JacksonGilgamesh

Seems appropriate... the last thing I (Gilgamesh) wrote for CoH back in 2006:

"I have often marveled at the singular vision that Paragon City represents. Over 70 years ago, one man saw the incredible potential at the heart of a city awash with political and social injustice. Selflessly, this first super-powered hero vowed to set things right—no matter the hardship or sacrifice. That hero, of course, was Marcus Cole. Statesman. His arrival and the subsequent rise of the super-powered hero was a turning point not only for Paragon City, but for the entire world.

How different the world would be without Statesman and these early heroes. What of history down a hero-less path? It’s not a pleasant image. Paragon City would in all likelihood be a backwater port city, rife with corruption and oppression. The world would be that much darker. The desperate cries of the suffering, the weak, the fearful, would be that much louder.

As disturbing as this scenario is, it’s not that far-fetched. Evil is a force very much alive and striving for emergence. If the enemies of Paragon City had their way, such a world might well be the result.

In my time as a journalist covering Paragon City, I have been privileged to witness history in the making time and time again. From those dark days of the Rikti War to the present, I have reported on a multitude of events, both mundane and extraordinary—with the extraordinary far surpassing the mundane. I have met many heroes and have always been inspired and amazed by their dedication and courage. They have stood firm in the face of lawlessness and the ever-present threat of otherworldly terrors. Whether as members of a Super Group, or as solo performers, they have all exemplified the ideals and virtues of history’s greatest heroes. Recent events, however, have served as a sobering reminder: there is the tendency to forget that behind the flashy costume and amazing powers beats an all too human heart....

Paragon City is once again at a crossroads. The threats against the city have grown exponentially from within and without. That we are the rallying flag for the world’s heroes goes without question—but increasingly, we have also become the same for those bent on death and destruction. It is evident that the heroic mission has grown in complexity, as has the nature of our enemies. And yet our city’s heroic legacy remains very much alive—that of unswerving dedication to justice and an absolute belief in good over evil."

-Jackson Turner, September 24, 2005

That was lovely. Man, what memories! Cuppa, Awry, Aura, Arctic Sun, Cricket... what a great team to work with. And what a great community we served! Seems like only yesterday that we celebrated launch night. I'll always cherish my time working on CoH. --Gilgamesh

Hey Tex! Good to hear from you. Yeah I still remember that Meet & Greet. Good times! CoH's community was/is the best! Hope you are doing well!

It's been a while... Gilgamesh here... remember me? And Jackson Turner? Sad times now but remember those glory days? It was fun and I cherish the community that grew all around us. Take care (all of you guys) and be well.

Long Live Paragon City! Long Live City of Heroes! CoH will always have an honored place in gaming history and we were all a proud part of it. CuppaJo, Aura, Arctic Sun, Cricket... and all those who followed us, job well done!

You know it's been some years since I visited the forums. I got nostalgic and did some searches regarding all my old posts--mostly about the Paragon Times articles. Man, were you guys brutal with the criticisms! Still, I loved writing them and hearing from you guys. Good times! Fond memories. My son was 4 years old when CoH launched. He's now 11 and a big fan of the game. Where does the time go? Even though I've moved on from NCsoft and CoH, it always felt good knowing the game was still going strong and superheroes were still protecting Paragon City. The world is going to be a wee bit dimmer when the the last lights are turned off in Paragon City.....

Gilgamesh and Jackson Turner signing off!

I used to go by the forum name Gilgamesh. I was one of the original CoH devs at NCsoft (2004 - 2006). I'm the guy that wrote most of the old Paragon Times articles (as Jackson Turner). It's a sad day but I wanted to thank all the fans from the early beta days to now for loving this game. All the CoH teams, past and present, worked very hard to bring you the best MMO possible. We loved working on CoH as much as you loved playing it. Personally, I wanted to thank all of you for being true superheroes! I was honored to be among all of you. Take care. Be well. --Will Hiles