Kudos to Irongron - Thank You For Everything!

[Good Character]

Serious, serious dedication that deserves multiple applauds. After seeing the art contest put on to address the botting/DDoS situation I had to ask: "How have they persisted? How has Irongron stuck around so long?" Hardly does the leadership of a RP community last long given the exact things Irongron mentioned, so I seriously applaud those that have persisted so they can continue to support the community and playerbase they love.

Sadly, it's a shame, though. The points Irongron has made are becoming far too commonplace in RP communities regardless of medium. Two decades of roleplaying online and I cannot still figure out the mindset behind the people that find indulgence in that behavior. Arelith, at least, has done the best job in squashing it.

[But Will It Blend]

I do think that things feel like they have been a lot better over time. But I also don't see behind the scenes. I don't get to peek at the things the rest of us don't get to see. Thank you for all that you've done over many years and for continuing to make this place as successful as it has been. I hope I haven't personally contributed to any of these worries or concerns. I know I can be seen as negative. I try not to be. I care about things and that comes out in ways that can be problematic to people.

I do still have an immense amount of respect for everyone who works on the server and those who help tell stories and make it what it is for others, and you're certainly no exception. Your presence will be missed. Hopefully after some time you can return. But if you don't, I wish you all the best in whatever it is you choose to do. We'd simply be lucky if you chose to have it be here once again.

[PowerWord Rage]

We often felt more strongly, remember clearer and harder to forget against negative moments than positive ones.

That is what i always tell myself and as a person whose work involves dealing with different people all the time, I've come to realize that it feels better when you think that, only less than 1% of the entire different kind of people that you've dealt with, are seriously against you.
And it is such moments that I know, i am doing a good job which is a fact that is undeniable and proven which dispel perhaps not completely but more than half of my negative feeling from having to deal with disruptive matters / people.

Offers a salute to IG

[Iceborn]

Irongron is the dad that came back with the milk.

No, but seriously, as a player I always thought of Iron and some kind of monolithic, dark figure, orchestrating the fate of our characters from a swiveling chair in some dark manor or perhaps a volcano mansion. That was my entire impression of the man. Unapproachable. Eldritch.

When I applied for the dev team, it was with little to no hope that it would go anywhere. I'm more than used to get a "Your profile does not align with the kind of position we are expecting to fill. All the luck in your future endeavors, idiot!", and as a player that at some point had probably entered a shouting match with half of the current staff for a reason of another, I didn't really imagine they'd have the best impression of me either (just a few weeks back I had called the Team, and incidentally Spyre, incompetent for how they managed the server rollback, not proud about that).

Yet it was Iron that reached out to me, and for the first time in the decade that I'd been playing I had a talk with the man.
It took about 5 sentences to realize that everything I thought about him was just part of the illusion that comes with being in a position of power. Iron is a dude, he's a huge nerd that is still passionate about a game that is old enough to be qualify as history and culture, the kind of guy that'd is as likely to tell you about a cool rock he found or the next character concept he wants to play. I couldn't imagine a better server lead.

I'm sure he'd totally like to have a swiveling chair, in a dark office in a volcano mansion, though - but so do I, so I get it.

[Ping14]

Just want to say my thanks, Ive been here pre-EE and this server is like an escape for me. For when I just want to get away from the troubles of life and be someone else. There's a number of times when life just kicks you around, I always go back to this little hidey-hole to try and get back up. Then after getting the much needed escape, I tone down my gaming to focus on life. Im sure this place means different to others, but for me, arelith is just like that. A sanctuary of sorts when the troubles and loneliness of life hits.

Just want to say thank you again for maintaining this little place we have for the past years.

[good man of god]

Just want to say my thanks, Ive been here pre-EE and this server is like an escape for me. For when I just want to get away from the troubles of life and be someone else. There's a number of times when life just kicks you around, I always go back to this little hidey-hole to try and get back up. Then after getting the much needed escape, I tone down my gaming to focus on life. Im sure this place means different to others, but for me, arelith is just like that. A sanctuary of sorts when the troubles and loneliness of life hits.

Just want to say thank you again for maintaining this little place we have for the past years.

+1

[Aradin]

I haven't been here in a while; maybe Savras is up to his old tricks in having me check this forum today of all days. I just wanted to wish you well, IG. Good for you for recognizing when you need to step away, and I hope you can detach from the stress and get the detox you deserve. Appreciate all you did. Arelith is a special place to a lot of people, me included, even if I don't play here anymore. Cheers.

[chris a gogo]

Do enjoy the break.
Hope you come back re energized at a later date if not.

To quote Douglas.

So long and thanks for all the fish!

[Drowble Oh Seven]

Thanks 'Gron.

It's no easy thing, running a place like this. It's meant to be fun; but often, well - Y'get to see the worst of people. I'm sorry you have, and I'm thankful you did, for so many years. This place has been a light of kindness and joy through years of RL change and turmoil. It's genuinely made me a better person being here, and I've met some super cool folks as well.

Thank you so much for all your efforts. Whether you choose to return at a later date or not, they are truly, honestly appreciated, and made this corner of the internet that much more of a home.

[Opustus]

I think his hands-on role as the server lead has been the key component to Arelith's enduring success. Eg the steadfast principle that new players are the server's lifeblood. I imagine a lot of people, both Arelith's staff and players, wanted to have haks before NWN:EE (who wouldn't want really nice things?), but it was definitely the right decision to keep Arelith accessible to new players.

The problems he describes don't really reflect my experience as a player, and to this day I've had a very wholesome experience on the server. Thanks to the whole Arelith community for that.

[Interium]

I had no idea things were this bad, and couldn't imagine that this level of harassment even existed here. My thoughts goes out to you, Irongron, and naturally all other Arelith staff who experience this. I can't imagine the frustration.

I think cutting like this is completely understandable but naturally very sad that it has to come to this. Your work has been appreciated by thousands, and I hope you will take that with you!

As a member of the community I will definitely do a better job to point out bad behavior. I think everyone on the server should do the same, these entitled and frankly disgusting people shouldn't be the ones who are heard the most. Trolling, toxic and just generally malicious people should be called out by everyone, not just Arelith staff.

Enjoy life away from this madness, thank you for everything and I hope we get to see you again!

/Interium

[Nurel]

This had to happen sooner or later. To all the people who ever sent a cry-me-a-river post to the dev team after X patch hit, and to those who even went as far as to wish death or cancer to the dev team after X patch hit...this is what you get. This what you accomplish for being a little $^#$%. I've had a few brief discussions with Irongron over the years and ALL of them were something like "I can't believe people are giving you such a hard time for X update" and him being like "Yeah, its sad but it is what it is".

The problems he describes don't really reflect my experience as a player, and to this day I've had a very wholesome experience on the server. Thanks to the whole Arelith community for that.

Each major module update comes with a perfect storm of negativity directed towards the people who bust their asses to make Arelith. At some point it is fair to reflect upon oneself and ask "is it worth it?". And inevitably there comes a day when all patience is depleted, the breaking point is reached and finally, even though 80% of the playerbase are good, the 20% of crybabies get to win and staff members quit.

So yeah Irongron, thanks for everything I guess. I know for a fact you are level headed and a forthcoming, positive person. I like to think I represent the VAST majority of people who play/played Arelith when I say there's nothing but love for what you have created: The #1 nwn:ee PW in existence - and this is factually correct by any metric anyone can think of.

[Azensor]

10/10

Would pester with random questions again.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

I remember a feeling of uncertainty when Mithreas passed the torch to Irongron all those years ago, and while not every decision was perfect (an unreasonable and truthfully absurd standard), Arelith became an undeniably more exciting, thriving environment that has grown and grown to something I think many could not predict.

Thanks Irongron, for everything.

[Morto]

Irongron,

I don't know what goes on behind the scenes, but I do know Arelith is one of a kind. Thanks for you and the team's efforts over the years to make it that way.

o7

[Irongron]

Thanks for the positive words, I have been reading and it is encouraging. I was too hasty to question the community as a whole based on the actions of a few.

And to be 100% clear it's not about people being dissatisfied about some of my worse decisions, or negative feedback about updates, that's part and parcel of the job.

This was about doxxing of myself, harassment of me and my family, threats against myself and staff members, and just how often people actively seek to harm server (hence recent bot checks).

I know one can't let these people win, and they won't. I just need a break for a while.

Good news is I've a ton of major area updates sitting in pipeline and we're filled with talented devs and DMs who are more than capable of steering ship (and many fantastic players)

We have even discussed having a limited policy of publishing the names and correspondence of certain players that do this, so as to protect those in the community that might be exposed to them (those that make death threats against individuals or broader threats against server) but that's TBD at the moment.

Anyway thanks again, really am so proud of this connection we all share.

[silverpheonix]

Thanks for the positive words, I have been reading and it is encouraging. I was too hasty to question the community as a whole based on the actions of a few.

And to be 100% clear it's not about people being dissatisfied about some of my worse decisions, or negative feedback about updates, that's part and parcel of the job.

This was about doxxing of myself, harassment of me and my family, threats against myself and staff members, and just how often people actively seek to harm server (hence recent bot checks).

I know one can't let these people win, and they won't. I just need a break for a while.

Good news is I've a ton of major area updates sitting in pipeline and we're filled with talented devs and DMs who are more than capable of steering ship (and many fantastic players)

We have even discussed having a limited policy of publishing the names and correspondence of certain players that do this, so as to protect those in the community that might be exposed to them (those that make death threats against individuals or broader threats against server) but that's TBD at the moment.

Anyway thanks again, really am so proud of this connection we all share.

While the idea of a Hate Mail Bingo game sounds fun, I can see how that might be not the greatest idea.

Looking forward to those area updates.

[But Will It Blend]

Thanks for the positive words, I have been reading and it is encouraging. I was too hasty to question the community as a whole based on the actions of a few.

And to be 100% clear it's not about people being dissatisfied about some of my worse decisions, or negative feedback about updates, that's part and parcel of the job.

This was about doxxing of myself, harassment of me and my family, threats against myself and staff members, and just how often people actively seek to harm server (hence recent bot checks).

I know one can't let these people win, and they won't. I just need a break for a while.

Good news is I've a ton of major area updates sitting in pipeline and we're filled with talented devs and DMs who are more than capable of steering ship (and many fantastic players)

We have even discussed having a limited policy of publishing the names and correspondence of certain players that do this, so as to protect those in the community that might be exposed to them (those that make death threats against individuals or broader threats against server) but that's TBD at the moment.

Anyway thanks again, really am so proud of this connection we all share.

Glad to hear it. Take what time you need. Genuinely. You will be missed, but you will be welcomed back more.

[Kushion]

Hope you’ve been having a great break, and I’m glad that the kind words from the community are helping!

I’ve always found it odd that severe ban reasons (extreme toxicity/hate, sexy elven fun times, etc) weren’t public, or generally kinda hushed. I understand the risks of harassment but I think the payout of being able to know if X person I’m interacting with has, in the past, done a reprehensible thing that I’m not okay with is worth it for the sake of player comfort.

People that’d be uncomfortable with interacting with such individuals should be able to know so they can avoid them.

[dallion43]

Every group has its "special" people. The more successful and active the group, the more special people there will be, and the higher the "special" level tends to be.

I am fully aware of the complexity of project management, which is the kind you did on Arelith.
(Project+, ITIL, etc., as well as years in the field)
Not to mention that Arelith is a *free-source, complicated, long-term project with everything it entails.
(Doing it for free, managing volunteers, dealing with ungrateful delusional "specials" that take everything for granted, etc.)
Just thinking about it gives me a headache...

I wasn't here for long enough to know what Arelith was before you, but I do know what it is now. A place that many different people treat as home.
I know it was a team effort, but I never seen a team successful without good management.
I was never very big on RP and drifted for the last three years between many online games. After _40k in trying many various online games, I still find myself thinking that there is nothing like Arelith.

When the benefits stop outweighing the negatives, it is time to distance yourself and recalculate after some time off.

I apologize for a bunch of I's in a post that is supposed to convey:
Thank you, Irongorn!
You are one of the primary reasons I and many others had and will have many positive I's in Arelith, so thank you so much :p.

[Dovesong]

Irongron - We have butted heads. We have disagreed on very fundamental levels.

But I will never forget the gift you gave me several years ago. You will never know what it meant, and I will not say it here.

We may disagree. We may butt heads, as we are both very strong personalities. But never think I do not respect you, and what you do, and what you -have- done.

Love you.

[Zero Chronicle]

IRONGRON:

Thank you all that you do. Im hoping this is just a break and that we didnt lose you completely. Im staying optimistic, and hopeful.

[Dachlatte]

Hi Irongron. I wish you all the best and a thousand thanks for everything. I hope that the distance and time off will do you good and that you will return to arelith in the near future.

It would be nice if you or the staff could publish the list of troublemakers and aggressive people. So that we know who we are dealing with out there and so that we are forewarned about those people.

[Irongron]

Hi Irongron. I wish you all the best and a thousand thanks for everything. I hope that the distance and time off will do you good and that you will return to arelith in the near future.

It would be nice if you or the staff could publish the list of troublemakers and aggressive people. So that we know who we are dealing with out there and so that we are forewarned about those people.

You're absolutely right, should any individual represent a genuine threat to the community I will of course publish their details (but not real world identity) here. I do take security of this community seriously, and all such threats and comments, whether they are directed towards myself, members of staff or community members are reported to the appropriate local authorities for investigation, as well as to platforms such as Discord and Steam who have strict policies in this area.

That being said if I'm aware of an active investigation or the probability of prosecutions I would not impede the investigation or enflame the situation by publishing details, and even if I were to do so it would come alongside a strong warning against interacting with, harassing or otherwise confronting such individuals, no matter how abhorrent their actions.

For the most part we have a fantastic community here; people that meet up, or even marry and start families. Those that put that in jeapordy by using that information to threaten or harass any member here shall, of course, likely face very real consequences, that go far beyond a mere naming and shaming.

[Peachoo]

This is really late but...
I still wanted to share some thoughts and my thanks/kudos.

Arelith has always been a one-of-a-kind place to experience D&D roleplay—unlike anywhere else I’ve found online, despite trying. It’s a unique space, built with love by players, for players, and it offers tools that other games and communities simply don’t in the same way.

Before Irongron took the reins, the server rarely changed in any major way. That’s not a dig at Mithreas. He maintained a vision of keeping Arelith as accessible as possible, sticking to the original unmodded game content. That was the original vision of the server owner before him (I think) and honestly, there was nothing wrong with it. I’m sure some folks even miss those days. Sometimes I do.

But when NWN transitioned to Enhanced Edition under Beamdog, it became clear: for Arelith to survive and stay relevant, it had to evolve.
While the whole team deserves thanks, it’s undeniable that much of Arelith’s success over the years has been shaped by Irongron’s leadership. Whether or not we agreed with every decision, the fact remains—his direction kept the server alive, active, and fun.

In fact...A lot of newer players may not know this, but without Irongron, we probably wouldn’t have the server we know today... We probably wouldn’t have a server at all actually.

When Mithreas stepped away as server owner, it was under difficult circumstances—ones I won’t rehash the nitty-gritty details of—but what’s important to remember is that the server had effectively gone dark after a serious hack by malicious players to try and attack other players. It felt like the end. People I played with were discussing where to go next over Skype. Everyone was upset. It sucked. It really sucked.

And then Irongron stepped up.

That’s why it’s a god damn embarrassment that he, or really any player, has suffered harassment from our own player base. I don’t blame him one bit for being concerned about his children’s safety. I would be too.

Toxicity in our community is a complex issue—but most of us are adults. And we should know better. We should be holding each other accountable—not just now, but years ago. I wish we had done more back then when Mithreas stepped down.

Even more so, I feel like Irongron taking a step back should be a sign for all of us- just like it was back when Mithreas left.

If we, the players, truly appreciate what irongron and the team have built for us—then it’s on us to protect it. To take care of each other, and to ensure Arelith keeps being a place worth logging into. That’s the best thank-you we can offer.

I hope we stop taking it for granted.

Irongron, Thank you.

Having worked with the team for a while now, I've gotten to witness first hand the love that you've put into this server. Every time you talk with the team about something you want to implement, or about a project you're really excited about, it really shows.
I hate that it's been ruined for you to this degree.

I wish you, and your family, the best while you take time away from the server.

Thank you, for everything. For your time and dedication that you've put into Arelith. It's immeasurable.