I grew up on this game. My childhood was average, but in high school I ended up being expelled from a private catholic school and spent the remainder of Sophomore year in early online schooling. That time for me was very hard and I didn't really have an outward support network to turn to, until I found this game.  I fell in love immediately. 

Over the years I would grow tired of different personas and make new ones off new accounts ( so I would have to suspend the older ones). I know a lot of people take pride in their multi year long accounts but I greatly enjoyed the process of making a new account and adapting it with the new philosophy of my character. 

Unfortunately, I have struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse issues (alcohol). I'm not really the person I was before and to be honest in the last year or so of playing I was more likely than not drunk. As an alcoholic you don't really see a difference but when you look back sober for a brief 6 hours or so after work you're like "wow, I can't believe I did that".  It really is a sobering moment when you can look back and then get ready in the next ten minutes to drink. 

I love this community with all my heart and soul. I think about it all the time. It's been 12 years or so and I look upon it and the community with the same wonder I felt oh so long ago. The game and politics has changed a lot, and at times I wish for the simpler days when I could blame crowfed for everything ( even though one of my accounts was in crowfed for quite a while). 

To the follow: LadyLuvs, Kumo, HonoredMule, Bonfyr Verbo, Iofilip, Myr, Stormcrow, and to me the most important Jejune. There are eighty other players I could name and think so fondly of, but you strike out to me as being influential in the game or helping a troubled youth. You really don't or will not ever know but in these first few years of playing it meant the world to me. 

I love you all and if this game is up when I both get clean and deal with my issues I'll see you again,
love

the Con Orc

I really wholeheartedly wish you the very best in dealing with your issues and hope that you are able to return at some point.

Tens

It has been a pleasure getting to know you through playing Illyriad. The first alliance that I joined was yours. We were small, based in Ursor and despite being a small account you inspired me to tag along for a little while. Again and again we stumbled across each other in the game, with every time being just as great. Thanks for being a good friend at times! I hope you can overcome the challenges of life. You are bright, intelligent and funny which is a good cocktail :) Get busy living <3