The Keeper of Infinite Earths - Union of Peace
Created by Bob Justice
"Druid" Created by Barry Mulvihil
The Ranger
Alter Ego: William Drake
Occupation: Superhero
Known Relatives: None living
Group Affiliation: Union of Peace
Base of Operations: New York, NY
Background/History:
Will of Drake’s Hollow was a famed woodsman and adventurer. He roamed Britain
and the Celtic lands doing good deeds and protecting the innocent. On one quest,
he found a young woman outnumbered by six ruffians. They were attacking a stag
for it’s antlers and the woman, Moira the druidess, was trying to protect him.
Will leapt into the fray and the two were able to run the poachers off. He was
wounded, however, and the druidess tended his wounds. One thing led to another
and the two fell in love. This did not set well with her fellow druids, who were
seeing increasing threats from the outside world. A jealous druid stirred the
pot with the notion that Will had been sent to seduce her and infiltrate their
grove. The lovers were so wrapped up in each other that neither of them saw what
was coming. Moira and Will were taken to a tribunal at Stonehenge and charged
with betrayal. The jealous one attempted to claim that Moira had been seduced,
if not entranced, by the charismatic ranger, but he had enraged the druids too
much. They decided to slay the traitoress first and make the ranger watch. She
had stayed awake all night in her bonds praying and working up a spell and a
curse. When the archdruid pierced her heart, she cast a spell with her own life’s
blood and Will, who was tied to one of the pillars of Stonehenge, was simply
absorbed into the rock. With her dying breath, she spat a curse on all that
attended. They were abandoned by the forces of nature, left defenseless, and
slain by those who would see their heathen ways end within weeks of her murder.
Poor Will, however, remained trapped in the stone for decades. When the Nexus
opened releasing Crypeace and creating Shatter, a surge of mystical energy shot
through the ley lines encircling the Earth and, suddenly, Will was free. He had
seemingly not aged a day and discovered that he had gained some mystical,
druidic abilities of his own. He roamed around exploring this strange, new world
he found himself in and saw in Crypeace a kindred spirit. He sought him out and
joined the Union of Peace.
Personality/Motivations:
Will came from a line of adventurers, explorers, and woodsmen. He had always
been very compassionate and helpful to any in need. With the powers he gained,
he now continues his good deeds on a much larger scale with the Union.