I don't think I can ever really see myself deleting my character or giving all my stuff away.
So I'm not.
The card I used to finance my FFXI subscription expires this month. I have already renewed the card, but I don't think I'll renew the subscription.
I have enjoyed my time on this game, but the "infinite well of entertainment" it used to provide has all but evaporated. Seeing as how I cannot play it on campus anyway, and at the time I'm home I can't get anything accomplished, I have nothing left on FFXI. Everything I must do now takes days or weeks of play time, and I simply don't have that.
It pains me to see the things I am leaving unfinished. I never experienced the thrill of a Sozu drop (go to hell you little ****) or the pleasure of Full AF2. However, I have grown. I now have a meager social life (not much, but something). I am exceeding well in college. My dreams are coming true, and I have made it through the rough parts I have had to face in my life.
It also hurts me to leave my friends. I would have quit the game long ago if I did not have so many good friends on the server, whom I played with from start to finish. However many of those friends have long since left the game. It is now my time to follow them.
So, I'm retiring at least for the time being. I am simply going to not renew my subscription. If SE has a mind-blowing alteration to the game before the 3-month period of my character limbo ends, I'll return. If not, then Shaolinz will fade away as one great and powerful memory.
I have had alot of fun here. I hope all of you guys will stay in touch. Just because I'm leaving the game doesn't mean I'm leaving the forums >_>.
It's been an honor.