Sagittarius

The Hunters of the Stag began with Sagittarius, a geomancer from the Khaz Modanian era. He learned about archery in the army, and became one of the best archers in the land. Unfortunately, Sagittarius had problems with authority, and deserted his unit after a particularly violent argument with his superiors. He ventured into the forest with nothing but a bow and a quiver of arrows.1

There he refined his skill with the bow, feeding off the land. He moved south, away from what is now Shirekeep. When he hit the coastline, he stopped and considered his next course of action.2

He decided that he would use his geomancer powers to create a tribute to Terra, in a form of thanks for his continued survival. He built an island, now known as Muad’Dib, almost killing himself from magical exhaustion several separate times in the process. Each time, Terra took care of him and kept him safe.3

He eventually completed the project, and Terra was pleased. So pleased, in fact, that she asked the Goddess of Life, Viviantia, to put many different kinds of life on the island, so that her faithful servant could hunt forever in her tribute.4

Viviantia was more than happy to oblige, and peppered the island with mundane and mythical creatures. Sagittarius set up his camp on the north shore of the island, in the mountain range he dubbed the Sagittandi Mountains. 5

Years passed, and Sagittarius perfected the art of hunting, both with bow and with a variety of melee weapons.6

Then he met Horjin. He became Horjin’s first priest, and the prime hunter of the followers of Nelig, Goddess of the Beasts. After one particularly grueling night, Sagittarius had a dream of a white stag running just out of his reach. He tried to catch up as best as he could, but no matter what he tried, the stag remained just outside of his reach.7

Day after day he experienced this same dream, until one night he prayed to Terra as he had long ago. Instead of dreaming of the stag that day, Terra came to him in his dream and told him about the Quarry and the Hunt.8

Somehow this gave him renewed strength and courage. The next night, he visited Horjin, telling him what he had seen. Horjin immediately understood the signs that Sagittarius had seen and sent him on a quest to bring down the most dangerous creature on the island.9

Sagittarius hunted a giant dragon for days, watching its’ tactics, its’ hunting techniques, and its’ style of fighting. Once he had learned all he could, he challenged the dragon to combat. They fought for hours, Sagittarius shooting arrow after arrow into the dragon, nimbly dodging the dragons’ attacks and fiery breath. The dragon paused once, and Sagittarius took the opening. He shot three arrows through the heart of the dragon in quick succession and left him there to rot. Sagittarius stole the dragons’ possessions, some of which included sacred texts. The Hunt for truth had begun.10

Sagittarius immediately returned to Horjin and began studying the philosophic and literary works.11

Soon Terra came to him again in a dream, telling him that he was going about his Hunt the wrong way. She compelled him to return to the dragon and apologize, to return the works, and to seek his own path.12

Seeing no other option, Sagittarius did as she had asked. The dragon, alive despite the damage that Sagittarius had done, was grateful for the return of his literature and bid him thanks and praise on his archery skills. Sagittarius thanked him and took his leave, vowing to never again treat his peers with such disrespect.13

Sagittarius ventured throughout most of the land of what is now Brookshire after that, acquiring followers as he went, teaching each the rudimentary basics before journeying further. It was not until he traveled back to Horjin that Sagittarius realized what it was that Terra wished for him to do: She wanted him and his kind to be her guardians.14

Sagittarius called a gathering of the Hunters of the Stag (as he had dubbed them), calling the meeting the Equinox Concourse. It was there he lay down the Code of the Hunt: The Sacred Hunt, The Law of Territory, The Law of the Wild, The Law of Induction, The Law of Revelation, and The Law of Hospice. It was not until much later that The Law of Secrecy was added to the Code of the Hunt.15

He told the Rangers what Terra had told him, relating to them Her will and his interpretation. The Rangers’ code of ethics (The Path of the Sacred Hunt) was developed that night as well. Rangers compared stories of their deeds, shared tactics, and trained together. This meeting has occurred yearly, on the winter solstice and the week following, since. All Rangers are required to attend, unless they are in the middle of a personal Hunt.16

Sagittarius transcended thirty years later, giving up the title of Head Priest of Horjin to one of his most adept followers, and took a place in the constellation of Sagittarius as a star.17

On The Sacred Hunt18

All Rangers receive a vision quest when they are initiated into the order. It is induced through meditation, prayer, and divine blessing. This usually takes several hours, and it is not uncommon for it to extend even further. It is said that Sagittarius’ vision quest (though not received upon his initiation), was for nearly two weeks.19

The Sacred Hunt (as this vision quest is called) is commonly thought of as a gift from Terra. From it, you are to ascertain your Hunt and your Quarry.20

Your Hunt is your personal quest, whether it be for love, fortune, knowledge, power, or something else. Most Hunts are for more than personal gain, and even the most selfish Hunts serve a greater purpose.21

The Quarry is different from the Hunt in that it is usually an enigmatic goal. That is not to say that you should not chase your Quarry; indeed, it is possible to attain it. Sagittarius attained his, and through it attained transcendence. The Quarry is far more difficult to determine and achieve than the Hunt. Good examples of Quarry are: achieving high clerical status; achieving transcendence; joining the Rangers’ elite forces; preventing the end of the world; founding a new church; or creating a national entity based upon survival, where technology is illegal.22

Between the Hunt and the Quarry, all Rangers have an idea of what Terra has chosen them for. Unfortunately, this vision quest during the initiation is not always the clearest memory, so occasionally Rangers end up doing something besides what Terra’s designs were.23

The Code Of Sagittarius:24

1. The Sacred Hunt25

Terra has blessed you with a vision of your Hunt. Follow that Hunt, for it is sacred, and the Quarry your life. Let neither out of your grasp for long.26

2. The Law of Secrecy27

No one outside of the Hunters of the Stag are to know the secrets of our rituals, whether they praise Terra or Horjin.28

3. The Law of Territory29

We are each hunters, and, as such, we each have hunting grounds. Respect others’ grounds, and treat them better than you do your own. If a trespasser does not treat yours in kind, show them no mercy.30

4. The Law of the Wild31

Treat Terra with respect—it is from Her that we receive our Quarry and the power to pursue it.32

5. The Law of Induction33

Remember well what Terra has shown you and taught you—to find the True Quarry, you will need all of Her teachings, and more.34

6. The Law of Revelation35

Share with other Rangers what Terra has shared with you, so that you may become more like Her.36

7. The Law of Hospice37

Treat other Rangers with the respect they deserve as your peers. Others are your inferiors, but that by no means you should mistreat them. Grant them all respect they deserve, and protect them with your lives.38