Néma

Overview

What is known about Néma only comes from what has been observed by others. As the full title suggests, no one knows the true name of this ranger as none have been given. Nema appears only to do some needed deed before disappearing again. No one knows where this ranger lives if indeed there is a home to be found. Perhaps Nema has no permanent abode to call a home. Perhaps Nema considers the entirety of the Continental Island of Dammerung as a home.

The ranger seems watchful enough, but that owl... there's more to that bird than meets the eye.

— Uze, Fisherman

Vedere

A great owl commonly referred to as Vedere follows Néma everywhere. No one knows if Vedere is primarily a combatant or a scout though some accounts show the owl being capable of both roles.
The owl appears as a large and black feathered with bright orange eyes. Many who have seen the owl say that they felt as if they were being watched well before they saw it.

Silence

When one tries to speak to Néma, the ranger never responds vocally. Instead, the ranger employs simple gestures and even sign language to communicate. These gestures are always brief and to the point. In other words, Néma is not one for small talk. It's not clear if Néma is unable to speak or simply won't speak due to some vow of silence.

Once, while I was in port along the Dammerung coast, I had a run in with Nema. On a whim I asked if they could get me a new oar for my row boat. There wasn't a reply then, so I thought my request was either not heard or just plain ignored. Next day I found two new oars waiting for in my row boat.

— Sail Flick, Sailor

Helper

No act of kindness seems to be too small for Néma. From planting seeds to rescuing a person from a burning home. Sometimes a reward is sought for these deeds whereas at other times none is asked. It is this trait that helps identify the true Néma from the impersonators that have appeared of late though not in all cases.
No one is entirely sure what motivated Nema to help out the various peoples around Dammerung. Perhaps the ranger simply needed a job. Perhaps the ranger was trying to make good on a promise. Perhaps the ranger was working off some kind of debt.

Fighter

At times Néma has defended travelers from bandits and monsters. Nema has demonstrated proficiency with a bow as well as a set of daggers. The level of proficiency suggests training though no one can really tell from where from the fighting style alone. Perhaps Nema comes from the eastern realms of the Continental Island of Lluvia, or perhaps the ranger began life in the Deshret Continent. Perhaps the ranger simply self-taught how to fight out of necessity.

First Known Appearance

The first account of Néma occurred in 1195AGC. A large troll was on a rampage through the Apple Village of Elpída. Nema engaged the troll in combat and only barely survived the encounter. The troll was forced to leave the village after sustaining what is believed to have been mortal wounds. Nema was brought back to health in the town as was offered a commission to rid the town of another threat- a group of Gnoll bandits who were known to have set up camp nearby. Nema accepted the contract on one condition, that their identity remain a secret. The Gnoll camp was destroyed and Nema left Elpida shortly after. The story of this encounter reached nearby villages due in no small part to the efforts of a local bard.
Since then, other villages and towns have had their own product if brief encounters with Nema. However, none have had the same opportunity to unmask the ranger as the people of Elpida. Apparently, Nema had been more careful going forward.

Last Known Appearance

The Last known appearance of Néma happened in 1270AGC in the Garden Town of Oazė. Nema was hired to clear the Mirgėti Mines of a giant spider infestation which the ranger did. No one has seen Néma since. Some would claim that Néma has been seen beyond this date, but The Archivists Guild has determined that all incidents beyond 1270AGC are the work of pretenders.

Legacy

Néma has become something of a folk hero among the towns and villages the ranger has visited and is therefore the subject of many stories. These stories have become somewhat embellished for dramatic effect. Some of the stories surrounding Néma are in fact entirely fictional and elevate Néma's skills well beyond what is told of in first hand accounts.
In addition to stories, there are also imposters that seek to emulate Néma in deed and mystery. Of course, these imposters don't have the company of a black owl with orange eyes and most usually avoid fighting. As such, there are now many cloaked "rangers" traveling the Continental Island of Dammerung which has made research into this subject somewhat difficult.

Circumstances of Birth

Unknown

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Pretenders

The Archivists Guild has estimated that there are at least six people who are actively trying to impersonate Néma in the year of 1277AGC. Three of these are actively extorting villages within their area of influence. The leaders of these settlements have been notified of the situation.

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Note(s) from the Archivists:

I think Nema retired. Either didn't like the spotlight or thought that others were more than willing to claim the mantle. - Archivist Bob
That's not the only possibility. - Archivist Enna
It's one of the happier ones though. - Archivist Bob