Most of you knew it was on the horizon. After thirteen months of operation including five pc fatalities, four global synch events, about one week of IC development and perhaps one hundred fourty eight scenes, I'm stepping back from the Citadel and leaving it in the hands of my fellow Citadel moderators. This transition is certainly not sudden: I've been working closely with Citadel staff to make this happen for months now in preparation for some adjustments in my infamously hectic RL.
First, a word to the Citadelians themselves. You have my sincerest gratitude for a very successful and compelling year, with scenes including everything from rampant violence to deep political intrigue to theft and consequence. I had a blast running the Citadel, and I'd like to thank you all for making that happen. My parting advise: remember that, at the end of the day, only the players can make a location truly work. In the Citadel, the players were always the driving force of change and content, and through your hands alone the stories of the Citadel came to life. All eyes turned on us to watch when the Caesar died...when the Purple Guard were defeated...when the Changer came to life...and that horrible day when everything changed (Samheen 24th...the riots...thank you, Ulder and Sosa!
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Second, a word to the Citadel staff. One of the most comforting thoughts I have in my own withdrawal is the knowledge that I leave two such capable and reliable gentlemen in place. Tristam's name has become cemented to the University of Magic, and he continues to bring you the Magic and Faith themes with energy and direction. He was in place when I started last year...and he'll remain long after I'm gone, building upon the history and environment of his themes for the future. Our relative newcomer, Grey Wolf, has taken over the Citadel Palace, and it would be strange of you hadn't yet noticed his drive and enthusiasm...as well as his appreciation for intrigue and subtlety, things that will serve you political pcs for years to come! To you two gentlemen, a great word of thanks again: The Citadel would not be what it is today without your tireless efforts.
Finally, a word about me. As you all probably noticed, I had been planning this withdraw for some time...and here's why. I'll be moving soon, and immigrating to a new country...and building a new life in a new continent. I've been preparing for this withdraw to go make that happen, though I've had a few outstanding problems that made things perhaps more difficult. Chief among them was the resolution of the Enron Case in US Court: I work in natural gas in IT, so the decision...and the resulting Sarbanes-Oxley standards for public corporation oversight...has made my job perhaps busier than usual. In addition, I believe that I've recently met the lady with whom I'll spend the rest of my life...but that is a story I reserve for myself
So...now we must part. But don't get sloppy just because I'm gone!
A quick apology to those of you caught in the transition. For all future questions/comments/concerns, please send your PMs to Grey Wolf.
And now, a few words about the future. Does Grant have a future with Tazlure? Absolutely! I'll remain in my GD capacity, and I'll remain to advise/assist the Citadel staff going forward. Later this calendar year, I might present a new concept for all to see...a new task in another part of our little world with an entirely new focus. For those that might ponder just what that might be, here's your clue:
Cast down from Heaven, the Old Fathers fled,
chased by the Maker, Yrgris the Dread,
To an Endless Night full of horrors ahead,
Lost from the world of plenty o'erhead.
Hunted by spider, serpent and stirge,
The halls of the Underdark echo with dirge
Hungry, thirsty, and blind from their purge,
A desperate people suffer Endless Night's Scourge.
At Morghoff's doors the Old Fathers kneel,
A Pendrachen now from clan Gilnead reveal,
Said Roark to his people, "New Fathers of stone,
With axe and pick, we will make this our home."
So that's it! Thank you all once again, and may the Citadel continue in its glory for years to come!
