The Long Patrol's Mission

Lore & Background

The Patrol operates under a strict code of honor that emphasizes protection over conquest. When news reaches Redwall of a vermin horde rising in the north or south, a detachment of badgers immediately sets out, often leading a ragtag army of allies including mice, squirrels, and otters. Their presence is a psychological deterrent to evil; many villains hesitate to attack if they know the Long Patrol is nearby. Over the decades, countless badger heroes have fallen in service, their names etched into the history books alongside the great victories that preserved the Abbey's way of life.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the high passes of Mount Tor, carrying the scent of rain and old iron. A column of dark-furred figures moved silently against the grey sky, their heavy boots crunching on frost-covered stones. At their head walked a badger elder, his scarred face set in grim determination, gripping a broadsword that had seen more battles than any living creature could recall. They were not marching for glory or gold, but because somewhere beyond the next ridge, the bells of Redwall had rung the alarm. The Long Patrol did not ask questions; they answered the call.

Reader's Guide

The Long Patrol appears as a central element in nearly every major conflict within the Redwall series, acting as the connective tissue between individual stories. In early tales like 'Mossflower' and 'Marlfox', the Patrol is often shown responding to immediate threats near the Abbey. As the timeline progresses, their missions expand further afield, such as the journey across the sea in 'The Bellmaker' or the defense of Salamandastron in 'Salamandastron'. Their story arc is not linear but cyclical; they are constantly depleted by war and replenished by new recruits. Key events include their march against Verminlord Tybalt, the rescue missions during the siege of Redwall, and their pivotal role in uniting disparate animal factions against common enemies like Cluny the Scourge or the Rat King. The Patrol's actions often set the stage for the next book, as a victory leaves a power vacuum that eventually invites new villains to rise.

Did You Know?

• The Long Patrol is almost exclusively composed of badgers, though other species may join specific campaigns.
• Martin the Warrior, the first Abbot of Redwall, personally founded and led the original Long Patrol.
• Members of the Long Patrol are known to wear distinctive armor painted with the red wall symbol.
• The Patrol's headquarters is located within the grounds of Redwall Abbey itself.