When I was a little boy, I used to love my collection of Star Wars action toys. My favorite one was Han Solo, although I hadn´t seen the movie then. When I did, there was no question on who was the true hero in this saga. Han had all the good lines, he had that hot-rod and he got the girl. Luke? What a pansy.
When I was 14, West End Games released a pen and paper RPG. Other kids played D&D, but my friends and I loved SW. We had a BH in our group, a retired imperial captain, a wookiee... and of course a Smuggler, me. No one cared about being a jedi then.
Ever since we quit playing RPG´s, I longed for a chance to play my old character again. I had played the whole X-wing series as well as Dark Forces. When SWG was being announced, I was all excited about the idea, but decided I lacked the time to play an MMPORG. Nevertheless, I liked reading the posts in this very forum. I knew about slicing well before I ever logged into the game, and the chuckle thread certainly was worth every minute then.
Eventually, I got around to buy this game. At this time there was a lot of excitement on the forums about something upcoming named CU. I didn´t mind, because I was busy running around Coronet, shooting butterflies and enjoying a world full of wonder. I still remember the first time I met a jedi. It was in a remote player city late at night. Out of nowhere, a dark clad shape approached me at what seemed like super-human speed. The city was deserted and he headed right for me. While I was still trying to rally my wits, he opened up with something that certainly had to be some kind of lightning, like the emperor did in Episode VI. My character yelped in pain, but then I realized my wounds were gone. I muttered a shy "thank you", but the stranger just bowed and ran off. Those were the days.
Meanwhile, I have come to accept a few realities. There are jedi everywhere duelling a full daylight. While I could fly a YT-1300, there is really no reason to. While I can be a Master Smuggler (and getting that title was the proudest day of my SWG life), its reallyjust an empty title and an inferior template. Being around my peers in cantinas and bragging about one´s ship was cool, but most of these people are gone now, resigning in disgust about the treatment their profession had received.
I have worked for Han, been to Jabba´s palace, had a date with Leia (don´t tell Han) and defeated a Krayt single handed. I have visited every mayor city (not been to the wookiee world though) and met all my heroes from Episodes IV- VI. I regret I never got to fly a YT-1300 (spent to much time exterminating the wildlife on lok) but most of all, I will miss this community.
Neither the BH forum nor Starsider´s forum could ever compete with the level of good natured (for the most part) maturity and keen wit I have found here. Though it pains me deeply, and in my heart I will always be a Smuggler, I have decided its time to cancel my account. I will be backif (not when) we will ever get Smuggling content, or I have gotten around to open up a second slot on my alternate BH account - whatever happens first.
There are a couple of things I would have liked to yell at our friends in red, but I prefer to leave in peace, as a tribute to Wes´ effort to rally the spirits.
A deep bow to my fellow Smugglers. Clear skies to all of you.
Message Edited by Aendracon on 10-08-2005 04:27 AM
Ryian Coron - Elder Smuggler "do not assume your customers are morons. odds are they know a lot more about the situation than you do because they live with it every day. listen to them, actually listen, and take what they say into account. you might save some money, morons."- Fernas
