Strap in, this is about to get sappy.
CW: Discussion of cancer and death.
On August 6th, 2023, my dad had a seizure and had to be rushed to the hospital. Less than three days later, he's in surgery to have a tumor the size of a dime removed from the left side of his brain.
This came out of nowhere. His doctor described it as a "lightning strike." No way to have predicted it or prevented it. My dad was a very healthy man before August 6th--he'd never had a seizure before, hadn't been hospitalized in 20 years, didn't get so much as a cold. Ate right, exercised daily, didn't smoke, barely drank.
Last night, after almost a year and a half of valiantly fighting cancer, my dad passed away in his sleep. He was 62 years old.
I was very close to my dad. He was one of my best friends. I was a really quiet kid growing up, but I could always open up to him. He was a wonderful listener.
I love to read--he inspired that love in me. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting on his lap while he read me A Christmas Carol or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. There was nothing I loved more than discussing books and movies and music and art with him.
I can't described to you all how hard this year has been. It's surreal to watch a healthy man whittled away by an incurable disease, knowing that there's nothing you can do.
Arelith has been a much-needed escape for me. When I am overwhelmed by my grief and anger, Arelith has been there for me.
I like to play tragic characters. I like to play characters who are doomed from the start; who know the ending won't be pretty and choose to keep going anyways. It gives me hope, in a weird way. Or, at least, it gives me a different perspective on all of my own little tragedies.
I'm writing this post because I want to thank you all, each and every one of you, for helping me through this last year, whether you knew it or not. This community is truly a gem. Thank you for letting me play with you.
This is an incomplete list, I'm sure, but kudos are deserved for the following:
Tera'thiel Eldafire/Timir Kenthenn: From the wise old paladin teaching Glaisne and Rin how to smite evil, to the obnoxious wizard cult guild leader, you've been a huge reason why I've kept logging onto Arelith day after day. Thank you so much for helping me tell Rin's story.
Elrohir Talath: My buddy. You're like the little brother I never had (if he was German).
Elinda Leonall: Rin's bestie and adopted. I love the antics we get up to together--from the pixie union to your literal wedding. You never fail to make me laugh.
Sylvan: For always working for the good of the collegium.
Thalantyr Leyensbane: For helping Rin in his every dire strait, and for teaching him the basics of economics.
Richard Webber: For being Rin's evil boyfriend, and one of my favorite characters on this server. What you've done with the Keep is truly incredible.
Ellianara Jadys'varilo (I definitely misspelled that): For giving Rin the chance at forgiveness. Maybe one day he'll take it.
Fain: For being one of the many reasons that Rin is so obsessed with the fey. You're a wonderful writer, and I could listen to you talk for hours.
Nate Jingle: For giving Rin his dream job, and (trying) to leave him the inn.
Jago Daevhi: For being literally THE coolest character I have met on this server. You're an insanely good writer--I strive to be able to write half as well as you do. Roleplaying with Jago is always a treat.
Hanna/Mayrel Selm: For helping Rin revitalize the inn (whether he likes it or not). You two crack me up on the daily. I can't wait to see what shenanigans you have in store next.
Mystic: For getting me back into this game in the first place, and letting me drag you back in as well.
"Lumen": For being Rin's mentor, for being his guiding star, and for being my rock IRL. You are the love of my life and my best friend. I can't believe how lucky I am to be married to you.
Other noteworthy folks who deserve kudos as well:
Flandal
Igor
Zargoth
Vast Peace
Abaros
Eppi
Azalin Blackcloak
Autumn van der Witte
Samantha Lockeheart
Mana Sae'ta
Zzyvyr
Wren Thornfield
Pymjarra
Maria Ryder
...and obviously many more. I definitely forgot some people, but I promise to add to this list if I remember.
And, of course, a HUGE thank you to all the DMs and developers who work so tirelessly to make this game so much fun. You're all rockstars!
)...seeing the World as beauty as it is beyond grim sides of it, its event better then Arelith (sorry DEVs.
).
Keep on Rockin!
