ben is on the inter.net

So they did it. Gomp and Homp, mage clones extraordinaire, reached Outland today. Mere hours later Homp had hit level 60 (with Gomp purposefully behind with 40% of a level to go). And that was it, really. The big goal. The Refer a Friend system was completely used up, no more summoning or triple experience or level granting. Now Homp is ready for the big show (Outland) as is my severely underplayed Gnome Warlock Pewpewpew. If things continue I’ll be gearing up for the Really Big Show (Northrend), but even if I don’t, I accomplished the first real “congratulations, you beat the game” level. That said, let’s take a moment to say goodbye to Gomp, now relegated to an eternity of level 59 PVP.

It’s weird how something like this can have even a minor psychological effect on me, the player. Here is this character that I spent several days of my life controlling, more than I’ve played almost every other videogame out there, and now she’s going away. For instance, I don’t want to dualbox anymore. I really feel like the multiple characters can be extremely powerful in ideal circumstances, but as soon as something goes wrong (like an add), things go really wrong. I don’t want that kind of stress… it’s tiring, and only really worth it if you’re gaining tons of experience.

I wrote letters to some characters as Gomp when she was signing out for the last time, and it was actually kind of sad, as stupid as that sounds. For instance, she sent all of her money to Jess’ character Bedrest (who, after a little playtime tomorrow, will hit 30 and need mount money). Her sentiments were basically:

If you ever see Homp again, tell her that I’m thinking of her, whatever part of me that’s left to think. Never let her forget that this face we share is evidence of something greater than a simple referred friend; that we successfully helped each other to reach an unthinkable goal.

So, goodbye, Gomp. Goodbye forever.