First would be Team Underdark. These guys essentially redid the whole server down there, doing an amazing job of creating an atmospheric place and reinvigorating a dying aspect of the server. I can remember the epic forum threads about this time last year from folks who wanted more out of the UD, and the team delivered all that and then some. Without the help of irongron, ActionReplay, Dunishine and many others, this never would have happened. What they've accomplished is impressive, to say the least, and their enthusiasm and excitement was contagious and inspiring to me as well.
We also saw many of the surface settlements get much-needed overhauls. Bendir (now Burrowhome), Brog and Guldorand were all rebuilt, in many cases incorporating player-made content or direction, including the Greyhammer annex of Bendir.
Mithreas made new classes somehow, and reimagined how spellcasting fundamentally can work. Dynamic monster expansion, artifacts, and little random effects like puddles of water and snow drifts accompany the dynamic weather system already in place.
Of course none of this means anything without the players who bring the world alive, and the many DMs this past year of who helped to make that happen.
I'm thankful for everyone who contributed to not only helping to keep Arelith alive, but to help make it thrive. We saw player counts over 100 many times, and seeing 80+ on very regularly gives me hope that we'll see Arelith grow and prosper for many years to come. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work put into the community, to the people that make it a rewarding endeavor, and those that have made financial contributions as well.
You all have my warmest thanks, and I look forward to all the things we want to accomplish in 2015!
