Both of these team members have been with us for many years now, working hard to support this server and the stories produced here. They have often been the unseen heroes of the major content pushes and the massive area changes that make this world feel more reactive and alive for the players who play here.
Duster47 is taking over as our Lead Developer. Duster's responsibilities are to help manage, coordinate, and produce custom content -- and then get it into the game. This process can be time-consuming, and comes with a steep learning curve. But through their determination and dedication, Duster has not only got us implementing long backlogged custom content, but has also got the developers once again reacting to plot changes and working on new content and new ideas knowing that their work can go in game now. Duster has, in a very real sense, breathed fresh life into the server -- player-side and staff-side. And it's partly thanks to Duster's continued efforts that the world will keep reacting, changing, and updating in response to your in-character actions.
Rasael, meanwhile, has been an indefatigable scripter, coder, and custom content creator, and will be taking over as our Lead Programmer. He has helped keep the BGTSCC wiki up to date, as well, and coordinates heavily with the BGTSCC Quality Control team to ensure that his content is thoroughly tested for balance and appropriateness. Unlike many artists, Rasael is patient with constructive feedback and is always ready and willing to set aside projects that don't mesh with the server's play environment, or alter ones that the QC team feels needs it. His artist's touch without the "artist's temperament" that so often goes with it has made him an invaluable member of the team. And he is a true craftsman.
Both of these staff members have made an immeasurable impact on the playability and long-term viability of this server. I could fill a book with all of the projects they've worked on or fixed for us over the years. And in their new roles -- with all of the other unsung heroes on the Development Team -- they will undoubtedly continue to help guide our future. So please take a moment to congratulate them on their very well-deserved promotions.
In the words of Michael Jordan: "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." These two make it happen.
At least in my mind!