Common Traits: the Classic Ranger (CRH)

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Perhaps the most important aspect of creating a three-dimensional character is determining his core traits, the values and principles upon which he bases his philosophy. A character with specific values tends to be more consistent in his reactions. And while few real-world people are wholly consistent, the more consistently a character behaves, the more lifelike he'll appear in the context of a game.
While no two rangers are exactly alike in their outlook, all share a set of common traits which form the foundation of their personality. These traits are described in general terms below, and are not intended to straitjacket a good role-player. A player doesn't necessarily have to incorporate all of these traits into his character, but he should think carefully before setting them aside. In a sense, these traits are as crucial to defining the ranger character class as his ability scores.
==Strong Ethics==
Rangers have firm values that impel them to promote goodness and justice. Regardless of whether he's lawful good, neutral good, or chaotic good, a ranger has definite ideas about the difference between right and wrong. He behaves honestly, and most rangers believe in altruism and service. Selfishness and greed are antithetical to the ranger. He champions the powerless and fights for the weak. In many cases, a ranger's respect for life extends to animals as well as humans. Though in essence rangers are warriors, most have no fondness for war. Even when fighting for a cause in which he believes, the ranger looks forward to the end of the conflict and the natural healing process promised by peace.
==Love of Nature==
A ranger is as much a creature of the wilderness as a lion or wild horse. Many rangers find urban life suffocating and would no more make their homes in a city than volunteer for a prison sentence. A typical ranger prefers songbirds to orchestras, flowers to jewelry, and forests to grand castles. Most rangers are sophisticated enough to handle themselves well in urban settings, but they generally can't wait to finish their business and leave.
==Solitary==
By virtue of his duties and disposition, the ranger spends a lot of time alone. Most rangers come to enjoy the solitary life, and have no particular need for the company of other people. In most cases, animals satisfy a ranger's desire for companionship.
On the positive side, the ranger's penchant for solitude encourages him to be self-reliant and independent. On the negative side, rangers may come across as remote and detached, even antisocial. While a ranger may be perfectly capable of social etiquette, his companions may believe that he's not especially interested in fostering lasting friendships.
==Taciturn==
By observing wild animals, many rangers have learned the importance of keeping their emotions in check. A juvenile wolf who charges impulsively is certain to scare away his prey. A young lioness who makes unprovoked, pointless attacks against the pride leader may find herself ostracized and alone. Consequently, rangers often conceal their feelings from friends and strangers alike, revealing little about themselves in actions or words. For all but the ranger's closest companions, it's often difficult to tell if he's happy or sad, angry or forgiving, troubled or content.
Though rangers certainly experience emotions as deeply as anyone else, many suffer in silence when wounded, and grieve in private at the loss of a beloved animal or comrade. A ranger's companions invariably find him to be a dependable, competent, and trustworthy professional. But as a person, he often remains an impenetrable enigma.
==Devout==
Many rangers are deeply and privately spiritual, perceiving their access to spells and their appreciation of nature as gifts from a greater power. Whether a ranger worships nature itself as a unifying force or follows an established religion, he combines his love of nature with his faith to form the foundation of his moral code. Such rangers regularly reaffirm their commitment through moments of quiet reflection. (See Chapter 9 for more about rangers and religion.)