Olwydd.Org: Rangers: Trailmarkers

The Ranger Transit System

Scouting is the skill peculiar to Rangers. It is our way of moving quickly through the wilderness to locate our prey or reach our destinations. As young Rangers we train scouting by tracking people and animals from room to room (learn to love the kitten in Arthe Dale). Increasing experience gives us increased ability to successfully locate our targets from farther away.

Rangers have their own rapid transit system throughout the realms. The Ranger Transit System consists of trailmarkers placed about the lands which indicate trails through the wilderness. The best way to locate these markers is to tag along with an experienced Ranger and have him point them out as he runs the trails; however, knowing the location of the markers does not necessarily make them visible to inexperienced Rangers scouting alone, since trailmarkers have degrees of difficulty. Easy markers can be seen starting at around 50 ranks. More moderately difficult markers become visible somewhere around 70 ranks. The very difficult markers will not be visible until at least 100 ranks of scouting are achieved.

Until sufficient ranks are achieved, unsuccessful tries to use a marker scout trail will result in Huh? or You notice some kind of trailmarker burned, etched, carved, chiseled, etc., <location>. When the latter message appears, try again, perhaps several times. Success and the message You notice a trailmarker <location> may be just one scout trail away. go trail and enjoy the ride. To see where the trail ends look at trailmarker. The mark is a symbol of the location. Stumped? See the Notes after the charts for an explanation of the symbols.

Be aware that other factors apart from experience effect success in using trailmarkers. Serious injury, a heavy burden, low perception, or a diminished Ranger bonus may result in the message You are not physically prepared to make the journey at this time. More severe loss of the Ranger bonus can result in the Huh? message. Also, wounds and/or burden will increase travel time.

At about 20 circles, Rangers can lead one person as they run the trails. As experience increases, the group size increases. (Thanks for finding this out Erysten!)

Running the trails teaches not only scouting, but also perception. Expect Roundtime (RT) to be reduced by one second when the total of scouting ranks and perception ranks equals 200. Another reduction in RT may be expected when the total ranks equal 300

-- Caelfind

Personal Trailmarkers

At 175 ranks of scouting, Rangers can begin to use PTM's or Personal Trailmarkers. PTM's allow a ranger to move between two points, in much the same manner as the RTS provides. Once you gain this ability, you will be able to set trails in almost any wilderness environment and then track back to this point. The first step towards utilizing a PTM is to forage rock and beseech elanthia to imbue rock. Once it has been imbued, you can begin to mark it. Almost any knife will work, be it skinning or carving, but it has been said that the latter works most often. While holding the rock in your right hand, mark rock. This will mark your current location on the rock. Next, study rock, this will cause you to memorize the current location as well as leave a mark on the ground. Once studied, you can then read rock to get a feel for how long it'll last. At this point, you're ready to move away from the spot and scout back to it. You must get a general idea for where the trail will end by using the examine rock command and when you've moved sufficiently far away you should then study rock in order to scout back. To do the actual running of the trail, scout rock and you'll go through a very similar looking experience to the RTS, with a constantly changing view until you end up back at where you marked the trail.

RTS Trails

Legend for difficulty: (approximate ranks)

Easy starts at 50 ranks
Moderate starts at 70 ranks
Difficult starts at 100 ranks

Zoluren Trails

Trail	Marker	Location	Difficulty
Haven Ferry to Dirge	The deeply carved lines are splintered along the edges, but the sign of the broken mountain is still clearly visible.	Location: [North Road Riverbank] Landmark: The huts are mostly simple wooden buildings with roofs thatched with river reeds... Landmark (at night): A pungent smell rises from racks of salted fish	Moderate
Dirge to Kaerna	Shallow lines cut into the dark stone are barely visible as the sign of the horned horse.	Location: [Lava Fields, Valley] Landmark: Nestled between them sits a smell, drab-looking town	Easy
Kaerna to Crossing NE Gate	Two felenok pine sticks have been lashed together with rawhide to form an X.	Location: [Northern Trade Road, Open Grasslands] Landmark: To the south the land turns a rough brown, shifting abruptly from plains to farming land.	Easy
Crossing NE Gate to Kaerna	You recognize the sign of the horned horse chiseled into the smooth surface of the brown fieldstone.	Location: [Northern Trade Road, Farmlands] Landmark: Southward, the walls of a fair-sized city rise near the banks of a glistening river.	Easy
Kaerna to Dirge	The charred lines forming the sign of the broken mountain stand out against the pale wood.	Location: [Northern Trade Road, Kaerna Outskirts] Landmark: Off to one side stands an abandoned militia shack, a silent casualty to the ongoing war between civilization and nature.	Easy
Dirge to the Ferry	The beveled cuts of a chisel mark the sign of the rolling wave on the soot-smeared boulder.	Location: [Volcanic Ruins, Dirge] Landmark: The small town tucked between their towering masses seems to huddle in on itself.	Moderate
Haven Ferry to Knife Clan	The sign of the upright dagger is incised into the grainy skin of the sinuous vine.	Location: [North Road, Farmlands] Landmark: You also see a large sign.	Difficult
Haven Ferry to Crossing NE Gate	Broad brushstrokes of sooty black paint form an X.	Location: [North Road, Farmlands] Landmark: A whitewashed wooden fence stands between you and a cool pond	Moderate
Crossing NE to Dirge	Carved into a slender branch in the hedgerow is the sign of the broken mountain.	Location: [Northern Trade Road, Farmlands] Landmark: Some distance to the south, you see the smoke and haze of a city of some size.	Moderate
Crossing NE Gate to Haven Ferry	Sinuous lines etched into the stone form the sign of the rolling wave.	Location: [Northeast Wilds, Birder Lane] Landmark: One of the gates of the Crossing lies before you to the northwest...	Moderate to Difficult
Haven Ferry to Wolf Clan	A broken clay stew pot standing in the high weeds bears the sign of the paw print.	Location: [North Road, Farmlands] Landmark: Stalls, tents and carts line the road, bedecked with all manner of fresh produce for sale. -- May be different at night	Difficult
Wolf Clan to Crossing W Gate	Pale goblin bones tied together to form an X sway from the branches of a stunted sourwood tree to one side of the road.	Location: [Wildulf Woods, Dirt Road] Landmark: Several rough buildings stand at the southern end of the road.	Easy
Wolf Clan to Kaerna	The sign of the horned horse carved into the stump is nearly obscured by thick growths of verdant moss.	Location: [Wildulf Woods, Dense Forest] Landmark: You can hear the murmur of rippling water nearby.	Difficult
Knife Clan to Crossing West Gate	Pale goblin bones tied together to form an X sway and spin in the breeze.	Location: [Wilderness, Gully] Landmark: A dry streambed cuts across the forest floor, spanned by an old rope bridge that sways gently in the breeze.	Moderate
Crossing West Gate to Knife Clan	Shallow lines scratched into the smooth bark of the beech form the sign of the upright dagger.	Location: [Mycthengelde, Flatlands] Landmark: You also see a pair of stone pillars.	Moderate
Crossing West Gate to Wolf Clan	You recognize the sign of the paw print etched with precision into the hard-packed earth.	Location: [Mycthengelde, Flatlands] Landmark: A section of grass has been sheared away	Easy
Knife Clan to Kaerna	A rust-stained dagger embedded into the tree is inscribed with the sign of the horned horse.	Location: [Wilderness, Sparse Forest] Landmark: There is a rustling sound in the undergrowth beyond a fallen tree.	Difficult
Kaerna to Knife Clan	Wind and rain have smoothed the uneven lines forming the sign of the upright dagger.	Location: [Northern Trade Road, Open Grasslands] Landmark: Miles upon miles of uncivilized land lie before you	Moderate
Kaerna to Haven Ferry	Crudely scratched into the glassy surface of a mica slab is the sign of the rolling wave.	Location: [Northern Trade Road, Meadowlands] Landmark: The forest to the south is thick and dark	Moderate
Wolf Clan to Haven Ferry	Fluid lines etched into the lichen-patched stone form the sign of the rolling wave.	Location: [Wolf Clan Home, Worn Path] Landmark: You also see a small clearing and a road.	Difficult
Kaerna to Wolf Clan	Several mottled stones protruding from the low grass are arranged in the sign of the paw print.	Location: [Kaerna Village, Near The Well] Landmark: Meandering eastward from the village well	Moderate
Ferry to Kaerna	Among the shadows and creases of the elm's mottled bark, you notice the sign of the horned horse.	Location: [North Road, Riverbank] Landmark: This close to the river's edge, dry ground gives way to marshlands.	Moderate
Crossing Ferry to Leth	Etched with an artists hand, the fluid cuts in the stone form the sign of the great tree.	Location: [Southern Trade Route, Segoltha Plain] Landmark: You also see a wrecked barricade.	Easy
Crossing Ferry to Gondola	A broad-tipped arrowhead lodged into the thick tree trunk is inscribed with the sign of the swift cloud.	Location: [Endrus Forest, Clearing] Landmark: You also see a massive granite slab adorned with spiraling copper rings	Difficult
Leth to Gondola	Fluid lines raised in the sleek skin of the ironwood form the sign of the swift cloud.	Location: [Bosque Deriel, Whispering Woods] (SW, SW from 4 way fork in road, near NW gate of town.) Landmark: gurgling of the stream that flows north into the hollow	Moderate
Leth to Crossing Ferry	Raised ridges in the fine bark of the rowan tree form the sign of the flat wave.	Location: [Bosque Deriel, Northern Reaches] (NE from 4 way fork in road, near NW gate of town.) Landmark: The trees thin out a bit to the southeast	Easy
Gondola to Leth	Deep creases in the stone form the sign of the great tree.	Location: [Obsidian Pass, Mountain Trail] Landmark: You also see a narrow track entering a crack in the rocks.	Moderate
Gondola to Crossing Ferry	Peeking from behind thick foliage is the sign of the flat wave formed of raised ridges.	Location: [Obsidian Pass, Mountain Trail] Landmark: Rubble and scree lie scattered across the trail, making footing treacherous.	Difficult

Zoluren Notes:
Horned Horse is Kaerna Village. X is Crossing. Rolling Wave is Haven Ferry. Broken Mountain is Dirge. Upright Dagger is Knife Clan. Paw is Wolf Clan. Swift Cloud is the Gondola. Flat Wave is Crossing Ferry from Leth. Great Tree is Leth.

Ilithi Trails

Trail	Marker	Location	Difficulty
Gondola to Shard	Raised lines in the otherwise smooth surface of the mica-flecked stone form the sign of the tall spire.	Location: [Obsidian Pass, Foothills] Landmark: A wooded path winds its way southward.	Easy
Shard to Gondola	Sinuous ridges raised in the smooth surface of the stone form the sign of the swift cloud.	Location: [Lake of Tears, East Gate Road] Landmark: a slight breeze brushes over the lake	Easy
Shard to Game Trail	A small tile painted with the sign of the standing horse is bound with cord to a low branch.	Location: [Southern Trade Route, Road to Shard] Landmark: Elegant rosewood trees line the roadside	Moderate
Game Trail to Gondola	An arc of clay tile nestled in the grass is painted with the sign of the swift cloud.	Location: [Gilen Otso Steppes, Game Trail] Landmark: Occasionally, the joyful, raucous yips of coyotes can be heard	Difficult
Gondola to Game Trail	The sign of the standing horse is formed in deep relief on the surface of the onyx shard.	Location: [Obsidian Pass, Mountain Trail] Landmark: The Spine Mountains stretch like an arched cat to the east and west.	Difficult
Game Trail to Shard	The sign of the tall spire is painted onto a thin clay tile bound to a branch of the bush with cord.	Location: [Gilen Otso Steppes, Game Trail] Landmark: a lush tangle of evening primrose bushes	Moderate
Game Trail to Blackthorn Canyon	The sign of the crenellated wall has been carefully painted on a thin clay tile.	Location: [Gilen Otso Steppes, Game Trail] Landmark: ghostflowers inhabit the sides of the channel.	Moderate
Blackthorn Canyon to Game Trail	Sinuous ridges rising from the granite surface form the sign of the standing horse.	Location: [Blackthorn Canyon, Entrance] Landmark: drawing the ancient road	Moderate

Ilithi Notes:
Tall spire is Shard. Standing Horse is the Game Trail. Swift Cloud is the Gondola
It should be noted that the Game Trail is often referred to as either the Ranger Guild or Horse Clan when people are speaking of the trails, as it ends up very close to both of those places. With Horse Clan to the west and the Ranger Guild directly to the south and hunting all around, the trail is ideal for getting out of Shard and to the areas west.

Therengia Trails

Trail	Marker	Location	Difficulty
Riverhaven North to East	Peeking through the thick brush is the sign of the eastern tower gate chiseled into a rough-edged cobble.	Location: [Wildlands, Path] Landmark: Nearby, a curiously dense stand of woods arises.	Easy
Riverhaven East to North	Etched on the lichen-patched stone boulder is the sign of the noble gate.	Location: [Riverhaven Road, The Foothills] Landmark: a gathering of large round boulders	Easy
Langen to Theren	Carved into the end grain of the oak log is the sign of the crested shield.	Location: [North Road, Danduwen Forest] Landmark: Hedges of primroses and cat's-ear edge the road	Easy
Theren to Langen	Carefully chiseled into the weatherworn fieldstone is the sign of the two-handed tankard.	Location: [North Road, Farmlands] Landmark: Tawny acres of birch trees	Easy
Riverhaven East to Zaulfung Cypress	Burned into a half-buried piece of bone is the sign of the cypress tree.	Location: [Riverhaven Road, South Road] Landmark: A tall guard tower looms	Easy
Zaulfung Cypress to Riverhaven East	Etched into a broken spear is the sign of the eastern tower gate.	Location: [Zaulfung, Marsh] Landmark: The ground looks a bit drier	Easy
Riverhaven North to Riverhaven West	Crudely carved into the tree's bark is the sign of the western tower gate.	Location: [Wildlands, Forest Edge] Landmark: A narrow trail passes between two large and heavy trees	Moderate
Riverhaven West to Riverhaven North	Scratched into the fieldstone's uneven surface is the sign of the noble gate.	Location: [Riverhaven West Wilds, Meadow] Landmark: dirt piled next to narrow holes	Moderate
Riverhaven West to Rossman's Outcrop	The sign of the deer antler is scratched into the surface of the faded red brick.	Location: [Mistwood Forest Road] Landmark: Faded red bricks	Moderate
Rossman's Outcrop to Riverhaven West	A small circle of wood tied to the sapling is painted with the sign of the western tower gate.	Location: [Mistwood Forest] Landmark: rock-lined fire pit	Moderate
Langenfirth to Rossman's	Expertly carved into the smooth surface of the river stone is the sign of the deer antler.	Location: [North Road, Danduwen Forest] (One Room North of Lang Bridge) Landmark: The melancholy cry of a riverbird comes from the south	Moderate
Deer Trail to Rossman's	Tied to a low branch is a small circle of wood painted with the sign of the gravestone and deer antler.	Location: [Mistwood Forest, Deer Trail] Landmark: the serenity is belied by scraps of blood-stained fur	Moderate
Narrow Trail to Rossman's	Painted on a small circle of mistwood is the sign of the deer antler.	Location: [Mistwood Forest, Narrow Trail] Landmark: dirt track bordered by curseweed and other thorny shrubs	Moderate
Deer Trail to Langenfirth	Red paint on the circle of mistwood marks the sign of the two-handed tankard.	Location: [Mistwood Forest, Deer Trail] Landmark: leaving behind striated chimneys	Moderate
Rossman's to Gwenalion Fens (Langenfirth)	Painted on the small circle of weathered mistwood is the sign of the fenberry bush.	Location: [Mistwood Forest, Northwest Road] Landmark: a lightning-blasted stump	Difficult
Gwenalion Fens to Rossman's	Angular lines deeply etched into the rock form the sign of the deer antler.	Location: [Gwenalion Fens] Landmark: A fallen log blocks	Difficult
Rossman's to Bristleback Peccaries	Carved into the pale wood is the sign of the shepherd's crook.	Location: [Mistwood Forest, Forest's Edge] Landmark: deer as they follow the sound of rushing water	Easy
Bristleback Peccaries to Rossman's	Crudely scratched into a smooth fieldstone is the sign of the deer antler and gravestone.	Location: [Shepherd's Meadow, Grazing Land] Landmark: Carefully stacked building implements	Easy

Therengia Notes:
Two-handed tankard is Langenfirth.
Crested Shield is Theren.
Noble gate is the Riverhaven North Gate.
Eastern Tower is Riverhaven's East Gate.
Deer Antler is Rossman's.
Fenberry Bush is the Gwenalion Fens.
Shepherd's Crook is the Bristleback area.

Thanks to Stomir for getting these for me!
Additional thanks to Mhikal for the Rossman's/Deer Trail trails.

Qi Trails

Trail	Marker	Location	Difficulty
Aesry road from docks to Snow Goblins	Fluid lines etched into the black stone form the sign of the glacier.	Location: [Aesry Surlaenis'a, Shadaer Jama] Landmark: Dark basalt towers above	Moderate
Snow Goblins to Aesry Road	Visible beneath a shifting layer of snow is the sign of the terraced road.	Location: [Aesry Surlaenis'a, Geshiger] Landmark: a large echoing cavern	Moderate
Aesry Docks to Hart Hall	The lines forming the sign of the standing buck are still visible on the eroded timber.	Location: [Aesry Surlaenis'a, Shadaer] Landmark: reek of decaying garbage	Moderate
Hart Hall to Aesry Docks	The sign of the troubled wave is finely carved into the tree's tender bark.	Location: [Aesry Surlaenis'a, Wooded Path] Landmark: quiver with each breeze	Hard
Ferry to Penal Colony	Black lines scorched into the plank form the sign of the shackle.	Location: [Island Ring Road, Mer'Kresh Flats] v Landmark: A small tree grows through
Penal Colony to Ferry	Crudely etched into the cracked paving stone is the sign of the curling wave.	Location: [Penal Colony, Northwest Ring Road] Landmark: Paving stones cracked and heaved
Ferry to Peccs	Carved into the bark of an exposed root is the sign of the moss-clad tree.	Location: [Island Ring Road, Mer'Kresh Flats] Landmark: A large farm is carved
Ratha: Outside Sur'oson gate to Egress Bluffs	The sign of the singing bluff is chiseled into a grey-veined brown fieldstone.	Location: [Reshalia Trade Road] Landmark: The land near the city has been denuded of all vegetation save for weeds.	Moderate
Ratha: Egress Bluffs to Outside Sur'oson gate	Heavy lines burned into the sun-bleached wood form the sign of the gate of commons.	Location: [Old Fields Road, Low Hills] Landmark: Tufts of grass grow around an old post.	Moderate
Ratha: Outside Sur'oson gate to Leucros	Deep lines etched into the rotting wood form the sign of the broken road.	Location: [Reshalia Trade Road, Farmland] Landmark: The road runs close by the edge of the barley fields to the west.	Moderate
Ratha: Leucros to Roadblock	The lopsided sign of the one-legged seabird is artistically carved into the wood.	Location: [Reshalia Trade Road, Gravel Pit] Landmark: The sounds of hard labor drift out of the gravel pit to one side of the road.	Moderate
Ratha: Roadblock to Reshalia Trade Road (just south of Leucs)	The sign of the caravan wheel is burned into the bark of the branch.	Location: [Reshalia Trade Road, Woods] Landmark: The grass shivers in waves on the ground as the breeze from the ocean passes over it.	Moderate
Ratha: Leucros to Sur'oson gate	Thin lines etched into the basalt form the sign of the gate of commons.	Location: [Abandoned Road, The Pit Edge] Landmark: More a path than a road, the way circles	Moderate