Ranger
The ranger is a huntsman, trapper, and wilderness scout capable of
hunting, tracking and trapping both animals and human (humanoid) prey.
The Character is usually familiar with a number of different terrains
and well versed in the survival skils needed in the wild. They can
indentify tracks, follow them, blaze trails, conceal trails, and prowl
in the wild, as well as handle themselves in combat. The ranger is a
clever, resourceful and hardy man of arms who enjoys the freedom and
purity of nature, the challange of survival, and living off the land.
The typical ranger has a good understanding about the balance of nature
and a high regard for life. Most only kill what they need and try to use
as much of a slain animal as possible. Although most rangers enjoy the
thrill of the hunt and the the challange of battle, few kill only for
pleasure.
The ranger's familiarity with nature also means he or she is likely to
have some knowledge of forestry and weather patterns, animal husbandry
and faerie folk. Rangers also typically have a fondness for animals.
However, few rarely acquire any animal companions other than a horse.
and/or a dog. Only retired or semi-retired rangers settle down in any
one place long enough to consider breeding dogs, horses or livestock.
How a ranger lives depends on the inclinations of the individual. Some
prefer the wilderness and shun civilization, others enjoy both. Some
make a living of trapping, skinning animals, selling their pelts and
telling tall tales. Others market their ablilities as bounty hunters,
guides, scouts, and trackers to the military, nobility, merchant
caravans, travelers or individuals. Some are adventurers seeking wealth,
glory and power through deeds; others just crave adventure, while still
others explore the land, study its wildlife and enjoy its many
splendors. Those who turn to a life of crime become bandits or join
outlaw bands to waylay merchant caravans, travelers and even squads of
soldiers.
NOTE: The ranger is the only other character allowed to take the long
bow as a weapon of proficiency--considered separate from Archery. The
archery skill covers all other types of bows. The ranger can pick one,
both or neither; not all rangers are proficient with the bow and arrow.
RANGERS AND ARMOR:
Most rangers tend to prefer leather armor because it offers excellant
maneuverablility, stealth (no jiggling or clunking of metal parts) and
because it is has a natural color or can be dyed in shades of green,
brown, grays and black, all of which are perfect for blending into a
wilderness surrounding. Rangers whose adventures lead them into battle
more often than others often wear suits of leather and chain mail, chain
mail, scale mail, and even splint or plate, but with the usual
penalties. Characters like to prowl, scale/climb, walls in full splint
or plate armor, a lower number of rangers prefer to use the chain or
scale mail, and even less like to wear studded leather when trying to
accomplish these tasks.
