The Ordeal, is a forty day test of endurance during which a Ranger candidate's right hand and left foot are bound to a massive log by stout chains. Despite this handicap, in the time allotted, he must track his Master until he is able to overcome a three day head start, and so determine the Master's course of intended travel, and upon that course lay an ambush.
When that ambush has been executed the Master leads his candidate, who is by now famished and road worn, to a secret location. Once there, the candidate is supplied with an wooden mug and thrust into the light of a blazing fire. The candidate finds he is not alone and that there are other already sworn members of the Fraternity in attendance. There will also be at least one of the White Robed Brothers.
Then the Caller, the highest ranking Ranger in a given area, steps forward and speaks.
Caller: You might have been noble or common, outlaw or lawman, earner or thief; but you came wanting. You might have been crofter or herder, sellsword or farmer, merchant or toter; but you came helpless. You might have been well-born or bastard, rich man or poor, landed or thrall; but you came in chains. You might have known family and friendships, servants and peers, children and heirs; but you came alone.
After that introduction, the Caller then removes whatever chains still bind the candidate, pours him a drink, and invites him to make his oath.
Caller: From time immemorial the White Robes have born witness to each oath of the Fraternity. So stand you now, alone. You must make your oath in his hearing, and before all those that you would hope to call Brother.
The candidate then raises his drink in the company of those assembled and speaks.
Oathmaker: I swear to follow the Observance I have been taught. I swear to Forgather when I am called. I will view the Fraternity as my bond for my spouse is Duty; my devotion is Honor; my heir is the Brotherhood; my fortune is the Gift; my title is Ranger!
The Caller then raises his own drink and addresses those who stand witness.
Caller: Now stand you all, never wanting, never helpless, never chained, never alone.
At the conclusion of these words, they stand and all those assembled, including the Caller and the Oathmaker drink very quickly, until their drinks are gone. When they are done, they shout together in raucous unison.
All: Now stand we all!
When that ambush has been executed the Master leads his candidate, who is by now famished and road worn, to a secret location. Once there, the candidate is supplied with an wooden mug and thrust into the light of a blazing fire. The candidate finds he is not alone and that there are other already sworn members of the Fraternity in attendance. There will also be at least one of the White Robed Brothers.
Then the Caller, the highest ranking Ranger in a given area, steps forward and speaks.
Caller: You might have been noble or common, outlaw or lawman, earner or thief; but you came wanting. You might have been crofter or herder, sellsword or farmer, merchant or toter; but you came helpless. You might have been well-born or bastard, rich man or poor, landed or thrall; but you came in chains. You might have known family and friendships, servants and peers, children and heirs; but you came alone.
After that introduction, the Caller then removes whatever chains still bind the candidate, pours him a drink, and invites him to make his oath.
Caller: From time immemorial the White Robes have born witness to each oath of the Fraternity. So stand you now, alone. You must make your oath in his hearing, and before all those that you would hope to call Brother.
The candidate then raises his drink in the company of those assembled and speaks.
Oathmaker: I swear to follow the Observance I have been taught. I swear to Forgather when I am called. I will view the Fraternity as my bond for my spouse is Duty; my devotion is Honor; my heir is the Brotherhood; my fortune is the Gift; my title is Ranger!
The Caller then raises his own drink and addresses those who stand witness.
Caller: Now stand you all, never wanting, never helpless, never chained, never alone.
At the conclusion of these words, they stand and all those assembled, including the Caller and the Oathmaker drink very quickly, until their drinks are gone. When they are done, they shout together in raucous unison.
All: Now stand we all!
After the oath is made, the new member is welcomed into the Fraternity with great celebration and no little libation.
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