Submitted: 23 July 1998

The Passing of a Trailblazer

by Treleon Solarind

It was during the time the lands were new and people were still discovering places such as Haven and Theren, places most of us know well. Pip is the man of whom I speak and the one who left last night because of so many changes that have taken place. [ooc: read the message boards under goodbye if you wish to see the entire reason it was that he left, the IC as well as OOC reasons]

I'm not sure how many people knew him and I must admit that I never knew him either until last night when I was boarding the ferry back to the crossings and he happened to walk on. I don't remember exactly what happened but I do remember that he asked if anyone there was a paladin who used ME weapons. One person answered and he pulled out an old weighted scimitar and gave it to the person without wanting anything in return. I followed him for I truly wondered if things had gotten so very bad that he would leave these lands forever. I talked a bit with him and he explained how much things had changed and how he could no longer stay in these realms for it wasn't right. (once again, please refer to the boards to learn all of this)

He was going to donate all his items to the Paladin Guild, some things which dated back to the dawn of time, but knowing that most would probably sell it or keep it purely for selfish reasons I proposed a better idea, to walk around the crossing and find a few kindred souls who were willing to help and would be deserving of the items. So I took a stroll about the crossing first stopping by the paladin's guild and asked several times for help, that I had a deader who desperately needed help and any help dragging/glyphing would be most appreciated.

There were several paladins in there, many of which did not answer, but two did and so those two I took with me back to Pip. I did this as well in the empath's guild, cleric guild, and around the streets of the crossing. All in all, I managed to pick up several people who were willing to help when I asked and pleaded, though many ignored my pleas as well. I brought all these people back to Pip and unfortunately, we had many locates upon us for it seems word had gotten out somehow that he was giving out old items and many people tried to find us. By this time he had given out many things varying from old backpacks, to juggling balls, to walking sticks.

Finally, we made our way to an inn and locked the door so no one would bother us. He continued giving out his items until they were all gone and all of us were very saddened to see him go or to even think that he would be gone in but a few hours forever. I think perhaps the thing that has surprised the the most, and the very reason I'm writing this, is his generosity and kindness. Anyone who knows the value of some of those items knows he very easily could have made a fortune selling them but instead, he chose to give it to the few people who were willing to drop what they were doing, leave their guild, and come help.

I write this so that Pip will not be forgotten. So his legacy will live on and that perhaps by reading this, some people will be motivated to help and perhaps in time some people will come back to the older ways of thinking instead of money and power and other such things. Instead, the importance of friends and roleplaying and other such things. I'm not sure if Pip reads these but if he does, I want him to know he will never be forgotten for he touched all of us that night and I really wish I would've gotten the chance to know him before he left.

All of us tried in vain to convince him to stay but he was adamant about his decision to leave. So if you learn anything at all from this...I hope it's that it does pay to help and maybe if more of us take some time out from our personal lives to help others, then some things in the realms will be returned to the way they used to be. Perhaps I sound as if I'm preaching and I can understand that part of it, however, please learn what you can and know that there are still others out there who value the older ways and you can find us if you look very hard. It is my hope that no one will ever forget Pip for he was one of the last trailblazers left among us and very much a kind and giving person. I truly regret his passing and hope those of you who knew him, will not forget him either. For if you know someone, they will live on forever in your memories and hearts.