Ranger
Ranger Wick
Overview
Ranger, the dashing male adventurer renowned for daring exploits, and Wick, the flamboyant bard who spreads his legend, are believed to be two separate individuals. The truth, however, is far more complex: Ranger is, in fact, a woman masquerading as a man, while Wick is her alternate persona as a bard.
This layered deception has allowed her to navigate Rondo’s dangerous and often patriarchal society, building a legend that shields her from enemies while keeping her true identity safe. Few suspect that the reserved, rugged hero Ranger and the vibrant, eccentric Wick are not only the same person but also concealing an entirely different truth about who they are.
Appearance and Personality
- As Ranger:
Disguised as a man, Ranger cuts a dashing figure. She wears her auburn hair short beneath her signature wide-brimmed hat and adopts a gravelly tone when speaking. Her sturdy adventurer’s gear, marked with scratches and burns from past exploits, adds to the rugged charm. Ranger’s posture is confident but understated, relying on presence rather than flair to command attention. - As Wick:
Wick is a flamboyant and lively bard who embraces the spotlight. She wears long, flowing robes in vibrant colors and a theatrical mask that enhances the mystery of her identity. As Wick, she uses her natural voice, a lilting and melodic tone, and her gestures are sweeping and dramatic. - Personality:
- Ranger: Quiet, reserved, and pragmatic, she exudes a sense of reliability and unshakable resolve.
- Wick: Effervescent and witty, Wick is the life of the party, spinning tales with exaggerated flair and infectious enthusiasm.
The Tall Tales of Ranger (As Told by Wick)
Through Wick, Ranger’s exploits have grown into grandiose legends that captivate audiences across Rondo.
"The Canyon of Shadows"
According to Wick, Ranger navigated a labyrinthine canyon filled with shadow monsters by wielding a torch so bright it turned the monsters to ash. The torch, of course, was made from a single ember Ranger carried from a volcano’s heart.
"The Invisible Army"
Ranger supposedly led an army of ghosts to overthrow a tyrant king. Wick describes Ranger conversing with the spirits, convincing them to rally to her cause with nothing but a rousing speech.
"The Thunder Leviathan's Wrath"
Wick regales listeners with a tale of Ranger single-handedly defeating a massive sea monster during a raging storm. According to Wick, Ranger harpooned the beast from a shipwrecked mast while riding atop a lightning bolt.
"The Kraken Duel"
Ranger insists she once bested a kraken in single combat while armed with nothing but a fishing rod and a bottle of rum. She claims the kraken later apologized for the inconvenience and offered her one of its tentacles as a trophy. Ranger is often seen brandishing a coiled rope she claims is that very tentacle.
"The Song that Ended the War"
According to Wick, Ranger composed and performed a ballad so powerful that it ended a century-long feud between two rival kingdoms. The song’s lyrics are supposedly lost to time, but Ranger claims the melody still lingers in the wind on quiet nights.
"The Dragon’s Bet"
Ranger speaks of a wager with an ancient dragon in which she bet her life against the dragon’s hoard. The contest? A riddle competition. Not only did Ranger win, but she also taught the dragon to play the lute, turning it into a wandering minstrel. Some swear they’ve seen a dragon with a lute in distant lands, lending credence to the tale.
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