I wanted to include the ‘eulogy’ post that Maya, Achaea’s producer, made to announce Carl’s passing. She knew him better than I, as she was of the same generation of player as he (and moved up through the ranks to become take over Achaea entirely from me), and they butted heads rather prominently, as their roles in-game put them at odds.

ANNOUNCE NEWS #2324
Date: 7/17/2006 at 4:44
From: Maya, the Great Mother
To : Everyone
Subj: Words cannot express.

Earlier today, I received grievous news about the untimely death of the player behind one of Achaea’s best-known characters. You knew him, or have likely at least heard of him, as Covenant Stormcrow, he who was the Heart of the Forest for 100 in-game years.

Of the many heartwarming stories behind RL relationships first conceived in Achaea, that of the players behind Covenant and Judiel Stormcrow remains one of the greatest. Meeting first here in early 2000, the two soon met in real life and wed, crossing countries to do so. In September of 2001, they welcomed into the world their son. They would have celebrated the 6th anniversary of their marriage this October.

The player behind Covenant mentored, guided, befriended, roleplayed alongside, and otherwise touched the lives of many here for many years. When I personally knew Covenant as a player, years ago, we more often than not butted heads as leaders of adversarial factions. Oh, he was a stubborn one (as am I!), but despite any past in-game differences, he has my deep and everlasting respect as a person, and as one of the legends of Achaea. He was a pillar of this community, a community that would not be what it is today without him and others like him to nurture, shape, and guide it.

Despite the fact that we ostensibly roleplay as characters other than our true selves in Achaea, the relationships and the emotional and psychological experiences that we create here often transcend simple ‘play’. Even if we are never lucky enough to meet in person, we grow to know each other, to respect and care for the minds and souls behind the textual characters in a very real and profound way. I do not know much of his life outside of Achaea so I cannot speak of it, but I am certain he was as loved and respected there as he was here. We were truly blessed to have known him and his integrity, his spirit, his heart.

I have pinned the current topic on Achaea’s Forums about Covenant, on which there is more information. Please feel free to leave your memories and respects therein.

Love, support, and condolences from all of the Garden to the bereaved: the player behind Judiel, the rest of Carl’s family, and to all those who knew him here. We share your sorrow. You are deep in our hearts.

Walk in shade, old crow.