Wasn't sure if I should create a new post topic. I'll probably get a bit of flame for it.
It is my pleasure to introduce Name_Violation as the new and undisputed champion of this game.
He technically hasn't taken that crown from my head yet, but he will do so in just a matter of weeks, if not days.
This will undoubtedly issue in a new era of darkness for Seibertron as the Decepticons retake control of the skies.
I am (quasi) retiring from the game. There are a number of factors leading to my decision:
* I have been virtually absent from the forums for at least six months and really am not contributing much, if anything to the discussions.
* The small software company that I own is still struggling. Although we do excellent work and have built software that saves lives by fighting malaria in Africa, our customers are non-government organizations and government institutions. The work is great from a humanitarian standpoint, it is very difficult to stay in business with such customers and I am finding it difficult to break into another industry. I am a software developer who suddenly found himself at the helm of the ship. That definitely was not the plan, but life puts you in places you never would expect to be. I have a crap ton of work to do in the following months and this game tends to cut into my productivity.
* I have OCD and it is difficult for me to play a game without committing myself to win. Either I am playing competitively to be #1 or I am not. There is very little middle ground. That is just simply how my brain is wired.
* My little son continues to grow and develop. Life goes by quickly and I need to enjoy this stage in his life while it lasts. I would find myself setting him aside every 30 or so minutes so that I could grab my iPad and squeeze in another round of missions. Yes, I know, totally pathetic. If I know I am not playing HMW to win, then my brain can relax and I can enjoy other things, like playing with my son. My wife and I are also expecting kiddo #2 in the fall, so retiring just seems like the right thing to do.
Today was my first day of retirement. I still found myself playing off an on throughout the day, but much less frequently than normal. I expect this will probably be the pattern moving forward.
During these years I had actually sketched out a design for my own HMW game. It, of course, would have been totally bitch'n but I simply just don't have the time to build it.
I have enjoyed the friendships that I have made with the players of this game over the years and I expect those friendships will continue.
Burn, I know you have grown very fond of me over the years. I just want you to know that you CAN move on without me. I believe in you!!! Don't give up just because I am leaving. This game needs you!!!
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Naked Magnus lays deeply wounded on the CR table. Decepticons and Autobots alike surround the table to pay homage to the fallen and valiant warrior. Perceptor shakes his head in silence, indicating to all that the situation is grim.
Perceptor: I believe the wounds are fatal.
Sustain struggles to comfort Burn, as Burn fails to hold back his tears.
Zordon: Magnus, you can't die!
Naked Magnus: Do not grieve, for soon I shall be one with Vector Sigma.
Naked Magnus, slowly lifts up his hand. Name_Violation moves to his side and takes it.
Naked Magnus: Name_Violation, it is to you I pass on the key to Vector Sigma, just as Galvatron Supreme passed it on to me.
Name_Violation: 'Bout damn time. Do you realize how long I have waited for this moment? There is none more worthy than I!
Naked Magnus: Nor was I...but soon...a Transformer will rise from our ranks and...wait...what?
Name_Violation: You were only number one for so long because you played the game like a jerk. Everyone knows that you would hold back your bots from leveling up to prevent the Decepticons from scoring a lot of XP. You would level up only when you could maximize your upgrades at the next level where nobody could stand a chance against you.
Naked Magnus: Remember...fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing...
Name_Violation: This is coming from the man who would park his ass in the arena to fight the one or two people who where at his level. Meanwhile, the missions were neglected and the game stagnated.
Naked Magnus is losing energy. The words become more difficult.
Naked Magnus: But...all we need is a little energon...and a lot of luck...
Name_Violation: Damn! Would you just shut the hell up! How many of your Autobots suffered with hunger from lack of energon, while you sat on the biggest energon stockpile in the galaxy!
Naked Magnus: But...but...freedom is the right of all sentient....
Name_Violation: What the HELL DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?! Finally this game can move forward with you GONE! As the new leader, I will take this game into a new era of glory!
Naked Magnus removes his hand from Name_Violation's grasp and suddenly sits up. Everyone is taken by surprise. All observable weakness and frailty of the fallen warrior suddenly vanishes. Naked Magnus turns to face Name_Violation and rests his hand on his shoulder. Magnus's eyes stare deep into Name_Violation's soul.
Naked Magnus: You have come to me, my child. Who is your father if it is not me? Who gave you the will to live? I am the wellspring from which you flow--when I am gone, you will never have been. What will your world be without me? Who will give you the will to play? When I am gone, what will drive you to play through the late hours of the night? With whom will you share your obsession of the game? Once you are number one, that which drives you will be gone. You will lose your self and embrace emptiness.
Name_Violation's expression is forceful and brave but deeply wrought with inner emotion. His eyes widen softly, his face slackens in despair. Visibly shaken, he takes a few steps back.
Naked Magnus: MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
Suddenly, with a bright flash of light and a loud bang, Naked Magnus falls forward onto the floor, dead. A big smoldering hole can be seen in his back. Everyone can see Burn holding a plasma rifle with smoke rising from the barrel.
Burn: I just couldn't take it anymore. I am so tired of his ****.
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And with that I bid you all adieu!
-NM
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