What with the new edition of D&D, we now have a new paradigm for rangers. Now longer "Paladins of the Forest" these warriors are now tough, smart, and woods-wise. Skilled combatants, they rely on light armor and knowledge to defeat foes that grunt-fighters would just bull through. What do they most resemble? These songs, I think, say it best.

The Daleland's Ranger
(With apologies to Sgt. Barry Sadler, John Wayne, and all the men and women who have served)

Fighting soldiers from the Dales
Fearless men with Banshee's wails
Men of strength yet slow to anger
These things make a Dalelands ranger

Studded hide upon their chests...
These are men, the Daleland's best
One hundred men Lashan did face
Each one held short sword and mace

Trained to live off nature's land
Trained in combat hand-to-hand
Men who fight by night and day
Always for the Dalelands way

Studded hide upon their chests...
These are men the Daleland's best
One hundred men Lashan did face
Each one held short sword and mace

In her farm a young wife waits
Her ranger brave has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
leaving her this last request

Put studded hide on my son's chest
Make him one of the Daleland's best
He'll be a man they'll need some day
Teach him well, the Ranger way!

I wanna be a Bloodstone Ranger
I wanna live a life of Danger!
Death to the Witch-King
That's my creed
We fight for freedom
not for greed!