Cedric Memorial Page

[ 33] Xyza: Regarding Cedric Lightshield, Guiding Light of Thera
Tue Oct 17 21:56:05 2000
To: All
By now many of you might have noticed either the few posts in the forum a 
couple days or so ago, and/or the listing in the Retired section (retired 
immortals).

Shortly after Cedric (Human Paladin Valor) joined the pantheon, it was 
discovered that he had leukemia. He took a long leave of absence to 
undergo chemotherapy and a series of bone marrow transplants in an effort 
to fight it off and put it in remission. He paid us a few rare visits 
when he was able to. Earlier this year the treatments seemed to have done 
some good. He decided he couldn't return to school, so went home to his 
family farm and devoted his time to farm work. His new email address 
reflected his new lifestyle, wheat_farmer@hotmail.com. We exchanged a few 
emails, but it was evident that he didn't have as much time to spend on 
the computer as formerly. Being a farmer takes a lot of time. The last 
emails we exchanged, he was happy, he was in remission, life was looking 
good.

Obviously the remission didn't last long. Cedric lost his battle with 
cancer this past summer.

He left behind a decent legacy here at Dark Mists. His paladin in Valor 
was one of the most inspirational. He was one of the original Valorians,
if not the first (I'm sure Cirdan would remember the order in which they 
were inducted). When he asked to become immortal, there was no question 
but that he was going to join us. He wrote the book that is in most if 
not all of the paladin guilds, as a guide to good paladin roleplay. He 
was working on the paladin subs. 

For those of you who wondered why he was on the active immortal list all 
this time: I felt it would be wrong to retire him while he was still 
alive and still fighting for his life. If mention of his name toward the 
bottom of the wizlist meant someone who remembered him would remember to 
pray for him, or wish him well, then it was worth it to leave him there.

Those of us who worked with him and played with him will miss him very 
much. He is the one among us who has truly ascended.

Date: 10/18/00 05:47:27 PM 
Name: Xael 
Subject: Cedric
Well, just to be the first. I never quite new the guy as i'm sure many of you did. But 
it is a shame that cancer took him from us. I'm normally not the kind hearted type, 
but for some reason this just strikes home. I realize that we are just players of a 
game, and we all are almost like family. I know myself I spend more time interacting 
with each of you than talking with my own parents. I'd just like to say, From the little 
bit i saw and interacted with Cedric, He was a good man. IC and most importantly ooc.
I wish him well in the next life, and to quote a friend, death is just another phase of life. 

Xael 
 
Date: 10/18/00 09:07:45 PM 
Name: Dave (Stragen/Brona) 
Email: t_raven_49@hotmail.com 
Subject: Re: Cedric
'There is a time for everything, 
and a season for every activity under heave: 
a time to be born and a time to die, 
a time to plant and a time to uproot, 
a time to kill and a time to heal, 
a time to tear down and a time to build, 
a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
a time to mourn and a time to dance, 
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 
a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 
a time to search and a time to give up, 
a time to keep and a time to throw away, 
a time to tear and a time to mend, 
a time to be silent and a time to speak, 
a time to love and a time to hate, 
a time for war and a time for peace.' 

From Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

Cedric, or as I knew him Chris was a good friend, a really good friend. Chase, 
Matt, Ron he was up there with you guys so you know how much that means. I 
can't remember anything bad about him. I would like to share the memories I 
have of one of the best men ever to play this mud. His heart eclipsed mine in 
that he had more love for life and for people than I could ever hope to have. 

I remember when I was first meeting Cedric. I was running around as a prophet 
of the flame at the time (before the brand was even out). Then this young paladin 
who was thinking about applying to Life stopped by to talk to me. What developed 
was one of the best ic friendships I've ever had and one of the best ooc friendships. 
That young paladin went on to epitomize what a paladin should be. He was 
courageous, he stood up for his beliefs, and he did lead Valor against Legion 
numerous times. I was honored when he allowed my character Kurik to be his squire. 

He cared about the players on this mud, especially the paladins and paladins, you all 
owe a huge debt to him. He really did wonders to promote the role, he was selfless 
and caring. Something that nobody here seems to remember to do. 

But that was just an extension of his personality. I would often have discussions cut 
short as he went to play with his son. He loved that boy dearly and it showed even 
through dark green text (the ooc channel). He always had time to talk, to share ideas 
and to listen. But his family came first. His wife was a lucky woman to have such a 
good man beside her. I can only hope to devote as much attention to my family. 

But I remember just wandering around with him, rping some, bsing ooc lots, we got to 
become good friends and now that he's gone something else goes with him. I'd lost 
touch with him over the last year, and now that I know where he went it just feels like 
somebody put a big, empty hole in my chest. I was waiting for the day he came back 
just so I could tell him my email and get him to talk to me. I missed hearing him tell me 
that the paladin subs were going to rock and that the ap subs were cheesy. 

Guys, this doesn't do Cedric justice. He was tied into one of my best characters ever as 
a great friend. He almost made me leave life and join valor with Stragen just so I could 
hang around with him more often and when he immed he put his heart and soul into 
improving the paladins guild. My final request is this. Imms, please save these memoirs 
and put them up on the web page. Cedirc, or Chris as he was known irl was a great 
memory of mine in Darkmists. His passing really does emphasise the fact that this is only 
a game, and I was lucky to meet a good man in the middle of playing a game that all too 
often does not show the good in us. He deserves to be remembered for as long as this 
aspect of his life is still running. 

Thank you for your time, I'm going to go pray now, 

Dave (Stragen/Brona) 

Email me if you guys want to talk about Ced, I think that remembering him is the best 
tribute we can pay him. 

Date: 10/18/00 09:00:55 PM 
Name: RJ 
Subject: Re: Cedric
I've played many characters over my years at DM, but the one class that holds a special 
meaning to me is Paladin. I don't know why this is, could be the idealistic nature, the 
code of chivalry whatever. When I was new to the MUD I played a pally. And I met this 
hero of the guild by the name of Cedric, shortly after the formation of the Knights of 
Valor. He was, and still is, a giant among men in my eyes. He was THE paladin. Only one 
other paladin comes close to being as good as Cedric at being a paladin and that was 
Stephan (don't know how many remember him). 

I didn't really know Cedric OOC, but he has always inspired me when I play paladins, and 
will continue to do so. 

It is a grevious loss to have Cedric taken from us, and I ask everyone to remember him in 
thier thoughts and prayers. 

Good bye Cedric, may your memory always shine with the light that you brought to many 
within our small realm of Thera. 

RJ 

Nixalis 
Roarke 
Xixaean 
Tarrant 
Garret 
Aerik 
and many others. 
 
Date: 10/18/00 08:24:22 PM 
Name: MorrbwayTinuviel 
Subject: Re: Cedric
I never did know him, but I know this.. I go to school where he did, so it hits me
extremely hard. We obviously have a lot in common with his agricultural background.. 
Makes me wonder if he was involved in the FFA too, and I may have actually known 
him IRL. (shakes his head) Such a tragedy. My prayers go out to him and his family. 
God Bless, and keep hope, 
Morrbway  
 
Date: 10/18/00 08:20:05 PM 
Name: Darkwood 
Email: Darkieg@Hotmail.com 
Subject: Everyone rember Cedric in your prayers please (NT)

Date: 10/18/00 07:03:41 PM 
Name: Kataya 
Subject: Re: Cedric
Cedric...*sigh* Good man. I was in Valor with him, poor guy. God bless his soul.  

Date: 10/18/00 07:01:09 PM 
Name: Drintazt 
Subject: Re: Cedric
Oh man...Cedric passed on? Cedric, if you can see this from up above, I wish you 
a good afterlife, and I'll remember you from the couple times we interacted. 

Date: 10/18/00 09:47:00 PM 
Name: Yukino 
Subject: Re: Re: Cedric
Well, I don't have a huge Cedric story, cause I didn't get to interact with him but 
once, with my first real character, a pathetic elf cleric named amelia. Well, I did a 
lot of exploring as a newbie, and I locked myself in the Sun-Manse prison cell... 

Cedric was the only one who helped me out. I talked to him, and he was one of the 
reason I joined Valor sohrtly after he ascended. 

I knew he was having a tough time of it. I think I found out after PKing Cedric's RL 
sister with Klark I think, or getting attacked by her. The details aren't important. I 
knew he had it bad, and I was really hoping he'd pull through. I remember seeing him 
again one day, and he though he had it in remission. His joy seemed genuine. 

all I have to say is damn. Hope he's enjoying it up there... 

-Jeff 
 
Name: Jugs-a-plenty,bloke, Riki,Myrrcen 
Subject: Re: Re: Cedric
Thanks for sharing your memories.. If any of him knew him like I did you would 
appreciate the fact that its better that he didnt hear this, that boys head sure could 
swell when his ego was stroked (*poke Cedric*) heh, As many of you know or heard 
he was my cousin and my introduction to the wonders of Darkmists. Again Ill 
reiterate, he loved this place, I think almost everyone of our conversations included 
DM if not revolved around it and believe me we talked alot and even if we didnt agree
on a topic it really didnt matter, the mud served as a strengthener to the bond we 
shared both as cousins and friends, to which I have to thank the immortals for, for 
giving us this place to enjoy and to play in, cause when you get down to it thats what 
lifes about.. playing and enjoying the blessing we've been given, Im just sorry that to 
really learn that he had to make such a great sacrifice, but if you could have spoken 
with him in his last days you too would realize that he understood. No matter how 
cliche this sounds dont mourn for his passing but celebrate his life and the time he 
shared with us no matter how disagreable of a prick he could be at times *wink 
Cedric* (btw he would have gotten a kick out of the little jabs so dont take offense, i 
know he wouldnt have)  



[ 41] Calinaer: A message about Cedric to everyone
(you can exclude my char name if you like)
Thu Nov 23 20:44:33 2000
To: Xyza
I had the privlidge of knowing Cedric personally. 
For a year I was his roommate and his friend. Darkmists has
lost one of its greatest supporters, someone who was there from
the beginning, during the beta-testing, and stayed true to
the end.
This note may be late in coming, but it must be said. He was a
great person, and I shall always respect and admire his courage,
confidance, and compassion.
He shall never die in my memory, and I would hope that he never
dies from the memory of Darkmists.

Sincerly, his good friend Christopher.



Date: 03/7/01 07:30:49 PM 
Name: Charnos 

Email: charnosallerian@hotmail.com 

Subject: Xyza's webpage has a good thing (read on).

Some of you may know me as the elf thief of old life known 
as Qahntak. I wished to preface that before I began what I 
 have to say. I went to Xyza's webpage today and found 
 something at the bottom that I had to read. The Cedric Memorial. 
 


I apologize for the emotions that may be contained within this  
 post. However, we're all human. 



I read the memorial and found that, honest to my lord, tears 
 started to well. I knew the character cedric from the 
 start. If you read his char's bio on the old website you would 
 have found "Qahntaks" name as a "guide". 



I can honestly say that this man "hath no guile". Never did I 
 hear him say anything negative. He was always edifying 
 people. This is a game, but it never fails to amaze me how 
 certain people touch my heart as I've played these last four 
 years (since beta). 



I know that his "memorial" is a few months past and gone. But 
 my thoughts went to him and his widow and child (geoffery). 
 I remember the music that was on the radio at that time in 
 my dm history, where I would sit, my roomates, and what 
characters meant somthing to me (cedric, stragen, (insert I.S.U. sitemates here), niobe, even Adorno). 



Often you'll hear people talk about "old outlaw" and they mean 
 the outlaw of last year. Wheras, old outlaw to be 
 means "riot, kidnap, badges". 



This is one vet who just wanted to vent a little emotionalism 
 and just say to the imms and the morts that really have 
 good attitudes and try your best..even the vets have to tip 
 their hats..because in a way, we're all newbies. The world 
 changes, new things arise. The old should pass away to the 
 new. I'm grateful this mud has been progressive. I'm 
 grateful that somewhere beyond the harshness and immaturity that 
  somewhere in a few people, the is a love of humanity. 

Cedric really touched my heart, IC and OOC. 

Pray for his widow and young son. 

I can't imagine losing my wife and explaining to my young 
 child that loss. 



I just can't imagine it. 



Thank you and smile, it could be the last time you get to do so. 



Charnos 


 


Date: 03/8/01 12:29:15 AM 
Name: Vrrin Barathrum 

Email: 

Subject: Always hard...

I responded to this a moment ago, but it seems it didn't go 
 through. I never met Cedric. Though I wish I had. Never heard 
 anything but good about the man. Just everytime I hear his 
 story it hits home. About the same time Xyza put out the 
 memorial to Cedric last year, I lost my sister to Cancer as well. Seems both had had their cancer go into remission, only to 
 come back and claim them. 
 
It's been almost a half year...but that memorial always makes me 
 cry. Nothing wrong with crying. Always said it takes more 
 strength to cry for some than it does to be "strong". Shows 
 we are human. And nothing wrong with feelnig the pain. It 
 is apart of us...and if we block it out, we also partly 
 block out the memories of their lives. That is one thing I 
 will never try to do, and that is to hold back tears for 
 Deedee. 
 
You see Charnos, like you said in your post, my brother in law 
 clyde will have to tell his now one year old son what 
 happened to his mother. So what you wrote really hit home. 
 Everytime I hear about him, I think of my sister. Only 24 years 
 old. But she is in a better place now, and she left us a 
 little blessing. 
 
People like Cedric are hard to come by. I wished I could have 
 met talked to him. In a strange twist of fate...I was 
 speaking of my first character on the mud last night. How in the 
 Dracula quest I walked into the room with him and saw a 
 corpse on the ground and found that a leader of valor had 
 died his last that night fighting the good fight. That is 
 all I knew of him. But that is all I need to know. Even his 
 characters on dm were trying to do what is right in their 
 lives. And he soon after ascended to the heavens, to join 
 the pantheon. And that is where he is now...in the heavens, 
 with Dee. Watching down over us all. 
 
We should never forget them. I know I won't. 
 
I never knew him...but I don't think I could ever forget him. 
 
I pray for his family and hope they can remember the good things 
 instead of dwelling on the pain. He, like my sister is in a 
 better place now. We should never forget that. 
 
On a personal note...it's hard to play an evil god sometimes. 
 Even when a player is being nasty to me and I want to 
 return the favor, I have troubles doing it sometimes. Just hard 
 for me. If Cedric was anything like they say he was...I 
 wished I could have met him. It's good to know there are 
 people in this world who would rather do good than 
 bad...even if it is only ic with a character on a little game 
 few will ever hear about. He did honor to us all...and that 
 is something few can say about a person in this day and 
 age. 
I'll quit rambling now. Just wanted to respond... 
 
To anyone reading this, love them while they are here...and 
 while they are gone. Never forget the love. Hate is no 
 replacement. 
 
To Cedric and Deedee...know that you are loved and missed, and 
 that we will see you again. Watch over us and with any 
 luck, we can try to be half as good in our lives to others as 
 you were to all of us. 
 
With love and tears, 
 
Vrrin Barathrum 
 
Bryan Young