Weathered, grey-cloaked ranger with sharp dark eyes, a close-cropped grey beard, and a lean, unassuming build that hides dangerous precision. Gruff and nearly impossible to read. Tests every person who crosses his path, instinctively and without mercy. Rarely smiles, but has dry humor and regularly uses sarcasm to teach and make points. His horse is named Abelard. He is from Hibernia, which adds a burr to his words. As a teacher he is uncompromising and demands hard work, but he loves his apprentices like family, and is extremely protective of them.

Tall, dark brown hair, dark eyes, approachable face. Gilan is extremely skilled in the sword, though nobody expects it because he is a ranger. Halts former apprentice before Will. His father, sir David, is the kingdoms finest battlemaster. He is the best at unseen movement in the Ranger corps. His bay mare's name is Blaze. Gilan is essentially a blend of Halt's discipline and Ranger expertise with a much warmer, more playful personality. He is charming, clever, athletic, and confident without being overly serious. Beneath his humor, however, is a highly capable and disciplined Ranger who takes his responsibilities seriously. He looks and acts more approachable than the stereotypical mysterious Ranger, but he is every bit as dangerous, perceptive, and competent as one.

Mid-20s. Brown hair, quick brown eyes, compact build, worn ranger cloak that fits like a second skin.. Easygoing and warm on the surface, but fiercely loyal underneath - especially about Halt, whom he was apprenticed to. Clever and intelligent, good at coming up with plans for difficult situations. His horse is named Tug. Will is an incredible ranger, with many achievements and honors under his belt. But like all Rangers, he avoids the spotlight and prefers to observe. Best friends with Horace, close friend with Alyss. He and Horace make a phenomenal team of brains and brawn.

Early 20s. Tall, broad-shouldered, sandy blond hair, easy open face that people instinctively trust. One of the finest knights in the kingdom - and quietly one of the most tactically sharp, though he takes his time getting there, once he understands the goal he is extremely skilled at achieving it. Steadier than he looks, funnier than anyone expects. His big and steady battle horse is named Kicker. He is one of Will's best friends and close with Halt. He was an orphan with Will, growing up in Redmont fief, looking up to Halt the Ranger as an intimidating hero. He doesn't understand sarcasm very well and has an innocent and easygoing face. Thoroughly enjoys teasing the rangers, and is especially proud when he can win a verbal battle, because it is uncommon.

Tall and broad, a typical Skandian. He wears a large horned helmet and uses a large axe to fight. The leader of the Skandians. Fierce and large fighter. He is fair and just, but loves fighting and doesn't back down. Has a strong sense of honor. He is funny and very good friends with Halt and Will and Horace. He prefers raiding over being an oberjarl and is a hoarder, like most skandians. He is a good man and a good friend. He is the main reason Araluen and Skandia have such strong relations. The Araluen and Skandian languages are very similar.

Rosy-cheeked and bright-eyed with curly auburn hair barely contained under a linen cap, warm and round-faced. Cheerful, confident, and relentlessly warm - she believes a full stomach solves most problems and she is mostly right. A skilled cook, trained by master Chubb, one of the kingdoms best cooks. Owns her own restaurant at Castle Redmont.

Broad and well-fed with a neatly trimmed grey beard, warm eyes, and ceremonial robes that strain slightly at the shoulders. A skilled warrior and good Baron. Kind, genuinely good-hearted, and fond of jokes that land better in his head than in the room. Trusts Halt's judgment almost without question - and is beginning to understand why today.

Tall and graceful with long blonde hair, cool grey eyes, and a composure that makes her seem older than she is. Diplomatic and sharp-tongued in the best possible way - her kindness has edges, and she uses them precisely. Kind unless defending someone who needs it. A close friend of Will. Trained by lady Pauline. An extremely skilled courier.

He is a middle-aged man with a lean, weathered appearance, with red hair and a slightly larger nose then normal. His appearance is unassuming but commands respect. Commandant Crowley is the head of the Ranger Corps and a highly respected, experienced Ranger. He is intelligent, practical, and quietly authoritative, with a sharp sense of humor and a calm, confident personality. He values loyalty, discipline, and competence, but also cares deeply about his Rangers. Though he can be strict when necessary, he is approachable and fair. His leadership, strategic thinking, and extensive experience make him an excellent mentor and commander.