While I still have a few more small things to wrap up in the coming days, this is certainly a good moment to write up the kudos as I expect to be formally shelved within the next 1-2 RL weeks.
It is never easy shelving or rolling a character, especially not one who's journey you've been so deeply engaged in. Thomas has been a character that has been very dear to my heart with such a journey I truly never expected. He was my genuine attempt at having a low-key background character after playing Theodor Helbrecht and Emma Young. A slave without any ability to rise into a position of leadership and responsibility. That really was my intention.. But it didn't quite turn out that way. More than four RL years (and my longest played character yet) this character has given me many highs and lows from victories against slavers and other enemies of Cordor to losing friends and family in death. I have extensively experienced the slavery system and really enjoyed leaning into Chainbreaking plots. Thomas has touched the lives of many slaves, whether they broke free or not. Over 60 slaves were freed due to his efforts and many more that I have had truly deep and meaningful RP with and possibly some of the best RP and stories I've ever experienced on Arelith.
In 4 RL years you touch the lives of many characters and they yours and truly this post would be incredibly long if I'd name them all (which it will be anyway!). Inevitably I will forget some people too, so my apologies in advance. But I do want to name some that have had an especially huge impact on Thomas' story and mention those top of mind right now.
FRIEND, ALLIES AND FAMILY
Alaina Castemont
First of course, the lovely Alaina Castemont. Thomas' wife. I adored our story and how Alaina went from hating Thomas to falling for him head over heels. To being a young bratty woman to becoming a loving woman capable of more wisdom than even Thomas. I loved seeing her grow through the story and seeing the affection between her and Thomas grow. You are a wonderful RPers and have truly become such a dear friend.
Ginny Rivorndir
Ginny was Thomas' everything. A friend, a mentor, a sound board, someone he wanted to protect above all. She made Thomas a better man and was always there for him. She was one of the only people who really understood him and always had just the right advise for him. Their journey had ups and downs with many emotional parts. But this relationship was possibly one of the most cherished ones. Both ICly and OOCly I am so grateful to have met Ginny and the player behind her. You are a blessing to this server.
Arthur and Charissa De Valtier
Both of you mean so much to Thomas and Alaina and you have enriched their stories so much. Both your backgrounds were creative, well thought out and generated beautiful stories that ended up in just an incredible relationship.
The Rivorndir Family
It didn't start out very warm. Thomas believing the propaganda of the Rivorndir being power hungry, greedy and corrupt. While all of that was true (j/k.. maybe?), he also came to see the value the Rivorndir brought to the city. The endless arguments with Lefric and Antoinette especially stand out to me as highlights, especially when in the end they ended up having quite a lot of respect for one another. You guys were a boon to Cordor, no matter what people thought. It was active, strong and several of you contributed so much to the city like Khara'gos' wonderful tournaments and trivia nights. You guys are all also lovely OOCly and I'm glad to have gotten to know you all better.
Gabriel, Rosette and Claude
Each and every one of you have gone above and beyond for Cordor. To create RP, to share and create stories and the bond you have developed with Thomas truly meant a lot to me. Each one of you are stellar RPers with in-depth and well-thought out backgrounds that I have enjoyed learning more about over time.
Alis and Xalden
Alis and Xalden have been amongst Thomas' earliest friends. Xalden and Thomas have been through a lot together and always had each other's backs. And while the relationship between Alis and Thomas seemed lukewarm at best for a long time, the two ended up becoming very dear friends.
Abigail and Albet
I've watched you both from the very beginning and you've become a staple of Cordor. The Cordor community is so blessed to have you here. The effort you put into events and Cordor care, making new characters and players feel welcome is so immensely appreciated. Thank you for hosting the farewell party. I truly appreciated it.
Minto and Griffy
Family that can't be forgotten. We had many good times, all the way from Griffy and Thomas being slaves together and forming an unbreakable bond to Minto becoming Chancellor and eventually having the two move to Candlekeep to start a life together. I both immensely enjoyed the stories we made together.
Urshak Dragonskin
Of course, I can't forget Urshak. The Half Orc with a short temper who Thomas first met when issuing a fine. Their story was just so unique and the bond they formed, like brothers kept Urshak on the up and up eventually becoming Commander of the Guard. The funeral was one of the saddest moments for me on Arelith.
Rikus Vahl
Rikus ended up becoming one of Thomas' best friends. Both leaders in their own right. One of Cordor, one of Guldorand they were both faced with many very difficult choices. But they always had each other's backs.
Ravnhart
The annoying little sister that Thomas came to love so much. He was very proud to see her grow up and marry a good noble man. Thank you for all the fun, for the darts and more.
Zenos Rivorndir
You have always been an incredible RP partner and someone I truly respect. No matter what character you play, it is always bound to make stories interesting. Zenos and Thomas had a great though unusual relationship that I enjoyed a lot. Especially the darts and some of the talks they had still stand out as a highlight for me now.
Juniper and Aberran Oakley
Your stories have touched me so much. I enjoy learning of people's backgrounds and getting an insight into how their characters have developed the way they did. And both of these characters were so complex and in-depth. Every moment was enjoyable.
Drakonus
Drakon was a gem. I remember how loyal he was to Arthur, like a brother who always stood by him and even when asking Thomas if it was okay to join House crane, he seemed to feel guilty leaving House Castemont. But of course, Thomas and Alaina just wanted him to be happy and gave their blessing. And while he left House Castemont as a Retainer, he was still always part of the family.
Adimien Crane
From being entirely distrusted and on Thomas' list of people to watch and possibly kill to being as brothers and you and I becoming friends. I feel so truly lucky that finally we've connected through a stoic Cormyrian Aasimar and the blunt Damaran Aasimar.
Laelia Belford
Wow, just wow. You are such an amazing writer. The RP I've had between Thomas and Laelia has been some of the most emotional and memorable I remember
Lloyd Grimm
Aradin's characters are always so fantastic and well thought out. But Lloyd and Thomas' relationship was by far one of my favourite. Thomas had a habit of turning enemies or criminals into friends and somehow influencing them to follow a better path. Whether he had that same influence on Lloyd, I don't know. But their relationship significantly changed from one where Thomas definitely distrusted Lloyd to him becoming one of the people he trusted the most.
Niffaniel
Niffy is as blunt as a hammer, yet underneath this Gloaming feels a lot. She lets it know through subtle and small gestures like making a painting of herself to take home to Cormyr, continuing wearing the pin of House Rivorndir as a memory keepsake or wearing their colours. Niffy was incredibly loyal and seeing her go through the ranks of the Guard all the way to Commander has been very enjoyable.
Kritheris
Kritheris. I never got to Knight you, but your story was one I was possibly most interested in. You are a sensational writer and I thoroughly enjoyed uncovering more and more about your background. I hope you're still around and if so that we can continue to tell stories in the future.
Gwen / Daniel Castemont
Both characters have had prominent roles in Thomas' story. You are a funny and light-hearted person to play with and while your characters tend to have an edge of humour to them I have seen incredibly serious and even emotional RP from you that showcases the variety of RP capability that you have. I am truly grateful you played Daniel and it really enriched his story.
Cal Quinn
Flamboyant Boy doesn't do justice to what Cal was. A chaotic whirlwind of a young man who always tried to do the right thing and yet somehow largely managed to make the wrong decisions ending up in Thomas scolding him. I really treasured the relationship these two had and thoroughly enjoyed playing with you.
Kiba and Tula Shirokami
Kiba's story was one I remember well. And he grew to become one of Thomas' dearest Retainers. Seeing him fall in love with Tula, being enslaved, being freed. I enjoyed seeing your stories develop and was sad when they both announced they'd be leaving. I've missed you both ever since.
Aksel
Aksel was a brother to Thomas and while they largely lost touch after Thomas broke his chains, the time they spent together as slaves was very memorable as the bond they forged was just so strong. Two Aasimar trying to survive and protect other slaves in Andunor. Thomas really struggled leaving Aksel behind to try and find his own freedom.
Providence
No matter what character you make, you are one of the most talented RPers on this server that I know and I count myself lucky to find engagement with most of them and to have you as a dear friend.
Evelynn Lyonsets
One of three people who saved Thomas from breaking as a slave in the Underdark. You are one of my best friends on Arelith and I've so thoroughly enjoyed telling many stories with you on various characters. Evelynn's ending was a sad one that definitely touched me.
Cordor
Cordor in general has been a great Settlement for me to play in. While I always try and rotate to experience different communities, Cordor has always been one of my favourite ones and most welcoming ones. Thank you Cordor people. I've truly enjoyed having Thomas be part of this community.
Other mentions:
The Fuzzypaws
The Fool's Clover Gang
Sili
Maul Irontusk
Seigfried Skullbreaker
Every Retainer of House Castemont
Aliana Drake
Brinja
Sil'avesi
Andre Reyne
Victor Varn
Estelle Misthollow
Evemere Dundragon
Narr Nolkus
Sion Senduriel
Zalata
Ryana & Velasco Durante
Viridovix
Arkebeltz
Kerenza Massalan
Janus
Raewynn
Misosazai
Alister Greylock
Luka Stovak
Vaeryll
Leif Saltvik
Eirina
Atticus Stratlace
Samus Goodmane
Maev
Phyrra
Victor (Bladekeeper)
Alastair Montgomery
Nathaniel Benson
Celestine Montgomery
Dermia Willowleaf
Sarah Rosewind
Taestra Rinn
Carmellia Fairlen
Khorin Cinderstone
Dax Rivorndir
Flamma
Sarina
Laus Beneheim
Small Thomas
Many more...
ENEMIES:
Of course, I've also had plenty of amazing enemies on Thomas. He was certainly a popular target to many in Sencliff, the Minmir Keep and Andunor. And sometimes even amongst the surface settlements (even Cordor).
X'anrith Auvryndar
Thomas' first owner. When you managed to convince him it would be better for him to have a collar with your name on it, I had no idea the rollercoaster of emotional RP scenes I'd be experiencing. You are creative and so talented. You absolutely made my experience as a slave a very memorable one.
Zerra and Luastra Hel'Vael
A complex relationship if ever I saw one. From Thomas threatening Zerra in the Hub and getting punished for it, to Zerra and Lua becoming his owners and somehow developing their relationship into one of respect. Who knew kindness and respect would finally get the big angry Aasimar to behave? You two were amazing inspirations and influences in Thomas' story.
Lavok Xun'viir
I miss you. I miss Lavok. What a fantastic enemy to have. Someone you could truly be terrified of and made you remember that Drow aren't warm and fuzzy.
Lilith Vensurai & Johnathan Rigsby
Lilith and John probably have had some of the most profound impacts on Thomas and his story. I cannot thank you both enough for being very enjoyable RP partners and good friends. I still fondly remember John cursing Thomas and constantly tormenting him about his dead wife and child. Johnathan is such an intriguing character that you think in some moments has the capability to be entirely a decent person and then takes you on a whirlwind between hate and despising him. Where Lilith has just been a genuinely enjoyable nemesis. You have shown that you can have conflict that doesn't need to be centered around PVP and doesn't need to be disrespectful or childish but can be enjoyable, respectful and engaging.
Dibgub Vensurai
You were the enemy Thomas really wanted to hate but couldn't. Every fiber of his being told him to despise Dib, but Dib was simply too polite and helpful.
Yachta
The Gnoll who wouldn't stop tormenting Thomas and knowing exactly where to poke at his weak spots. You came closest to have him abandon his mission to break chains.
Vittoria Veleno
She was possibly Thomas' greatest failure. He wanted to much to keep her on the good path and simply failed. And he found it impossible to hate her. She had a profound impact on his story.
Nar'mel
While I will not divulge on the specifics of this relationship. Just know that I am eternally grateful for the story between these two.
Other mentions:
John Salamander
Akorae
Sarah Salamander
Renaut
Faeris Xun'viir
Gwynnestri
Tokino
House Auvryndar
The Shadowclaw
Nilboggins
Jack Topholiho
Thea Fennimore
Hungers
Roffin Lairmont
House Reyer
Siobhan Lynch
The Aelorothi
Kathu
Moira Orseeva
Kyo’fein
Rithien
Nicha Raven
House Hel'Vael
And of course a big thank you to the DM team who've enriched Thomas' story by adding theirs. Small or large it's always had a huge impact on Thomas. Be it the events of the weatherstone, another decision from the Palace that would enrage Thomas or the wholesome interactions with Thomas Steed or the whale.
