That bastard right there. You know, I'm not sure what we ever did to piss off that dragon so much, but that thing was a thorn in our side for like a year.  A year.  That's a true testiment of just how awesome you guys are; we clobbered our heads against content for over a year, attempting to get the most out of the place for as many of us as we could possibly do.

WotLK was a rocky start for us, for many reasons, and not all of them within reasonable control.  Yet, we came together, endured the insanely easy level of content that was Naxx and moved on to Ulduar, then the trap that was ToC, and finally the endurance run that was ICC.  I don't mean to make it sound like it was all doom and gloom, though there were some complications and such along the way, as there was a wealth of good times that resulted in some really awesome moments for us.  We completed four Shadowmournes, for example, which I'm not sure if other raids did.

But the thing to be most proud of is that we're coming out of WotLK stronger than we went in, more focused and prepared for Cataclysm than we have been for any expansion before it.  I'm excited of where we're headed and just so proud of all of the folks we have on-board and supporting us.  You guys make it easy to want to log in for the 8-9hrs a week we put in.  It's all worth it because of you.

So, let's look at a bit of a timeline for the stuff we've accomplished this expansion (thanks Deo for compiling it):

• Naxxramas: Completed 12/28/08
• Ulduar: Started 4/19/09 and completed with Algalon on 4/26/10
• Tourneyment of Champions: Started 8/5/09 and completed with heroic Twins on 10/12/09
• Icecrown Citadel: Started 12/9/09 and completed... well, yesterday.

For a full list of just what we took down and when, take a peek at http://guildofguilds.org/node/4140 which will be updated with Cataclysm raid kills as well, but the long list just goes to show where two years worth of effort went.

In that time we had a fair number of members come and go, as we went through several stages of recruitment.  None of that would have been possible without the officer core, whom I am very thankful for.  I owe Myaa a special deal of thanks for all of her patience, particularly with me, and all of the hard work done to even get Reprise going in WotLK.  And I owe all of you a great deal of thanks for putting up with me, struggling to figure this stuff out and to keep it all going, as well as tolerating all of the hiccups and bumps along the way.  Some of you have given a lot, others given more than others might realize, and yet hopefully along the way I've let you know how much I appreciate all of it, and all of you.

There have been others that have given a lot to be here, stories of folks traveling to friends' houses (even in snow storms) or putting up with massive personal complication just to be here, folks that have given me their home numbers just to be sure to remain in contact. We had several folks that had to scale back on their play due to real life situations, and some of them even came back to fulltime membership again.  I like to think that despite some differences here or there, we're all pretty supportive of one another, and I think the strength of our roster only reflects that.

I'd like to think that all of that desire to be a part of us is a reponse to the quality of environment we provide and the sheer awesomeness of the folks involved.  For every headache that I've had along the way, just the reminder of who's on the roster and what folks do to be there every week just makes any of those complications all worth it.  In short, you folks are great.

Thank you for being awesome.

So, here's a list of everyone that's been a part of Fordragon's Reprise, with the current folks in bold.  Thank you to everyone that's help us get to where we are, thank you to all of the previous raid members who got us through the 4-5 years previous to this, and thank you to everyone that wants to be a part of what we're going to be doing in Cataclysm.

• Death Knight: Deodan, Verrodd, Krayce, Talionis
• Druid: Druadan, Llaendrew, Ashke, Enaku, Leafi, Nellenya, Winterstar, Glistone, Faiye, Kacius,  Myj, Caliali
• Hunters: Thrain, Kivharo, Keshet, McKinsey, Balgar, Morhanon, Amnarak
• Mage: Aislinana, Jelzok, Probata, Garainla, Metaneira
• Paladin: Gradar, Orinfoo, Arnesca, Geneiveeve, Zarnz, Sharos, Mojitos
• Priest: Stregheria, Cirua, Requite, Ayelle, Kallindril, Dienae
• Rogue: Wraithedge, Aelussa, Adrine
• Shaman: Jadiera, Lysala, Zaythi, Lykria, Myaa, Niada
• Warlock: Phariacles, Kerena, Lilgoth, Sevss, Weazey, Nafsasp
• Warrior: Shyeera, Dreaming, Sartania, Lessar, Rizzan, Edagh, Bibby

So, a week to go and Catclysm will be upon us.  We're going to be somewhat aggressive in a start date, hoping to get back to things around the start of the new year, so expect new updates from us about then!

See you all on the other side!

Last night, Fordragon's Reprise made a stunning if not accidental victory against Sartharion and his three drakes. Excellent teamwork was had, coordination was fierce and Kerena was actually heard talking on Vent.

Amnarak, one of our hunters, was awarded our first Twilight Drake, but only because Lysala didn't have enough DKP.

Good job, everyone, and now that we've beaten the game, we'll see you in Ulduar/3.1!

So, it is xpac time and like a month old.  By now many people are 80 and many more working towards it.  The new year will be upon us soon and once more we'll be engulfed in raiding and PVP as well as a multitude of other things.  Lots has changed in the game and likely much more will still change yet again.

We have the holidays to get through and the New Year.  It's a rough time in the world right now, but we as the Gog can do what we do best, and that's to do our best by each other. So, best wishes my family-that's-not-actually-my-family and may things be bright for everyone, no matter what you believe or celebrate.