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Recruiting Status

OPEN

    Scouts
    A diligent force of men from Minas Tirith, the Scouts of Ithilien aid the Rangers of Ithilien in harassing the Enemy. Although the Scouts are not as skilled in the arts of stealth or fighting as the Rangers, they are far more numerous and present a real threat to both the Southrons travelling through Ithilien and the Mordor-orcs who roam its border. The Scouts of Ithilien also maintain close contact with Minas Tirith and periodically report back to the Steward himself.

    The Scouts of Ithilien do accept newly cultured Gondorians, but are at times closed to recruiting due to the fact of their large numbers.

    Duties
    I. The primary duty of the Scouts of Ithilien is to diligently watch the borders of Gondor. In order to do this effectively, a Scout must be well versed in the arts of subterfuge and espionage, as well as educated in the cultures and cultural habits of the nations immediately surrounding Gondor.

    II. The Scouts of Ithilien will assist the military in the role of archers, and wartime scouts. Reconnaisance missions and enemy raids are considered a part of this duty.

    III. The Scouts of Ithilien will assist the Rangers of Ithilien in their ongoing fight against the Enemy. They will maintain watch over the lands of Ithilien and are expected to keep the crossing from Gondor into Ithilien clear for the use by the Ranger Company.
    Specifics
    The Scouts of Ithilien are expected to follow the same dress and armour regulations that govern the Rangers of Ithilien, with the exception that they are not permitted to wear the green gauntlets and/or use green fletched arrows, these being trademarks of the Rangers only. Each Scout will be supplied with a Studded Leather Jerkin, a Studded Leather Helmet, and a Studded Leather Shield. All clothing worn should be of a color that would render the wearer sufficiently camoflauged in his environment (ie, hues of green and brown). Over this is worn a cloak, the outer color should again be able to assist the wearer in Ithilien's environment.
    A Scout of Ithilien also wears the insignia of a Black Tree against a green background. These symbols should be seen on the lapel of their cloak and also on the front of their helms. Each scout will be supplied with their choice of a Longsword or Spear to defend himself or attack with. As he progresses, a Bow will also be made available to him. Once a scout has been issued a Bow, he will then be eligible to be called up to assist the Rangers of Ithilien in ranged fire attacks on the Enemy.
    Joining
    The Scouts of Ithilien are open to new members of the culture. There are no prerequisites to entering the Scouts of Ithilien, although generally a small interview is suggested for the purpose of getting to know the applicant. Generally that interview takes place with a Ranger of Ithilien. Due to the large number of Scouts of Ithilien, recruitment into that group is periodically closed in order to allow the other areas of Gondor to grow.
    After Joining
    If an individual is accepted into the ranks of the Scouts of Ithilien, he is taken to the secure isle of Cair Andros upon the Anduin where the crossing to Ithilien is hidden. It is there that his training begins, taught in the ways of subterfuge and espionage by the more experienced members of the Scouts of Ithilien. There are times when the Rangers of Ithilien will also frequent Cair Andros, spending time with those Scouts who show potential and furthering their teaching. Weapons training is taught as well as basic lessons on patrolling and forays into the field.

    Upon arrival to Cair Andros, a newly recruited Scout of Ithilien is also required to take an oath, swearing fealty to Gondor and to the Steward. Included in this oath are also practical matters such as the secrecy of the isle and the Rangers of Ithilien. Any Scout of Ithilien who is found to have dishonored his oath will be cast from the group, never to return under the penalty of death.

    Oath Ceremony
    Any Ranger may give and take a new scout's oath in the following ceremony:

    The person giving the oath to the new scout unsheathes his sword and holds it so the point touches the floor and steadies it by holding the pommel. The scout taking the oath comes and kneels on one knee and recites the following oath, while placing his hands on the hilts of the sword.

    I swear to uphold the laws of Gondor. To stand steadfast against the hosts of the Enemy. I swear my life and loyalty to the brotherhood of the scouts. To live by their rules and laws and not reveal their dwellings nor that of their allies to any. I swear, under the oath, and judgement of my fellows, to above all swear loyalty to the Steward and serve him willingly till death.

    This is answered by the one taking the oath, with these words:

    I hearby take this Oath from you, witnessed by my brothers, and in return I will keep faith with thee, brother to brother, through life unto death.