We all started the round young and hopeful with our dreams. That is how it seemed. Teams were picked, and players chosen carefully. A few of us said we were just going to play it casual, grab a few conquers, and crystals and watch others go for the win.

ROTR was formed for fun. Creel and I talked about having an alliance where we did not have to be frenzied players and we might be able to grab some newer players to join us, and help them learn the game. Kane reluctantly joined saying he had no time to play, and would not log in often.

I am not sure what lead to the decision that Creel (Doc Holliday) made to take the round more seriously, and grow ROTR into a more active alliance. However something happened and we went from calm to frenzy all over again.

I think it was the Curse of the Black Dawn or something. All I know is once that decision was made and you start down that dark path there is no turning back.

It seems every member in ROTR after that was hit with some sort of family or personal disaster. Several of us had family members pass away, or get seriously ill. I spent most of December in the hospital at my mother's side as she suffered 5 heart attacks. I bought a netbook computer so I could log in and found out that it is horrible to play BD on. Plus finding some free internet is next to impossible.

We are not the same people we were when the round started. Most of us had to draw on our inner strength to face the challenges tossed in our paths. Most of us talked about having to leave before the end of the round due to circumstances beyond our control. Some did leave, some did not.

There is something about being on a team and on an alliance that has people who depend on you. When you are going through difficult "outside" times, you still think about BD and how your alliance is doing. You wonder if anything will be left when you get back. You know there are people who will stay in game 24/7 to watch your back if necessary. You dread the 2-ring phone calls that alert you that you are needed, especially when you can not be there.

There were times we wanted to throw in the towel and either quit or fade away, but the alliance kept us going.

I am sure that if one alliance was facing this, others probably were, too. It was the most challenging round for me, and several others in ROTR. The players in ROTR were great for giving support. Even those who left are still considered a vital part of the success that ROTR had.

I know I said this is it for me for a while, but I am sitting conquered right now on another server. Go figure. It is difficult to break away from BD.

The final curse was that my dog died yesterday. I really miss her. My mother is in hospice care and fighting every day to get better. I miss her, too. I visit as often as I can. When you lose your best friends it is nice to know there are some others nearby who will give you a virtual hug. Sometimes those are all that is available and they mean a lot. Either that or they say lets go fight someone and that is a great distraction.

Thanks BD and to my BD friends.

Big Nose Kate aka Cleo

Was a pleasure working with you Cleo, keep your head up.

Almost makes me wish i did not leave ROTR once it went from casual to frenzy haha !

but im glad i did , i had no time to play and i gave you guys an open spot instead of a dead weight !

Well done guys !

sorry to hear about your mom and your dog =/
i've been there before, having to prioritize real life and bd, and it can be hell, cuz even if they are just friends you got online they are friends.

i were actualy gone quit bd to have more time for my gf, till she dumped me, then i came back to all the great people here.

i must say BD got one of the best communitys i've seen, and some friendships from this game i hope will last for the rest of my life and i plan to go see them.
and you can look at BD as a curse or a blessing, but it's probly a mix of those 2, it got it's price

I agree with you 100% on everything you just said. Iv never had so many friends in my life till i started playing this game lol. Thank you Battle Dawn for being here for us.

simmen u have friends? and a girlfriend?