The Farstriders have long been considered valiant and honorable elves who regarded the law with deep respect and faith. Indeed, they have long been considered the epitome of selfless dedication. Since the Scourge's bloody rampage through Quel'Thalas, the Farstriders have lost some of their optimism. Even so, they are nobly maintaining their role as protectors of elven society. Perhaps due to their ties to the land, these rangers tend to be spiritually, mentally, and physically healthier than many other elves. They see their mission as a broad one: to seek out and eradicate evil. Their primary focus is on Quel'Thalas itself, but they also occasionally venture abroad, carrying out surgical strikes where they feel their efforts will have the greatest effect. Their mandate is to protect Quel'Thalas far beyond its actual borders and look after high elf interests all over Azeroth.
The 812th Battalion was a band of Thalassian Farstriders that served primarily in the defense of Quel'Thalas during the Third War. They were almost completely eradicated, until Ranger Lady Aeriyth Dawnsorrow rebuilt it under the banner of the Silver Covenant. Composed of the Farstriders, Skyguard and Outrunners, the 812th Battalion is the be-all end-all of Thalassian expertise in boots-on-the-ground operations under cover of absolutely whenever. Within the Silver Covenant however, the aspect of an Arcane Ranger resurfaced. The Spellbows are magic-wielding rangers who shoot spells instead of physical arrows from specially augmented bows. With their ability to sling fireballs, conjure blizzards, open a portal, vanish and blink, the Spellbows quickly overwhelm enemies who think themselves contending with a mere ranger.
The Skyguard serves as the Highguard's presence in the sky. In the golden age of Quel'Thalas, the high elves rode majestic beasts known as Dragonhawks. Hailed as Azeroth's most fearsome predator, dragonhawks are native to the Highguard's former homeland, but are now harder and harder to come by. Because of this, the Silver Covenant Air Group is made up of remaining Dragonhawk Riders of old, and new Hippogryff specialists. The Air Group and the Navy work closely with one another, lead by a CAG.
The Outrunners act as scouts and spies, sneaking through and around enemy lines to report back valuable information, as well as ferrying important messages to-and-fro. They are very difficult to catch, and would rather die than give up the information entrusted to them.
Commander-in-Chief of the Highguard, Ranger Lady Aeriyth Dawnsorrow
A Silver Covenant Spellbow as seen in the quest
'A Situation In Dalaran'.
Farstriders as depicted in the RPG book, stalking a band of orcs who are cutting down trees.
From Left to Right: Scout-Lieutenant Gaelyn Blackblade, Scout-Captain Eralia Dawnsorrow, Scout-Lieutenant Malithanore Vanyali.