The term “ranger” means many things, but the most famous use of the term references the Rangers of Agothos.
Ranger of Agothos (and its colonies or allies) are elite soldiers who excel in outdoor survival, leadership, scholarship, and of course martial combat. Many consider them “warrior monks” who serve “The Great Cause” of Liberty, Prosperity, and Righteousness. Others, especially on the frontier areas like Dythos see them as the only source of law in the wilderness, for good or bad. The stereotypical Ranger is a wild man deadly with the long bow and committed to ideals of freedom, independence, morality, and the defense of the innocent.
A Ranger is often considered a one-man-army, however most rangers serve in military units called Ranger Companies. Though they receive extra training and equipment, they essentially serve as typical, if elite, Free Companies. They are often given must more freedom of command and independence, however, and are given great flexibility in enforcing their own unit's brand of discipline and culture. Those that serve separate from any Ranger Company are called Free Rangers, a title usually reserved for the best of the best.
Many Rangers also belong to religious orders, and sometimes Ranger Companies double as branches of these orders.
In most cultures a “purge” is the elimination of political enemies in an organization, however for Agothonian Rangers a purge is a very personal matter. It is to be performed at least once a year, or whenever the Ranger can return to civilization. While the details of the ritual differ between various regions, units, or monastic orders, the purpose remains the same. The goal is to remove the impurities of spirit the Ranger gains while performing their duty, and to ask forgiveness of sins. Most rangers are acutely aware that to protect the freedom of some you will invariably take freedom, or even life, from others. Thus purges are usually very penitent and mournful affairs. One common practice is to recite the names of all those the ranger has killed over their career. Other common events include fasting, meditation, and religious ceremonies ranging from humble to extravagant. Those few Rangers that live to retirement continue to perform the purge, and it is said that some legendary veterans spend over a month each year in solemn ritual.
Rangers also have the distinct honor in Agothonian (and similar) societies to have to power to legally overthrow a government at their discretion. Emancipations are reserved for dire times, and must follow a strict process to be seen as legitimate.