How does one say, “goodbye,” to friends and a way of life that have been a constant for more than three years, and yet at the same time try to find the strength to seek welcome in a new family with a completely different approach to what has always felt so right?
Who ever thought a game could lead us to such soul-searching, and soul-rending, decisions?
There is no easy way to say it: I am leaving Walkers.
This is a decision that has been burning my heart and mind for several months now. As more and more of the people I have grown with in this game depart, I find myself finding fewer reasons to experience this world, other than the friendship I have with so many of you.
Nobody is to blame for this, nobody has pushed me to this, and no policy has forced my hand in this.
The final reason is simple—friendships aren’t bound by guild tags—and with EQ2 and WOW on the foreseeable horizon, I want to get as close to EQ’s end-game as I can. I love my home and the people I’ve known, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished doing things our way, but I feel as if I’m running out of time, and I must trudge on before I finally depart from Norrath forever.
I know many of you have strong opinions concerning people using Walkers as a stepping stone, but that was never my intention, nor is it how I played. I helped Walkers with almost all of its “firsts” in Planes of Power, and have attended more raids and epic hits than most, contributing to back-flags over and over again to help my brothers and sisters.
Hopefully, this doesn’t turn out to be the biggest mistake of my gaming life. Several weeks from now may find me crawling back, begging to be allowed into your fold once again. I only hope that those of you I currently call, “friend,” still see me as that no matter what tag I wear.
I spoke with Bonlainy recently, as well as a few others of you, and received only friendship and support. My heart and home will always be Walkers. You are by no means less of a guild, and my decision to leave isn’t based on any problem you have. Quite the opposite—you all actually have known what’s most important all along, which is why our reputation has always been beyond reproach, and our people some of the best on the server. This decision is purely about my own need to accelerate toward what I see as my EQ finish line.
As an especially sad note to Nizzre: I am sorry. Just 3 or 4 weeks ago I discussed this with you, and assured you I wasn’t leaving. Unfortunately, my feelings and attitude changed toward my future, and what started as rumblings that I shared with you grew into a full-blown call-to-action for me.
I look forward to hearing from you all as we continue our journey through Norrath. Please don’t ever be strangers. Your support will mean more to me than you can imagine. Your criticism will hurt more than you will believe.
/salute
Bill Engelhart
AKA: Talvarien Shadowblade
