Madam Pearlsack Holder, Mr. Shell holder, members of the linkshell, honored guests, citizens of Vana'diel:

As the guy who writes the front-page updates, it is my honor and duty to report to you the state of the linkshell. Through the hard work of the members and the diligent effort of the leaders, we are in an unprecedented period of peace and growth in the linkshell. People are receiving Relic Armor for their fourth and fifth level 75 jobs; many have upgraded several pieces of Artifact Armor plus one.

Ladies, gentlemen, and various monsters, the state of the BlueGartr is stronger than ever.

This is not to say that we are without challenges. The recent economic stagnation that has gripped Vana'diel has affected us all; from the level 1 Red Mage trying to buy a bronze harness all the way to the people with 5 level 75 jobs seeking to HQ cursed gear. The forces of RMT still run rampant, ruining markets that hard working Vana'dielians relied upon for years to make a living. Botting is still a scourge at nearly every NM camp depriving people of the fruits of their hard work.

But still, there are encouraging signs. The Special Task Force, while missing the crafting bots, has dealt many serious blows to the forces of RMT leaving them no recourse but to fish bot in Batallia Downs. The last update broke many of the bots leaving a respite for the honest linkshells. The Salvage gear released in the last update rivals if not exceeded gear from the Rise of the Zilart Expansion.

It is an exciting time to be in Vana'diel. The closing of the Treasure of Aht Urhgan means the opening of a new end-game zone. New missions and quests are added in every update.

In the past year we have opened a new web site that was a victim of its own success, unable to handle the volume of traffic that it attracted. With the help of our members and many guests, we have purchased a new server simultaneously accommodating more users in the forums and also allowing us to add in new features like user blogs.

It is said that those who forget history are condemned to repeat it, which is why we cannot forget past content such as Nidhogg and the Shijin in sky.

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But in remembering the past, we must also keep ourselves grounded in the present. That is why we must always face new content such as Cerberus and Khimaira with equal fervor.

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As always we must stand vigilant against the constant threat that they greater Wyrms like Ouryu and Bahamut pose to our way of life, for only through vigilance can we protect ourselves from their menace.

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We will continue our exploration the shadowlands of Dynamis to halt the ever-expanding forces of darkness. We must fight the Vanguard there so we do not have to fight them over here.

Limbus is a land of promise and wonder. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to continue our excursions there.

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The sweat and toil of our members is often times paid out in the form of gear. Let us take a moment to congratulate those who were significantly rewarded in January.

Congratulations to Barada for Seveneyes.

Congratulations to Curtis for Scout's Beret, Valor Leggings, and Homam Cosciales.

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Congratulations to Gizmosan for Crimson Finger Gauntlets, Duelist's Gloves, Seiryu's Kote, and Koga Kyahan.

Congratulations to Gorion for Melee Gloves, Melee Gaiters, and Bahamut's Mask.

Congratulations to Nickolias for Hecatomb Harness, Koenig Handschuhs, Adaman Celata, Seiryu's Kote, and Nashira Gages.

Congratulations to Nikki for Ace's Helm.

Congratulations to Rocl for Sorcerer's Sabots.

Congratulations to Popeh for Sorcerer's Tonban and Genbu's Kabuto.

Congratulations to Sendoh for Bahamut Staff.

Congratulations to Shiznicle for Assassin's Armlets and Homam Zucchetto.

Congratulations to Slone for Algol and Homam Manopolas.

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Congratulations to Sonomaa for Suzaku's Sun-ate and Koenig Schaller.

Congratulations to Tengaar for Homam Manopolas and Homam Cosciales completing full Homam armor.

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Congratulations to Tonkounakaki for Nashira Turban and Homam Manopolas.

Congratulations to Tsukasaz for Dragon Staff.

And of course one person comes out on top of the rest every month, one person who receives the cr�me de la cr�me of the loot. It is my honor and privilege to name January's Loot Whore of the Month.

XAVIER! Congratulations on Aegis. When you get a relic, you don't need anything else to be the LWotM.

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Check here for Aegis hotness.

We must not allow complacency from preventing us from building a better BlueGarter and a better Vana'diel. Our continuing efforts are required to move us forward to a brighter tomorrow. Together the garden that we have tended will bear fruit tomorrow, and for years to come.

Thank you, and my Altana continue to bless Vana'diel.