grahamkeatley

Afternoon, I want to thank everyone who has contacted myself so far. It is going to take a bit longer to formally arrange the visits to alliances; at least longer then initially planned to ensure we are joining properly, with equal expectations at every step. So just slowing the pace a little to plot our first few trips properly, and that will give us time then to arrange beyond that. Again - everyone and every alliance that does get in touch will be considered and will be incorporated if we can make allowance for it. So please do get in touch. Regards, GK

That seems all good. Thanks for taking the time to explain it. I am glad you opened this up to applications from alliances as a whole. Looking forward to it. I ran something similar for a while in CC, and I know the effort that goes into it. So fair play. GK

This looks fantastic. And looking forward to seeing it progress. One question on it; how are things like stats handled in terms of creating the teams? GK

Hey Joffrey, I recall you from TOOL and as you left to reform Americas Army, if I recall correctly? As for myself June 2006 for me... GK

[quote name='Sarmatian Empire' timestamp='1291724026' post='2532889'] What if, as Kev stated, someone created a Jewish type alliance, that takes a hardline against against terrorism and what not? Alliance Announcement is an IC forum...but if your alliances character is Anti-Muslim, or Anti-Nazi, or Anti-whatever, does that make it ok to knock such pictures in Alliance Announcements? Technically it does right? [/quote] No - it should never be okay or acceptable. Technicalities have nothing to do with it. IC or OOC, being a member of an Anti-organisation group does not make it okay to knock the other group. It may make it more expected or more justified in the person's own viewpoint, but it should never be okay in a general sense. It would be like saying a KKK group being set up gave them a IC reason for racism to be okay. GK

Now I do wish to put it in context that I did not see the first DoE and I am going on the assumption of them wanting a serious Alliance within CN. And based on how they have portrayed themselves in the second DoE. Criticizing JAMA for displaying imagery that is representative in their culture as being their military or fighting forces, would be similar to JAMA criticizing those who use similar imagery that would represent the military of more Western influence. Both sides see the other as "the enemy" in popular culture, but jumping to assume that any imagery is terrorism or that it represents terrorism is a huge leap to the extreme that simply should not occur. What you have displayed in your disgust would be on par with someone jumping up and calling you an infidel for showing an image of a desert tank with soldiers holding guns on its body. What one party sees as military pride is the others display of provocation. So if you can deal it, please be open to understanding why the opposing culture would see it as disgusting. I am not saying you are wrong to be outraged, because if you genuinely feel as if you are at odds with the military culture and display then you have every right to express that in any way you want. But ignoring the context and trying to impose that you are correct in your view that one display of military is better than the other is wrong. And trying to carve a topic on that basis in my opinion is wrong. Otherwise we need to remove all provocative imagery completely, which would be a terrible idea. As Schattenmann said though there is a line; but it should not be drawn to rule out a culture from being played out. And it needs to be put into context of intention and perspective. Common decency needs to be shown. Roleplaying an Islamic Military does not equal Islamic Extremism. The same way German military does not equal Nazi military. I do agree that any group setting up an intention to be provocative to another's creed, existence or beliefs is wrong. And if JAMA was set up in the vein of some organisation trying to rid the world of the state of Israel and all its inhabitants, then obviously that is wrong. And that would be on par with your suggestion of creating an alliance along the West Bank theme. But the crux of this is that you are trying to imply that the labeling of all potential Islamic guerrilla styled fighters are all terrorist and should therefore be shot on sight is on the extreme end. GK

I would like to do this as a pair to communities and by doing so we can hit more areas and hopefully be far more visible then just one of us joining an AA. Yes - it will be extremely tough to make headway, but I do believe the first couple of alliances will be the toughest. I reckon we will find methods to both ignite activity and our presence in alliances without being disruptive and I believe as this goes on, we could very quickly become experts at this. Who knows. Again, it is apart of what I want to experience. CN is a long haul game for everyone. But if the mindset was altered. If you knew you had two very experienced leaders joining your alliance for 10 days. What could alliances think of to squeeze the benefit from us in those 10 days? I know it can be tough for old timers and settled veterans in communities to warm and get to know newcomers. And it does take a while usually, but I think it will help that everyone is aware of the set up and what is being done. I would be hopeful that the alliances that are currently expressing interest, are doing so because they have something to show us. And that from Day 1 in their alliance, that they engage with us on things. It will not be about integrating someone new into the hub or processes; so that bedding in period will be an early blip that myself and Dodo will learn to overcome as we get more experienced at this. GK

[quote name='supercoolyellow' timestamp='1291596221' post='2531381'] I'd be interested, let me talk to MCXA HC about this. [/quote] Not sure if anyone around is still aware but MDC was very helpful to TOOL in the early days. Offering some advice and some words of encouragement in the early days. Lost touch through Maroon events, and with TOOL focusing on White. But I think it would be an ideal experience, especially seeing as TOOL and MDC existed together, had communicado and went different ways, it would be amazing to chart the progression MDC took into MCXA and was has been built in a similar time frame to TOOL. Thanks for your reply, and would love to know what the high command say. Thanks, GK

[quote name='Aimee Mann' timestamp='1291598245' post='2531409'] I read the proposal and whilst it sounds interesting, I am having trouble with the rather woolly section on what the alliance gets out of your adventure. You will get access to all internal chatter (maybe it'll only be amongst the members, but this can still has some worth and value), all internal government messages, all alliance guides and resources, and yet you will be gone within two weeks, leaving behind only an appraisal of the community? Whilst your perspective as an outsider might well be interesting to read (although I have doubts about this - surely an arbitrary two week stay is not enough to gain any remarkable insights into an alliance's community functioning?), I'm not entirely convinced that it is worth the intrusion into (and swift exit from) that community. Scepticism aside, this is something new and different, so I wish you luck with it. If it does go well, maybe you can share some of what you learned with us (even if it's only general outlines, so as not to offend any specific alliances with the negatives of your reports)? [/quote] I fully agree with you on that. It is woolly because at this point it is new to myself as well. What I can offer in tangible benefits to an alliance in a short period of time remains to be seen. I know what I can offer at any given points; from a sounding board, to financials, to resource management and experience in all aspects of running an alliance. I have a very precise manner and very meticulous outlook. In the long run, I find my approach to be very analytical and as a result under constant review - in the short term, I am not sure what I can offer that would be possible to outline as a full benefit for everyone and all alliances. I would offer activity, and a new voicing point on things. And if I see anything I believe I can genuinely help with I wont hesitate to do so. I understand with regards to the intrusion as well, it is definitely the one thing that will need to be worked on to convince people on. The resources, guides etc.. will be no benefit to me in the future. This information is a personal journey and will not be shared or used beyond my stay in any given alliance. As a result, I hope then due to it being of no benefit to me, that it is seen as no loss to disclose. Again, hard topic to convince people on but I am here to try just that. With regards to the time frame, it is definitely not long enough to get a full understanding of an alliance functionality, but it definitely is a good time frame for experiencing the community. For example I am not interested in how an alliance uses their Banks or financial resources, but more so in how they promote the schemes and get people involved. I am more interested in how they get people involved and included in election processes and activity games as opposed to the functionality on a long term basis. I wish I could spend longer then 2 weeks, or more than a month in alliances. But I want to experience more then 3 or 4 communities to get a bigger understanding of the CN culture as a whole. And if the shorter period allows me to only gain a fraction from individual communities, I think the time frame is long enough over time to develop a better view as I experience more and more. @Homeboy - I have no interest in running an alliance again. I dont foresee myself ever leading an alliance in that way again. I burnt my tether on that and my interest is gone. I am not trying to make an alliance work any more, and dont think I will ever again. Im looking to find out what influences CN having so many communities, so many seemingly offering varying types of differences and uniqueness. There must be much that I have missed out upon. And yes, if it brought a spark back to my enjoyment of CN as a game; cherry on the cake. If I found an alliance that I see as having potential of me being a more long term member, again, another bonus. But it is not my goal, I am not on an information gathering exercise. GK

[center][IMG]http://i56.tinypic.com/1z19oxl.png[/IMG][/center] Greetings, To give a quick summary of what I want to express is that I seek to know more about you, not only as individuals but the communities that you exist within. I want to find out over the course of time the nuances and differences that make us so animated both creatively and destructively in our interactions. --- My history... Many of you will not know myself, some will know of me and even fewer from this massive clutter of Nations will truly know what I stand for and what I seek in this world. This world has been my home now for four and a half years. In that time my experience and exposure to the greater culture within has been limited. I spent six months of that time residing in NPO, joining a month before it faced the forces in "The Great Patriotic War" and a toddler in Nation terms at that stage came my first experiences of what this place had to offer in terms of a community. The organisation and community drive that I felt then, in the rebuilding of NPO and in the quick bounce back of the alliance as a whole struck in pale contrast that of some individual Nations being left behind in that process. This is not as gloom story, and not meant to be one of negative tone - but it was in this process that this world conveyed to me its powerful allure of united effort but also gave me a sure sign that for me to make the most out of my experience in it that I needed to create something from scratch. The NPO was a large machine even back then, its culture well in place from months and years of common interaction through many platforms. A culture as a person of strong principles and very strong ideals felt I was behind on, to such an extent that I felt I would never be able to impose. With this I resigned and stepped down to create my own Alliance from scratch... I took part in the first round of fighting in the "Second Patriotic War" as I felt as though even though I had already resigned I had vested interest and loyalty enough to give one last firing salute. From this TOOL was created... And so on the story goes. I was at the helm of TOOL since 15th January 2007, up until quite recently... Time well spent, but in the same breath I feel that on some level opportunities lost as well. I do not regret it, but again, the builder, organiser, analyst in me is curious; What have other people been creating in the last 4 years - while I have been building TOOL? Do we use the same ideas? Same structure? Same advertising, PR, messaging techniques? Is it a situation similar to events in history where mankind had similar ideas and expressions of those ideas without ever communicating them... A bit grandiose but it is in those terms that even though I do not have the time to lead an alliance any more that I cant quit this game. --- I wont quit either; in a blaze of nukes nor in a fading away with platitudes and sincerities shared - there is much that still interests me here and it is with that in mind that I would like to embark on this [b]The 'Exner' Initiative[/b] as I will dub it. In this I will be joined by my long time friend and colleague in TOOL, Dodoei123. This is something we have discussed at length since our stepping down from leadership a little while ago. And something we are both eager to explore. As I take my leave from TOOL; [b]I am hereby putting myself at the whimsical wishes and best gestures of your alliances to invite us into your communities.[/b] To take part, to experience what you have to offer, to see what I may have been missing or to gain a greater understanding as to perhaps why our two communities and personalities never gravitated towards one another. Some might consider calling it an Alliance Tour or hopping, but I do not see it as such and will not treat it as such. This is not an exercise in mere futility, but one that has a significant interest for Dodo and I. It would be my hope and wish that any alliance willing to invite us in, would do so allowing ourselves to become members not only in name but in all matters. If we can we will get involved, should wars amass I personally would be committed so long as people were open with me. This would not be something I do lightly, and if I believe that any alliance would not get my 100% honesty and up front nature then I would not disgrace myself and disrespect them by accepting their invite. With this I hope to give Exner reports on the alliances we meet. Not reviews or spying information - but general impressions of the alliance, of the communities, of the culture within and with regards to the ability that could be witnessed within. [b]What would you gain from this as an Alliance?[/b] At the very least I hope it will bring some outside attention to your alliance. - - Whether you were an ally or enemy of old. I think there can be a lot learned from motives, communities and culture. Having one's side presented without bias or motive, to have one's society appraised with a positive approach. I am not looking for holes in ships or negatives to highlight. It is what makes an alliance tick that I seek. And which I want to share with those interested. Many here believe that their community is the best around. Enough to be loyal for and enough to express tirelessly about. Is it a community you are proud of? Is it a community you would be proud to display openly? If so, then I would love to be apart of it even for a brief period. To get to know you better, and better understand where I have gone right and where I may have gone wrong in the last 4 years. [b]Details of expectations;[/b] [b]1 - [/b]Depending on interest, I would ideally like to spend 10-14 days in each community. A couple of weekends of immersing and getting involved. Depending on outside interference it could be longer or shorter. But at any point I would never dream of overstaying welcome or disrespectfully disappear either. I do so with the intentions of being open and upfront about all aspects. [b]2 - [/b]Confidentiality : Everything seen, discussed and witnesses in each alliance will be held in the strictest of secrecy. Not a word will be uttered outside of reports, which will also have full compliance with whatever the alliance deems unacceptable for inclusion. [b]3 - [/b]Affiliation : I would like us to be considered as members during our time. But should this be something that you consider an issue; while we are members of your community I would be also very happily reside on a different AA or conform to any checks or questions you may have. Any alliance that allows us this freedom would also without doubt be given full assurances that should war break out that you would never meet us on the battlefield. We will not be taking up arms against anywhere that we may have called home. It would defeat the purpose of becoming a part of a community. Outside of that very brief list of reassurances or outlines, I am of course open to query and question on these or any other matters. I know some may fear espionage or security of information as being at risk but I will go a long way to assuage those concerns. Once I step out of TOOL, my responsibilities to TOOL and to any other alliances would take second stage to my responsibilities to this initiative being upfront, honest and with integrity. This process is to try and understand what we do not know yet. Exploring areas we have not stepped yet and meeting people who we have not had the pleasure of doing so. If you feel that these concerns will never be won over, then by all means ignore this process. Or perhaps join, invite and gesture as we go along. I would also ask that any member of an alliance that may read this, and might wish this to be something their alliance could do - then I would ask that you bring it up. Not to annoy your respective governments but I know many will not even read this on their own without being brought aware. And that would be a pity, because really for this to work it is those people I hope read this. Those people who have been spending time and effort building something that I have experience doing elsewhere. It is truly those people that lead their communities that I would like to meet and converse with. So with sincere regards, I open this up for questions, queries and hopefully invites to come visit your many esteemed alliances. Message here, private message me and I will also be making a concerted effort to be more visible on IRC as well. Regards, grahamkeatley [quote]Note : TOOL is aware of my leaving, as too are IRON of Dodo's who has been resting up within their walls for a few weeks while I prepared to step away from my creation. Once I feel comfortable that interest is in place. I would ideally be looking to make my first move in the next week (9/10th Dec) so if any alliances are open to this immediately, fire me a message as I would love to discuss it. Thanks.[/quote]

All my nuclear reactors within Irlande are for peaceful energy production. Irlande insists that it is their divine right to pursue the enrichment of uranium for this purpose. Regards, GK

[quote name='kriekfreak' timestamp='1291381448' post='2529009'] Does this mean that if some has 2 consecutive zero gains, they are out right away? [/quote] I believe two in a row, gets you a red blotch. Seeing as one zero gain gets you an orange indicator, I think that is how it goes. GK

[quote name='Xiphosis' timestamp='1290814455' post='2524163'] No. I was referring to his time in DefCon, not TOOL. [/quote] Well, that is fair enough. But Zoom hadnt mentioned that aspect of his reasons for disliking TPF. So wasnt quite sure what you were repeating. GK

[quote name='Lusitan' timestamp='1290742457' post='2523494'] Most of you are failing to materialize the actual line of thought behind the difference between Legion and IRON reach to sanction. Legion and MASH merge was orchestrated by both (I'd like to assume so, at least) where it can be construed as an intentional grab of nations by Legion with the intention of reaching sanction. It was intentional and it was done by Legion. IRON on the other hand didn't, as far as I know, recruit or prepare in anyway the migration of the nations from TOOL to their AA. With or without the sanction in mind. Situations are not compareble at all because Legion had control over one and IRON didn't. The first can be construed as a sanction grab by Legion. The second merely happened to IRON. [/quote] How can you just gloss over the fact that members of MASH were not forced to join Legion? How was it not MASH members choice in joining? Even if the merger was orchestrated by Legion, of which I have no knowledge of, surely both alliance merging in and the members joining have their say in either going or not? And likewise, for those leaving TOOL to join IRON - I have no knowledge of how it was organised on mass. But I am guessing IRON gave the okay for multiple people to move over in a group. They were accepted swiftly as members, and the members themselves as a group similarly to those in MASH still had to make the move as individuals. If you want to continue harping this point, you are going to run out of moving room pretty quickly. The ONLY difference in the two is that the merger of a group of members (which throw the alliance over the Sanction Line) was that it was an alliance sanctioned move. But in general terms that difference does not change how the situation can be viewed in terms of flak that may or not have been leveled at someone for how something is achieved. This is not me trying to take a knock at IRON or Legion. I am merely stating that the difference between the two scenarios is tiny. So small, in fact, that arguing that there is a difference enough to belittle one side and not the other makes it laughable. GK

[quote name='Xiphosis' timestamp='1290756125' post='2523702'] Christ, he's said it once before so I'll save him the repeat; He doesn't dislike you because he's PC. He dislikes you because he used to be allied to you, and you're worthless. [/quote] Xiph, you are wrong on this point, I believe. When you quote or paraphrase someone, please at least try and get their sentiment correct because you seem to be suggesting here that his dislike stems from being in TOOL and being a TPF ally? Zoom stated quite clearly that his dislike for TPF stems from BEFORE being in TOOL. He states that he brought the dislike with him into TOOL and he is right in stating that he had always encouraged us to cancel with TPF. But his animosity was present from before. I dont fully recall the history of DefCon though, so maybe it was caused from being allied to TPF through DefCon. But Zoom never stated that aspect, so how you can paraphrase that meaning is beyond me. I just wanted to clear that up. Especially seeing as you were repeating for him. [quote name='Captain Mudfoot' timestamp='1290717361' post='2523221'] If you continue like this GK, I'm going to have to start thinking you miss me [/quote] CM - I do miss you. Things may have gone awry at the end, but you are missed. You know me, straight forward and honest at the expense of feelings. =P I dont mean to paint a bad light or anything, just replying to what I saw posted. You are missed, and you will always be as far as I am concerned both alliance-wise and personally. May not have much chance any more to converse to convey that. And for that I apologise. GK

[quote name='Captain Mudfoot' timestamp='1290714291' post='2523199'] It had nothing to do with the last war GK... I didn't leave till all reps were paid. Most leaving had nothing to do with the reps, but everything to do with the leadership then. But I do agree... this current situation is fallout from the leadership you all had then [/quote] Your leaving didnt. You had a foot out the door from long before that. My comment was in regards to the fallout in terms of leadership being left with too much on their shoulders. That has come about indirectly by the toll of paying reps and a slow rebuild process. You had your own personal issues, but I think you are wrong to fold that onto the "fallout" because I am of the opinion that your was limited to a small number of people in your particular circle. GK

I think the point that is being made is that making Sanction by mass joiners rather than off the sweat of your own back. The comparison in my opinion is valid, just remove the word merger from it and you can see it clearly. But even in saying that, getting stink for making sanction for this is pointless. What alliance isnt of a bigger size now for accepting a group of people into their alliance? Merger or not? GK

[quote name='R3nowned' timestamp='1290687673' post='2522970'] Actually, I think this would be a large part of the reasoning behind an earlier exodus. I mean... look at CSN's gov... nearly completely made up of Ex-TOOLies haha. [/quote] Of which, none were in Gov or roles of responsibility in TOOL when they left. But I would agree with Alfred, in the process of paying reps and rebuilding from the last war - many moved to passengers and this would be the fallout from that. GK

[quote name='TheNeverender' timestamp='1290625853' post='2522260'] I will never wish anyone luck again I will also never think that an alliance losing it's leader who took over like two freaking days ago for it's leader that it had had for its entire history (plus having a number of other prominent leaders jump ship) is a serious point of concern for an alliance. I will never, ever think that someone is going to need a lot of luck to right the ship and stymie the bleeding. Is that better? [/quote] Not better at all. I truly wouldnt of even thought to reply to wandering replies and outlandish takes on simple words. Its not a very pretty picture at the moment for TOOL, and its expected that people will express worry and dread on it. And those who havent liked TOOL will have a chance to titter and muse. Its expected and to be honest, I wouldnt of wanted it any other way. Its become a bit of an amusing tradition for me to read if truth be told. TOOL does need some luck and some hard work put into it to get back on track. And anyone who suggests this is nothing to be worried about - you are clearly lying through your teeth. This is something that even TOOL members themselves will state is a bad situation; but in contrast it isnt the worst situation TOOL has ever faced and TOOL still remains. So while I may not be a heavy part of what is going on any more, TOOL still has the foundation and organisation to pull through. GK

[quote name='Chickenzilla' timestamp='1290625366' post='2522251'] Since no one else will say it. Is it true TOOL voted to disband and it failed causing these members to leave? [/quote] A core within TOOL has been at the helm of the alliance for a very long time. I believed it developed mutually over many people - both a disinterest, a burning out and just a loss of enjoyment in the game. Running an alliance is much different then maintaining a community in my opinion and when the responsibilities lay heavily on running an alliance for a game with waning interest for you. Its very difficult. It was one of many influences on me when I resigned not too long ago. Others wished to give it another shot to see if my leaving would spark a silent new core to emerge. These others are some that you see leaving TOOL at the moment; majority high Gov level and those who have burnt bright and long, but when it fades it fades quickly. Anyone who has ever been to the top of an alliance paradigm will know how quickly one's interested, energy and motivation wane once it starts to fade. With so many Gov level feeling this way, and so few senior people around. Yes - a vote was put to the general membership to disband. I dont believe this was ever likely to pass and from the outset it really never got traction. The purpose in my opinion and why I would of backed this move had I been in Gov with them is that it is to press home that a large core of the Gov were feeling this way. That they would be stepping down and leaving. And it was a formal way of expressing this en masse and demanding more from a large number of active members that enjoy the community but have never taken on a heavier responsibility in running an alliance. Like I said I do see them as two distinctly different roles. So yes a vote was put out, but I think fail is the wrong word to use. A massive majority have no intention of backing away from TOOL at this point, and some have stepped up. How this will pan out, I do not know. But the members are not solely leaving because a vote didnt go through, their intentions were leaving because they felt their interest was no longer in TOOL as an alliance within CN. I will keep my personal views out of this because my stepping down has put a lot of weight on other shoulders and I do carry a lot of blame for this slump in TOOL's history; so it would be wrong of me to press my own views on anything publicly at the moment. But I dont see any shame in this having happened or admitting that it did happen. It was a vote of confidence put to the whole of the alliance when the few that carried to weight needed to pass on the load. GK

[center][img]http://www.theorderoflight.com/public/TOOLFlag.jpg[/img][/center] [font=""Verdana]This is definitely not an announcement I ever saw myself writing. I think over the last week it has settled and solidified in my head. But overall - this was never in my plan. As I write this I wonder who will take over the mantle as the longest still standing Leader of an alliance. Or who will take the podium even as person longest holding a single position in an alliance... Trivial things, but in a world with so many changes, so many swinging shifts in what is expected, needed and required of people within an Alliance. I am quite proud to have led TOOL for [b]1376 days [/b]- Delighted as well as shocked that I have been at this fantastic helm for 45 months. While I would of loved to have made it to 4 years; I have fallen just short. Tsk. I am more than aware that TOOL isnt everyone's cup of tea, and those of you that I have had the pleasure of engaging and conversing with. I can honestly say it has been a pleasure doing so. And to those that avoid TOOL, I cant help but think we would all gain a bit from it if it wasnt written off out of hand. TOOL is a great community that I hold very dear and consider it a huge honour that I have had a hand in shaping and moulding it. I have never known such loyalty, camaraderie and identity as I have experienced amongst TOOL. Even thinking about it now, I never dreamt in my wildest visions that TOOL will have become what it is. Yes - I always wanted to create a strong alliance. Create something that could last and succeed. But I never thought the community and the enjoyment within it could of come out so strong. And it is that which is the hardest to let go of. To step away from. Hoping in some way that those in TOOL dont see this as me letting them down, and if by stepping down I damage TOOL in the immediate present, I do so in the hope that I dont carry out lasting damage. With energy waning, and free time limited - TOOL deserves the best, the most dedicated and most reliable person leading the ship as possible. And trying to be selfless I am just not deserving of that position any more. I am very much of the belief that regardless of rank or stature that everyone should have equal say and a fair platform to express it. Differences arise with the definition of fair, but I treat myself no difference then anyone else. The legacy and culture is far more important then one person. And when someone isnt up for the job, someone else capable needs to be given the shot at it. The smooth transition over the last week has culminated in this announcement whereupon as my last resigning act as Lord Captain Commander of The Order of Light, [u][b]I appoint our long standing Hand of Foreign Affairs and one of the longest serving Government members, Mia as The Order of Light's new LCC[/b][/u]. To lead and guide to the best of her abilities. Mia has been my shadow and constant helped for years now. I came across her in a different world to this as fresh blood and a keen spammer. And over time and many many conversations I have watched her grow a mature into an assured, opinionated and confident member of TOOL. From being the person who still holds the record for most consecutive Council terms in TOOL, to holding the position of Hand of Foreign Affairs for as long as, or longer then any other TOOL previously. She has the respect of TOOL and of me. She stands amongst a tiny list of people I would trust my creation to and I have no doubt that she will bust her gut to do the job that TOOL deserves. Hopefully, this doesnt come as a surprise to any of our allies. We have tried to be as diligent as possible in informing everyone and explain as best as we could as to the full reasons / implication of this changeover. To TOOL our allies are our extended family and it is in times like this that family play a very big role. Both as support and also as an outlet. TOOL has strong ties with a many alliances - and while I am not the most active member of the FA community. I would implore that everyone give Mia the support she and TOOL deserves at this time. If this could be your last act as favour to me, it would be the giant cherry on the enormous delicious cake that has been our relations to date. I want to thank so many of you personally in this post but want to avoid it becoming too lengthy. You know who you are - from my early days, through protectorates, wars and inter-alliance play - you have been a big contributor to what TOOL is as well, and you will continue to be. I know I can be prickly about principles and morales; I thank you both for your time and patience on many occasions even when allies may have been pitted against one another. The respect shown in tough decisions will always be thought of fondly. Striking a balance between business and pleasure. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you all at the height of alliance diplomacy. This is a big change for those in TOOL. And I want to take this moment to express publicly to all of TOOL (And those who arent in TOOL any more but whom I will always consider a member of our community) that I never thought I would care for such a group of stragglers as much as do. Every moment I have spent has been to provide you with a platform to not only enjoy this world, but to succeed and contribute to the max of your ability. And regardless of what is to come TOOL will always remain very close to me. If anyone is ever in need - you can always reach me. If you ever wore the badge of TOOL - be proud of it, as I am and I always will be. [b]o/ Forever for the Light! o/ Forever for TOOL! o/ Mia - Lord Captain Commander[/b] Sincere regards, grahamkeatley Humble member of The Order of Light.[/font]

This definitely need some updating in the first post... Bama as HoFA..!?! HAH! GK

Would love to see another monthly update to see how things have progressed. I get the impression a lot of small movements have occurred. GK

[quote name='dragonknight1000' timestamp='1283815137' post='2444519'] guessing you along with others are not familiar with the Kingdom Hearts game franchise >_> (though why they made the symbol like that is anyone's guess ) gl to this new group in CN [/quote] You are right - I am not familiar but even if I was, I would of still have commented in the same manner. Say what you see... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Izet8zN1vmE GK

[quote name='Gamemaster1' timestamp='1284005750' post='2447360'] Argent was the best. [/quote] Hands down in my opinion as well. No disrespect intended to any other Protectorates, FnKa getting a big shout out here from me. But Argent were both an amazing Protectorate to work with, and they are a stand out alliance at present too. GK