EQ2 Interviews: Ranger Changes

By: Coyotee Sharptongue

“Change. Some fear it, some embrace it, but it happens to us all. But what if you were hit especially hard by a change that altered your occupation so drastically, that you could no longer find work, hunt with friends, or in some cases, even hunt at all?” A large Kerran holding a microphone looks intently into the camera as he shakes. “This is Coyotee Sharptongue for Ten Ton Hammer news, bringing you live coverage from the protests and public out cries brought on by the devastating changes to the Ranger class.” He shakes his head sadly as he turns towards a large man dressed in earthy clothing and holding a large bow.

“Standing with me today is Hurik Khan, self proclaimed spokesperson for the Rangers of Norrath, and a man brutally altered by the changes that were enforced upon his class. Hurik, can you tell us what you and Rangers everywhere are feeling?.” Coyotee holds the microphone towards the Ranger as he nods, stepping forward.

“Betrayal Coyotee. Pure and simple. We were unfairly singled out and forced through changes that we not only disagreed with, but changes that have made us in a word – obsolete.” Hurik glares into the camera in grimly.

“Obsolete?” Coyotee frowns as he looks at his notes. “It says here that the changes made were minor, and that they were made in order to help balance out your role.” He reads before looking up at the Ranger.

“Balance? BALANCE?” Hurik roars in outrage. “I am WEAK now. PATHETIC! Do you REALIZE that I am forced to solo level APPROPRIATE creatures?” He asks, throwing his hands in the air in frustration.

“Level appropriate?” Coyotee asks in confusion.

“EXACTLY! Here I am, forced to wallow in the mire of even cons and…LESSER cons to make my fortunes. It is unfair to say the least.” Hurik sighs dejectedly as he crosses his arms. “I mean, the last time I went after a heroic creature a few seasons above me…I…I ALMOST LOST!” He sobs into his hands, his body shaking with the force of his grief.

“Almost…lost.” The reporter echoes with a frown.

“Things are HITTING me once in a while. Do you have ANY IDEA how much that HURTS?” Hurik asks, looking up through red rimmed eyes.

“What of reports that the changes were minor, and not truly noticeable?” The reporter asks, drawing renewed sobs from the Ranger.

“Minor? MINOR?! If you lost a LIMB would you consider it MINOR? I had to JOIN A GROUP the other day. A GROUP. ME! Do you know the low lives and the FREAKS you get when you join GROUPS?” He screams frantically as he wipes his eyes on his tunic sleeve.

“I hardly think the proc and damage changes that were implemented are equal to losing a limb.” Coyotee sighs as Hurik looks on angrily.

“Rangers have been destroyed. Utterly, and you’d be a FOOL not to see it.” The Ranger accuses haughtily.

“Well, sadly Mr. Khan, not all of our viewers agree with you.” Coyotee grins as he points out of view.

“Here to refute your cries of dismay, is Freeport Assassin Magnar Sootface.” He introduces as a dark-face wood elf moves towards the two men, his jaw set as he nods grimly.

“Magnar, your rebuttal please.” The Kerran reporter prods as he steps back, giving the Ranger and the Assassin more room to talk.

Magnar steps forward with a smile and nods once to the Ranger who looks back with obvious disapproval.

“What light could you POSSIBLY shed on this?” He asks haughtily as he places both hands on hips.

Without word or warning, the Assassin balls up a fist and with a bone crunching thud, punches the Ranger squarely in the face. Hurik crumples without resistance, his hands cradling his face as blood pours between his fingers.

“Deal with it Nancy.” Magnar spits as he spin and stalks off with a growl of disgust.

Coyotee looks at the fallen figure of the Ranger whimpering at his feet before turning to the camera.

“Eh teenk e’ brog mah NODE!” Hurik cries as he rocks back and forth.

“Well said.” The reporter grins as he begins his wrap up, ignoring the sobs of pain from the Ranger at his feet.

“Class changes, for good, for bad; They affect us all. We all have our opinions and views, but in the bitter end, we can either learn to play the hand the gods have dealt us or –“ The reporter is cut off mid-sentence by the robed figure of an Enchanter tugging eagerly on his tunic sleeve.

“Hey? Can I get in on this?” The Enchanter asks politely as he points towards the prone figure of the battered Ranger.

“Um…sure…um. Be my guest.” Coyotee hesitates in confusion as he steps back allowing free access to the now screaming Hurik.

“Cool man! Thanks!” The robed caster says in gratitude before yelling off camera. “Hey someone go get the Guardians! They’ll want in on this!” He shouts before pouncing on the Ranger gleefully.

Coyotee blinks before turning his back slightly on the vicious beating and once again facing the camera.

“Or..get battered in the winds of change.” The reporter finishes as he steals a wincing glance at the mugging beside him before turning away. “This is Coyotee Sharptongue with Ten Ton Hammer News, bringing you the true story. Back to you Tom and Diane.” He ends, glancing back towards the shouts for help and flinching slightly as he sees a line forming neatly behind the Enchanter.

“Nerf THIS you whiney son of a –“ The camera cuts to black as screams of pain slowly fade.

Questions or Comments? Feel free to here.