Gidget
In my opinion, the sudden half-assed introduction (NPE way back) of the neutral-proclaimed Rangers (and Silan) caused much of the derailing of the story progression, in terms of the civilization and faction storytelling.Our own world has changed considerably in the last century, yet Atys still has the same borders and factions. There was a discussion elsewhere about one such possibility being to roll with the rift in the Ryzom community by redrawing faction lines and having the "traditionalists" who felt their way of life (fanatical worship of Jena/Ma'Duk) being threatened by the more secular/globalist "hominists" (Marauders and Rangers who do not revere the Higher Powers or governments, as well as those Kami/Kara who do not see their faction as a valid reason to hate others) who seek to move forward instead simply replaying the past over and over and over and over again with no meaningful difference between 2603 and 2503. It would surely break the status quo we've had for far too long!
And I honestly have absolutely no clue what the coherent background story of the Rangers and the Marauders is, at this point. I do not understand why they somehow get to be treated any more privileged than any of the other dozens of tribes that already preceded their existence.
As far as I know, the Rangers are mostly working against tribes such as the Cholorogoo (and Black Circle, and so on) who attempt to make use of the goo for nefarious purposes (biased point of view). The Cholorogoo are aligned with the Karavan, with whom they share the same interest in the goo, and are against the Kami, who fight against the goo. Ideologically, that makes the Rangers clearly aligned with Kami goals (fighting the goo, keeping Kitins in check, taking care of Atys,) and not so much neutral.
Keep in mind, there's still a difference in being aligned with a faction's ideals, versus worshiping Ma-Duk and Jena.
While I'm under the impression that the Rangers are being sold as "neutral", and they do seem to be relatively neutral towards civilizations, it's clear that they do favour the Kami over the Karavan. Their role of being the sole starter island welcomers sadly dilutes the Kami story into a supposedly neutralist point of view.
In the Tryker mission on Silan, you are made to fight against the Cholorogoo. Clearly, the Trykers don't like the goo very much. Especially, considering Still Wyler was killed by the Black Circle using a goo infected weapon. The Black Circle, being also graciously aided by the Karavan in their goals. It surprises me, then, that the Karavan altars are still being tolerated in the Tryker cities. Perhaps a seasonal reshuffling of teleport altars and respawn points (based on storyline progression) is in order. Perhaps some villages should deviate from the state religion as well.
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Kaetemi