Hey Hollies! Before getting into the beef of this post I'm going to say that I don't want this to feel like the year is starting off negatively, because to me it's not! While I know the news contained within this post will be upsetting to some of you, I'm sorry and want you to know that this isn't something that I thought on lightly and it’s been considered by me since mid-2015.

To be short and sweet, Holly Heights is finally coming to a close. The non tl;dr version is this: Holly Heights will end on May 1st, the same day it opened 4 years ago. In my opinion four years is a pretty good run for a game that I didn't think would last a couple months, let alone be one of the longest running DW startup games so far. Not many games that came about right after the DW move are still standing, and I'm proud of that! Not because of my accomplishments, but because of the players who joined and kept it running. It's true that HH has had ups and downs of many kinds, but we've stood strong and we deserve to go out strong.

A question I might be asked is "Why not hand the game over to someone else?" I think it's best to shut the game down when it feels right. There's nothing worse than watching a game struggle to survive and try to keep going even though everyone knows it’s time to let it go, and to me that's what I DON'T want for HH. This is a final decision; please do not create volatile discourse about how this is stupid, how dare you, etc. Let's let HH end on a high note!

As an addendum, this was not a game that I wanted to last forever. While HH has never had a very solid plot, what is there and the plot ideas I do have aren't things that were designed to last for six years, eight years, ten years. Four is a pretty neat number to wrap things up on. Considering my own personal situations, the temperature of RP at the moment, and the general reasons listed above, four years feels like a great place to wrap it up without it just stopping abruptly or drawing it out so long it doesn't even feel like the game is closing.

For a more IC explanation, a few big things will happen throughout the months until it's time for the game to be finally over. A valid criticism would be it feels like the more IC ending things are being a little rushed, and I would be inclined to agree! Inserting plot elements into the game was never my strong suit, but HH was never meant to be a game that was very plot heavy to begin with. It was a simple premise built on a simple idea, so don't expect some plot heavy ending. Just so you're aware!

In terms of characters finding out, an IC announcement will be given, but the date is TBA for now.

Apps will still be running through February. When March starts, app cycles will cease and applications can be submitted at any time. Anyone previously in the game who wants to come back for the ending can reply to a different post, state the characters they want to bring back, and they'll be automatically accepted. The only reason there will be an application process at all is to make sure no riff raff, banned players, and the usual unacceptable applications are still being processed and gone over and handled accordingly. AC will run at the same pace: it will be full AC in February, a check in in in March, and no AC in April.

Remember that the game is officially ending May 1st so plot threads you want to wrap up should be done by that date. If you have long, overarching plots that you wanted to handle that can't be done by May, I'm extremely sorry. I do think, though, that 3 1/2 months give or take is ample time to plan in a game where there's not many high stakes-anythings going on.

I DO, however, want to help people out in terms of any plots they want to get going in time for the game to close in May. February will be the traditional Valentine’s event, just so you know, but March and April are pretty open in terms of effect events and etc. I don’t mind, also, more player-exclusive events a la the LL going out with a bang. Whatever you think you might need to get your development off the ground, we can talk it out and I’ll be more than willing to do that for you. Message me at any time and I'll do all I can for you!

More personally, I love HH a lot. As lackadaisical as I can seem sometimes, HH IS something that I’m proud of and it makes me happy. I’m glad that so many people have enjoyed it off and on for so long, and I hope we can enjoy it the last months it’s around. HH has been what keeps me going sometimes, and I’m thankful to it and the players for making it special to me. You’re incredible and mean a lot to me, both past and present. I appreciate anyone and everyone who was willing to app into my silly little game.

Let’s enjoy the time we have left together, everyone. ❤ We can go out with a bang!

AN ADDITIONAL NOTE Reserves WILL be open tonight still and the app cycle will remain the same for this period. AC will still go up tomorrow! I do apologize to those who had plans for apping to the game who would rather not at this news. Those still interested, though, are welcome to take part in the game still!