I'll be honest, I don't know where to begin. I was a budding middle schooler that was convinced by my cousins to get into this game they found called "Runescape", and I started with doubts of whether I'd like it. Fast forward several months later, and one of my new friends Swordpoint2 invited me into this clan he had just joined, called TORC. I put him off several times, as I was trying to "not get involved with people on the internet". I mean, I was barely 13, and MMORPG's were in their infancy, and my parents were quite strict, so I was only trying to follow the rules at the time. On top of all that, being an actual GIRL playing a game in the early 2000's left me vulnerable, and I didn't want to complicate that. Finally, he wore me down enough, and one day, after discussing it with my parents, I submitted an application and became a new member of TORC.
I don't regret that action one Fordin' bit.
That clan taught me so much, and I made so many friends - several of which I still chat with today. I learned life skills, basic coding, management styles, and social skills as I rose through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the staff members under Gene's leadership. Side note: Knowing Im4eversmart was a pretty cool thing, not gonna lie! Being in the clan helped me get through the angst of high school, knowing that I had friends I could "come home to" after getting bullied or teased weekly with no relief in sight.
And even though we had a bitter end and became TEH, I wouldn't change a thing. TORC and RuneHQ defined my formative years, helped me become the person I am today, with knowledge that has carried past beyond that "gaming phase" Mom always complained about. Deb and Gene, even though you're no longer on this plane of existence, I thank you and the whole crew for getting us TORCians off the ground, and giving us all a place to call "home".
I salute my crowbar to you, may you find peace with Guthix in the city in the sky.
