http://youtu.be/ymQnmO4XBMg

I know I'm am a pretty non-vocal member most of the time.  I tend to observe quietly from the shadows, if you will and speak up only occasionally. 

I came on-board during recruitment for MxO and I can tell you what convinced me that this was the group I wanted to participate with, was the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the RP worlds within which FA participated.  I genuinely enjoy(ed) interacting both in-game and out of game on these forums with such a diverse group of gamers.  With so many different personalities there are bound to be a few bumps and a bit of turbulence, but the ability of the group to weather these times as a whole speaks volumes.  Many of the members I became most familiar with during MxO and DarkFall have parted ways with FA over the years, but I honestly don't think any of them will experience the same camaraderie with another group as they have with FA......I may be wrong, but I doubt it. 

Although I don't have the time to game like I used to (though circumstances have allowed me to play more now than I have in the previous couple years) and though I haven't always been thrilled with the choice of games out there for us to play, I know that there is a great group of fellow gamers out there with whom I share a gaming history and to which I can relate.  If they happen to be playing a game that interests me, I know I am welcome to join and be a part of the effort.  I appreciate and value that. 

In short, regardless of all the drama that surfaces sometimes, I hold no hard feeling toward anyone on a personal level. I only hope that regardless of what happens that there can still be a mutual respect for each other and for what FA represents.  I have and will continue to miss the participation of those who's names I have come to think of as synonymous with FA, but will also respect that things and people change over time.  Regardless of where our virtual paths take us, I think in the end, we all want the same thing: which is to enjoy a quality gaming experience with people we know and respect while working toward a common goal.   I will not presume to tell anyone what decisions they should make for themselves, but don't let opportunity control your loyalty.  Contrary to popular belief, lightening has been known to strike the same place twice.

That is my lengthy two cents.

P.S. : I still think we could kick ass in APB.  Hehe...

I am curious if anyone has looked at the Arma 3 mod, Breaking Point (http://www.thezombieinfection.com/).  It looks like a similar mod to DayZ for Arma II but with much better graphics and features.  I've watched a few game play videos on youtube that will give you some idea of how it plays: ARMA 3: Breaking Point Mod — Series 1 — Part 1 — A Thriving Thirsk!  I'm going to see if I can get it set up and check it out.

Something tells me they will be back without a doubt.  We have been located and if I were a raider assaulting our base, I'd assume based on the extensive defense that there was a gold mine of loot to be had.  Watch your backs.  It may be good to travel in pairs at minimum from now on.

**ALERT**It seems that our bases have been located, both main and west base.  I returned to our west base to find "twopenguins" running around scoping the place out.  I attempted to retreat, hoping he hadn't seen me, but was pursued and lost the firefight.  Upon spawning at the main base, I could hear multiple footsteps outside the base.  I have not yet stepped outside the base, but it does appear that they are building a set of stairs outside the NW corner of the base.  I was able to catch glimpses of at least two people in that general area. 

No one responded via TS at the time this occurred (about 0115 EST).

-update- I stripped down to cloth armor and went up to the roof armed only with a pistol.  I spotted two players who had managed to find their way up on the the rock wall facing our NW corner of the main base.  They were both at a height about equal to the roof of our base.  (if you venture up there for a look, use caution if exiting using the S door.  One of the assailants had a vantage point to cover that door.  Use the E exit).  I exchanged gun fire with one of the players who was armed with an M4.  He was not able to hit me, but I hit him twice with my P250.  The other was armed with a shotgun.  One player had cloth armor and the other kevlar.

They threw a few taunts at me via chat and voice, but I did not engage them.  The one taunting via chat was "twopenguin".   I have not yet been able to ID the other.

-update- I was able to observe that they have now built a shelter or base on the rock ledge facing the W side of our base, level with the roofline.  I was able to observe two individuals in kevlar, randomly popping shots at our base.  I was not able to get a good view of the S, but I could see a flashlight shining from that direction as well.

-Update- At the time I am signing off, (0245 EST) there are at least 3 of them still firing rounds at the base and playing random crap over voice.  It does nto appear they have yet figured out how to actually make entry.

Server is gone again? 

I figured I'd check this out after T gave it a good recommendation and other Angels are playing also. 

Where do I start?

I think people expect a little more from an MMO these days.  Going backward won't satisfy anyone...... unless they are bringing back the original SWG.  Lol