Archetype: Ranger

Ranger by Tillerz using MJ

Rangers are often contracted by landowners to perform a vital task: assessing potential risks that might range from cunning thieves and marauding warbands to invading armies or the lurking danger of wild animals. They are also sought after by intrepid explorers who yearn to uncover extraordinary landmarks and identify prime sites for establishing settlements or fortifications. Furthermore, they possess expertise in crafting intricate traps to capture animals. This task serves two purposes: removing a threat to safeguard the community or utilizing the animals' meat, skin, and pelts as valuable and sustainable resources.
Role in the Party The ranger's role in a party is primarily that of an explorer, tracker, and reconnaissance specialist. They excel at navigating uncharted territories, uncovering hidden paths, and providing valuable information to the group.

Trailblazers of the Unknown: Rangers pioneer the unknown. They don't just walk the beaten path; they forge new ones, mapping the uncharted territories they tread upon. Their uncanny ability to find hidden routes and shortcuts often shaves precious time off arduous journeys.
Masters of Stealth: Stealth is their second nature. Rangers move softly and undetected. Even the keenest observers cannot detect them because they blend into their environment. This talent not only helps them evade danger but also makes them formidable ambush predators when the need arises.
Trapcraft Experts: Rangers are skilled craftsmen when it comes to traps. They can fashion snares, pitfalls, and intricate mechanisms to catch all sorts of animals. Many Rangers earn their keep by capturing rare and exotic animals, which they sell to collectors and menageries.
Fleet-footed and Agile: Rangers are swift. They can outrun most opponents faster than a summer breeze. Their agility knows no bounds, whether they are climbing trees or navigating rocky terrain with ease.

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• Affinity: Earth
• Primary Characteristics: Initiative, Agility
• Earning Skill: Perception
• Equipment: Bow and Arrows, Hand Weapon, Leather Jack, Sturdy Boots and Cloak, Bedroll

Skills

• Animal Care, Animal Training, Charm Animal, Climb, Endurance, Lore (Fauna), Lore (Geography), Melee (Basic), Navigation, Outdoor Survival, Perception, Ranged (Bow), Set Trap, Stealth, Track

Building the Backstory

These questions don't have to get answered and written down in detail, they are just there to make your think about your hero, but the answers can help the gamemaster to set up connections and stories related to your character.

• What led you to become a ranger, and how did you acquire your tracking and survival skills?
• Describe a particularly dangerous wilderness or espionage mission you've undertaken. What were the key challenges, and how did you succeed?
• Have you formed strong bonds with other rangers or adventurers during your travels? Who are your closest companions, and what do you value most about those relationships?
• How do you handle moments of isolation or solitude in the wild? What thoughts or memories keep you company during those times?
• What drives you to explore uncharted territories and uncover hidden threats or secrets in the wilderness?

Progression

A character begins with a selection of abilities and features listed in the Novice tier. If there are additional entries available, they can be acquired as the character advances through gameplay. Upon reaching specific milestones, the character can advance to the next tier. However, certain traits from those higher tiers must be earned through effort and accomplishment.

Legend: Companion Gadget Mutation Potion Scroll Spell Talent

✠ Novice

• Talents: Hunter's Eye, Orientation, Rover, Trapper

Eagle's Eye Spy Glass

♟ Adept

• Talents: Animal Affinity, Hardy, Night Vision, Sprinter

Animal Companion
A loyal and trained animal hunting ally, such as a dog, wolf, owl, or hawk, which assists the ranger in various tasks.

♜ Master

• Talents: Acute Sense, Sixth Sense, Strong Legs, Sturdy

♛ Legend

• Talents: Scale Sheer Surface, Tenacious

Hunting Lodge