Thank you

Alas, the time has come. Nostralia has fulfilled its goal to provide the complete Vanilla experience, and with that, puts a wrap to a project I never thought would make it this far. But as we all know; all good things must come to an end. And although we are so incredibly proud and jubilant of its success, it is heart-wrenching to see it go. It cuts deep.

Back in December 2016, after being a part of a small team that fell apart trying to put together a Vanilla server, I decided to take initiative and scrap one together myself. I did so, in hopes of conceiving an authentic, blizzlike server, to be a part of a Vanilla WoW experience I never had.

It was not easy, after all, I had no idea what I was doing. Along the way, I came across strangers from all around the world that offered their support for nothing in return. Strangers that dedicated countless hours of their time, building on something many would have deemed trivial. Strangers that lost hours of sleep, taking punishment and abuse at times just to make this all a reality. Strangers that would eventually become lifelong friends and family.

It is these strangers that I want to dedicate this moment to. Through the thick and thin, under the most extreme circumstances, it was these people that made it happen. I simply cannot thank them enough and I just want to say, from the very bottom of my heart, that you are all appreciated and you mean the world to me.

In no particular order: Nolin, Kel, Franzz, Gutrot, Ehvyn, Solveig, Snowy, Demonstalker, Motion, Pathless, Koko, Guv, Iksurd, Ambassador, Sinqnew, Ishanah, Inspyr, Peyton, Cheelout, Shakil, Chaosfae, Mizari, Webje, Arak, Qoth, Pawzz, Tigg, Roze, Sundays, NotoriousD, Dany, Rock, Shagu, Razor, and Violet.

To our faithful community, it was an honor providing you all with the wonderous experience that is Vanilla WoW. To know that we made something worth your time, something you might get a kick from or come back from a long day’s work to, does genuinely warm up our souls. I have spoken to most of you personally if not through voice chats; it was a pleasure conversing and getting to know you all, whether it was on good or bad terms, it was sincerely a pleasure. Without you, Nostralia is just another repository. So, on behalf of team Nostralia, thank you for taking part and supporting us along the way.

I would like to end this journey with a quote:

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.” – S.J

I started off wanting to play a game I love and ended up working with a team and community I love. I did it to the best of my abilities and put it above everything else I knew. From it, I learnt so much about myself and what it is I enjoy doing. I found my strengths but most importantly my weaknesses, what was a trip turned out to be an expedition with life long lessons.

If there is anything I’ve learnt from Nostralia, it is to do what you love, to do it well, and to never take yourself or anything too seriously. To cherish what you have while it lasts and to see past immediate conflict and focus on moral resolutions.

I always wondered what made Vanilla WoW so special. I think it’s fair to say: I now understand why.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Yours Truly,

Zed