Elven Archers & the Shadowstalkers

SAGA Rules

by Eric Jwo

Elven archer parties are the backbone of the elven resistance. They keep Qualinesti safe from outside threats, as well as working to stop Beryllinthranox. They are the best of the best, the elite elven warriors who will eventually save Qualinesti. Elven archer parties are famous throughout Ansalon, and even Krynn for their deadly accuracy with a bow, their hit-and-run guerilla tactics, their power to blend right into the forest, and their ability to work together with brutal efficiency.

The term "elven archers" can be misleading. Although every member in an elven archer unit is required to be competent with a bow, not everyone is an elven archer. The nickname was given by humans when groups of elven archers turned back their party with deadly accurate arrows.

Role-Playing

Elven archers tend to form scout parties composed of 4 to 24 elves. Qualinesti used to employ such groups as protection, and scouts. However, after Beryllinthranox captured Qualinesti, the majority of these scouting parties have formed the elven resistance. Headed by Porthios, these elven archers tend to go on hit and raid missions, employing guerilla tactics. They seek to undermine Beryl's control of Qualinesti. Running an elven archer party is pretty exciting, although some times, players might object to the way their heroes should act. In most Dragonlance books where elven archer parties have been in, they have usually harassed either the heroes, or the enemy (no disparagement to elf-fans, but mostly they harass the heroes). So heroes who decide to play this type of campaign must think like an elven archer. So that means trusting no one, even if they say they're Palin Majere or something like that. The players should be skeptical at best, and hostile at most. Their duty is to protect Qualinesti, and thwart Beryl's plans, and players should play accordingly. Also, it is best to note the differences between running an elven archer party to running a party of Qualinesti rebels. First, elven archer units allow for diversity in abilities. Also, elven archers don't do clandestine work. They aren't under cover in cities. They get to do the heroic stuff. They basically wander Qualinesti either completing missions set before them (such as raid one of Beryl's lairs, or attack a shipment escorted by Dark Knights), or Defending the borders. Elven archer parties also roam Ansalon in case the elven resistance deems it necessary to send armed troops out of the forest. Qualinesti rebels fit in strangely with an elven archer group, because their more used to covert operations and clandestine work then confrontation. So there is a difference.

Requirements

To be eligible to join the ranks of one of the elven archers, one must be very alert, and able. They must have minimum Dexterity and Perception scores of 7, and minimum codes of "A". Elves of any nation are free to become members of an elven archer unit. Half-elves are also allowed, but are uncommon. Members of other races who meet the above requirements as well as share the Elven resistance goals may be allowed to join, but only rarely. If a Narrator allows this, he/she should meet with the player to form a plausible reason for why he/she was admitted. This story can be used to further the plot of an adventure, and can even be used in conjunction with the Hidden Agenda sheet from Heroes of Defiance. However, as a rule of the thumb, the ratio of elves to half-elves and other races in an elven archer unit should be more than two-to-one.

An elven archer unit should be composed primarily of elven archers, archers, yeoman, and Qualinesti rebels. Other roles are allowed, excluding those that belong to groups (such as the Academy student, or a Knight of Solamnia), those that require extended periods of absence (such as the fop, and the staunch supporter), and those that clash with the terrain of Qualinesti (such as the mariner). However, as before, the ratio between the number of heroes with the most prevalent roles to the number of heroes using other roles should be at least two-to-one.

Advantages

The heroes themselves don't get any Trumps or bonuses. It would seem like they would get the same Advantages and Disadvantages as the Qualinesti rebel, but they have their own roles, and elven archers are a separate part of the elven resistance.

Disadvantages

See Advantages.

The Shadowstalkers

The Shadowstalkers are an elite party of elven archers within the elven resistance. Narrators can use this party as an example for their elven archer campaigns. This team is one of the most highly decorated groups within the elven resistance. They have received medals from Porthios, and even Speaker Gilthas (secretly of course). They were involved in stopping Beryl's slaughter of elves with the Last Conclave. However, one of their members died, and has been replaced by a human who has saved Porthios' life, and is the dark elf's personal friend. This has caused racial tension to break out among the team. However, they are learning to adjust, and fight as efficiently as possible.

Members

Katlyana Joral: (warrior-sorcerer) female young adult Qualinesti half-elf, courageous demeanor, Adventurer. Co 9, Ph 5, In 8(64), Es 5, Dmg +3 (short sword), Def -3 (chain mail), SA missile weapon (long bow +6), sorcery (geomancy, hydromancy, divination). Katlyana, or Kat for short, studied sorcery with Palin Majere at the Academy of Sorcery. She is good friends with Jiliana, and in love (unrequited) with Brandle. She has been having trouble with Korin, as his Silvanesti arrogance can be infuriating, but she's slowly accepting Jake as a member of her fighting team.

Korin alt Pasanalyna: (yeoman) male adult Silvanesti elf, resolute demeanor, Champion. Co 7, Ph 7, In 7, Es 6, Dmg +5 (broad sword), Def -2 (leather armor), SA missile weapon (great bow +8). Korin was a wanderer in the Fourth Age, but when Beryl conquered Qualinesti, he decided to help his former Queen Alhana Starbreeze. He holds contempt for all in the group, but mostly for Katlyana, because he despises magic. He hates Jake because his parents were killed by human marauders.

Brandle Morylandra: (elven ranger) male adult Kagonesti elf, brave demeanor, Champion. Co 7, Ph 8, In 5, Es 8, Dmg +7 (long sword), Def -3 (chain mail), SA missile weapon (long bow +6). Brandle is the leader of the group. He is the most tolerant of the group, and has accepted Jake because of his formidable skills.

Jiliana Sylvanae: (warrior-mystic) female adult Qualinesti elf, compassionate demeanor, Adventurer. Co 6, Ph 6, In 5, Es 9, Dmg +4 (cutlass), Def -2 (leather armor), SA missile weapon (short bow +3), mysticism (animism, alteration, mentalism).Jiliana is the kindest of the group. She is extremely idealistic, and a bit naive. She has accepted Jake as a member of the group, however, she is still wary. After all, he is a human. She is getting annoyed at Korin's attempts at belittling the group, and is planning to have a stern talk with him.

Jake Bladesinger: (archer) male young adult civilized human, innovative demeanor, Adventurer. Co 7, Ph 7, In 6, Es 5, Dmg +6 (broad sword), Def -2 (leather armor), SA missile weapon (long bow +7). Jake saved Pothios' life once, and he joined the elven resistance. He rose through the ranks, and finally replaced a killed member. He is still trying to fit in, and wants everyone's respect.

Limbrakyl Quisalyth: (Qualinesti rebel) male adult Qualinesti elf, cynical demeanor, Adventurer. Co 6, Ph 6, In 7, Es 7, Dmg +3 (short sword), Def -3 (chain mail), SA missile weapon (long bow +7). Limbrakyl has become cynical and bitter after fighting in the elven resistance for many years. He respects all his comrades, but is sarcastic towards them. He is reluctant to accept Jake because he believes humans are the source of Qualinesti problems.

Argo: young adult cooshee, curious demeanor. Co 9, Ph 5, In 5, Es 8, Dmg +4, Def -3, SA Camouflage. Argo was bonded to Brandle as a young pup, and has retained a long and lasting relationship with him. He ignores Jake, because he was great friends with the elf he replaced.

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