A Genuine Thank You, a Heavy-Hearted Farewell and a Call To Arms

Ok, as much as I would LOVE to just /vanish a' la Kaiser Soze, and leave a bunch of clues, I know I can't do that! And though I'm known for my long-winded monologues, I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet.

If you're reading this, please know that I thank you. I thank you for supporting me in this experience of a blog, for rallying behind these storylines I have created and for believing in my passions. Without you, I wouldn't have stayed as long as I have.



And a special thanks to Blizzard Customer Service. After making me a notorious figure in the community by banning me four times for giving away my fortunes, they then empowered me to function above the law and bring hundreds of thousands of gold to multiple realms with the WoW Factor. Be nice to them, folks.

The news is real life needs me. I'm nearly 36. I have a beautiful wife, two amazing kids and a business that all deserve my brain back focused IRL. My brain works like a rain cloud, and wherever my brain is focused that's where it's going to rain. And when it rains it pours and it's been pouring long here in Azeroth. It's been a great ride, but unlike the dwarves of Khazad-dûm, I'm going to turn the engines off here before I hit shadow and flame.

So to you, I leave my passions and my unfinished business. Most notably, the WoW Factor.

The WoW Factor, Earthen Ring (A) - US

The WoW Factor is more than a "show". It's player-created content of the classic sort. It's a realm event that draws the community closer. It's an art. It's a gold sink. It's social media. It's finally something on the calendar to look forward to. It's respect. And it something that makes world PvP'ers grin and think, "AT LAST!"

If the WoW Factor has meant something to you, then I implore you to pick up the torch. I've been the driving force behind these, and RL being what it is cannot continue to do so. It's up to you and the fantastic people that remain on the core team to decide how far the WoW Factor goes until Mists is released.

Epic Weapons is already on board and poised to deliver commentary at the Emerald Dream show on May 25th and bridge the gap between the weapons on display and the craft of such weapons IRL. Figure Prints is primed to give insight on what player looks are being submitted at a show in June. Blizzard maintains the WoW Factor is the next community spotlight to be placed on the blog. PC Gamer has an article already written, and maintains they're just awaiting the green light to release it in their magazine. Dozens of realms have offered to put gold on the table, hoping for the heartbeat of the WoW Factor to hit their realm.

Numerous figureheads of the community have expressed interest in joining the judges table and to even expand to multiple teams as a means to reach more realms in a shorter time frame. With five sponsors waiting with gold on the table, the EU awaits their first event.

Now you know what the core team knows. Players and professionals want to be a part of this. Give them something to be a part of. Join the community talking about it on Facebook, grab your compass and take the wheel. It's always been your show. Go own it.

Disenchanting Azeroth will remain up. I may pop in to Twitter over the next week or so. And please direct all WoW Factor related questions to Noelani (noelani@wowroleplaygear.com) and copy Elvine (elvinelol@gmail.com).

All the best to you and yours,

Keel

Keelhaul (aka Pete) with baby Keel