I've decided to step down from Staff Team and take leave from the server indefinitely. The decision to do so wasn't decided on a whim, nor is there anything particular that's driven me to do it. Having been apart of the community since late 2011 at the age of 14, it's been an interesting and admittedly frustrating ride to present day.
After my previous hiatus of over 5 years, I've come back for over a full year to see the direction the server has taken, and I have to admit that once the nostalgia settled, despite no longer having that feeling of awe and curiosity as a new player so many years ago, I still managed to have fun and enjoy myself. I don't feel like I need to emphasise on the fact that roleplay isn't like how it used to be, but in its stead I can vouch that the community has definitely taken a positive turn for the better in some ways.
Although the primary focus on Lord of The Craft is a roleplaying community, I've found that it's been much more than that. My interest in roleplaying had diminished with time over the years, and balancing a social life as well a full time job had made it inherently difficult to take it as seriously, and give it as much love as I did when I was younger. Instead of roleplaying, I found myself forming solid connections and friendships with people in all corners of our diverse community - it was the way I found myself having fun, and it was my reason for hanging around.
Whatever your current reason for sticking around LoTC is, be it for Political RP, PvP or even slice of cake - please enjoy yourself and do what it is that motivates you to dedicate so much time on the server, and focus hard on valuing the friendships you make along the way, for me it made all the difference and made up for ways the server itself never could. One day when you decide to step away from it all, you'll be left with nothing but memories which often than not revolve around the positive experiences you've shared with your friends, so take care of each other.
Remember that this is all a game, and that there is a person behind the screen. Whether it's a Staff Team member giving you trouble, or someone from an opposing nation you're having beef with, take it easy and remember it's not worth malding over. Get your point across, and if it doesn't work out, move on and find another alternative. Don't let it taint and draw you away from everything else that made LoTC fun for you.
Check yourself regularly, make sure whatever you're doing helps you progress and level up. Don't ever be taken for granted, and don't settle for anyone's bullshit. Do what's right even if it gets you into shit and when the opportunity arises, lend out a hand and pull people up instead of shitting on them for no reason. Protect each other from groomers and sex pests no matter what.
See you guys around, and make sure to drink water.
Smile often, laugh often and make sure your homies are laughing with you.