Here we go!
Blake!: One of the reasons I loved playing in Spies so much was because I love you. You are a mischevious but lovable rascal, and such a fun person. I enjoyed our hundreds of hours of conversations logged in and out of these games. I hope everything's working out for you at University (if you're even there ... part of me still suspects a triple blind and that you're actually a 80-year-old woman) and that you have many friends who enjoy you as much as I do.
Trey: I wish there were 10 more Spies games just so I could see 10 more of your creations. What a great roleplayer. And one reason why you're such a great roleplayer is there are so many sides to you. You're so cool and nice, but you're also crazy and a badass. In other words, you're always a blast. One of my favorite things about you is how agreeable you are. I have friends who are contrarians - you'll say something and the first thing out of their mouths is "Uh, no." But the first thing out of your mouth is always "Ha, yeah", followed by a grin. It's so endearing.
Yves: I love you. I can't stand you. I want to shrink you down so you fit in a box and then mail that box to me, but then after a while I'd probably take you on a walk in the woods and then run away and hide behind a tree so you can't find me. I am so happy when I see you've made a new post because I know it's going to be witty and interesting and funny. You're so crazy you drive me crazy! And you're forever one of my absolute favorites. I am so, so, so grateful you found this series and stuck around because your sense of humor has entertained me so much. I want to know where you post regularly so I always know where I can read what you have to say and admire you from afar. And sometimes near.
Paul: My man! I sincerely wish you lived in Cleveland because I think that we'd hang out all the time, playing games and making fun of each other. You've been a great friend for the last four years, always making me laugh, providing witty banter, listening to my stories, and even listening to me kvetch. You are unquestionably one of my favorites, if not my all-time favorite, friend I've made in Spies. Keep in touch. I mean it.
Ross: You're so neurotic, but that's part of your charm. Speaking of charm, you have a lot of it (relax Ross, this is a good thing). I also think you are an incredible person. I am very difficult to manage, but you led me and the other Spies like a pro in Spies 3. You have genuine leadership qualities and real people skills. I hope you put them to use in the real world and become really important - I'd trust you to lead things, and I don't have that kind of respect for many people. I hope that we will still talk for hours.
Kate: This better not be the end :-) I still have so many board games to teach you! You have such a big heart and you're so generous and considerate. I hope you get everything your heart desires, because you deserve the best. Talk to you soon.
Ben (Super Arthur and Paige) and Will (Jeremiah and Shizuka): Haven't talked to you two in forever. If you read this, I just want you to know I love you! Stay crazy and wonderful; say hi anytime.
For:
Beth (Samantha)
Casey (Messenger goddess Leticia)
Cath (Crazy Stephanie)
Dan (Kieno)
David (Jenny)
David (Dane)
Deborah (Hannah/Finn)
Devin (Naomi/Luke)
Evan (The Llama and Anagram Alliance mate Tina!)
Jeffrey (Miles)
Jordan (Dick Tracy)
Kristyn (JFG - Jolly Fat Gretchen)
Matthew (Zedekiah)
Nick (Claude)
Rachel (Candy)
Ryan (Yvanderliese, Bro!)
Steve (90210wend/Anton)
Tanner (Chance)
I didn't get to know each of you as well as I should have, but I had a blast playing with all of you. You added fun, humor, and lots and lots of strategy into these games. Thanks for the memories.
Bill (Allan) and Aaron (Rondak v.1): Sorry this mafia game didn't work out, but I hope you stick with it. Maybe we can play together again some day.
Charles (Cy): I always hoped we'd play again sometime to see how well the Cystradamus thing worked out between us (http://spies5.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=afterparty99&action=display&thread=5111). If you had played this game, maybe you could have warned me about other things! You are truly a master of sarcasm. Thanks for all the laughs.
Mak (Gordy), Elias, and Ben (Derek, Lilith): Some of the funniest, craziest people I have ever met. You guys are hilarious and provided so much entertainment, and for that I will always think of you with a smile.
Samson: One of the most lovable people I have ever met. You're just so adorable, the way you're practically bursting with enthusiasm and energy. Whatever you feel, believe, and do, you go in 100%. You're amazing. Crazy, unique, and amazing.
Mike (Kison): My former partner in crime. I really enjoyed our long talks and schemes of mischief and mayhem. I hope you achieve all of your educational goals (you can graduate from college if you wanted, and I hope you will), keep up the peacemaking, and continue to entertain the world with your visual arts skills. Philosoraptor FTW.
Matt O. (Allison/Shane/Kip/Jillian): I must have been having a bad day or something the last time I talked with you. Sorry for being so bitchy. I think if you had played in Spies 8 we would have once again been friends and teamed up, because we fit together in some odd way. Sorry to hear things didn't work out with Stacy, but I hope you're happy wherever you're at now.
Cory (Angus): I'm sure you aren't reading this since you aren't following Spies anymore, but I could not possibly not say something to you. You are another one of my all-time favorites, and are a great example of someone who I never would have met if it hadn't been for Spies. You are so awesome and one of the wittiest, funniest people I've ever met. I sincerely hope I will see you again.
Michael (Adrasteia) and Joe (Roxy): My favorite "newbies" (post-Spies 5 players) and two genuinely nice guys. Michael, you're someone I would hang out with in "real life" because you're fun and easy to talk to. You're a little neurotic, but it's very endearing. Joe, you may have played one of the biggest bitches in Spies, but I think you're a sweetheart. I loved your insights during the last 2 games and always looked forward to your posts. Kick ass in medical school (or whatever you end up doing, if you change your mind).
Anh: I wrestled with such a long time with "How could Anh be Davoni (BITCH!!!!!!!) AND Trina?
?? How is this possible?
?" because aaaah, I hated Davoni (bitch) so much but I totally adored Trina. And having played one additional game with you, as Guile, and watching you as Paris, I get it. You're actually a cool guy. You're funny and quirky and impulsive, and hilarity follows wherever you go. Make a Spies TV series, and then hire me as a producer, okay?? We're all counting on you.
Todd: I loved your characters. I love your impish smile and your free and easy nature. I love your creativity, willingness to listen, sincerity when the occasion calls for it, and ability to have a conversation about nearly anything. You're a great mafia player and it's been an honor competing with you (even being behind your lynch).
Brian (Goat): One of my top 3 favorite people to talk to on AIM. Your wit is legendary and I love to tease you because you take it like a good guy and dish it back like a pro. I have enjoyed every second of our time in Spies/mafia together but we need to play another game because so far we're tied at 1-1 with being right about the people we were epically stubborn about (Katie, Miranda). Best of 3, okay? And if I lose, I meant best of 5 (and so on and so forth). Don't be surprised if I randomly IM you from time to time.
Davidpollo and x-man, the twins: I love you guys. I'm so lucky to have met not one, but two people who are easygoing, funny, creative, insightful, intelligent, and insanely, INCREDIBLY nice through a game that attracts so many weirdos. David, you are adorable and it's no wonder you have a harem of females surrounding you at all times. I'm amazed you're still so humble, but whatever you're doing, keep up the good work. Sail on, dreamboat. x-man, you are truly a personal favorite, and not just because you're a fellow practical midwesterner. I love hearing your dreams and stories of camps and globetrotting. I'm sure you'll help and inspire hundreds of kids. Cedar Point 2011 (or something else if you're still abroad!)
Again, to all: I hope this isn't actually the end. Keep in touch.
DC