This has to be the hardest post I have ever written on any messageboard in my life. Saying goodbye to so many people that I have come to know and care about during my time playing AO is .... i don't have words.
Everyone has been wonderfull here, I had fun times, deep conversations, long friendships, loves, and so many things I will never forget. So many of you have had an impact on me, you know who you are, and I will never forget you. I'll miss all of you dearly.
The level to which I got into things here is what has lead me to this point where I must say goodbye. My internet addiction and denial of it has taken me to a point where I must get a hold of it.
I realize that many people have what it takes to play a game like this "casually" in a healthy manner. I am unfortunately not one of those people. I am currently battling bi-polar disorder (manic depression) and the escapism that a game like AO offers is too much like a drug for me.
While I am getting professional help for this, my departure from AO is a self prescribed solution. It's something that I know I have to do. Please don't be sad to see me going. Instead be happy to know that I will be out in the real world turning it into a place I want to be, and not one I want to escape from.
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The map and skin work that I have done here I am turning over to the AO community (they have also been updated today). Anyone who wants to can feel free to download the files, update, colorize, edit, re-arrange, alter and re-distribute them as they see fit. All I ask is that you provide a credit about where the source materials came from, and that you maintain their "open-source" nature.
I also have made a set of layered Photoshop master files for the map that will be a great help to anyone who wants to make their own themed version of the map. They are available on my website, just scroll down a bit.
I was also working on a special version of the map for Funcom that was going to be worked into the game. I will unfortunately not be able to complete this task. All of my files can also be considered open domain for Funcom to use if they choose to in the shipping version of the game. I can't tell you how much I appreciate their recognition of my work and the kindess they have shown me. I wish them all the best.
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I will leave my account open for a few days while I say my goodbyes and respond on this board a little. *big hugs for everyone* I'm going to miss you all so much. I will still be checking my mail at peacefairchild@hotmail.com if you want to drop a line now and then.
Lots of love,
Dovve (161 Meta-Physicist)
Dovvey (101 Martial-Artist)
Peace42 (54 Fixer)
Dovve42 (40 Trader)
Dove42 (10 Doctor)