I'm out o/

by **Tim-Opolis** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:54 pm

Such is the way it goes. We try, we quit, we come back, and we wear out. Assuming life stays swell, I hope we'll never see you again, but feel free to visit if you really must. It's been a fucking pleasure, boss. I'll see if I can hit you up if I'm ever in your part of Florida.

by **Xuskeuclite** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:56 pm

I don't know who you are but goodbye.

by **Chuporosa** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:57 pm

Bye Thomas, you seem like a sound guy, good luck on your endeavours in life.

by **Carartia** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:01 pm

It's sad to lose a fellow NS veteran. You seem like a person who would always take oppurtunities, like this one, to enrich your social life. If I was to decide between socializing and spending time in front of the monitor, I'd choose the first option. But I don't really have that option, as I don't work well with peers. I rather work well with older people.

Here's some dad rock for you to enjoy.

by **Roavin** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:03 pm

I spawned not quite 7 months ago in the South Pacific. An interesting time - TSP had just gone through a coup attempt due to an internal crisis, and this was just after the predator crisis hit in gameplay.

I was intrigued by this game. Or rather, a meta-game upon which many games (RPs, issues, GA, R/D, inter- and intra-regional politics, etc.) are built by the community. I tried my best to participate in the community I spawned in, drafting and debating laws, trying (unsuccessfully) to get into RP, writing a bit for our local newspaper, etc.; but what I found extremely interesting (and several of you can confirm this) was NS history. Branching out from just the history of my local region, I found the accounts of large battles fought and won, politics on a grandiose scale, and many of those individual names stuck with me. Some of NS history reads a bit like the Silmarillion, one of my favorite books.

Defenderdom in particular fascinated me, and I remember quite a few of the big names there both older and newer. Ballotonia. Pope Hope. Unibot. Eluvatar. And many more that deserve mention here. 2 months into my NS career, I knew I wanted in and at least try it, not just from the politics side. I talked to people, got information, advice, and lessons, and read all that I could read about it. Finally, I decided to join the SPSF, the military of my home region, to support it and Imki's (successful) efforts to revive it. She then got me into contact with Benevolent Thomas, to get my chops up.

Benevolent Thomas? Isn't he _the_ defender right now?

Yes, exactly that one. I was happy and excited, but also anxious and apprehensive that I'd screw up and embarrass myself. But you took that apprehension right out of me, by just being ... your cool ass self.

I got my first lead that update:

[6:37 AM] Benevolent Thomas: you got it!
[6:37 AM] Benevolent Thomas: ban the baddies THEN switch
[6:38 AM] Benevolent Thomas: think it may be a single baddie that time
[6:39 AM] Benevolent Thomas: getting a lead on your first time?
[6:39 AM] Roavin: Heh, first time I'm del
[6:39 AM] Benevolent Thomas: congratulations

... followed by ...

[7:22 AM] Benevolent Thomas: update is over. excellent work

... followed by:

[8:32 AM] Benevolent Thomas: is Roavin your nation name?
[8:32 AM] Benevolent Thomas: I'm gonna put you in my GP forum report
[8:33 AM] Roavin: Yep!
[8:39 AM] Benevolent Thomas: you're GP famous now

And from there on out, I was, indeed, GP famous:

Benevolent Thomas wrote:The newest member of the South Pacific Special Forces, Roavin, was also introduced to combat tonight and enjoyed his first lead, impressing his peers and this Warden.

I wasn't just GP famous, though — I was also hooked. Not only is defending incredibly fun, you also have a unique ability to motivate and encourage people without being overbearing or it feeling anything else than sincere. The prospect of being able to join the Wardens at major update and participate in fun defending and hilarious voice chat banter with you and the other Wardens got me to wake up at 6am very often, even on the weekends.

But what makes a great defender is not just being the fastest to jump, or the fastest to endorse. It doesn't even need your WA, as you showed when you were tarting for the Lazarus Delegacy. It's

being nice and sincere with people but without hesitating to piss someone off when necessary,
being able to read the activity page like a book (and I'm sure at least Souls was frustrated by your ability to do that several times),
being intelligent and making intelligent decisions regarding priorities and strategies,
being accomplished outside of the defending sphere, participating in communities and region building and in general being a good citizen of the game,
getting people together towards a common goal.
and many more things that I'm surely forgetting.

Even your worst critics, if sincere, must agree that you fit the bill on all of those.

You say Gameplay would be incredibly stale if you're remembered - I disagree. Plenty of old names in NS history remain known to this day, even though most had not met them; just like even in the Third and Fourth Ages on Middle-Earth, the tales of many great elven lords of old like Fingolfin and Turgon continue to be recited and will continue to be told until the day Eru Iluvatar brings the final apocalypse ... or, in the case of NS, [violet] turns off the servers. You, too, belong in those history books and in those tales told forthwith, fondly remembered by the old farts that were around to play with you, and fascinating generations of newer players interested in NS history. It's unfortunate that your well-deserved commendation failed (for no other reason than stupid temporal political posturing with an unhealthy dose of IC/OOC conflation), though I do have high hopes that another (now "posthumous") attempt will succeed. It's deserved at any rate.

Back to this little aspiring defender writing this post - if there's role models to be had, then you surely grace the top of the list. I thank you for all that you've taught me, for the fun times, and I, for one, am glad and honored to have had the chance to play with you.

Viel Glück und auf Wiedersehen,
-- your favorite German.

by **Arthur Vasentius** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:10 pm

It is always difficult to see someone that you have known since you first began playing this game leave it behind, it really sucks. I have never quit on this game, nor have I ever taken a break. But I have seen those that have quit, those that have taken breaks from NationStates. I understand, sometimes it just becomes too much to handle, or maybe there's just so much more to be done. I may be a raider, but respect. I respect you Thomas, you're one of the first people I ever knew on this site. I remember in my early days when I was once a defender..wasn't for long though

But as I always say and as I've heard others say, real life > NationStates. I wish you well in your future endeavors, it's been a privilege to have you as a fellow player. Hopefully the fields won't lay dormant, that's one of the things I really love about raiding. The resistance, that was you. But anyways I'm rambling, so allow me to wrap this up. Remember a place called "The Democratoc Union Of Planets"? I highly doubt it, but yeah. You've made your choice, but don't be afraid to come back if you ever change your mind. Respect, and good luck!

by **Scieca II** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:11 pm

Benevolent Thomas wrote:
Scieca II wrote:I look forward to more fruitful results on the tagfields.

Just keep following in the footsteps of your predecessors and you'll be departed from this game too soon enough

Bullshit. But I suppose I'll let it go, after all you are the main topic, not me.

by **Maltropia** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:13 pm

I'm not a Gameplayer, but since this is in Latest Topics again I may as well -

You'll be missed. Obviously. There's other people here saying it, so I'm just stating the blatant facts. No need for me to revisit that. Suffice it to say that I very sincerely wish you all the best in your life. I haven't forgotten all your help in the Paradoxia liberation over a year ago, nor has my appreciation diminished. Keep being cool.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat. o>

by **Kyorgia** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:45 pm

Good bye BT have fun in real life

by **Birdkeeper** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:46 pm

Hey Buddy,

I haven't been here long, so my goodbye can't be long.

But it was a blast hanging out with you during updates, starting my day filled with laughs and good times. Even if my Defender skills are beyond sub-par.

I hope you enjoy yourself, and keep your chin up. A common way to say goodbye to a colleague in Germany translates to: "You always meet twice."

Man sieht sich immer zweimal im Leben,
Birdkeeper

by **Canton Empire** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:56 pm

Famous last words, bt?

by **Libetarian Republics** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 3:41 pm

Hail.

by **Syberis** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 3:54 pm

A worthy foe leaves. It's a shame, that level of OOC class is always welcome... Guess we'll have to find another defender we love to hate

by **Stalker Queen** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 3:57 pm

Tommy,

You were among the first defenders I had the opportunity of meeting, and you are one of my closest friends. We may be on opposing sides of the field, and I'll admit I enjoyed kicking your puppets out of my tag targets, back when I still had the strength and morale in my bones to tag. And there is a bit of pride, I admit, in inspiring you to create your Tank Engine Thomas puppet, while I had Thomas The Spank Engine (no doubt inspired by one of our newest Issues, but also with you in mind). In my darkness and in my light, you've been there for me, and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know you, not just as an adversary, but as a friend. I was worried for the past week when you disappeared from Discord and your nation... but I didn't expect for this to happen...

NS is going to be very, very different without you, but real life comes first. I hope that all goes well, and I wish you all the best. I won't mince my words: I'm going to miss you very, very much. And I don't think I'll ever forget you... or anything you've done for me...

It's been the greatest of pleasures to know you, Tommy, and god... I'm tearing up writing this... knowing of the possibility we might never meet again...

Peace.
o/ o/

by **Gatito** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 4:37 pm

RIP Benny Boi. Wish I got to know you better, but the brief interactions we had were fun.

Stay memey.

by **Hint A Well Fielded Plop** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:02 pm

We've said goodbye before BT, but it'd be wrong not to do it again. I still remember the beginning of your defender career all those years ago in XKI, and the passion and enjoyment you brought to each (and every!) update. Those months are some of my favourite memories of this game. And my how very far you've come since then! Although we moved through regions, and nations, you always brought that same level of passion to whatever your new project was. It was an absolute pleasure to have been able to come along for the ride with you all these years. I wish you all the best in your RL, and take care. I promise not to drag you back here like once before

Love ya BT <3

by **Varax Zwei** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:43 pm

It was an honor to square off with you on the GP fields, and you have my full respect as a player and person. I'm truly sorry that the only time we really spoke was not under better circumstances as well as my role in past events.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors IRL. Take care.

by **Lord Ravenclaw** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 6:13 pm

Farewell, BT. I'm glad RL is going great and hope it continues that way <3

For what it's worth, you've always been my favourite gameplayer. It's not been fun having to take the actions I had to, or making the decisions I've had to over the past few months. Gameplay is all in all a toxic environment, and it shows, unfortunately.

by **Cormactopia II** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:10 pm

You've been a force of nature in this game, and you'll be missed. I'm glad I got to know you.

Hopefully once you can feel like it won't pull you back in, you can come back and visit.

by **Alustrian** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:14 pm

I am not good enough with words to write a fitting goodbye - just know that you will be missed. Any nations joining NS after 10/31/2016 will have missed out on playing with one of the most interesting NSers around.

Keep in touch

by **Almonaster La Real** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:27 pm

Good luck in the "real" world.

by **Benevolent Thomas** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 8:20 pm

First off; are there any interesting ops that you've been a part of, but couldn't reveal yourself/your involvement at the time?
TITO's invasion of LWU that one time EW CTE for a few minutes. I spotted it and even set a trigger. I don't remember if I sent a nation or not. I helped Wrapper lock up Monty Python's Flying Circus with a themed puppet of mine. I was one of the players to help re-lock Alliance of Socialist States. I also aided at least one invasion of the Flea Circus / Freak Show regions.

Do you think there are differences in GP from when you started out, to now? Would you class them as good/bad/neutral?
The game is much more blended. Before there were the two sides and they mostly kept to themselves. The increased cosmopolitanism and cultural blending has forced GP to take a more OOC personal direction than a IC tit-for-tat battle between good and evil. On one hand, its nice to get to know more people, but overall I think its really neutered many players' potentials.

Follow up: If any, what do you think is the cause(s) of those differences?
The post-Devonations generation of players. The decline of the FRA and the rise of the UDL lead to an increased personal politicking and the social acceptance of switching. I think the same group of players brought it with them as they switched sides as well.

Do you think GP needs a complete shake up? If so, do you think this needs to be an admin or player led effort?
GP has needed a shake-up since before I started the game and the need for it has only increased in time. The admins have been promising changes for years while defender after defender have dropped out of the game entirely. I consider myself to have been a player to offer small shake-ups of the status quo, but a lone rock is not enough to stop the tidal wave of dissatisfaction.

Are the GP summit changes worth continuing with?
Seeing as just about every player that was involved with those summits are now gone? Probably not. Its not like admin have addressed even half of the issues they put on their agenda (2/7 iirc). Today's active GPers as a whole are more technically literate than the 2011/2012 group. Maybe they can help implement solutions.

Finally; what is the one piece of knowledge you have that would stir the pot here the most?
I didn't have a spy in the Black Hawks. At least half of Cora's followers began leaking info to me at one point or another. Whether it was to make amends for the Predator scandal or just because they hated people like Souls and Cormac. Outside of them, I managed to gleam a lot of information out of HYDRA Command in its early days.

It was a TITO Knight that filed the report that led to Unibot II's deletion.

Falconias really was in Europeia for an intelligence operation (just kidding).

I don't have the best long-term NS memory, so I'm sure my juiciest secrets are still hidden. I was privy to a ridiculous amount of information from about fall 2014 - fall 2015.

Birdkeeper wrote:Hey Buddy,

I haven't been here long, so my goodbye can't be long.

But it was a blast hanging out with you during updates, starting my day filled with laughs and good times. Even if my Defender skills are beyond sub-par.

Still fishing for compliments after all this time?

Peace out, Chubbz, you are one of the people I actually enjoyed seeing towards the end. Your unique laugh will haunt me every time I have a silent audience.

Canton Empire wrote:Famous last words, bt?

These may not be my very last words, but they are important to me. There are two types of gameplayers: Pragmatists and Romantics. For the love of [violet] please fight the pragmatic stranglehold on gameplay. The game needs heroes, villains and of course the charismatic anti-heroes and rogues in order to inspire new generations of players to join in our struggles.

by **Flanderlion** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 8:31 pm

Good luck. I think you'll be back in one way or another, because you posted a topic rather than just vanishing without a trace. But while I'm here, if you somehow don't come back (be it iron will, or something bad happening), good luck with life.

I had no clue why people were trying to suck up to you by leaking info (and it was pre Predator bans/thread wasn't it as well?). But my one question, thoughts on the NPO? Both pre and post events in a certain region you're delegate of.

If I'm allowed a bonus question, why do you care if Neph takes over the thread?

by **Ever-Wandering Souls** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 8:34 pm

>>TITO's invasion of LWU that one time EW CTE for a few minutes.

Oh jeez, I still remember Xor and Sev planning that one for weeks. Will admit I never quite saw the point of it, but it was kinda funny I suppose

by **Reventus Koth** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 9:11 pm

I'll never forget this gem:

Peace out, famalam.

I'm out o/

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