Stormbringer

[Celestyn_Auros]

L, words cannot describe how sorry i am to hear of your loss and the trials you are undergoing. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to you and yours.

i hope that you have support and strength around you during these terrible times and that you know you are a cherished, very loved person.

i never met Stormbringer, i did however get to know this wonderful, amazing world that everyone brought to life. This is a cherished place with many fond memories. i once saw Stormbringer and you at a Christmas event, hosting a roaring party where everyone was invited. It was lovely to witness.

Thank you both for giving so many people a place to write and grow, to make friends and memories together, to build a community and back it up with great people to help.. i wish you only the best, peace, and comfort as you try to move forward from here. There are many eyes and ears open, and while you may not know me, i am here to help in any way that i can.

Rest in Peace Stormbringer.

[Dempsy]

Words are something we have all come together to exchange, it is the foundation of the game that we have all loved for so many years. But now we are all coming together for another reason, a sad reason. I see names that I haven't seen in some time, including my own. We all drift in and out of the channel but inevitably we all return to peek in and catch up with friends or dip out toes back into the waters of the IC world. Or to leave a few words of comfort and sorrow as we all share the lose of StormBringer.

I was one of the lucky and honored players that got to not just interact with SB's character in passing but have a long lasting storyline and a character collared to him. Even though we hadn't played in years, I still considered him a dear friend.

L, we are all heartbroken for you and your family. Just know that your TLI family will be here for you OOCly and ICly if you need to set something on fire.

Much love and respect to you L

WhiteMist
Bennu{SB}
nowlyn

[Sanjin Koukyu]

My deepest condolences.

Compared to many, i'm a new face here, and I don't have any stories of the man, but from what I've heard, and how long Belariath (and Shokusu) has been around, one doesnt need to imagine much as far as what sort of person he was. I spent a great deal of time combing through the message board, learning as much about this site as I could, because I enjoyed what it offered, and the roleplay I've had here.

Unfortunately, I cannot sympathize completely, if only because i've never lost (or even had) a spouse, or anyone that close to me. My illnesses and genetic issues have made it incredibly difficult to let anyone get that close, because who really knows how much time we have in the world.

And it makes me wish I'd come to Belariath back when I was told about it, almost 30ish (edited, because clearly my concept of time is absolutely terrible) years ago (give or take, my concept of time over the years is diminished due to hospital stays). This is something that I didn't tell many, because I didn't want it to color people's perceptions of me.

Naiya always had good things to say about Stormbringer and Belariath before she passed, when we talked about it in our gaming sessions, chats, and the like. So I like to believe I knew him, by proxy.

L, as echoed through this thread, it may not amount to much, but you have a support web here, you should take all the time you need, and, if nothing else, I am able to help in what's to come, should it be asked for.

He will be missed.

[Balard]

Condolences to the family and everyone that knew him on a personal level.

[Adrienna]

My heart feels this so much. TLI was a place I practically grew up in. So many friends, some not anymore. But life is too short to hold onto the bad.

My sincerest condolences to you and your loved ones, L. We've come a long way, and I'm here in any capacity I can be. May peace and comfort envelop you during this very sad and trying times.

SB will be so very missed. I've had a few good laughs IC'ly whenever I was able to be in the same room. Those memories will forever be cherished.

Love to you all. And many, many tight hugs.

XXX

[The Mercenary Abby]

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

I had a feeling something happened behind the scenes after talking to some people, but this definitely wasn't one of my guesses.

Like many others, I didn't have many chances to interact deeply with the man beyond one IC and OOC encounter and a few email exchanges. You could even say he was elusive to me, but anyone who had the privilege of meeting him spoke of him with the highest regard. Some even built him up with such reverence that I once felt he possessed an aura that matched his in-game persona. However, when I first heard from him, who I saw was a humble man who genuinely wanted to create a place for people to play and connect. Despite not having as much free time as he would have liked, he consistently did whatever he could for years, where many would have walked away.

Though I'm not as active as I used to be - various reasons contribute to that - roleplaying remains a significant part of my life.

With Belariath always there being its foundation.

Every character I've created and every roleplay I've participated in ultimately traces back to my experiences and time spent here.

I've met irreplaceable friends here with whom I still keep in touch to this day.

My time in Belariath even got me good in Excel, and was a big part in helping me cope with some of the most challenging times of my life.

And to think that all of this was made possible by one man and the people he trusted is incredible to me.

Stormbringer is as much a source of motivation and inspiration as he is an ideal.

And my heart sinks at the thought that we may never encounter someone like him again.

While many of us may not have known him in the real world, to me and countless others:

He will always be our one true Emperor.

Abby

[L`aquera]

This was so lovely. Thank you Abby.

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

I had a feeling something happened behind the scenes after talking to some people, but this definitely wasn't one of my guesses.

Like many others, I didn't have many chances to interact deeply with the man beyond one IC and OOC encounter and a few email exchanges. You could even say he was elusive to me, but anyone who had the privilege of meeting him spoke of him with the highest regard. Some even built him up with such reverence that I once felt he possessed an aura that matched his in-game persona. However, when I first heard from him, who I saw was a humble man who genuinely wanted to create a place for people to play and connect. Despite not having as much free time as he would have liked, he consistently did whatever he could for years, where many would have walked away.

Though I'm not as active as I used to be - various reasons contribute to that - roleplaying remains a significant part of my life.

With Belariath always there being its foundation.

Every character I've created and every roleplay I've participated in ultimately traces back to my experiences and time spent here.

I've met irreplaceable friends here with whom I still keep in touch to this day.

My time in Belariath even got me good in Excel, and was a big part in helping me cope with some of the most challenging times of my life.

And to think that all of this was made possible by one man and the people he trusted is incredible to me.

Stormbringer is as much a source of motivation and inspiration as he is an ideal.

And my heart sinks at the thought that we may never encounter someone like him again.

While many of us may not have known him in the real world, to me and countless others:

He will always be our one true Emperor.

Abby

[L`aquera]

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. SB was a foundation and stable holder for this game. He said jump and we asked how high. He would be smiling if he saw such words, he was very sentimental.

[Odette]

I'm so sorry for your lost. That must be very hard to go through.
I cant imagine the pain you and your family must be going through and my heart also goes out to all of you.

My condolences to you and your family L.

I unfortunately never had the change to meet Stormbringer IC and OOC but like everyone said: He did create such a wonderfull place that has helped a lot of people for different reasons.

I wish for you and your family all the strength and takes as much time as you will need.

We will be there when you need us. <3

[Goldentiger]

I`m sorry for your loss L lady. He was a good man.

[mozenwrathe]

Greetings and salutations, to you L'Aquera, and to everyone here who has read, and who has posted.

There are some that know me, and many who never did. What binds us all together is the knowledge of this game, and the interactions we have had with the other players within. And in that, we have something in common.

A few friends of mine from this server informed me to drop in here. I am very thankful they did. StormBringer brought together a team of creative and intelligent people with his vision, and in that wove a tapestry of a roleplaying game that has outlasted many Triple-A titles in the video game industry. I wanted to start with that, because it takes work to make a roleplaying game, and even more work to have it stick. StormBringer, in his patience and tolerance, wisdom and intellect, founded a game which has become home for some, haven for others, and definitely a place to start learning how to become better at expressing one's self through writing.

Clinical as I may make that sound, it is true. Who knows how many people this game has helped invoke confidence in their own voice - both of the printed pen and vocal verbage. I know full well, I was not all that great when I started out, and improved over time. StormBringer's efforts helped make that happen.

I admit, I do not have that many tales of dealing with StormBringer personally, but both in character and out of character, the man was always supportive, willing to listen, consider, and offer advice and fair judgment on things I was working on. I cannot say I have gotten that everywhere I went, and I valued that. His viewpoints not only helped shaped my characters within this game, but how I went on in character creation going forward. Even to the point where I now can assist others when they are trying to make something new for themselves.

As well, thanks to StormBringer, there are many people I can actively call friend. From people I never would have met otherwise within my own city, to people across the world in different countries and time zones. Some of them have posted already. Others may read through this and point at their screens. I was never one to play somethlng like World of Warcraft or Minecraft, but this place helped become a social centering for myself. I will always be grateful to StormBringer for raising Belariath from a mere idea to a digital island for many to join and interact with.

L'Aquera, you and your family have my deepest empathies and condolences. I say that as I read your initial post with a heavier heart than I expected. I know I have not set pixelated boot down on this forum in many years. In fact, I am certain more than a few I read the posts of have not. And it does not matter, because today are we unified in mourning a juggernaut of personalities, a herder of feral ferocious felines, and a director of dreams. StormBringer and his world brought together hundreds - if not thousands - of myriad voices and helped turn them into a choir.

Pretty much, nothing I have said has been any different from many of the others. And that is fine, because I too will miss the man. He gave me a place to play, a chance to craft, a book to build within, and a platform to rise from. I will lift a drink in his honour, and hope that his soul is able to look down up what is written here and smile. May his wisdom continue to uplift, and his visions continue to inspire.

To one and all, take care of yourselves, and each other.

characters once played:
STORY-01 (human)
Prydain Mozenwrathe (Magi)
Ichilandar Shimmerstrike (dark elf)
Dasan (The Tribe)

[Wadeywade]

this may be one of the most difficult posts I've ever had to write.. It seems alot of people I know and care for are shuffling off the mortal coil in recent days, and now I hear the man, the myth, the Legend that is Stormbringer has crossed over and now sits at the right hand of the Allfather in Valhalla.
my personal interactions with Stormbringer were few, he was a stern fella who still managed a tightly controlled output of what he said and did, something I admired but can never really pull off, myself. IC though, thats probably my greatest memory; having coffee with SB as Wade.
L, whatever you need from me to keep this place going, I pledge my efforts to keep The Lonely Inn, in whatever form it will take, on the board and relevant. on a personal note: any time you wanna talk or throw shit at someone pr acream to the heavens, Im here for that too. and to the players, I pledge those same things because, you dont know someone 10+ years or more and not feel a sense of loss.. and I think if we stick together, not only can we survive this, we can thrive. Ive seen alot of death in my fifty-two years, so I understand grieving and Im offeriing my services to you all.
All of that said, this fucking sucks. I thought the old boy would outlive us all. I thought maybe there was truth in the myth but, sadly, such an expectation was unreal, wasnt it? Still, some part of me believed it.
I'll be around. With all hope this is not the end of his storied legacy and that somehow, we can keep it alive. we owe him that. I, owe him that.
Paul.. may you drink ale from curved horns, may your stories ring through Valhalla and entertain the Old Gods. May Odin look at you kindly.. Thank You. for a decade of truly growing myself by living vicariously through Wade.

[Elthorion]

Deepest condolences. The world has lost a shining creative, and we are all just a little bit lesser for it.

I met SB over at Shokushu back before TLI was even a thing. Then i came here.. and haven't left.

My most significant memory of sb:
Naiya used to be Elth's slave. After a while SB approached Elth to sell Naiya and, obviously, he did. There was a lot more back and forth.. but That particular interaction is the one that really sticks out in my mind. He will be missed.

[laerel]

I am positive he will be missed. R.i.p. SB.

[Kable Syranos]

My heart goes out to you and yours, L, as well as my deepest condolences. If it wasn't for SB, none of us would have been brought together in this amazing, wild world that he created. He did so much in the virtual world that I can only imagine what impacts and achievements he had on the real world and the people around him. Best wishes, and may you find strength in these trying times.