Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Lore-wise, I run an Ranger heavy list and plan on trying out inq28 (And finding a way to use a Ranger despite the whole xeno thing). I have read some of the lore but never found out how an Eldar becomes one. Is there a canon process or do you have any good ideas on how they would become one?

Rangers are outcasts, they have abandoned the Eldar Path and are no longer affiliated with any specific craftworld.

That is harsh.

 Filch wrote:
That is harsh.

Why is it harsh? It is something they have chosen for themselves, the Eldar that feel trapped by the Path are the ones who most often become Rangers. They generally aren't mistreated by other Eldar, they work as traders and scouts for various craftworlds, and even join aspect warriors and guardians in battle sometimes.

Become a teenager and get all emo. Break the rules and run away from home. But realize that if you actually break rules, She-who-thirsts gets to nom on your soul, so after a bit of a walkabout, come home and settle down on the craftworld.

…Or something like that, IIRC from the old fluff.

Not really. Most Outcasts just need a break from the rigid lifestyle of a Craftworld. The problem is that when you can do what you want you are walking a very fine line that separates Eldar from the Dark Eldar, and walking the Path of the Outcast can lead to the Path of Damnation.

For more information on Rangers I'd recommend the Eldar Path series by Gav Thorpe.

Book 1 details the Path of the Warrior (specifically Striking Scorpions).
Book 2 deals with the Path of the Seer.
Book 3 deals with the Path of the Outcast.

It IS something that Eldar in their "teen" years tend to do, though. The Alaitocii especially.

That's when they are moody and tend to chafe from the rigid discipline that the path system espouses.

(OK, Just because an Eldar is a teenager when still in their early first hundred years is irrelevant.).

Alaitoc allows it, because it allows the young to get that rebelliousness out of their systems so they can become productive members of society.

Just say: Feth the conformists
I ain't gonna be part of this system!

Yep, they just kinda run off from the craftworld. Personally I think rangers are the coolest eldar.

 Great White wrote:
Yep, they just kinda run off from the craftworld. Personally I think rangers are the coolest eldar.

I agree, it's just a shame they aren't very good on the TT so my squad spend more time having tea parties than actually killing anything

From the Gav Thrope books, the Path of the Eldar is very introverted. Very much about looking within oneself to find peace. The path of the Outcast and Rangers is more about experience. Seeing new things, being exposed to more of the universe and taking in a wide range of everything. It's not focused like normal Eldar, but scattered, dangerous and risky but very very rewarding for an Eldar not at peace with themselves.

 SharkoutofWata wrote:
From the Gav Thrope books, the Path of the Eldar is very introverted. Very much about looking within oneself to find peace. The path of the Outcast and Rangers is more about experience. Seeing new things, being exposed to more of the universe and taking in a wide range of everything. It's not focused like normal Eldar, but scattered, dangerous and risky but very very rewarding for an Eldar not at peace with themselves.

The books are pretty good - but remember they are just showing life on one specific Craftworld - there will be variations as that one is supposed to be one of the more rigid adherents to the Path - Saim-Hann is very different and its Rangers may have other reasons to seek this life.

There's alot of reasons to become a ranger. Most prominent has already been kinda said as just running away (albeit I think just a general sense of wanderlust is the cause for most eldar to go out and explore the galaxy. Gives them a chance to prove themselves) another reason could be banishment for a crime or severe dishonor. I think alot of Corsairs get started that way or they are trapped in bloodlust but no aspect warrior path really feels right to them.