Heya.

[Grayell]

Firstly - I am astounded this place still works. I haven't been to this site on a pc in a long time and only a handful of times on a phone. I know the photobucket attacked is no longer hosting images (they've been contacting me for months about it). But the fact that so much still works speaks volumes to the members who helped me with and tolerated my foray into HTML and such. The aesthetic makes me smile. The Gary Chalk images that change out will forever be my favourites.

So. What's up Gray?

I don't presume to think that anyone is asking, or will even see this.

It's complicated. I'm 47 this year - I think, because my meds make my brain very muddy. My memory is unreliable at best. I don't/can't work anymore because I have a confounding chronic pain disability that as yet, still hasn't quite been diagnosed. It's tiresome. Most days are manageable. Some aren't. Some are, very rarely, fine. I don't get out much. My partner works (she's a workaholic and kicks ass) and I look after our home. We don't have or want kids, but ended up taking in her niece because her home life wasn't what I would call safe. A 12 year old in my care. Oh dear.

I don't really have any real life friends. A couple. I see them rarely. I've lost my knack (did I ever have one?) for making friends online. I reach out, I get little back, it seems communication has changed a lot. That hasn't been helped by the constant assholes online. My medication is pretty serious. It hampers my ability to do a lot, but keeps the pain down. I'm scared of ever not being able to get it any longer. It's not an addiction issue, just missing a day is horrifying - the pain comes on very quickly. I have to be cautious with what I commit to.

So what am I doing here? I'm pretty sure you've thought the same thing would have happened before now, Ren/Gray is rebooting everything and is seeing who's still interested. I miss The Third Dawn. I miss a lot of stories and people. I hope I've grown a lot. I would have handled a lot very differently. I ran into the artist (online) who actually created those zombie hamsters we first appropriated as Flarbs and told him about it. I still remember Jenkins telling me that the rules should never come before the fun. I wish I'd learned that sooner.

Erin (Kiko) died. That wasn't even her rl name, but it's who she wanted to be known as. I didn't handle that well. I never will. I loved her wholly and we were a slow, painful death. She cut me off before she finally left this world and I found out after the fact. She was my muse. I've written nothing of substance since.

Love has been a ride. I tried doing it right and almost lost my life. I've been through some hell I wouldn't wish on anyone. I have trauma. I've lost that whimsy I had once.

I'm safe now. I'm loved and cared for and worried about and have someone who I can rest easy with.

She wishes I would write.

It's been a long time, but I think it's time.

I don't know how much longer I have, 2 days, 2 decades, who knows? Odds aren't great. But I've so little that I can look at - that I have done, that I can leave, that I can at least feel good about. So I told myself I need to create, if I'm to stay sane. Writing, art, something.

So heya. I don't know if it will be here. Maybe. This place feels like home. Maybe just myself. Maybe I'll turn out a book one day, plenty of people encouraged me to.

Whoever you are, I hope your life is so goddamn splendid. I hope you wake with a smile and rest easy every night. And if I know you, I miss you and I thank you for ever spending time, creating with me, tolerating me, whatever it took.

And no, I still don't proof read anything.

[Joshua]

Hey Ren, long time no see.

I sometimes miss my forums days too, especially on RP sties like this. A lot has changed ever since social media has taken over the Internet.

I've gotten older too (33), and my body is starting to age, but I've become hella more mature as a person as well. My life has had it's bumps and wrong turns, but I feel like I'm at a point where I finally have a good path to follow. I'm currently enrolled in college pursuing a degree in software engineering, and I'm making slow but steady progress towards becoming an artist. Still in the baby steps phase, but I'm finally gaining an understanding of what motivates me to pursue art.

I also haven't been writing much. I'm not sure that I want to get back into writing, simply because the only thing I'd want to write is indulgent self-insert fiction, which would really only be for me anyway. But maybe. Writing is a wonderful creative outlet, and I do miss it.

I'm glad you're in a better place in life. I hope you can continue to make progress and find contentment in whatever you do.

[Jerevan Languorem]

Hi. Not sure how much anyone is going to remember about me, so going to keep it brief. Just wanted to say that you and the stories you and the others here created were a pretty much constant source of inspiration for me when I was younger (I am 27 now), and I also remember being delighted to be a part of the Third Dawn. I'm sorry I was such a pain to deal with, and that I missed so many obvious things. Thanks for all the patience.

It's absurd that you're getting saddled with so much pain. You deserve better. I hope things improve soon, and that your doctors get back to you with a diagnosis you can act on.

If you get a book out, please tell us about it. Or if you think talking about it would help with writing it, I don't think anyone would object to you using this space for that. Either way, I'm glad you reached out. Thanks again.

[John Harding]

Hi All,

This is Dean, aka John Harding, Verin, Tauer, and a bunch of other characters. (I just wrote a crazy long post and then accidentally erased it, so I’ll keep this one shorter.)

Firstly, it’s crazy freaky that I woke up to the email from Ren because I just had a dream where a few players came back to restart The Menagerie! No lie, I thought I was still dreaming when I checked my phone.

Ren, I’m truly sorry for what you’ve been through and are currently going through. I want you to know that The Menagerie was one of the best things to happen in my life and you should be really proud of what you created. Although I most likely won’t be able to return as a player, I would love to stop by from time to time to chat with everyone and catch up.

I just turned 37 and earlier in the year was going through a dark patch of depression - not the first time but probably the worst so far. I think it was mainly due to what felt like an unusually long period of cold weather, as well as my husband going through his first real anxiety and depression experience, too. I don’t really remember where I was in life when I was last here, but I got married in 2011 and moved from England to San Diego in 2014. Life has been mostly good, but it’s a struggle some times. I have three cats: Indy, Walt, and Razi. The only person from here I kept in touch with was Venom/Red; we message each other from time to time but those seem to be happening less frequently each year. I don’t write anymore - I do read a lot though! - but I am part of a Pathfinder (D&D) group with my husband and some friends, which always rekindles my love of storytelling and character building. I’m currently playing a female Kitsune Monk named Wren (haha!) but my favorite character I’ve created/played so far is a half-orc sorcerer named Tzindak ‘Tzin’ Mawr. I’d love to tell his backstory some time.

[Redblade]

Hello!!

This feels like a high school reunion. Crazy!! This is Venom/Red/Zarr/Prisoner 64281 (?)/whatever other characters I've played that I've forgotten now. I miss my Red avatar.

Anyways! It's good to hear from you guys again, it's been so long since we all shared some time together, even if it was in these threads in adventures, but it felt great hanging with you all.

I am sorry to hear of all that you guys have been through and that are still going through in life. It can really be a pain sometimes, but it normally balances out with some really good times. Focus on what you hold dear and makes you happy.

As for me, I am now 45, on my second marriage, with 2 kids (10 and 7). May be getting separated soon and start working on my 3rd marriage (LOL), we'll see.

John, I'm sorry I haven't messaged you lately. My last cell broke a while back and I lost all my contacts. So glad you sent me a message this morning about this. I truly miss the good old days where we got lost in this fantasy world and forgot about our real life problems, even if it was for a short while.

You guys are truly missed. From Ren, Alex, and Roland, our mega characters, to John my best friend, and everyone else who played their part in this fun place to be in. Wish we could turn back the hand of time.

[Redblade]

LMAO! I'm a Villain and escaped prisoner!

[Serafyna]

Hey y'all, just saw the email and stoked.
I remember this place even though I wasn't around for the longest time, but definitely cemented in my memories as one of my favourites.

Let's see... I'm turning 31 soon! It's been a crazy up and down ride, especially these last couple years. My mum passed away, throwing me suddenly into the "time to be an adult" life and take over a lot of stuff, but I've had some amazing peoples support when it came to figuring all this stuff out. It was hard watching her go, but it was time... Still processing that one sometimes...

I have a ten year old now, an absolute blessing and the sweetest little boy ever. I've met and lost friends over the years, and gone through some pretty dark spells, but I'd say I'm sitting at a pretty solid place in life now.

I started VTubing about 6+ months back, and it's really helped me change my life around as well, and met some amazing people through it. Also started getting involved in a relationship after 15 years of something hella one-sided and long distance, but this time it's going in a way more healthy direction. Also started transitioning from female to male, so seeing this username hurts my soul a little lol!

I've spent a lot of years rping since the site, and now looking back at some of the old tropes I fell into, oh lord. Still, I felt pretty fond of this place, and hey, if it does come back around again for a return? You can count me in to be around and checking things out!

I'm sorry to hear about Eren, btw. I sorta remember seeing her around, I think, but didn't know her too well. Lotta love being sent out for ya.

[Grayell]

Well hi and thanks for coming by. It's really made me smile to see replies today, I certainly wasn't expecting any.

I did have a few friends from the many iterations of the Menagerie on my friends on Facebook, but some left of their own accord and then I had to ghost that profile for my safety a few years back.

I'm glad you are all, at this time; doing ok with life. That's no easy feat. If any of you ever need an ear without judgement and without input if that's what you need, then I have the time. I used to get told I was good at the advice thing and that seemed to be the social role I was most often relegated to (I might have rather been the fun friend).

I hope we hear from a few more people. I'd like to know they're ok - or happy hopefully. We had good people here.


I'm not sure about me writing. Since all of this I played Wild Hunt (wow what an epic) and found that Geralt beat Grayell to the punch in a lot of ways. I might be skewed in my opinion but I see a lot of similarity there. And that's the trick - Grayell is the character closest to me, that works through my problems, that has answers and abilities to things that leave me confounded in the real world. He was the instrument by which I had a relationship with Kiko and made friends with others. Kiga was a very deliberate anime trope for fun that grew on me because of his heart.

But it feels like Grayell, as 1 part me, 1 part Conan and 1 part Geralt he is (Oh there's plenty more parts for sure)... well that's the unwritten story that keeps me wondering.

I'll think on it a while and if I can, I'll start something. I think this is a good space. Just my own tale.

Add me on IG @grimmsaga or FB as Vandal Corvid Grimm. I don't use much else, but it seems I'll be here.

Thanks again, I don't anticipate you'll hang around and that wasn't my goal - but it's just wonderful to know you're out there and have fond memories.

[Neko]

Damn, it's great to see you all, and hear how each of you are doing. Even if it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows.

Our lives make us who we are, for better or worse.

The OG Menagerie came about at a time in my life when I needed connection. I found that, and so much more, with all of you. (The Man at the Crossroads is STILL the best NPC I've ever made!) I remember those times so fondly, and the friendships I had with everyone there. And I reference them constantly with IRL friends I have.

I'm so sad to hear about Kiko. She was an amazing woman, and I will miss her greatly. I will always remember slowly gaining her trust, and the times she and Neko had together.

I'm sorry about the chronic pain issues, Gray. My wife has the same, tho not to your extent, and it is not fun at all.

Let's see, what all has happened since I last saw y'all?

My oldest has a kid of her own now, with a second on the way, and is dealing with a baby daddy with mental health issues. Her and the kid are back in the house, and we are doing what she'll allow to help out.

My middle child (who inspired Neko's personality back in the day) graduated highschool at 16, transitioned from female to male, and graduated from college this year at the age of 20. He plans to stay in Boston and attend grad school for creative writing.

My youngest has graduated High School this year (another one a year early) and we are fighting to get him to realize we can't fully support him for the rest of his life and a job is a requirement.

My wife has lost several loved ones over the last few years to cancer. Including her childhood best friend and her mother. When her mother passed, her father went crazy and disowned everyone. (PTSD + Dementia = not a good combo) So that was not a great journey for her or our children. She has since started her own Travel Agency, in the middle of the Pandemic, and is doing very well at it!

I still work for the same company I did back then, just a different part. Very data analytic heavy, and hosting meetings. I've collected Boardgames that rarely get played, but painting the minis gives me something to do. I have a side job at a local club owned by some friends that keeps me busy on most weekend evenings, but is entertaining at the very least. And a small RPG group that tries its best to get together once a month, but is not always successful.

If a new site got going, I'd definitely help as much as I could. It just may vary greatly from day to day.

I miss you all!!

[Grayell]

May 30, 2023 7:54:21 GMT -5 Neko said:

Damn, it's great to see you all, and hear how each of you are doing. Even if it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows.

Our lives make us who we are, for better or worse...

You are missed as well, I especially owe admin members a debt of gratitiude.

[Neko]

You owe me nothing. This place you created was there when I needed it most. I count many of you as friends, and a few as family.

[John Harding]

Hi Alex! Great to hear from you.

Since The Menagerie was started on the Heroscapers forums, I was wondering if anyone still plays/has their Heroscape sets? I still have mine but rarely get to use it (although I got let go from my job last week so maybe I’ll have time now to play a few games!)

If you do, and in case you hadn’t heard, there was a Haslab (Hasbro’s version of a kickstarter?) attempt back in October to bring the game back with a big Masterset box (Age of Annihilation). Unfortunately, it was a rushed, last-minute mess and it failed to reach its goal, so Hasbro decided to indefinitely shelf the revival. But Renegade Game Studios just announced that they’re working with Hasbro to bring the game back with sets including terrain-only and faction sets!

[Redblade]

Alex, the man the myth the legend. Great to hear from you! You were one of the most feared characters, IMO, no matter what character it was. LOL. The Menagerie was definitely the place to be for me when it was around. Made some great friends and I got to escape the real world with its problems for a while. It is dearly missed.

[Redblade]

BTW, why do I only have 5 gold?

[Redblade]

If there were ever another Menagerie, this would be my new character. What would yours be?