Ranger

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Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Eldar scouts; for the Adeptus Mechanicus Infantry, see Skitarii Rangers.
Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Eldar Pathfinder; for the T'au Infantry, see T'au Pathfinder.
Eldar Rangers[15]

Rangers are Eldar who have decided to leave their Craftworld and the Eldar Path, choosing instead to follow the Path of the Outcast, seeking excitement and adventure in the open galaxy[1] and serving as vigilant scouts for dangers to the Craftworld.[5b] Many never return to their Craftworld, dying alone and forgotten or falling from grace into the hands of Slaanesh. Sometimes, however, Rangers return to their Craftworld, having sated their desire for adventure, and are welcomed back.[1]

Overview

Ranger Fate Dealer of the Eldritch Raiders Corsairs[13]

Rangers adopt a nomadic lifestyle to escape the rigors of the Eldar Path where they can exorcise their wanderlust, often undertaking missions from seers while keeping vigilant duty towards the potential foes and dangers to their Craftworld[5b] such as threats from Chaos along the galactic rim.[2] Rangers investigate alien planets, search for lost webway gates, explore new-found maiden worlds,[5b] and recover lost artefacts including Spirit Stones either recovered from corpses of the fallen[5b] or from the Crone Worlds themselves[17] – even if it means bartering with the Chaotic Eldar.[22] Rangers are the first line of defense against the threats that would harm their craftworld[5b] often finding themselves embroiled in distant wars on alien worlds,[17] and in times of great need will receive a psychic distress call from their Craftworld to take their arms back to defend it.[2]

Rangers must make their own way as they travel they are often found amidst the Exodite cultures of the Exodite Worlds,[17] aboard the vessels of Eldar Corsair fleets or serving as Fate Dealers in their warbands,[13] and even aboard other Craftworlds short time.[17] Rangers can be found throughout the galaxy's markets[21][22] where they trade for their needs and take contracts from brokers as bounty hunters.[21] Rangers should never be underestimated by their enemies, and their bands have been known to hold up entire Imperial Guard columns. As such, the common Imperial practice when confronting Rangers is to use artillery support.[4]

Fate Dealers

Fate Dealers are Eldar Rangers that have specifically enmeshed themselves within Eldar Corsair warbands. Fate Dealers are prized for the accuracy of their weapons.[13] Fate Dealers often number among the Corsair Ghostwalker bands, elusive warriors which seek safety in darkness preferring to engage from long range with stealth over bravado.[27]

Pathfinders

An Alaitoc Pathfinder[16]

Pathfinders, or Path-Finders,[3] are Rangers that have walked the Path of the Outcast for centuries. They have overcome their temptations, but still feel the call of the Path. They are even more skilled at infiltration and survival than other Rangers.[3]

Pathfinders have become adept over the centuries at roving ahead of the main Eldar warhosts, using their guerrilla expertise to sabotage their enemies before battle has even commenced. Bypassing sentries, sabotaged machinery, destroyed supply dumps and even the mysterious assassinations of key leaders take their toll upon both the enemy's numbers and morale, leaving them to chase shadows and go mad as they attempt to pull fragments of their armies back into cohesion as the Eldar strike at their weaknesses with brutal yet hauntingly subtle efficiency.

While pathfinders can be found across the galaxy from every craftworld, by far the most famous are those hailing from the craftworld of Alaitoc, where they prefer to call themselves the Starstriders[5a]. Alaitoc society is highly dedicated to "the path". Individuals are therefore more prone to rebel against the disciplined lifestyle and seek adventure as Outcasts, more so than those of other Craftworlds.

Equipment

Sensor Spikes, a common piece of Ranger equipment

Rangers often arm themselves with Ranger Long Rifles or Needle Sniper Rifles[17] as this allows them to make the most of their individual approach. Another benefit of working alone is their ability to move through terrain and choose the optimum position for sniping enemy emplacements. They are also adept at hiding in undergrowth and other types of cover due to their stealthy nature. However, this flexibility comes at the expense of protection, as this armour is useless against bolter fire. Another piece of Ranger equipment is a Cameleoline cloak and Gloom Field generator[20], which helps Rangers to blend into their surroundings, especially in poorly-lit environments [4]. They also ride atop Shroud Runner Jetbikes[12], draped in Shroud Runner Cloaks[14]. Finally, many Rangers captured by the Imperium possessed sensor spikes containing something that was determined to be a psychotelemetric receiver. It is suspected that this device allows Rangers to use the Webway to see distant places.[4]

Shroud Runners

Rangers atop Shroud Runners[12]

Shroud Runners are two-man crewed Raptor jetbikes that are used by rangers. Besides the pilot, they also seat a pillion-riding partner who serves as a sniper.[12] Besides their sniper rifles, Rangers also employ a variety of esoteric wargear such as Wireweave Grenades and Wireweave Nets.[20] Their armour is a mesh suit with Eldar carapace plates attached to it. As a result, it is very flexible, allowing Rangers to move freely.[1]

Notable Rangers

Illic Nightspear, Ranger Pathfinder from Craftworld Alaitoc[24b]

Images

Miniatures

Development History

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The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

Sources

Inquisitor40KForum.png

This article or article section is based on information from Inquisitor Magazine, a fan forum magazine not published by Games Workshop to which Games Workshop submitted rules and clarifications, which appeared alongside material submitted by hobbyists, and as such, their content may or may not be in contradiction to established rules, information, or background lore.


Craftworld Eldar Forces
Command Autarchs • Bonesingers • Farseers • Spiritseers • Warlocks • Exarchs
Aspect Warriors
Troops Guardians (Guardian Defenders • Storm Guardians) • Windrider Squadrons • Rangers (Pathfinders • Shroud Runners) • Ghost-Warriors • Wraithguard • Wraithblades
Support Weapons Grav Platform • Support Battery • War Walker
Constructs Avatar of Khaine • Wraithknight • Wraithlord
Special Characters Amallyn Shadowguide • Eldrad Ulthran • Illic Nightspear • Iyanna Arienal • Nuadhu 'Fireheart' • Yriel
Phoenix Lords Asurmen • Baharroth • Drastanta • Fuegan • Irillyth • Jain Zar • Karandras • Lhykhis • Maugan Ra
Fortifications Webway Gate
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