Rangers

Rangers guards the wilderness from threats, be it mortal, natural, magical, or extraplanar. They are not enemies of civilization, but rather its unsung protectors. They go where others go not, interposing themselves between danger and those they care about. A ranger's greatest successes will never be widely known, while their failures lead to villages being burnt down and untouched wilds being despoiled. Their love for civilization keeps them on the outside, guarding against the forces of darkness.

Rangers are often loners, perhaps avoiding to form a connection to what they protect. When a ranger visits town, those who do not know better might think them a strange outsider, but they usually know the land and its inhabitants better than anyone else.

Rangers train with both ranged and melee weapons, switching between them to whatever suits the situation at hand best. They use the environment to their benefit, preparing ambushes that let them attack their enemies from favorable positions.

Rangers wield primal magic, although not at the same scale as druids. They use their magic to track their foes, enhance their attacks in combat, and to call upon the forces of nature.

Subclasses

The different ranger subclasses focuses the class in different directions, building on one aspect of the kit.

Beastmaster

These rangers have ventured into the wilds and has gained the respect of a mighty bestial spirit that joins them on their adventures. Did they save it from a common threat, or did they lure it with food? How does your companion react to other people?

Fey Wanderer

The Feywild is a dangerous place, but some rangers who venture there have mastered that environment and bent its magic to their will. With their many guileful tricks, they can use weave enchantments to influence others and enhance their martial abilities.

Gloom Stalker

Hailing from the darkest places, such as the Underdark, the Shadowfell, or the dusky depths of the Feywild, these rangers are masters of the night, stalking their prey while remaining unseen.

Hunter

These versatile outdoorsmen can be more about harvesting nature's bounties instead of protecting them. They live for the thrill of the chase, always looking for their next quarry.

Ideals

• Exploration: I want to see what lies over the next hill, and the one after that. (Any)
• Secrecy: My purpose is not for everyone to know. (Lawful)
• Protection: I stand watch at the edge of civilization, and I do not need any reward for it. (Good)
• Wilderness: Nature contains unbridled splendor and wrath in equal amounts, and must be preserved. (Neutral)
• The Hunt: I relish in the stalking of my prey. (Evil)
• Freedom: I will go whereever I want and do whatever I want. (Chaotic)

Backstory Questions

• How did you acquire your skills?
• What type of wilderness are you most at home in?
• Is ther a particular type of creature you are hunting?

Rangers of the Past

Eirik Hoarfrost

(dwarf, LN, 1275-1404?): Polar explorer from Myrknes who mapped much of the oceans north of Estia. He was last seen in 1404 when he headed out on another expedition, but has not been heard from since and is presumed dead.

Nirnea Elendorei

(wood elf, NG, 1021-1258): Nirnea is widely regarded as the greatest archer to ever live, rivalled only by Uller himself. She would train with two-inch clay targets, called dragon's eyes, having an assistant hundreds of feet away throw several in the air at once, each shattered by an arrow before they hit the ground. She could also shoot blindfolded, from horseback, and mid-sprint.

Hector Evenheart

(human, LN, 978-1029): One of the most famous dragonslayers who ever lived. He hunted down and slew several dozen chromatic dragons, of all colors. To this day, dragons speak of him with as much fear and reverence as they can muster for a mortal. He died after a conclave of dragons got word he was setting out to slay them and set an ambush for him and his entourage. Three of the dragons died in the ensuing battle, but in the end, the red dragon Moteda slew Hector with her devastating breath.