Ranger

The Way of the Ranger

Off the western shore of the mainland lies the fair island of the Rangers. Venturing far from their retreat at Skara Brae, they strive to improve the conditions of people throughout the realm, guided by the virtue of Spirituality. Rangers are well-versed in woods lore and fight fiercely with most weapons, but shun all but leather armour. They are also proficient magic users and faultless trackers in any wilderness.

They are very similar to Druids in many respects, but are much more aggressive. They are often to be found visiting Empath Abbey, where they will pray for enlightenment. Rangers are also the protectors of the wild, and will fight anyone who looks to use nature for personal gain.

Note: The armour and weapon restrictions are by now mostly of philosophical nature. During the gargoyle war, the drawbacks of this narrow-minded thinking became clear, and the Rangers of Britannia have opened themselves to all kinds of weapons and armour.

Examples
Shamino is a prime example of a Ranger.

Lore
''Off the western shore of the mainland lies the fair island of the Rangers. Venturing far from their retreat at Skara Brae, they strive to improve the conditions of people throughout the realm, guided by the virtue of Spirituality. Rangers are well-versed in woods lore and fight fiercely with most weapons, but shun all but leather armour. They are also proficient magic users and faultless trackers in any wilderness. ''

- from "The History of Britannia", Ultima IV

''With the coming of the druids, should I be successful in recruiting them to establish a grove in the Abyss, we will of course also welcome woodsmen of all types. I have often thought that rangers would be useful here to track down intruding predators, and their training in woods lore might enlighten us about some of the odd creatures we find.''

- from "Memoirs of Cabirus", Ultima Underworld

''Rangers tend to be loners, solitary heroes schooled in woodcraft and natural lore. Experts in stealth and tracking, in the wilds they are deadly foes.''

- from "A Safe Passage Through Britannia", Ultima Underworld II