * A Ranger must be respectful of all life and nature.
 * A Ranger must treat others with fairness and compassion.
 * A Ranger is expected to carry out the orders of the King of Stormwind, the Duke of Westridge, and the Knights under their command with efficiency and pride.
 * A Ranger will never engage in any activities or make any statements that would embarrass or bring dishonor to the Order of Mirwood.
 * A Ranger will never surrender of his or her own free will.
 * A Ranger will never leave a person behind.

=Arms, Armor and Equipment=

Each Ranger of the Mirwood Order is expected to be well-equipped and proficient with his or her arms and armor.

The Longbow
The longbow is the signature weapon that defines us. We value the strength, elegance, and simplicity of the weapon that enables us to eliminate threats quickly at long distances. The bow is crafted from the highest quality of rare Elwynn Oak found within the forests of Mirwood.

The Shortblade
The shortblade that we are issued provides lethal capabilities in close quarters situations or in the event that our longbows would prove to be ineffective. Its shorter blade length, and light weight gives the blade a feel between a dagger and a sword. This allows for flexibility in all forms of combat should the need arise. The blade is forged from pure steel that were carefully mined and prospected from the Waneduke mine in Westridge.

Ranger Leather Uniform
The leather armor that we wear enables us to perform our duties without hindering our range of motion. It allows us to make quick, agile movements that we rely on as our main form of defense. The rich green dye enables us to better hide ourselves amongst trees and vegetation. The leather is stripped from the finest hide of cattle in Westridge.

Ranger Mail Uniform
While less often wore on a daily basis due to its heavier weight and slightly more bulky frame, the mail variant of the Ranger uniform follows the leather version in its conservative design. It features a simple, yet tough breastplate to protect it's wearer from any light projectile or weapon strikes to the chest. The mail shoulder-guard, gauntlets and greaves allow for further protection in those areas as well. Typically, we would wear this variant during large scale battles or during engagements that involve more direct combat action.

=Small Unit Tactics=

Rangers make use of the skillsets they bring to the First Regiment in the form of a small unit; able to conduct flexible missions that would otherwise be impossible in a deployment of a full regiment of troops. Various tactics utilize the tools available to the Rangers as well as the condensed manner in which they are deployed in. Rangers should be familiar with the standard formations of the Regiment that are taught during their tenure as a footman.

Scouting
A single Ranger or a group of no more than two are sent ahead of the unit in order to discern what is ahead of them. This is used when the unit is uncertain of the situation ahead and cannot jeopardize losing the entire unit if the worst were to happen.

Overwatch
Rangers that are in Overwatch would provide observation, reconnaissance, and covering fire with their Longbows while the rest of the Rangers approach an objective or area.

Combined Fire
Tactic where the unit leader would assign specific targets to each Ranger in the unit. Then on a simple countdown or signal, the entire unit would unleash their arrows at their target, effectively eliminating all threats at the same time. This tactic would be used if multiple enemies were present nearby and needed to be taken out without alerting more.

Shoot and Scoot
This tactic has the Rangers moving to a different position every time they shoot their bows. It will enable enemies to be unable to locate which direction the projectiles are coming from, sowing confusion and chaos. Usually this tactic is implemented during an ambush in a location where a wide area is deemed clear so that each Ranger has more freedom to choose where to relocate.

Fire and Maneuver
The Ranger unit is split into two groups. One would remain in a fortified position where they are able to fire arrows upon the enemy, while the other group would be able to move to a new location. This tactic is usually implemented when you need the Rangers placed into specific positions while under attack.

Bounding Overwatch
Similar to Fire and Maneuver, this small unit tactic involves Rangers moving from one position to the next while providing arrow fire to pin down the opponents. The unit will be split such that one group would be providing overwatch by raining arrows down on enemy positions in order to keep their heads down while the other group runs to the new position. Upon reaching the new position, that group will now provide overwatch as the second group runs to their next position. The unit will continue moving forward, rotating roles until both groups reach their desired location. This tactic is used when the entire Ranger squad needs to relocate from their current position while under attack. This is also known as Leapfrogging.

Peeling
In the event that a retreat is necessary, Peeling is incurred which involves one or several Rangers shooting back at the enemy while the others run. Once a Ranger or Rangers are peeled they should provide their own covering fire to the men and women who peeled for them. This would continue until the Rangers are out of the hostile area.

=Communication=

Maintaining communication is essential while working together as a small team. Oftentimes, it is impossible to communicate with words in order to blend in with the surroundings.

Bird Whistle
Birds in the wild often communicate through their high pitched whistles amongst the trees. Rangers can use a similar method to communicate amongst themselves in order to identify each other or to call orders. One would whistle in a sound that is similar to the birds, however it would include an extra note or multiple numbers of whistle so that other Rangers would be able to discern them from the actual birds. This would be decided upon before a mission begins.



Hand Signs and Signals
When within visual sight of each other, Rangers are able to communicate with just their hand motions alone. Specific hand motions would be taught to Rangers during training events.

Marks and Signs
Rangers can also communicate with each other by leaving markings in the environment. For example, they can leave slit marks on tree trunks with their blades or cutting a small piece off of a leaf a certain way that can be discovered upon closer examination. This can be used to warn other Rangers of threats in certain areas. Specific markings and signs would be taught to Rangers during training events.

=The Art of Stealth=

Approaching your enemies undetected is the key aspect here. Enemies with no knowledge of your presence are extremely vulnerable and thus, opens up a lot more variety of options available to a Ranger in order to accomplish the mission. You must be able to use whatever you have at your disposal to remain unseen so that you may conduct the business of your operation with the maximum amount of discretion.

Optimally, Rangers would have minimal extra gear on them, as we would rely on our survival skills in order to sustain ourselves if in the field for long periods of time. Any additional gear that MUST be brought should be kept to a minimum. Too much extra items runs the risk of them making too much noise, thus compromising the mission.

Be Mindful of your Surroundings...
A successful Ranger would always be wary of the area around him/her. Many factors of the environment can either aid or deter a Ranger while approaching their objective.



Foilage, Trees, Terrain, and Structures
Leaves, Branches, twigs, and trees can be used to mask a Ranger’s position. They could also provide extra concealment if the Ranger were to attach similar foliage to their clothing so that they blend in with the rest of the area. The layout of the terrain and any structures in the area can provide excellent cover as well. Relocating from one area of cover to another while sneaking up on a target is a common tactic used by many.

Noise
Noise plays an extremely important part while trying to remain undetected. Any sounds made as a result of an action could jeopardize a mission. Foilage can give away a Ranger’s position if one were to carelessly step on a twig, or brush by leaves causing noise that may alert enemies to their presence. Sounds could also be used as an advantage to mask your approach. Load noises can drown out any sounds you’d be making otherwise if the situation arises. Always be mindful of these types of surroundings.

Lighting
An often overlooked aspect of the environment, specific shades of light or lack thereof can make or break a stealth operation. Under the most desired conditions, most of the Ranger missions would be conducted at night when darkness can be used to their advantage. However, when it is not possible to wait for nightfall, a Ranger must improvise the use of lighting, both natural and created. Oftentimes, when there is plenty of foliage or structures, their shadows can be used to seek cover. One can use the darker areas to further mask their approach. The bright sunlight can also be used, as the glare from the intense light can prevent enemies from having vision of a certain area.

Events and Situations
Frequently, certain events could occur that may lead to a change in protocol or objectives. These types of changes varies with the current situation at hand. A Ranger must be vigilant and be able to adapt to any changes that arises. It is expected that the mission is still accomplished regardless of what happens.