Look, if there's going to be a 10,000 pages thread, then there's no way in H - E - double hockey sticks that I wouldn't be a part of it.
Granted, the game has ended for me, and I'm glad to have spent my final days on Garuda (well over 6 months ago, but I digress), however, the Raider has officially met his end. If you ever see me online (I'm still hoping to get that name change that I never thought of till now), it's not me. I gave him up to the one person who has backed me up since longer than FFXI ever existed. My roommate Mettaflame (he dropped the 'ous' in the server change) has full control over the Raider. If he's smart, he'll figure out a way to drop that name and create a new one on Laksh*t (I'm still hoping he chooses Stormfury, which is my current internet moniker)
So, kiddiepies, it's been fun. And yes, I'll still monitor the boards periodically, and hope to see you all in 14 (though I still haven't been picked for beta, BASTARDS!!!!)
I miss and love you all. Always have, always will. Just, things have changed in my life and the result was giving up XI (next week, I move into my new house.... hell, it's my FIRST house. If possible and whenever possible, I'd love to have each of you over for a little visit. Just plan any and every trip to stop over in Chicago, if not for a whole day, at least for a few hours. I can get to O'Hare in 10 mins)
I'll never forget the memories (and if you'll allow me the liberty of reminiscing, I want to acknowledge at least a few individuals. If not, STOP READING THIS BORE-*** THREAD. OH MY GOD WE'RE GONNA DIE!!!)
Metta: My roommate and true friend of a brother. Take care of the Raider for me. He misses the game dearly (and retire his chicken please, CometAvenger begs you. Race him too if you have the time. He used to love it.) Also, you're the damndest best damn SAM I ever seen. You finally accomplished everything you looked forward to in this game. Don't let it hold you back any longer. Get out and FLY!
Aesica: My best friend for a long time. I know you won't read this since you quit long before I did. I still love you my brother, and I hope some day we actually meet and rock the f*cking house down like crazy men.
Saggo: You have been and always will be the closest person to an angel to me. You've acted as my conscience and have always questioned my faith when I did so with yours. You are truly the closest person to me in this hellish game, and I hope we can hang out this summer again for the Distant Worlds show. Come to my new house!
Valark: We never spent much time together, but I always respected your thoughts and ideals. Just because I was a stupid drunk doesn't mean I didn't heed every word you said.
Dhal, Ice, and Oceanids as a whole: You guys were my being. I'm sorry that I only was able to take 6,974 groups through CoP to Sea. I wish I could have taken the whole server. I miss you guys most of all, and always have. For the record, is it possible that we can get another Ezell Dance? I miss it, lol.
Zalia: If both of us were single, there is no doubt in my mind that we would have hooked up a way long time ago. We nearly always saw eye to eye, and I always regarded you as a close friend. I'm almost positive that you won't read this since you quit even before Aes did. You're one of the few people that I keep in touch with (in person kinda) that I would never ever regret. Even though the Raiders will always beat the Chiefs, I still love you.
Woodum, Pastor, Humie: My British Bro's. Is there anything that we didn't accomplish together? I have never had so much fun in my whole life than the 6-12 hours that we spent together in Hu'Xoi playing tiddly winks and kicking each other out of the party and teamspeak. You guys are what makes this game that much more fun. Never change, which is why I'll always love you.
Ralrra, Chief, Toohottie, Anne, Daph, Pikko, Thayos: You guys (gals) were my hold to the outside. When the game got stupid, and even when we did it together (Aquarius, Ral?) we were always together here on the outside. You guys kept my brain in check (did I ever need it or what?) We could always agree on one thing: W..T..F..?
Darkdoom(STFU) and Soren: You have never acted or been regarded as young as you are. I always considered you a friend on my own level, and I miss you to death. I really hope that we'll meet again in the future.
Everyone else: Look, I know there are at least 39 dozen people that I didn't mention here. And just because I didn't, doesn't mean that you weren't special to me. The fact is that so many people in this game hold such a special place in my heart that I could never mention you all if I tried. If it makes any of you feel better, feel free to post a story about you and me and anyone else in this thread, and I'll be happy to respond to it. (What better way to get to 10,000 . . . right?)
On that note, the Raider is officially hanging up his FFXI hat. But the Alla hat lives on. I hope we all remain friends for as long as we live. See you all again hopefully. Stay in touch as long as we can.
Any one of you can PM me for my email / IM / etc, and I'll keep up with you for sure.
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FINALLY RETIRED - R.I.P. RAIDER
75MNK, 75WHM, 62PLD, 40+ So much other crap.
Crafts: 90+ Cooking | 50+ Fishing | 40-60 Everything else.
Bastok|San Doria|Windurst|RotZ|CoP|ToAU : Complete.
Assault: Second Lieutenant
WotG: Complete as of 3/09
Normal DD Gear Chi Blast Gear Melee WHM?!