“It’s Amazing.” Said Irenio Calmon-Huang, lead developer on the Druid Elite Specialization for the Ranger class, as he was describing a new skill called Sublime Conversion. “It turns something that would be doing damage to you, 100%, into the opposite.” He sat there at TwitchCon, in his chair throne talking with community manager Rubi with an almost smug arrogance to his demeanor. By perception alone, players alone knew that I.C.H. had done something amazing: He had revived a dead and stale class, managing to revitalize it and breathe new life into something long forgotten. Irenio had, in less than an hour, become the Savior of an entire sub-community within Guild Wars 2. For three years since it’s launch, those who played as a Ranger quickly figured out that the class was doomed from the beginning due to a multitude of issues plaguing the class. This was something self-evident simply by observing a lack of any tournament level PvP team to even consider allowing a Ranger into their fold.
Faithful players of the Ranger profession have stewed bitterly with their concerns seeming to fall on deaf ears watching as moderators of the forums continually overpass their devoted section as if it were a dark inner-city street corner too dangerous to venture to. A lack of developer communication even inspired a well known writer for popular MMO site Ten Ton Hammer, Lewis B. to write an article about the issue. This article was reportedly, asked to be taken down by the editor and never spoken of again. Then, at TwitchCon, everything changed. Even Rubi, dared ask Irenio the toughest question of all, asking how he plans to address the Ranger concerns on the forums. A question I personally never would have anticipated would be asked on a live stage. Calmly and without concern, Irenio confidently responded he was working on it. Over the next few days and during the final Beta Weekend before the release of Heart of Thorns, Irenio Calmon-Huang finally broke his vow of silence and made multiple “red posts” on the forums about the fact he was reading our feedback on the Druid and working on addressing problems with the core profession skills. His word was taken as gospel, the Savior of Rangers, the father of Druids.
The Druid isn’t perfect, and realistically no one expected it to be during its first playable Beta Weekend. But the framework is there, and the House that Druid Built has great bones. Great structure to improve upon. Immense potential. What will Heart of Thorns hold in store for the future of Rangers? No one will know until launch, but we do know they will be a much welcomed addition. So thank you, Irenio. Keep doing what you’re doing. We Rangers will be here to support and chastise guide you. Be sure to include your thanks in this thread as well.
