Ranger (character class)

Rangers are a type of warriors appearing in fantasy fiction and role-playing games.

Rangers are usually associated with nature, being skilled trackers and archers, though there are many instances where rangers use a variety of weapons, and sometimes magic.

In the Forgotten Realms, rangers are the worshippers of a nature goddess, and they take a role similar to druids, protecting nature and slaying foul creatures.

Overall, rangers are naturally inclined to solitude, particularly from commoners, as in the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien. Rangers tend to prefer the company of fellow rangers, and they are extensively trained.

Rangers often act as the guardians of others, whether appreciated or not, by repelling "evil" forces, as in Tolkien's or George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.

Ranger archetype

Rangers tend to be skilled warriors with darker personalities. Often rangers are veterans of wars, or have lived in the woods their entire lives. They tend to be rather stoic, accepting what fate throws at them rather than rage against it.

Rangers are skilled with the bow, usually because they use them so often, for the hunting of wild animals. It has been noted that this might also be a play on their seclusion: they would rather be far away from things rather than close. They tend to be well versed in other forms of combat however, usually preferring a sword. In Dungeons and Dragons 3.0, rangers get a free feat for dual-wielding weapons. This has been changed in 3.5 to make it an option instead. Rangers are somewhat versed in the art of healing due to their self reliance. In some definitions, rangers may have some understanding of the divine arts, though not as great an understanding as that of a druid. Rangers' connection to druids is often compared to that of clerics and paladins; the one being a magic-user, the other more of a martial artist, but both still sharing mutual interests.