I have played since the beginning myself. Started back on Great Lakes in the beginning on my dad's account and then eventually got my own accounts. Would get home from school and chop wood and mine iron all day long for peasants gold. I mean, the 2gp ea for bulk boards I got back then was A LOT! Wondering through the Britain sewers, not so smart. Walking into a gate to see whats on the other side, also not smart. Lesson learned, that's for sure.
Since then life has happened. I have been on and off throughout the years, gained a lot, lost a lot, and gained a lot more. I have learned lessons too, like when you take a break from the game, make sure your CC info stays updated. Lost 3 loaded 18*18's one time for not updating an expired CC lol. Made a come back after that, and another break I took I lost a loaded castle worth billions due to an issue trying to reload my account with game time. After losing the castle I took a nice break as I was devastated at that loss, unique items, rare items, a dozen soul stones, all lost. However, UO will always be in my blood. It has been my go-to, my getaway, and although I have made some enemies, I have made countless more friends.
My last return was a bout 4 months ago, with nothing but the clothes on my back friends helped me out and now I am prospering once again. Now some of our other friends are returning, and it feels good to be able to help them get back on their feet with housing, clothing, items, gold, etc. To me community is what UO was always best at (although the invasion of WBB threatened it and General Chat has devalued it), helping those in need, and helping those learn the ropes, Luckily through these events that have eroded the bindings of community we have all once enjoyed, the player base has kept the community going.
My biggest wish was that my dad would remember his account name and or email. To have that account back, and the characters on it would mean a lot, especially for the nostalgic value. The days of his GM mage going out and finding an Ogre, everyone yelling and screaming and running while he stepped up to slaughter the beast, you just cant replace that. Traveling in groups of 6 or more to protect the newbies from reds, teaching young players to chop wood near the guard zone.
Sadly though as we near the 20th anniversary, I also reflect on what we have lost. We have lost many good players, genuinely good people. Some have passed away, some moved on to other things, some left after having their trust betrayed in ways they could not recover from. I sometimes go to the beautiful memorials for old friends that have passed like Witch, and hope she is in a peaceful place. I often pass through the area South of Luna and wonder what Slaymore is up to these days. Good people, gone from this game and or this world way too soon.
So as this anniversary comes upon us, I would like everyone to do that, take a moment to cherish the friendships we have made, remember those we have lost, and continue to keep our community strong for years to come.
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