I'm trying to muster up the enthusiasm to do another complete playthrough of Fallout 3 and then of New Vegas.

I like to roleplay, and would like to try something a little different this time around. Generally I play the Lone-Wanderer-come-Brotherhood-Agent. Or use the Zeta Crew mod. Or something along those lines. In New Vegas I generally potter around with an idea in mind, but don't find any of the factons compelling enough to 'join'.

So I want to give myself an interesting and indepth roleplay, but I need help from those who know the lore better than myself.

I've always been a fan of the Dúnedain or Rangers of the North from Lord of the Rings, and more recently the rangers of Babylon 5, which are clearly based on the former.

It occurs to me that playing such a character could be a lot of fun, especially starting them out as a naive/green Lone Wanderer and ending up at the Dam in New Vegas in the long run. Especially when you start blending in mods like Bounties for NV. The thing is, i'm having problems thinking of any groups that resemble the rangers as much as i'd like.

The Regulators are probobly the closest fully-fledged faction, and they are small, with no presence at all in New Vegas. The Treeminders would be a closer fit if you could shake them of their belief in Harold as a godlike being. The Desert Rangers are long since merged to become NCR Rangers. Other than that I can't think of anything.

I suppose I could have the character become a Regulator, find it too mercenary and bloodthirsty, and then come to appreciate the Treeminders lifestyles and what the wasteland could become - more or less founding a faction. A group of nature-appreciating protectors of order and the innocent. The 'recruitment' base could be companions, and I could roleplay that the character heads out west to do what he could, while leaving the companions to protect the CW.

Still, it would be nice to get some lore-friendly ideas. Maybe a higher purpose befitting a ranger. Or reminder of other groups that might work for the character.

I suggest you play Fallout, Fallout 2 and Tactics. Could help you understand the background lore alot better.

I have done in the past, but it was a while ago. My brain hasn't held a great deal of the details together. My PC setup doesn't really like them these days.

Either way, i'm wanting to play Fallout 3 and New Vegas, rather than spend the next two months soaking up the older games, as good as they are. So, I thought i'd ask those with the knowledge already deeply entrenched intot heir minds for help. I only need ideas and a few bits of inspiration.

I could just do as I note above, but if there is a better option, i'd prefer to build off an existing faction.

For New Vegas you could do alot of things.

And exslave who fights back against the Legion. Could join the NCR rangers or just be an independent contractor.

An ex NCR slaver who wants to join the Legion and bring down the NCR.

A business guy would wants to see House rule.

But you said you like rangers, so the obvious thing to do would be to join the NCR and be a ranger. Or you could be a Nevada Ranger that doesn't like that they have folded into the NCR.