This afternoon, after almost a year of inactivity, I returned to the server. Not much going on today, mainly people building, trading etc. I was warmly welcomed back, and I began to think.

This game that we spend so many hours on is choc-a-block full of bad servers. Pay-to-win, toxic, cash-driven, cold servers with no real character or community. I’ve played on many such faction servers, and I can safely say this server is not one of them. I have never come across a server that balances role-play, building, community, economics, and a competitive combat-based crew system so well, whilst still remaining warm, friendly, and pretty darn fun. This Server’s been around for almost as long as the game itself, and, whilst it was certainly a bumpy ride, the fact that this place is still up and running with a large player base and interesting narrative is a miracle.

I’ve seen wars, betrayals, deceptions, triumphs, backstabbing, rampant piracy, and sheer awesomeness every day i’ve been here. Structures built by players like Max and Gildor from hours of work, constantly risking attack or death every second they built. Pvpers like Mystic and Crazy fighting with a skill I could never hope to replicate. Traders, bankers, fighters, pirates, empire-builders, engineers, and visionaries – all have a place here.

I’m hardly the most influential of players, and there are so many who have contributed so much more than I to this wonderful little gem in the middle of the cloud. But today, I experienced the same joy that I did logging in for the first time two and a half years ago. So, to all the staff, players, allies, and friends who have made my experience here so entertaining and unique, thank you. This server will always be a special place for me.