Off to Arda I Go!

[Kojak]

After many years of working for this community I am a mixture of sad and happy to inform you all I have decided to retire as Community Leader. It is sad because it is the end of a seven year era for me but it is happy because standing down allows new blood to take the mantle and bring new enthusiasm and drive into the role, I couldn't be happier that SA:MP will fall under the watchful and diligent leadership of [Rstar]Murt.

When I look back I recall some amazing changes and growth in this community; the addition of new servers and game modes, new faces arriving and becoming important and respected members of the community, I've made some good friends and I want to say I love all of you, even the ban evaders and the thorns in our side, Argonath wouldn't quite be the same without you.

I am honoured to be receiving the title of Maiar and I am grateful to Gandalf for allowing me to remain a part of Argonath's story after I have taken this decision. I am not leaving the community, I will remain present albeit with pipe and slippers sitting in front of the fire, I will be there to assist and advise Murt during this transition into his new responsibilities and duties. I am really looking forward to the future growth of Argonath and in particular SA:MP which has of course been my focus for such a long time.

I will leave you with the story of my introduction to Argonath just because I like telling it and it is a fitting way to end this message. I used to play at another MTA:VC community before Argonath was born along with Ron and Ronnel; I stopped playing there for some time and when I returned many months later I was promptly banned by people I didn't know because they wanted to play privately so I went looking for another role-play server; back then there were very few RP servers so I quickly found Argonath.

I joined with some random name I have long since forgotten and it didn't take me long to get into an argument with one of the admins. I can't remember what it was about but it got pretty heated and I was lucky not to have been banned; during this clash I must have said something that made the person ask, "Is that you Kojak?", when I replied in the affirmative the person I was fighting with told me he was Ron. Of course the quarrel ended immediately and was instantly forgotten as we were just happy to see each other again, within a few minutes of having a blazing row with him I had been made admin, and that's Ron for you, one of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Many thanks to Gandalf and Aragorn for this wonderful community and for welcoming me into it.

Best wishes to you all, it has been an honour to serve you.

Kojak/Elrond

[Kaley]

Goodbye

[Caion]

Despite I have only known you, since this year. I got you know you better and you have given me some advices. Thank you for all you have done for the players and the community.

[Cyril]

I already told you everything in private, but thanks again for everything you did for the community and for the SA:MP family.

[Shorty.]

You made a good effort in this community , Good bye mate!

[Khakaure]

Never really gotten to know you more in person, but for some reason you still sticked out for me and were one of my favorite admins on Argonath for some years.

Guess it's all about how professionally your posts were written and such.

Good luck in your future life.

[Aca]

bye but arent leaving topic forbidden? or only for normal players?

[Gandalf]

As sudden as it may seem for players, the decision was not made in a day. Kojak has always been one of the most straight and respected members, and his work for the community has been invaluable.
As a role model for many in the team, certainly including the newDivision Leader Murt, Kojak has shown to be fair and strict.

While I would like to see him in his active role, I respect his decision and are glad that he is not leaving but merely handing down responsibility to the team he has helped create.
Without a doubt the current team will be following in his footsteps and make him proud, or his wrath will sound from the far away lands.

Kojak is not leaving, but merely needs to lay down his obligation in favour of his real life obligations, which of course always need to be attended to. As he joins the Maiar, he will be able to give his advice and guidance to everyone, including myself, whenever he feels it is needed.

I would like to thank Kojak for his tremendous efforts and very valuable contributions, even if I am aware he still will be around.

While HQ will feel a bit empty without him, he leaves his tasks in capable hands and follow their progress.

[Gandalf]

bye but arent leaving topic forbidden? or only for normal players?

Read the topic and you will see he is not leaving

[Ragdoll]

Shame I didn't get to see you in your role often. Anyone who was a part in forming this community deserves everyone's utmost respect.

[Aca]

Read the topic and you will see he is not leaving

I posted picture which described my condition, but you removed it.

[Clarke]

Good luck in the future, Kojak!

[Reece]

the ban evaders and the thorns in our side

[Shejken]

Kojak, you were a great leader with multiple abilities to achieve success.
Your contribution towards this community, especially SA:MP was voluminous and will be remembered.

To me you were the very best leader and superior ever regarding gaming community.

Take care.

[Xelent159]

The Story of your Introdution to Argonath Community is Heart touching. :')