By David Itamae
The Anniversary That Almost Never Was.
As we embark on a huge accomplishment in celebration of ten years with the Great Alliance, we look back on how it all was possible and how at times, it almost wasn’t. The journey of the Great Alliance was not always premade roleplays and dance parties, it was built by people who dedicated more than just money to establish a world we can call precious. Sometimes, there is more heartache and trial than a thoughtful thank you and spoken appreciation. Sometimes, the trials beat us and other times we beat the trials. In no small measure has the Great Alliance and the people within motivated our directions in life.
Queen Comet once wrote a letter to the Great Alliance. I had it tucked away and only recently found it as I was searching through memories of the past. As I read the words, I could feel the anguish in such a motion to almost depart from something she helped build for the last two years. My heart sank remembering this period of darkness and then found how much I was glad she did not turn away or allow the misery to overtake her spirit. We are all human, after all, no matter the characters we create we are all flesh and blood.
In the words of her majesty,
“To the Great Alliance,
It has been a wonderful two years for the ground breaking association of so many interesting realms, and dynamic groups of people. Two years is forever in SecondLife, a true accomplishment. But, things do not last forever, and I feel that Sylvhara has come to the end of it's run with the Great Alliance. The difficulties of running and managing so many responsibilities have become too great. The stresses of the real world have crept into nearly everyone's lives, and the time and resource commitments have become a strain.
As a co-founder of the Great Alliance, I am extremely proud of what we have built. When the four co-founders began the Alliance, our intent was to build something for our friends enjoy. One of the amazing things about the Alliance in the past, has been what little strife we have had amongst the realms. Rather than see it divide into opposing factions or, see it diminish and become less than it was, it is time to for me to leave it and move on.
I have loved doing this. It has meant so very much to me. I would like to thank all the many many people who did so much work to make the GA work so well.( Please see attached). I want to give special thanks to Loren Hesse, for her vitality, and wonderful Ideas. Nathan Ur, for so many creative concepts that we employed to structure the Alliance. And most of all, to Malikith Virtanen, my best friend, for his kindness, his energy, selflessness, and balance that lent itself so well to leading the Great Alliance.
In closing, I would like to say what a rich and interesting experience it has been to be involved in this project. I have made so many friends and enjoyed the wonderful adventure. The GA has set the bar for all future intersim roleplay groups. ROE will stand and be used, as they already are, by many RP realms in SL, for intersim battle. In the miracle of this Second Life world, the Great Alliance has been a towering achievement.
Thank you everyone, so very much
Comet Quijote
Now, to her majesty, from a simple teller and weaver of words,
It has been ten years since the creation of the Great Alliance and with it came many who have come and gone, but your kingdom has remained steadfast. You and those who have aided you should be commended for the hard work that has been put it since its inception. Even real life came and money did factor for the loss of players and realms, you have remained a beacon for roleplay and no matter how people feel, being a part of your realm will remain with them forever and the new players get to experience the wonders of many rules and roles that truly make the character their own: unique as they are.
Even with all the conflicts among the SIMs of differing viewpoints and at times egos, many still have put aside their differences and remained loyal to you through the years and have been champions in the storms that have come and gone. It is not easy to remain constant over ten years being here and not allowing this world to fade into nothing. It was the decision not to go that made ten years possible. Even I must admit, I had many disagreements and my attitude was beneath the person I should have been instead of the person I was. However, you still found me favorably and I was glad about that.
Queen Comet we have felt the love you had for your dreams here. The dreams of many have blended with your own and made this impossible task possible each and every day. Your decision not to go has effected the hundreds to thousands that roamed the fantasy lands since 2009. You have given your thanks to so many through the years and in return they have given their thanks to you because without Sylvhara there is no Great Alliance because the backbone to this collection of kingdoms would have been missing. There is only one Queen Comet and no one can ever replace you or even be you.
Thank you, Queen Comet for rewarding us and enriching our lives for the last ten years, your teas, your presence at dragon hunts, battles, meetings, and even roaming the lands are tiny details that make you admirable and someone worth following. One of the most treasured values I found was your gratitude to those who aided in the scripts, the builds, the roleplays that are all cherished. Even the souls who have gone to live in eternal paradise are not forgotten in your Hall of Arms. I believe they would be proud of their time spent with you and how you took the care to never forget.
Your kingdom, no matter how long it remains after this day will remain with many forever. There will be times memories will come back to the glorious days of Queen Comet and her passion for roleplay and fantasy. You are loved by many and even if we play the subject or the royal lord and lady, there is something stronger that draws us all together: the bloodless bond called family.