First of all, I wanted to thank our membership. Without you, there would be nothing. I appreciate all of your support over the last 11 years. Through thick and thin, good and bad, success and failure.
Many had doubts, that the venerable KGB could rise again, and have a successful presence in a modern MMO. With all the challenges and hardships that go with it. Despite the problems with the game, and internal challenges, we have done just that, and became a real presence in the game and on our server. Despite losing members to frustration over game mechanics, we have persevered.
On the eve of the Constitutionally mandated election, I wanted to be the first to thank the officers that helped make it happen. Lets start with former CKGB Vice Chancellor Shade, who resigned his commission after game mechanics nerfed his ability to enjoy the game. Shade helped to get the Faction on its feet, and how many of us, owe many many levels to his unstoppable dedication to make KGB compete early on. As mandated in the KGB Articles of Confederation, I grant him the permanent title of Duke. Thank you Shade. It should be noted that Shade gave his L80 account to the guild to continue our efforts in AOC. How about former Vice Chancellor Hydr, who through all the challenges of success, remained a voice of reason, and did his best to ensure we all worked together. He worked behind the scenes, and asked for nothing in return. After quietly stepping down from the position of Vice Chancellor, Hydr has quietly left KGB, on his own path to find fun, success, and online happiness.
Now lets talk about High Chancellor Vipir. When I formally asked the membership for a High Chancellor candidate, noone came forward. After a long hiatus from an official Faction, KGB was off doing its own thing. With pressure from some of our veterans, Vipir offered to step up. I was impressed, that this one year veteran of Vanguard, heard the call and offered her heart and soul to see us succeed. This after being treated poorly in other organizations, I swore on my word, that I would do everything in my power to support this effort and see the first faction in YEARS succeed.
High Chancellor Vipir is no politician though. She was not gifted with the gift of gab, and despite working day and night for the Factions success, most of what she does is anonymous. In politics, this is a difficult path. I can only tell you what I have seen first hand. High Chancellor Vipir has done everything she could to see the success of this faction, despite what was perceived and without the normal public relations. Never was she selfish, NEVER putting her own feelings above the guilds. I
her, and can only wish that my own motivations were so pure.
We have survived again from much internal turmoil. But, we almost didnt. I am shamed to admit, but once again, I have failed you. All of you know I have deep compassion and faith in each of you. Looking back at the mistakes of this organization, I alone am to blame for us not reaching our potential. What I can tell you is this, I serve you, each of you, you do not serve me. I have learned from this situation and have done my best to apply that knowledge as wisdom. All I can promise each of you, on a personal level, is that I will do everything I can to make this family a success, and to recognize those of you that go beyond the call of duty.
Forgive me, each of you, as I am no more wise or intelligent than you, yet it is my responsibility to keep the family strong, and to overcome the obstacles in our way to success. I have always taken this very seriously, and pledge to always continue. Know that I feel the pain and joy of each of you, as you experience this. One day, I hope it will be nothing but victory and a close brotherhood (and sisterhood). It is a dream I have.
What about Crown Princess Heidi? Always there, exactly when you need her. She stepped up and took care of all the resource accounting when she knew Nothing about a new game. How lucky are we to have such a soul as our Sister.
What about Chancellor Jonus, who pays RL for our VENT. Never asking for a penny, Jonus does his business on the down low, but make no mistake, he has, as others, played a key role in our ongoing success.
Vice Chancellor of State, Dcengr is always about giving you strong financial advice as well as being a voice of reason. How lucky we are to have him with us.
Prime Minister Romeo Montague, has risen from the shadows. All of you are about to see why I appointed him (and Elph) second in command of KGB. After a long break, Romeo has answered the call, without question, and again proved just what dedication is.
Second to last, is my darling Elph. She pick me up when I am down, she motivates me when I want to give up. Elph keeps the system flowing. Understand this, Without Elph, there would be no KGB, plain and simple. There is no way I can recognize or repay the commitment she has made and keeps to me and all of you. I am trying, but someday I may indeed be worthy of the respect and allegiance she shows me every day.
Anyone talked to Paladin Syev lately? You may have to endure his opinions and feelings, but, again, he has taught me something. Without a doubt, Paladin Syev is and has been out TOP PVPer for a long time. Flash back to DAOC, when my XP group, in a Dungeon got rolled. As then danced on my body, I said proudly, "I got a surprise for you". They replied, "Are you going to send the KGB Zerg Army?", I said no, just one...
Syev entered the dungeon, and singlehandedly dropped the entire group. To which I replied, "Dont EVER fuck with me again, that is just ONE of many". GODDAMN I was proud. Thanks Syev for being my friend and all that you do for KGB.
Finally, I would be lying if I did not bring up our friend and former KGB 5 Star General Donkleaps. Hand picked by High Chancellor Vipir, General Donk, earned the respect of the guild and our allies. A MASTER on the battlefield, Donk is close to our hearts. Things didnt go as they should though, and Donk gave in to the voices that would steer him another direction. Noone put in the hours and dedication that Donk did, but that level can cloud your judgement. Noone is perfect, and I call on the former General to heal the wounds of the past, trust me, there is NOTHING wrong with being wrong. I know better than anyone, and the fact that our membership is still here, means that they all have a forgiving heart. I challenge you to test this.
So many members that deserve recognition, and I am asking all of you to help me do that. There are easy ways to recognize those that give over and above the call of duty. I encourage all of you to do it (Award request forms on the Entrance page).
To each of you, as your leader, I am also your humble servant. I alone carry the responsibility for this organization. Will you not PM me and help me?
In Service to KGB,