Maartje Barten.

[Drew Hopkins]

This morning I received the unfortunate news that the player behind our former Assistant Manager, Maartje Barten, had passed way. Those of you who knew her no doubt recall how integral and vital she was to the game, how much time and energy she devoted, and how passionate she was about it.

On many occasions, she was the only thing keeping the game (and my sanity) intact. She was not only one of the hardest working, most creative women I've ever known, but during her time with TNC she was one of my closest friends.

Most players do not know the full extent to what Maartje did for the game, how much of the world was designed by her, how many features and ideas came directly from her. She always tried to make the best possible decisions for everyone concerned and if they ever produced unhappy players, she always came to me to see what could be done.

I honestly cannot truly express how much I owe to her, both in regards to TNC and on a personal level. I am not in direct contact with her husband, but if any of you wish to write a message to him about her, you can post it here and I will attempt to relay the link to him.


Drew Hopkins
TNC, Owner

[Franky Corleone]

I was a bit suprised when I saw no one else posted about Maartje but I understand that the majority of the players from her period are no longer here.

Maartje is probably the sole reason I still pop into this game when I do, when she was keeping Drew from pulling his hair out, she was probably keep me from doing whatever I may have been doing to cause Drew to pull his hair out.

She is the ONLY guide, the only guide who before taking ANY action she got both sides of the story and tried to make everything good for everyone involved, she cared about the players of this game more than they know.

She was a work aholic for this game, because of how much she cared about the players and she was always trying to keep the RP going.

She is one of the only guides that inquired about my personal life and many times I have went to her about problems I've had and even then she tried to push me to better myself and always make the right decision, while still understanding people are different.

I've missed Maartje ever since she split ways with the game and I will continue to miss her. To the players who never got the chance to be blessed by her kind words(she NEVER had anything rude to say) you truely missed out on a oppurtunity to get to know a great teacher, guide and woman.

I am proud to say that we were friends and always will be.

I miss you Maartje!
-Franky

[Kaashif Hayes]

First and foremost, rest in peace, Maartje Barten. I had the privilege to speak with Maartje out of the game and off the the record and I have to say she is honestly a complete different person from the person I knew managing the game. In the game, she was strict... on point... by the book she managed.

When I messed up, she was there to regulate. Although her punishment came off harsh in my perspective, I knew she would have done the same. That is what you could expect as a player. Although trouble always managed to find me and looking in retrospect, nothing was more valuable than to being able to speak with someone as creative and thoughtful as Maartje Barten. Lost to us, but never forgotten. RIP.

My best of wishes go out to her husband. I'm sure if anyone knew how much of a great person she was, it'd be him.

[UberKaleb]

I remember Maartje. Its been beyond years since the last time we talked but I for one enjoyed her many character in TNC. She was an intelligent, fun, fair, and a very dedicated guide to TNC for a long time. We worked together as well as against each other with characters. She had an array of characters each with their very distinct and unique RP that she played.We talked many nights and she was a great smart woman. Man.This is almost unreal that such a great nice person could actually pass away 'IN THE REAL WORLD'. I as most of you know am banned and will most likely never return to TNC as I once played the character Lucas West and always had trouble with immature humor but besides that point I'm sure her absence in this world will be just as influencing as her absence was in TNC when she left. Which was a very big impact let me just say. If her husband has a chance to read this, I am sorry for your loss. She will not be forgotten.

-Adam Jankowski AKA Lucas West.

If anyone would like to know what I've been up to.
I'm in the army now. Heres a web album that can
show you what I've been up to.

http://picasaweb.google.com/UberKaleb

[Ronin Giovanni]

Wow, I am just in utter shock and don't really know what to say.

As most of you probably know, I was a guide on TNC for quite some time. I was let go for reasons I don't wish to get into, nor do I want anyone else who knows about it to say anything, let's just let it go and forget. What's done is done and can't be taken back.

Maartje and I had an up and down friendship. There were times where we really got along, and other times her and I couldn't stay in the same room together. For the good times we had, I will always remember her warm heart and dedication to the game. She always had a kind word to say to me when I was down, and she always seemed to know something was wrong, even when I didn't say anything. She was always polite, no matter how bad I or someone else treated her, and she never got so mad at anyone that she couldn't forgive them after a while.

I will miss her until such time as I see her again in Heaven.

God bless Maartje, you're finally home and you can rest forever.

Ronin

[Lev Aris]

Been several years since but I only found out this last week and would like to add something in memory of Maar.

She was a great inspiration to myself and many others, we talked almost every day, she had a great mind, awesome sense of humour and a warm heart; She'd pick you up when you was down. Had an opportunity to meet her, but let things get in the way, too late now.

Each and every person you meet and/or interact with alters your life, even slightly, it changes who you are and how you see the world, Maar was always one of those positive influences and great friend.

I'll drink to her memory tonight; celebrate her life and miss her greatly.

Lev