Category:Tythonian Rangers


 * "The Tythonian Rangers are a unique kind. They rely on their own teachings and wield Force-imbued weapons including a great understanding of our philosophy. Only those who are heavily dedicated to the ideals of the light are eligible for memebership, but I need not stress of how intensive the training can be."
 * --Jikip Mobov

The Tythonian Rangers also known as the Rangers of Tython, but commonly called the Tythan Rangers in the public, were (and are) an organization of Force-sensitives formed by several Jedi Order members, at the behest of the Jedi High Council. These members, being the founders, became the first Ranger Council, recruiting Jedi Younglings who showed a deep dedication to the light or were denied Jedi training. These were trained to what would later become the first generation of Tythonian Rangers. As the centuries went by, the fledging group became a symbol of watchfulness and protection. In fact, their motto was, ''"Watch for others and protect the innocent". ''

Structure
Initially, the rangers operated under the eyes of both the Jedi High Council and the Council of Rangers. However, as time went on, (and due to a small skirmish between a rogue group of rangers and the Jedi Order), the Tythonian Rangers operated independently, though they were still required to answer to both councils.

Ranks
The ranks of the rangers were arranged similar to that of the Jedi Order, the only difference was the style of how fully-fledged rangers would assess their recruits moving rank. For instance, to move up one rank, rangers must have a certain number of Ranger tokens, including a constant dedication to the light. To earn these tokens, rangers must prove themselves in areas of combat, an understanding of the Tythonian Ranger philosophy, demonstration of the code, protection of the innocent, and capability of avoiding the lure of the dark side. Ranks include:


 * Ranger Recruit: The lowest rank. Jedi initiates who are strong in the Force are brought before the Council of Rangers before beginning basic training. Most of their training takes place on Tython, Ossus or Coruscant, with missions off-world at this stage rare. Identified by one vertical line on their clothing. (No tokens required, but a deep dedication to the light side is needed.)

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 * Learner: (Requires 20 Ranger tokens and a continual dedication to the light.) The next rank from Recruit. Training in the temple is now replaced by a single ranger, with two-four Learners assigned to him. Rangers can assess their students based on their performance when on missions. Identified by two vertical lines on their clothing.
 * Advanced Learner: (Requires 75 Ranger tokens and a continual dedication to the light.) Rangers in this rank are no longer attached to a teacher, but are unable to choose any mission. Instead, the Council of Rangers assigns them missions that affect only civilian unrest. Usually, Advanced Learners are accompanied by a Knight who gives minimal guidance and observes his/her skills.


 * Ranger Knight: (Requires 200 Ranger tokens and a continual dedication to the light.) Knights can now take missions on their own. The most promising are entrusted with special missions by the council. In addition, Knights are allowed to take on a maximum of four Learners. Identified by three vertical lines and one horizontal line on top.


 * Ranger Master:  (No Ranger tokens needed, but a continual dedication to the light is still required.) Knights who either successfully trained all their Learners to Advanced Learners or showed exceptional heroism and service to the Tythonian Rangers. Ranger Masters may be granted a seat on the Council of Rangers. Identified by three vertical lines and two horizontal lines on top and bottom.

The highest position any ranger could attain was Grand Ranger, which only one could be bestowed this honourable title. The Grand Ranger is responsible for organizing meetings with the council, overseeing the training of ranger recruits and for holding trials to those who have committed a foul against the code.

Although the Grand Ranger has absolute power of the overall organization, he/she shares power with the rest of the council, so as to ensure a steady balance. If a Grand Ranger was acting against the code, Ranger Council members reserved the power to remove him/her from the council either peacefully, or through force. Grand Rangers can only be appointed by a unanimous vote by the Council of Rangers and the Jedi High Council. Identified by a "V" shaped symbol.

Training
The training of a ranger could take a few years to a few decades. Basic training consisted of combat skills with training blades and projectile weapons, Force development, understanding of the Ranger philosphy, and the constant lecturing of maintaining a strong dedication to the light. Learners go deep into their training, experiencing the dangers off-world and improving their performance. Advanced Learners are tested to see if they are ready to take on the responsibility of a fully-fledged ranger, meaning if they are able to successfully complete a mission and working together with a fellow learner. Moving in these ranks requires a certain number of Ranger tokens (similar to those used by Jedi on Corellia). Attaining these tokens were difficult, and no fewer than a dozen moved up in rank. Ranger tokens are awarded to an individual for:
 * Excepional combat
 * Excellent demonstration of the code
 * Suffcient understanding of the Ranger philosophy
 * Actively protecting the innocent
 * Showing great resistance to the lure of the dark side

Philosophy

 * "We may be like the Jedi Order, but we have different customs and teachings. We allow marriage, and we allow rangers to prove themselves by unorthodox methods. However, the risks they take is their own, and therefore not our responsbility. We are only responsible for the welfare and training of these people and to ensure they stay away from the dark side."


 * --Grand Ranger Bonvodex Ahln

The Tythonian Rangers differ from the Jedi Order. For instance, their customs allow for marriagement and children. In fact, rangers were encouraged to develop a close bond with one another. Moreover, rangers were allowed to approach solutions with unorthodox methods as long as they were not associated with dark side intentions. The rangers also had a code of conduct, regulating the behaviour and the rules that had to be maintained at all times. The code goes as follows:


 * Rangers learn, rangers heed,
 * Provide protection the innocents need.


 * Embrace the good, embrace the light.
 * Resist the dark side with all might.


 * Follow the teachings, follow the guide,
 * And you will be able to stem the tide.


 * Fail one of those and you shall face,
 * The trial the council puts in place.


 * Respect the code, respect the right way,
 * May the Force guide you through the fray.

The code clearly outlined the conduct all rangers must follow to ensure a smooth running within the organization. Although the fourth tier explains facing trial for failing one of the other tiers, it does not necessarily mean they will be granted one, but rather a warning. However, if done excessively, then a possible trial can be arranged.

Council of Rangers
The Council of Rangers are responsible for ensuring a smooth flow of the training of ranger recruits and discussing improvements and decisions vital for the next generations of rangers. The first council members included Bonvodex Ahln, Jexil Redbreak, Jikip Mobov, Sezen Toboj, and Ioh Quijien. Together, the five Jedi Masters organized the structure of the group, with each being assigned to a specefic area. For instance, one council member could be responsible for assigning Learners to a Knight, (though often the Force was responsible for bringing a learner and a Knight together so the council member had little involvement), another for providing relevant teachings within the organisation, and so on. The Grand Ranger, however, is responsible for overseeing all areas within, often working with the other council members.

Originally starting as a five-council body, the number increased to seven members due to the growing number of responsibilities. Admission into the council could only be granted by a unanimous vote. Once a ranger was voted into the council, he/she makes an oath before taking the new position:


 * I swear by the Force to serve on this council and to uphold its ideals and respect the others' wisdom. I pledge myself to help the council plot a course to ensure a new generation of Tythonian Rangers.

Three council members remained on for life, two serving on a eight-year basis, and another two serving on a five-year basis. The council members met in the top center spire in the temple on Tython.

Weapons and Equipment
Tythonian Rangers wielded handmade weapons combined with the Force with use of special crystals, close to those used by the Jedi to power their lightsabers. These weapons include Force-imbued crossbows and swords. Using special metals that were found on Tython and Ossus, the rangers crafted these mysterious weapons as part of their learning.

During the early stages of ranger training, recruits practiced with training blades and projectile weapons. Once rangers reached Learner, they were required to either choose to forge a sword or an archery bow. Once the decision was made, Learners are taken to a special chamber in the temple. There, they, under guidance of their teacher, focus of bringing the essential components together with the use of the Force. Following the completion of the weapon, rangers have these weapons for life, unless destroyed and are allowed to choose a different weapon. The standard weapons used in the organization were the Archery Bow and power swords.

The RW Archery Bow (known otherwise as the Ranger Archbow) was a projectile weapon possessing excellent accuracy and perfect balance. The archbow was created using a special metal able to withstand the most harsh environments and other hostile weapons. Another essential component in constructing the bow was a crystal attuned with the Force. Once the crystal was placed deep inside both limbs of the arch, users could feel the Force and interact with their arrows to fire on targets with close accuracy.

The arrows the Tythonian Ranger used were well-crafted and could pierce even the toughest armor. Arrows used in these archbows come in different variants: explosive arrows, ion arrows and smoke arrows. Up to three arrows could accomodate the archbow, and wielders used this to their advantage when faced with tightly grouped enemy forces. In addition to acting as an archbow, it can turn into a pike, (used for close range combat) in which the wielder detaches the string from one limb (the string retracts into the other limb), straightens the bow and ignites two sharp blades at each end of the limbs.

The Tython Blade was considered to be a favorite amongst rangers who favored close range combat. Built with hardened metals capable of resisting lightsabers and with crystals embedded within the tang, the final step for the Tython Blade to be complete was to energize it with the Force, thus giving it a glowing appearance. Colors of the crystals can vary, but the most common are blue, green, orange and purple. Like all saber-wielding Jedi, rangers train in the six forms of lightsaber dueling, although they modified their skills to make them more effective in combat.

A typical attire for a Tythonian Ranger is that of a simple tunic, outfitted with boots and gloves, which included a comlink for quick contact with other rangers. The belt the rangers carry include a first-aid kit, repair kit for fixing blades and archbows, A88 Aquata Breathers and grappling hooks. Some rangers even customized their attire by adding in small pieces of armor for better protection. To identify ranks, rangers were required to sew badges onto the sides of their tunics/cloaks.

Specialized Roles
There are several distinct roles within the Tythonian Rangers: Archers, swordsmen, watchers, guards, lore keepers, healers, teachers and ace pilots:

Archer Regiments
The Archer Regiments specialize in archery and honing their archer skills. The archers act like a paramilitary force, divided into squads (usually from 9-12) and sent to worlds to either deal with civil unrest or to eliminate threats that associate with the dark side. Each regiment consisted of 500 Rangers (30-40 squads in total). By 22 BBY, more than seven regiments were created and on active duty. During the Clone Wars, archers fought alongside Grand Army troops often providing cover and support as the clones made their advance. Archers are identified by the green cloaks and silver lining on them.

Noted Units
 * 3rd Arrow Archers (Squad)
 * 8th Bowmen Rangers (Regiment)
 * 21st Tython Bowers (Regiment)

Swordsmen Brigades
Like the Archers, swordsmen operate like a paramilitary force. Swordsmen, as their name suggests, wield Tython Blades and other assorted sabers such as the Shoti lightsaber. Their duty was to defend citizens from threats and terrorists. In addition, their missions may also take them to eliminate threats that could be associated with the Sith. Instead of operating in squads, Ranger swordsmen operate in platoons from 20-30 rangers, lead by a Ranger Commander. Twenty platoons formed a brigade, with a nominal number of 400-600 Rangers. The Swordsmen also played a role in the Clone Wars, most notably Geonosis. Identified by the ochre cloaks with blue lining.

Noted Units
 * 40th Blade Platoon
 * Slasher Platoon
 * Fortitude Bladesmen (Brigade)

Tythan Watchers
Watchers are assigned to specific sectors in any parts of the galaxy. In each assigned sector, watchers are responsible for relaying updates and events to the Council of Rangers, usually from proxy stations. Though not necessarily a fighting force, Watchers never go unarmed; they are equipped with Tython Blades to protect them from any person who dares to attack. During the Clone Wars, watchers served as scouts for the Jedi Order. Identified by brown cloaks and grey lining.

Ranger Guards
Created a few years before the Galactic war, the Guards are an elite detachment, assigned to protect Jedi Temples and people of importance. Carrying a modified version of the Tython Blade with heavy armor, most assassins would think twice before attempting to kill a Senator when accompanied by a Ranger Guard. Identified by their silver armor and teal cloaks. When the Temple Guard was formed, Ranger Guards were used less. During the Clone Wars, however, the Ranger Council devoted a large percentage of the Guards to protect the Tython Temple against any possible Separatist attack.

Lore Keepers
Stationed in the Ranger Temple on Tython, Lore Keepers are responsible for organizing holocrons and wiping out dark side teachings that may seduce a ranger. Often, these rangers reported to the Ranger Council or the Grand Master in person to decide whether the knowledge they possess is eligible for teaching. Once a decision is made, Lore Keepers send the information to the teachers for lessons. Identified by the brown cloaks and scarlet lining.

Healers
Working closely with the Jedi Medical Corps, ranger Healers aid and heal wounded people in warzones. Created to help fill in the gap between the limited numbers of Jedi healers during the Cold War, Ranger healers were required to undergo training from teams of Jedi healers at Jedi Praxeums. During the Clone Wars, Ranger healers were stationed at medical stations and worlds that the Republic set up medical camps. Identified by the light brown cloaks.

Tythonian Lecturers
Tythonian Lecturers are a branch of teachers specializing in areas of combat drills, foundations of the Ranger philosophy, and aconstant lecturing of the Ranger code. In addition, Tythonian lecturers teach starfighter combat, engineering and repair. Identified by the grey cloaks.

Ranger Air Corps

 * "The Ranger Air Corps were created so as to grant mobility and access to all Tythonian Rangers. We exist for them, we exist for the good. Our fighters in the sky symbolize a bird soaring freely, and it shortly follows liberation for people suffering oppression from the sark side."


 * --Air Marshal Glynth HacexSavageStar-TJP.jpg

The Ranger Air Corps served as the main Tythonian Rangers air force. Using antiquated starfighters such as Defender-class light corvettes and the Savage Stars, ranger pilots were known for improving its targeting system, offensive weapons and better shielding. In addition, they also had transport ships, which were heavily armored, had an advanced hyperdrive system and a cloaking system capable of slipping past larger dreadnoughts.

At first, the Ranger Air Corps had very few ships at their disposal. During the Assault of Tython, much of the fighters were damaged or destroyed. Following the assault, the corps rebuilt their ship fleets and soon earned the respect of many Imperial pilots. During the New Sith Wars, the Ranger Air Corps acquired several dozen Savage Starfighters, and soon retooling and modifying its capabilities. It was believed by many that the rangers installed cloaking devices within their fighters, but as no proof has been discovered, this may have been false.

During the Clone Wars, the Ranger Air Corps were active, fighting in countless space battles against the Droid Army's starfighters. Because of the Savage Star's inability to contain a hyperdrive, they are usually docked in a Venator-class Star destroyer. Much like the Republic Navy, Ranger Air Corps pilots developed their own tactics, operating in squadrons from three-five fighters.

Noted Squadrons
 * 4th Air Rangers
 * Hawkbat Squadron
 * Air Strike Arrows
 * Hawk Watchers

Founding
Between 3650-3648 BBY, the Jedi High Council on Tython asked several distinguished Jedi Masters to create a subsidy organization that would deal with both civilian and frontline duties. Because the Jedi Temple on Coruscant sustained heavy damage during the Sacking of Coruscant, the five Jedi Masters were prompted to establish a new temple on Tython to house the new group. While searching for land to place the new temple, Jedi Master Jexil Redbreak discovered ancient Tythonian weapons of a crossbow, archery bow and a several broken swords. These later became the staples for the first generation of Tythonian Rangers. Following this discovery, the masters felt a strong presence of the Force, and decided that this is where they would build the temple.

Construction of the temple took four years to complete, and while it was underway, the Jedi Masters started considering for recruits. Discussing the matter with the High Council, they came to conclusion that everyone was needed to help in the war; therefore, Padawans who were denied future training or initiates who showed a strong dedication to the light would be taken on as a recruit. Then the council created a name, a name that everyone would recognize for its bravery, courage and skills: the Tythonian Rangers. At first, the structure was not finalized; the teachings resembled those of the Jedi Order's, finding the materials to craft the weapons were scarce, and a central power had yet to be created. As a result, matters became a heavy and difficult start. But as time went on, the structure was gradually piecing together, and the First Ranger Council, created in 3644 BBY, started organizing ranks and the teaching system was soon developed. Also, the Ranger code was created not soon after, regulating the behaviour of all rangers within the group.

During the Cold War, the Tythonian Rangers were sent to aid the Jedi Knights with the Flesh Raider uprising. Using their archery bows (as the swords and crossbows were still being planned), the Tythonian Rangers scored their first victory. Their archbows were just simple materials made from poor wood, their arrows, hardended metal with a sharp end. However, towards the end of the war, the rangers refined their archery bows, and with the introduction of Force-imbued swords and crossbows, full combat training could go underway for all rangers. In addition, diffrent specialized roles were created to suit each ranger's ability, be they specialize in sword fights, archery and crossbows, air combat or lecturing the next generation.

Second Galactic War
(To be Expanded)

The Clone Wars
(To be Expanded)

The Dark Times
(To be Expanded)

Rebirth
(To be Expanded)