I have been discussing with alliance leaders in Consone and the officers within Invictus that I plan to step down from my role as leader of Invictus and leave the game very soon.

In terms of what is happening I know this is not good timing for my friends in the game. I would have preferred to see out the war but sadly I have been grinning and bearing it for some time, but that has just meant that I have shown less and less interest in the game, and that is not sustainable either as a leader of a large alliance nor as a player within that alliance.

The reason I am leaving is that I am tired of the game and it is taking more away from life than it is giving. Regardless of the rhetoric that has peppered the forums I want to make it clear that I had no desire for the war that is upon us and that the setting up of Consone and the related confederations was merely that of bringing together some friendly alliances. This is something I have stated time without number so either I am either a consistent liar, or maybe I am telling the truth.... whatever I say, the folk who are on here will have already decided for themselves. Bear in mind that we have asked for peace on all available forums - we have been ignored.

As I have said, the game is taking away more than it is giving - the constant checking of the account, daily answering of mails and sorting out of issues has taken its toll but I guess the energy has been sapped most of all by the some of the lies and vitriol spread on the public forum in regard to a war I did not want to enter. For me this is not about winning or losing but about showing compassion and being mature even in war. And it is the lack of maturity and compassion I see about me, which leads me to this decision - it is after all, a game. Most of all - I prize my real life above my Illy life, and to do my alliance justice I would need to give more of my real life to Illy - something I am not prepared to do anymore.

I have 6 or 7 real life friends who play Illy scattered about various alliances and the like. There was a time we would get together and discuss the various goings on and the game in general - that doesn't happen anymore. They are all either about to give up the game or are winding down their activity. I put this down to some of the maturity levels that we thought were somewhat higher than they are, but also the fact that the game has become a grind... harvesting, trading and war have all moved the game towards Time x Money = Success. Now... don't get me wrong, I still think you need to be clever and tactical to maximise what you do, but I do think the game has increasing amounts of grind - something we have all commented on in our group of friends.

And please let me be clear, this is naturally my opinion in regard to the game - I can see many people who continue to enjoy the game and will have a different take on things.

It is sad to be leaving on such a negative note so I want to do a few thank yous and farewells:

The Developers - You have worked hard to develop an excellent game and I do not envy you the challenge of developing the game and sustaining the sandbox features into the future. Balance is what I think you should be looking for - so good luck with that.

My Alliance - Invictus has been an excellent alliance generally populated by the most excellent people. We have tried in my time to treat people with respect and be a positive alliance and I think we have achieved that. We certainly haven't got it right all of the time, but the right intentions have been there. Sloter will take over the reigns as our new Consul - he is an excellent player and person as well.

I am aware that I have spoken about issues I have with the community but there are some great people in the community who are a pleasure to speak with and be around. They know who they are, as they are the people I have told I was leaving before making this post. Thanks to all of you who have made the game an excellent place to be in.

So, good luck in the future to all of you. The game will be what it will be and people will come and go as they either enjoy it or not. But I would ask you to remember this -

'There are real people behind the keyboards of this game' - for me it is a game, and nothing more, but some folk will invest a lot of time and money into it, and care deeply about the game. Their views may be different to yours and they may even be a pain in the arse themselves - but if you approach all with respect and compassion I do think the game will be a better place for that.... regardless of who wins wars, owns resources etc...

Good luck in the future everyone,

J

*Fires a salute arrow for Jasche*

Take care