I've read dozens of these "goodbye" posts over the years. My usual response is wondering who cares and why this person thinks they're important enough to announce their departure. They're generally only commented on when people get pissed/salty and try to take some shots on the way out. 

But as I prepare to leave MR for a long, long while- perhaps forever, although like Sean Connery I've learned to 'never say never again'- I wanted to leave a few parting words here. Feel free to ignore them or skip them, of course.  In part, I'd like to encourage people- and I'd also like to leave some sort of publicly stated message so the people I've dropped out of touch have some word of me. I've spoken to some of you privately that I know how to find, but there won't be any names mentioned here. You know who you are, and you should know how grateful I am for your friendship. I'm sorry to have to go, but it's the best decision for my family, health, and career. 

In short, I'd like to thank this community for an overall wonderful experience. The administrators of the game should be lauded for their dedication, but it's the community as a whole that really makes this place special. There is a large part of me that will miss the late nights on IRC/chat, burning the midnight oil to stay up for one more RP response, and then groggily logging in the next morning to read through all the posts in the business districts.

This might be a game defined by power, money, CAs, and kills... but in the long view, it's a game defined by relationships. I'd like to encourage everyone to reach out to the people around them- to new people, not just your usual contacts. You might find a few pleasant surprises in doing so. I've rarely had more fun than when I've gone incog; it made the game new to me. 

For those of you who largely play in an OOC fashion, I'd encourage you to give RP a shot. Not everyone has to be Shakespeare. But try to play the game as a character, not yourself. To be sure, you may share some major personality traits with a character. For example, if you're a chatterbox you'll probably not want to play a mute character. But be a character- and let that character guide your decisions. While it's not for everyone, it can be much more fun than the alternative.

I've been an orphan from New York who grew to be Don CL in his old hometown. I've been a young woman from Texas who shot and talked her way into running Detroit. I've been a bodyguard who decided to take his shot at being the man in charge. I've been an heiress who threw herself into organized crime for revenge. I've been a murderer, a thief, and a con artist. Separately- and all at once. I was even a dog for a couple weeks. And those are just the highlights. 

In short, playing characters kept the game fresh; I can't imagine that playing myself over and over again would be as rewarding, although I fully acknowledge that people have different preferences. To be clear, my goal here is not to say that my way is the best way, although I do think it's a good way. Instead, it's to encourage people to explore and try something else, whether it's something they've abandoned or have never tried before.

If you used to write and you've fallen out the habit, try it again. If you've never done? Give it a shot. Find a couple people to write with and tell stories that excite you. If you're looking for a way to get started, I'd refer you here:

https://mafiareturns.com/comm/thread/862479#129347812

Men and women are narrative creatures. After all, we're all the protagonists in the story of our lives. We create stories around us to explain the world, to explain ourselves, our goals, our successes, and failures. In my time here, I've tried to tell stories to explore different ideas, and I did so largely for myself. But I also loved sharing stories with so many wonderful writing partners; there's nothing better than getting into a groove with someone where it just works. Where you trust the other person- and where you're open to surprises. There's nothing better, in my opinion. I'll miss that high.

I've tried to tell many stories here in this world of black and grey. I regret that this is my final chapter, but I'm also excited for the future.

Keep writing- and thank you for the memories,

Keats / KateLogan / Kathryn / Chris

I remember working under you when you were Kates, must have been years ago. It was an enjoyable experience and for a relative noob I learnt a great deal about playing a character from you. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was the start. 

The last two years or so you've been a breath of fresh air, more than that, a fucking hurricane with the driving force of a freight train. To many, they won't see the stories we told and the people we literally created and developed. It was all done in plain sight, but would take a dedicated reader to follow every thread and every post. 

I used to set out with a new character to spread the experience with others and avoid us working together, but you were and are one of the few that are attracted to a story, not just a button clicker. 

Tammy, you found her and brought her in. Yes I knew it was you, but you were the only one that wanted to put the time in to talk. 

And Anthony, again I didn't approach you directly, you saw a RPer and sought to discover the story behind him and bring him into your ranks. 

I'm seriously going to miss you. Few understand the effort and thought that goes into a character and then the melancholy of losing them before you told the whole story.

I just hope the few that I know of who enjoy telling those stories today are in someway influenced and motivated by people like you, because that means I've got a chance to do the same to others. 

Happy trails my friend, I hope we're not closing this book for good. 

Bleep bloop friend, bleep bloop <3 

See you inna couple months

After working with you briefly as Kates all those years ago, I was delighted to work with your bloodline again.  You are one of the most amazing and hard working players I have ever seen.  You gave me the confidence to develop a character, and to be that character.  I am sad to see you go, but I wish you the best always.

rp is dying unfortunately and based upon how things are looking wont be back

Says the guy who signed up as "LilWayne". Mmmhm. 

Aw Spanikopita. You know what I think. But I must say although I hope you come back, I hope you take your time. I can not deal with the kind of suffering you put me through when you want me to be active. <3 

Someone said Spanikopita??

Its my favourite food, my mom is making me one each week!

It is also the code name when Greeks talk on the phone, about weed.