When I choose what kinds of characters I want to roleplay, I try to turn the experience into a character exploration, in an effort to discover new facets of personality that I want to assimilate and take with me into the real world. Playing on Arelith has really helped me with that sort of journey of self-discovery in the past. Aelif helped me learn to be more confident, Lorelei helped me learn how to come to terms with failure, Nyraxil helped me learn that I don't have to be so embarrassed of myself all the time. Now, coming out of what was genuinely one of the hardest periods of my life, I'm hoping that playing Mystia will help me develop a more optimistic and positive attitude.
The reason why any of these efforts see any amount of success is because of you, the people who I have the distinct privilege of playing alongside. It's through interacting with this living world, filled with so many well-rounded and thought-provoking personalities, that I'm able to explore these characters and take something meaningful from the experience. So, I wanna take a minute to thank some of the people who have made my experience special. And I'll be doing so in alphabetical order, because it's really hard to put so many fantastic people in a hierarchy.
People
----------
Our interactions about potential future plans have been hugely invigorating - but personally, what I'm most looking forward to is being able to talk with your character about their unique perspective, and explore more of what it means to be a cleric. I have to admit, Cara kinda flew under my radar for a while there, but one conversation between us made me realize Mystia has only just scratched the surface of what wisdom this character has to offer. I hope that we can learn from each other more as their relationship develops.
Daeran Selladys'variadie
Talking with your character about faith and being introduced to various facets of elven culture through our conversations has been wonderfully thought-provoking. Not only have you inspired new avenues of character exploration, but you've enabled a lot of very fun and engaging roleplay through your character's supporting presence. I'm always impressed by the players who are willing to reach out and give people something new to work with. Thanks for being so inclusive, fuzzy elf dad.
Garrett Kelson & Scarlet Moore
You guys are getting grouped together because, while you're both great roleplayers in your own rights, I appreciate you both largely for the same reason: You're the only people so far who have ever openly disagreed with and challenged my character. I know that takes some courage to do, even in a video game, and I respect the players who are willing to engage in that sort of high-tension interaction. Conflict is supremely important in character development, whether you're talking in- or out-of-character. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to explore the feelings that inspires through Mystia's perspective.
Kaadius Iszerrazar
We haven't interacted nearly as much as I'd like, but the dialogue between our characters is often extremely riveting. You've been a fantastic person to explore questions of social responsibility alongside, and through Mystia's evolving understanding of your character's perspective, there's a lot of very fun and interesting and exciting potential for both conflict and comradery alike. You're one of the people I'm most eager to interact with in the future.
Lugh Suthain
I'm gonna be honest with you, I thought the shaman class was a dumb and redundant concept before we started interacting. You've played with the spirituality of the class in such a compelling way that every interaction with you really feels like I'm listening to the profound insights of a wise philosopher-wizard. Some of the stuff we've talked about in-character has even compelled me to study some subjects on an out-of-character level, so I can say with the greatest certainty that interacting with you has been genuinely inspirational and impacted me in a real-world sense. I really look forward to seeing our characters grow closer with time.
Minstrel
What a witty and funny character, played by someone who is undoubtedly one of the sweetest and most generous people on the server. I'm so glad our characters were able to meet each other - my interactions with you, and their aftermath, have fueled even more personal growth than you have any idea of. I love any opportunity I get to spend time with you!
Remisin Thister
I met you purely by happenstance, and while what happens to our characters may be fraught with conflict and stress, I can't begin to express how thankful I am to have been able to connect with someone so thoughtful and creative and dedicated to crafting a meaningful narrative. Roleplaying with you has been just about the most fun I've had roleplaying with anyone, and I'm constantly impressed that someone who's never played on Arelith before is so good at integrating mechanics into their narrative. Every interaction we have is immersive and engaging and leaves me wanting more!
Factions
------------
Alberto Vermicello, Adora Ashallin, Aranzir Amante, Cara Carndt, Dante, Emry Phontain Colt, Gaist Beoluve, Kels Vetian, Lavendra Nightflower, Minstrel, Rakot, Rami, Riza Wraithwaker, Salasker Dusk, Valandil Silverleaf-Amante
This list of names is diverse enough to where I can't exactly say much that's true for everyone here, but at the very least I can say that it's been a genuine delight to share space with so many people who are so often willing to reach out to a stranger and make their day a little more special.
Guldorand
Chaesendra Desmantes, Derristan Barley, Elysian, Ivar Ferdamann, Gwenllian Auburnridge, Samantha Goodman
I haven't spent a lot of time in your company at this point, but the cramped city atmosphere of Guldorand has really produced some talented storytellers. There's a real sense of earnest collaboration here that I've so far thoroughly enjoyed, and it's driven largely by the roleplayers that perpetuate a high standard of quality. I'm extremely impressed by the people here, and I eagerly anticipate immersing myself into the Guldorand lifestyle even more in the future.
House Vasquire
Gwen Beregnor-Springscar, Kaadius Iszerrazar, Kessarin Carmichael, Jach Springrunner, Lavanya Lynndain, Melisine Aubron
The Carmichael Corner Café is a genuine treasure, and the language lessons you guys host every week are a godsend. These people work so hard to create roleplay and help their fellow players, and they've all been extremely welcoming and inclusive to my character from the moment she ever expressed any desire to do anything. Looking forward to the future of this house!
House Rivorndir
Aaralyn Rivorndir, Antoinette Rivorndir
Okay, this is hard, because I've interacted tragically little with either of you, and those interactions have been VERY different between the two of you, so the things I have to say about one would not apply at all to the other. Except in this regard: I like roleplaying with you and I think you are very cool and I really really really want to play with you more in the future.
Myon
Arnis Vana, Daeran Selladys'variadie, Elearnawen, Ephraim Aurelian, Karathas, Nadine, Ninim Adanion, Nyora'yllrria Elle'Evera, Sabiha Tae'le, Syllee Vellewyn
I never thought I'd live to see elves roleplaying in such a manner that I can actually believe they are elves. Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles. Myon has such a unique culture compared to the rest of the server, it's really interesting to interact with and immerse yourself among them. Mystia's gradual (and still ongoing!) transition from an awkward outsider into more of a natural and eager participant has been a unique journey that I hadn't experienced in roleplay before, and it's been really special to play out all these new connections and relationships with the people here.
The Selûnites
Beatrix [LAST NAME], Chaesendra Desmantes, Gwen Beregnor-Springscar, Gwenllian Auburnridge, Nella Fryar, Remisin Thister, Rhehlein el Heishur, Syllee Velewyn... et al. (God there are a lot of you)
An aspect of Mystia that I wasn't sure how well I'd be able to capture was her devotion to her goddess. It was really important to me that I had some sense of it in the character, because, well, I struggle a lot in my own life with feeling like anything I do has any meaning at all. Being able to explore questions of faith and purpose through such a diverse and well-rounded cast has been a truly inspiring experience, and I can't thank you all enough for offering me your unique perspectives.
Honorable Mentions
------------------------------
That thing with the accidental fey pact was honest to God the funniest thing I've yet experienced in-game
DM Dionysus
It means a lot to me that you've been so attentive and transparent when I'd come to the DM team with my various irrelevant concerns. It shows that you really care about the community, and I really appreciate it.
Guldorand's Mystery Sharran
You've created an astonishing amount of of roleplay for me by repeatedly desecrating the Lathander altar so I feel compelled to give you a shout out. Keep up the good work and keep spreading the good word! ;P
Hanri
Hands-down best Cadre member, and certified Swell Chap™
Lavendra Nightflower
I don't have a lot to say, I just have really liked our interactions - especially the last one!
Muunokhoi Ovoggui
I really enjoyed our first encounter, and every fleeting interaction since has cemented my opinion that you are a very fun roleplayer.
Nathaniel Brightburst
Go big mode
Thancred Fawke
I really appreciated how willing you were to step out from your circle of friends and try to interact with me. You don't really see that happen too often and that simple gesture was really a highlight of the event for me.