Black Raven Dragoons

[Lithium]

Hey, everyone.

Most of the new people won't know who I am at all, but, hello. Mostly I just wanted to more than likely say farewell to the Goons, new and old.

Thal so far's been the only one I've discussed this with, but a while back, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A few months after that, I was given a death sentence by the clinic. Now, death seems about to make good on that deal. I never understood how people who had a terminal illness figured out when it was time to say goodbye, how to deal with it, or even how to say it.

So, I'll just say it. I know my time is up.

I had a great time during my stay. Both in this life, and among the members of this guild, past and present. And I just wanted to say it was a pleasure.

I don't have it in me to do much within the game anymore, so I'll be sitting out the rest of my time among the few people that I love. If you do happen to see any of my alts jamming around and dying... don't panic. A buddy of mine and his wife had a shared account, so I've given it to whichever of them is going to use it. Say hi to 'em, they're a nice couple of folks.

Farewell, good luck, and good night. I love you all.

- Joseph J. Ruffinelli

[Snobal]

Man, Lith, how do I even start... I'll be short. I'm not very good at this, but here goes.

I will never forget the times we shared together. My middle school days where you would stay up 'til 5am with me doing random quests out in Thousand Needles knowing damn well school was only an our away. Or starting random raids on Thunder Bluff for the hell of it. Then the raids where you would pull a mob and divine intervention to kill everyone for a good laugh. Over the four years I've spent with you, your company has always been more a pleasure. Whether or not you know it, you have played a significant role in my life and have made an equally significant impact. For that, I will be forever in your debt. In a way, I suppose this is more of a thank you than a farewell. Thank you for the love, the guidance, the laughs, and everything in between. I will miss you dearly.

Me being from the south and all, when someone is in a situation such as yours we generally offer assistance. Typically 'assistance' is defined by things like mowing the lawn, dinner, etc. Though I might not be able to do any of that for you, if there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to send me a PM.

With Love, Tears, and Appreciation,

Will

[Killemal]

Wow, Lith. I know we didn't spend a whole lot of time in-game together, but every one of the 'Goons is like family. I can't possibly comprehend what you're going through, and I can't do anything but offer my prayers for you and your family.
I don't have much else to say, mostly because I just don't know what to say.

Love ya always,

Brian

[MaxRile]

Ive seen death on the faces of many friend and foe alike and its pretty much burned me for life of the fact.

so ill say this when the time comes be strong even if your alone be honorable
and you will be ready

[Zancarius]

We've known each other for a really long time, Lith, and it certainly doesn't get any easier; keeping the news to myself was difficult. I wanted so badly to share the news with some of our fellow guildmates who knew you well enough, but I also know your personality all too well. I had hoped to get a hold of some of the old timers in guild so we could each send you some little keepsake and a note. Alas, that was never to be. (And I think you would have shied us away from physical keepsakes as it is. Memories, such as they are, may be a better thing to take with you.)

I guess the reality of it is slightly harsher to me, because I was the only one whom you told during those first few days. To that extent, I am deeply grateful that you thought well enough of me to share the most traumatic, devastating, and critical events anyone could ever share with someone--much less someone you have never even met before. I know I wasn't any help, nor was I able to suggest much of anything, but it meant a great deal to me that you felt it appropriate to share that information with a stranger. Okay, maybe not a total stranger, but you gotta admit--I am quite strange! (Very funny, Thal.)

There were countless times when we (and Al, Sno, Turus, and a few others) ranted about silly random things on TS. But the most important part to me was that you provided a listening outlet on those times I grew immensely frustrated with the game and dozens of other things. You also shared a great deal of priceless advice for things that you had no need to care about--but you did; you listened, spoke, joked, and always managed to find a way to turn my variously stupid grumpy moods into something much more lighthearted.

I also feel that the guild owes its existence to you. In those early days when Josh and I were looking for a guild post Shadow Allegiance, you took us in to Dark Equinox. When the leadership of DE started expressing a great deal of unsavory things, we talked at length about finally turning the 'goons into something. You tapped everyone, told them that the game needn't be so stressful and demeaning (as it was under that leadership), and you guided our original core members over. Without you, I'm not sure where the 'goons would be today, but I don't think we'd be where we're at. Thank you, Joe.

We discussed once pre-BC that we'd have to set up a time to all get together and finally meet each other. I wish we had those days back.

We'll see each other again someday. A carnal end, perhaps, but it is a new beginning as well. Those are my beliefs, anyway.

I don't think much of the guild is aware that you had almost entered the priesthood (no, really, it's true) of the Catholic Church. While the business of your life in those days may have taken you away from that but briefly, I somehow suspect that it was just a minor bump in the road. You'll be a welcome part of it now, I have no doubt.

May God bless you, my friend. You did so much for us.

Your brother through Christ
Benjamin

PS. I'm still going to call you a bugger if your ghost comes in and flushes my toilet in the middle of the night.

[Tirian]

Lith,

I cannot and will not pretend to understand what you are going through right now. I can only tell you that in these past months, your presence in the guild has been missed. You've always been a classy guy, and I appreciated the humor you brought to the guild. When I leveled my paladin, you were one of the most helpful and generous with advice and tips. WoW is only a game, but I hope you know you have many friends here.

Nearly twenty years ago, one of my cousins lost his life to brain cancer. Though due to my age I don't remember him well, we still talk about him and the many things he did and the people his life touched at every family gathering. As we remember him fondly, I hope your family and friends will remember you as well. I can tell you that, without question, we that you knew in BRD will remember you well.

You will be in my -- and I hope, all of our -- thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. I wish you the absolute best, and I hope you find your reward in the next life. May God bless you and protect you, and receive you into His kingdom.

Tirian

[Aigle]

I popped in to see what everyone was up to, and am very sorry to hear the sad news, Lith. I don't know much more I could say more than what has already been said. What I can say, is that it was a pleasure gaming with you; I will never forget the late night runs, the banter that always ensued on TS and everything else in between.

You will be in my prayers.

[Elade]

I've known about this for a little while, but that doesn't soften the blow by any degree. We all love you, Lith, and we'll all miss you dearly. I never really played this game for the game itself, but for the people. And I can say that I will always remember the myriad of fun, crazy, and downright hilarious memories you've made with us. May you find peace and joy in what lies next, and may the Lord bless you, forever and always.

Shine on, you crazy diamond!

Rachael

[alacor]

The light that shines the brightest usually burns out sooner than the rest. I want you to know I am a better person because of meeting you in game. You made me laugh and that is the best gift someone can give in this cruel world. You were always there making my life more enjoyable when I logged on. Know this you will always be remembered by me and I would say quite a few people that have been given the privilege to have you as part of their life, no matter how limited that exposure was.

I regret never having really met the man that was Lith in this game. You take care brother. If you ever need to talk I am here for you.

[Grimblast]

I've missed the days that you made us laugh and the fun we used to have. Out of most of the people I've spoke to in guild, I wished I would've had the opportunity to have met you at least once. I recall so many great times we had together in game and just the random jaunts in team speak. I'm mostly speechless on what to say really. Everyone has covered most of what I might end up repeating. I can only hope your passing is serene and with those you love. Know you will always be a 'Goon in our hearts!

[Highgrade]

I like will/sno am not good at this so mine too will be short. Thank you for the good times and thebad.I was blessed to know you.

Patrick.

[Vest]

Alacor told me about this today. Lith i just want to say i will never forget about you and all the fun we all had as goons.