Royal Pythons are just another name for Ball Pythons. It really depends on where you come from but it's the same snake. And I think by, free range, he meant, don't put your new baby snake in a huge enclosure. Balls can get stressed out and are not as active as other snakes. They are pretty docile and calm when held but for the most part they just like to curl up and hide. They also stay a nice size if you don't want a 'big' snake. However if you're looking for a bit bigger and more active I'd take a look at boas. They get much bigger in comparison but not so much that one person couldn't handle them. They have amazing temperaments and move around a bit more. I currently only have ball pythons atm and I love them but I do miss having my red tail boas. My boas never actually bit me but were pretty nippy when they were babes. All baby snakes can be nippy at first though. Good luck in your decision, both are amazing snakes. Ball pythons are great if you want a bit smaller, more docile snake, and boas are great if you looking for more active and a bigger size.