Penultimate plans

It's hard to put into words how RQG has affected me in the last year and a half. Like so many people, I found RQG, my first actual-play, through a Magnus recommendation during the first spring of the pandemic. I didn't know what to expect, but something about it being set in something like our world was what drew me in at first (even though such a setting is a sensitivity minefield). I quickly became immersed, and so very attached to the characters (and also the players to an extent, in a parasocial but reasonably healthy way). The storytelling decisions, character decisions, metacasts, and explorations of some really dark stuff has kept me coming back: relistening an embarrassing number of times, redstringing, contributing to the wiki, and spreading the 'good news' through word of mouth. The complex and real portrayal of the characters has taught me a lot about myself, and helped me though the deepest depression of my life. Through RQG I've also found other great AP podcasts that I'd never have come across otherwise! [Shoutout to These Flimsy Rituals and Campaign:Skyjacks] Thank you so much to the cast and to the editors for producing such an immersive story with such passion and care <3

GugTheGoose

Although I came into it late (much like this post), RQG has still managed to play a very vital role in my life. This podcast not only gave me a renewed sense of inspiration and helped me tap back into the creative forces I've been having trouble reaching, but both the characters and cast have allowed me to make important self-discoveries as well. If I had to pick one thing I enjoyed most about RQG, it would have to be the fact that, as a listener, it always felt so welcoming and wholesome to hear good friends having a blast together, playing games, developing characters, and just doing what they love in a safe, non-judgmental environment. There are so many different medias out there where relationships between co-workers might feel forced or the story might get a bit dull, but I can honestly say that throughout these past 200+ episodes, there has never been a time when I haven't laughed at least once. On the other hand though, the emotional arcs and the easy-to-relate-to scenarios that occurred during this campaign have been some of the most raw and honest displays of vulnerability I've ever heard and did not diminish the original purpose of the storyline in the slightest. I'm aware that this is all a make-believe world, but it's so rare to have something or, in this case, someone you can relate to on such a deep level. For me that character was our very own grumpy but loveable sea dad, Zolf Smith. Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore almost every character that is a part of RQG, there's a few exceptions of course (looking at you Barret), but Zolf just holds a special place in my heart. Right from the get go I found I was draw to him because, like myself, he also had trouble expressing his own emotions in a effective way. Not only that, but he would often struggle with perceiving emotions from others at the same time. As the campaign progressed and his abilities alongside it, I found this part of Zolf's development to be very comforting and commend Ben on this brilliant portrayal of my own personal flaws. The one thing that I appreciated the most though, and something I will never forget, is when Ben announced Zolf's sexual orientation. I have never been one for labels, mostly because I find them to be a type of confinement as if someone thinks they can so easily place you into a box with just one simple word, but the way that Ben went about the announcement so casually and didn't make it an unnecessary spectacle, showing his preference was just a part of Zolf but it didn't have to define him as a whole, that honestly made me cry when I heard it. Most people have a celebrity or personal encounter with someone they call their "defining moment", but for me RQG ep. 176 was mine. So from the bottom of heart I want to say a sincere thank you for making that decision, Ben Meredith, you truly made me feel seen and represented for the first time. As for the rest of the cast and crew, even though there were times I wanted to stab Mr. Ceiling, AKA Alexander J. Newall and my favorite chaotic evil, with one of Sasha's many knives myself, I can't thank him enough for putting in all of those long hours and sleepless nights for over 6 years in order to create this phenomenal story we all know and love. I realize how much sacrifice and faith that takes to do and I'm very grateful that he made the leap and seized the opportunity. The same amount of gratitude also extends to everyone who helped bring these loveable and legendary characters to life, so my many, many thanks goes out to you, Lydia Nicholas, Bryn Monroe, James Ross, Ben Meredith, Helen Gould, and of course again, the mastermind himself, the best GM, Alex; you all deserve so much love for everything you've done, as well as more recognition within the podcast community for bringing awareness to 'actual plays' centered on TTRPGs. That being said though, although these are some big names previously mentioned, I want everyone else to know that, whether you were a part of production, sound design or editing, voice actors or the author and creator of this project itself, every person who had even the smallest of parts in RQG made this podcast what is and should feel proud of all their efforts. Nothing would be successful without each and every gear making the wheels turns; however, before I turn this simple appreciation letter into a novel, let me just end by saying what has become our universal motto and somewhat of a send off for Rusty Quill Gaming: "He's a monster and a psychopath... but we respect his craft!" Thanks again for everything guys, here's to the finale and to a long 6 year journey coming to its inevitable end, you did it! 🎉🎉🎉🖤

ArreisStörmQuest

Short version: RQG has spoiled me for any other RPG podcast. I've tried others, but it's the best there is. The humor, drama, and adventure bring me so much joy! Long version: When I started listening in Feb. 2020, I had chronic pain from endometriosis and had just been diagnosed with (small) cancer. My life was filled with doctors and medical appointments. These wonderful characters were a welcome distraction in a terrible situation. When I'm in so much pain I can do nothing else, RQG makes me laugh. Hamid, Zolf, Sasha, Grizzop, Azu, Cel, Oscar Wilde, and maybe even Bertie seem like friends who are close to my heart. That summer, my 19yo son and I listened through the whole show together. It was wonderful bonding for us in the midst of COVID. And now he has started his own RPG podcast. This "old lady" hasn't been able to connect much with the fandom, but I can see it's a wonderful community. I so appreciate all you've done for so many people during a very difficult time. The blue veins seemed like a bad coincidence at first during COVID, but I think it actually helped people process what they were going through. If Cel, Azu, Hamid, and Zolf can get through quarantine, so can we! I'm going to miss hearing your voices so much. Thank you for all your hard work. Keep inspiring. Love, Lark (Sorry I'm late)

Lark

I have loved RQG it has been incredible to listen to for the last couple of years (for me). It helped get me back into running RPGs and helped me through my own struggles. It has inspired me to be a better player and GM. Thank you all so much, it has been great fun and I'm looking forward to what you do next.

Cyan

Thank you for creating such a wonderful world to get wrapped up in with RQG. It has been such a pleasure to listen to it over the past couple of years, I only started listening in 2019. Truly thank you to all involved in making it, it was obvious from the intro that it was a labor of love, and that love did a great job reaching out and touching others.

This fandom has meant so much to me (and will continue to after it's done). It is the one that brought me into the world of actual play podcasts, with the depth of world-building and lore, memorable characters, incredible performances by all, and a wonderful community. It rather spoiled me for actual plays as a whole, though I am certainly not complaining about that! I have never had a fandom which has made me cry so much one episode, and laugh so much the next. Thank you so, so much to everyone who was involved in bringing this show to life.

Medilia

What an amazing collaborative creation. I’ve learned so much about the craft of storytelling from RQG’s episodes and the metacasts, which are just a master class in How To Make A World To Share. But my favorite is, was, always will be Hamid. Thank you, Bryn! I know I join you in wishing him a long, loving and meaningful life.

seaglassblue

I feel like I could open up a hundred different ways about why I love this show, from the imaginative lore and world building, bringing the listeners into an intriguing alternate history with no end of questions to explore, to the incredible work of the story telling, starting with humble origins and being beautifully brought to the grand scale it is at now, and to the incredible cast of both characters and players that bring this series to life with memorable performances, both hilarious and heartbreaking, it would be hard to imagine what this show would look like without a single one of them. So, genuinely, thank you to everyone who has helped bring this show to where it is now. Drawing these characters, discussing the story, and listening to each new episode every week has been a comforting constant in my life for over a year now, and I'm sure I'll keep carrying it all with me for a long time to come. <3

RaspberryHeaven

Thank you much to everyone for all the hours of work, fun and enthusiasm over the years. It gave me the confidence to take up GMing again after 20 years and I am eternally grateful.

Pip Walker

I really wish the news about RQG celebrations weren't just in the Patreon newsletter. there are many more fans who aren't subscribed to Patreon and would jump on the hype train with a hashtag and kind words on social media *in a second*. but, past whatever reservations I have: thank you for RQG. this wonderful adventure has coloured my life for the past two years, and the community I found through it has helped me through thick and thin, in regards to whatever cliffhangers there were within the show, or to support me outside of it. these characters, all of which I love dearly, were oftentimes the highlights of my days. the entire crew is amazing at making this show. Erasing the Line is my favourite actual play campaign ever, and it's something I recommend to people wholeheartedly when they ask me what TTRPG adjacent podcasts I can recommend. to anyone not into RQG who is reading these comments: I came to Rusty Quill content via The Magnus Archives, but I stayed, became a patron, and found new joy in creation and community because of Rusty Quill Gaming. to everyone who ever listened to TMA, and anyone who likes RQs other podcasts, I simply cannot recommend RQG enough.

Varya B

Thank you so much for all of these amazing, tense, funny, heartbreaking, unbelievable moments. Everyone involved in making this podcast, I respect your craft.

RQG has such a special place in my heart that i can barely put into words how much it matters to me, with it ive reconnected with my love for art and actually sharing what i do; ive found a community that offers nothing but love and support; and its helped me find new systems and new methods to play ttrps!! All together RQG has shaped my year in the most unexpected way, and i am grateful for everyone involved. Thank you so much.