I've postponed writing this for the past week, because I knew I would forget people, and I've ben trying desperately to remember everyone I needed to thank from my six months of playing Alaunthrae.
I started Alaunthrae on the 15th August, with the intention of trying something completely new on Arelith - as most of you know, I started here around 15 years ago, and in that time, never played an Underdarker, nor a faction leader. I didn't actually ever intend Alaunthrae to be a Matron, she was meant to join a house, work her way up, and maybe have a coup attempt at some point - but when she was mistakenly referred to as Matron by several characters in the hub on my first few weeks, I had a 'why not' moment, and decided to take it seriously. I've always kind of been a second-in-command type player, much more comfortable with being the supporting role - so it was a huge task to learn how to run a faction! I'm not going to lie; it's tough. It's really tough, and kudos to people who make it look entirely effortless. It can be heart-breaking to see your people get bored, quit, or migrate away, and you always wonder what you did wrong as a faction leader - but I've learned a lot of valuable lessons that (I hope) has made my roleplay even stronger as a result.
For a kudos - honestly, I've been trying to write down literally everyone that has been in my faction or around it, and it's a ridiculous list. For everyone in the Underdark has in some way impacted my character - from the early faction days of trying to stay afloat as a Lolthite, to the end days of kind of being on top and trying to maintain it (terribly) - if I miss your name, know that it's not intentional, you are~ loved, and if we interacted in any way, you made an impact. Know that my heart bursts with pride and love, for all of you. Thank you, so much, for allowing me to create with you one of the best experiences of my Arelith life so far.
Khaldar
Drakyrr
Laele
Shae'ralia
Aaunrae
Il'i'ana
Jhaldrym
Orici
Izz'ral
Shyrnissra
Tarrick
Sol'erel
Kol'rath
Syn'dra
Naeria
Galkiir
Belgos
Savaun
Astaroth
Elendar
Tathnolu
Sathrion
Myrothi
Aust
Ahlysaaria
Revii
Chaverin
Nadal
Myrymma
Ryldreth
Der'thiel
Aundriira
Erelaedril
Eylrina
Malric
Jane
Aramir
Haakon
Pluck
Salarias
Aewen
Alita
Darvock
Odessa
Eylia
Choltu
Bell
Grayfia
Vyrina
Veszran
Kinnison
Azariah
Octavian
Fealthas
Cruz
John Salamander
Renaut
Lorenzo
Richarde
Francesca
Faeris
Sariah
Lyann
Lydia
Fiica
Irae
Johnathan Holtz
Ezykial Blake
Drik
Ner'enthis
Nym'ala
Hongsul
Vahl
Kaldalis
Ilzatar
Narissorin
Varis
Xeliya
Myr'im
Dark Kisses
-Alaunthrae