The Gathering

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The Gathering

As you climb to the top of this hill you rest yourself next to a large birch tree and admire the vastness of the night sky. You sit and relax, weary from your days travel. Thoughts of sleep swirl around your head and your stomach aches for something other than wild fruits.

You're startled by a rustling in the underbrush, a wild animal, rogues, or mayhaps the Orcs have found you ?!? You ready your sword prepared for battle

From behind you hear a voice, "Welcome traveler!"

You spin around ready to strike, but you notice the cloaked stranger has no weapon drawn "What do you want?" you ask.

"Friend, I come to you to offer you a place around our campfire. It appears you could use a hot meal and some ale." the stranger intones.

You answer back, "We ... I only see one of you, and who says I can trust you."

"We have been watching you since you entered our forests, we know your plight and offer you our assistance." At that moment several individuals emerge from all directions, and you realize who it is you are in the presence of ... the group your parents told you of, Rangers from across the land. The group known only as ... The Gathering.

"I have heard of you, but thought you were a myth?" You mutter. "Come join us and you shall hear of our tale" and at that you begin your journey with The Gathering.

You follow the Rangers through a maze of trees arid brush. thinking how you will never be able to find your way out if need be. You emerge from the underbrush to a clearing hidden deep in the forest. There you spy people of types, after a brief introduction by the band who lead you hear you are offered a seat around their fire. They offer you a hot meal and cold ale, you wonder about this band and how they came to be. You decide to ask, hoping you aren't overstepping your welcome.

A Rangers steps forward and speaks, "Our story is many fold, but I will try to explain to you that which you should know." He explains to you that all you see is not all that exists. He says the band of Rangers before you are but a few of the many who would protect the lands called Sosaria. He proceeds to tell of the forming of the band known as the Gathering. You listen reverently and take in all that is told to you, piecing together the tales told to you as a child. Realizing that many were just rumors, but more so than not the majority were fact. Your mind races with the wonders you are told, and are grateful for the opportunity to hear them firsthand. You see a scribe amongst the band of Rangers, writing feverishly. You later ask to see his book, The Tale Of The Gathering, which he lets you read. You are awestruck. Indeed these people are heroes in every sense of the word, though none will accept the praise. They are humble, but not passive, they join with an enthusiasm rivaled by none.

When you prepare to set upon your way you are given a map, a map to their aubllc clearing where you may leave messages for the Gathering of Rangers and read of their history. Maybe someday you will return to join these Rangers. You hope your destiny is not to be on the other side of a battlefield, but you know that regardless of your future you have been witness, firsthand, to the Gathering.

Journals of The Gathering - 11/20/1997

Tale of the Gathering - 11/20/1997

Rangers Throughout History - Part 1 - 11/20/1997

Rangers Throughout History - Part 2 - 11/20/1997

The Gathering In Ultima Online - 11/20/1997