TOPIC: A Fond Farewell

This is very hard for me, but Widseth is going to place his lute in its case and retire his dancing sword.

After many hours of debate, mostly with myself, I have decided to retire from GenCon and True Dungeon. Since 2004 I have sold my books on the convention floor, missing only one year. This year I will have my home and college for six kids finally paid off, and I will be retiring at the end of the year. My health is not as good as I would like any longer, and I have to pick and choose activities.

It has been an honor for me to know each of you. I have had the pleasure of running with absolute newbies, several golden ticket runs, with tried and true friends (I won't name you, because I will surly miss someone--but you know who you are), and other authors from Authors Avenue. I will never forget the joy it brought me to support Jeff and Lorie in the Katrina run and most especially the run to honor one of our heroes who gave his all in Afghanistan, their nephew Schuyler. That will live with me until the day I die. I've enjoyed knowing Jeff and Lorie and their kids. It has been amazing to see their dream come to life almost from the beginning.

My wife and I attended SoCal when GenCon and TD were there, and of course Indy. I had a brother and nephews and a niece attend, a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren attend. I have 26 grandchildren now and many of them have weedled, stolen, and otherwise conned me out of many tokens (Grandpa is such an easy touch).

Some people would look at me and say I've spent a lot of money for very little return, but I mostly spend money for experiences and memories. In reality I think that is about all we are left with when it comes down to it.

My experiences at True Dungeon have been amazing, not necessarily because of the dungeons or the tokens, but because of the people. I know when I retire at the end of this year, I will become money poor but time rich. I will be able to do a lot of writing and marketing of my books that have had to take second fiddle to this point in my life.

I want to thank all of you who have read my books and supported me with your kind encouragement. Most of all thank you for putting up with my bardly antics and songs. It has been an honor to sing (if you can call it that) for you. I'm not sure it encouraged the party as much as it terrified the monsters and the DMs.

I will be liquidating some tokens at some point, and I will give friends and forumites first crack.

Widseth--signing off for now, but I will occasionally check in on the forum.

Mr. and Mrs. Widseth

But you can't go yet, I haven't gone on a run with you!

However, I have met you in person and I can say with confidence that you're a really nice guy. Your presence and wisdom will truly be missed. I hope as you enter this next phase of your adventure, that you will at least come back to the forums every now and then to say hello.

Fare thee well, good bard.

True Dungeon was better for your presence. You have left a rich legacy with a game that we can all hope lasts another decade and more.

Widseth, you will be missed. You are a good person and a good friend.

I understand your reasons, but I am truly going to miss seeing you at Gen Con. You have been a big part of some of my fondest memories from Gen Con. You are a wonderful friend and I am glad to have shared some epic adventures with you!

Lady Kithren Bloodwood

I am so honored to have gone on one of your last runs.

Breon of Syming Town

bpsymington wrote: I am so honored to have gone on one of your last runs.

Breon of Syming Town

Me too! That was a great run.

Kithren Bloodwood

Safe travels to the Widseth Clan, one day with luck you may circle back and we can hear your voice ring once more the dungeon.

Till then my group will defeat a monster in your name as our bard proudly plays her certain Mystical Lute.

It is a sad day indeed. I wish you the best my friend.

Best wishes to a true TD hero.

I feel for you. I know what it's like to put kids through college too.

I hope you will check in and say hello when the opportunity arises.

True Dungeon has truly been richer because of your presence and your generosity, and you will be missed when you retire. Even if you liquidate your tokens, I'm sure you know that you will be welcomed with open arms if you decide to take another run through the Dungeons at some point, with many people happily willing to lend you tokens for the run.

Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

I am sorry to see you leave. It was a joy to talk to you in the artists area every year. Don't forget to let us know if/when you have a new book written.