It has now been more than seven years since I started playing Nationstates, and I am happy to say that the game and its people have been a delightful companion through good times and bad. NS and NSers have taught me many things and given me a new perspective on many things, and the game has given me a lifelong love of writing, good fiction, society and politics that would no doubt have otherwise passed me over.
Nevertheless, it is time for me to pack up my things and go. I have recently entered a new phase in my life in which I will be deeply involved with something I have hoped and dreamed and worked very hard for years for a chance to pursue. However, it leaves me with little time for the internet and has required me to seriously re-weigh many of my priorities in life. I am no longer actually able to be as involved so very deeply in NS as I once was, and I have realized that that depth of involvement that it allowed was one of the key things that kept me in the game for so very long. I do not do things by half-measures; I am either here in full or not here, and I am no longer able to be here in full.
I realize that my absence will leave a large hole in a great many places. Therefore, for the benefit of future NS generations I wish to ensure that my legacy is one that will build up the game and its communities. Though possessions cannot be had here per se, in my time here I have amassed many roles, offices, and honors. They are not mine to keep, and so it is my wish to pass them on in such a way as they ought, that they would go to those who will use them well. So without further ado, I dedicate an apportionment of such goods as I believe best reflects my will, as it were.
To Naivetry, who has been without exception wise, patient, honorable and gracious, I leave the position that most associate with me: the Delegacy of the Rejected Realms. There have always been many people who have sought to lead the region for what they thought it was, but there have only ever been a few who have the attributes truly needed to lead it for what it really is. You have spent years showing me that you do much what I do in NS, with the difference that you're better at it. May your intelligence and integrity serve you well.
I call upon all those in the interregional community who have respected me as Delegate to respect Naivetry as Delegate in turn, and to assist her in actually attaining and holding the position. I offer her such assistance as I can give.
To Barbara Manatee, esteemed ambassador of Ulthar, I leave my position as Viceroy of the East Pacific, as well as an up-to-date log of citizens. This was done a while ago, and you have already proven to be a better Viceroy and leader in TEP than I ever was. I would also offer an Official TEP Viceroy Whip, but you are already in possession of the best bureaucratic whip in the world.
To Der Fuhrer Dyszel, possessor of the best mind, biggest heart and sharpest wit in NS all in equal measure, I leave my position as admin in the East Pacific. You have never hesitated to address a problem once you have seen it, and now there is one less hoop that you will have to jump through to do so.
I also leave to you my characters, Anna Alexander and Prospero Albaniri, for you know them so very well that you know what they will do next. May their adventures (and/or demises) in the salvation (and/or damnation) of Damon Diehl and Mahanoy be glorious.
In addition, I leave a Condemnation of your super-duper-evil main nation, or at least another attempt to pass one that shouldn't get bloc-ed this time.
To Nation of Quebec, leader of Capitalist Paradise and writer of issues, I leave my recommendation to the admins that you ought to replace me as Issues Editor, if you are willing to do it. Your issue submissions on the forum and in the game have always been exceptional, needing very few changes - exactly what is needed for an issue editor - and an enthusiasm for issues that far surpasses my own.
I'd ask this by telegram, but I can't get through for some reason (I think I epically failed to research CP's policy on WA campaigning a while back). If someone could pass a link to this on to Nation of Quebec for his approval/disapproval I would be grateful.
To Dannistaan, I leave my assurance that all of us have always seen you as having great experience and objectivity, and as such I leave my recommendation to replace me as Arbiter in the East Pacific if you wish it. Your imagination, neutrality in political spats, and great humility will make you a good pick for the job, and I ask that you consider it.
To Warr, I leave a small island to the north of you full of powerful magic that brings dead things back to life. I'm sure you'll think of something clever to have its inhabitants do.
To Drakkengard, I leave my thanks for unfailingly handling the East Pacific's WA affairs. I also leave a cloud of magical fallout that will turn your nation into a land of beautiful dreams and terrible nightmares, and a word of advice to keep an eye on your issues for something extra special that will make you smile.
To Reziel, I leave the burden of figuring out just what Tambora, the Great Fiend of Fire, is up to now that she's awake, and that of figuring out just what was at the bottom of that black lake in Malev. I also leave a request for some contact information - I may actually have a chance to visit you in the not-too-distant future.
To Kangarawa, who basically wrote this character anyhow, I leave Rachel Penteleimon, mystic visionary, lady of letters, and scary religious zealot who makes Torquemada look like Little Miss Sunshine, as well as Honist, her House of wacky bioengineers. This may put you at odds with Reziel, see above. I am sure that you will enjoy the process of being at odds immensely.
To Free Pacific States, I leave the besieged state of Xiopothos, the shadowy weapons programme going on within, and the fleet besieging it, as well as said fleet's commander Vire Khaz and his House Damis. This may put you at odds with Reziel, Kangarawa and DFD, who have his lost masters, his ally/nemesis, and his daughter respectively.
To Packilvania, I leave the question of what Noi's next move will do to Lady Lucille Haskalah, her departing space fleet, and her House Chiron, and my blessing to make it something with a great big bang. Should they survive, they are yours to play, but I think we both know which outcome is more entertaining.
To Northrop-Grumman, RPer extraordinaire and good friend, I leave my puppets, Mohammastan and Liberaltopia. I'd like to see them passed out to whichever new RPer can best demonstrate that they would play a non-stereotypical Islamic state and a non-stereotypical libertarian haven and would do so even better with an Antiquity nation, but figure it out as you like or use them for your own ends.
To whoever in the East Pacific has the willingness and means, which is to say the capacity to process DWG files and the willingness to make updates, I leave the management of the East Pacific map. If no one wants to do this, I quite understand.
To whoever is in the Delegate seat of the West Pacific in six months, I leave the foundership of the region of Wales. Long may its colors wave. Whamabama of Equilism is to act as the executor of this particular part of my estate; whoever is able to claim this bequest should contact him.
To Darkesia, I leave some chocolate, to be delivered when you least expect it. Unless you don't still live where you used to, in which case I shall feel very silly.
To TAO, I offer my condolences on your departure, which I feel that I finally understand, and my suggestion that you hook up with what Naivetry will be doing when you get back.
To the mods and admins, I leave a couple of very good recommendations for a new mod, although I rather suspect one of them will be booked solid very soon. I'd encourage you to look at the other, who although I was feeling a little sketchy about him at the time I wrote it, would make a very good mod indeed.
To the rest of NS, I leave three new issues that should be up soon, plus a fourth to be delivered before I'm out. Keep an eye out for them!
Thank you for your help, your companionship and your quirky senses of humor all along, and I hope to keep in touch with many of you in the future.
Kandarin
