A warm reminder of who we are.

May 9, 2026 - 4:32pm — D|A|C|O|T|A

Hello to all the newcomers and maybe even some of the old-timers.

I played this game over 10 years ago and recently logged back in. It makes me really sad to see the game slowly dying, so I decided to recreate a little event that my friends and I used to organize a long time ago. I’m really sorry if my 20 reindeer (copies) caused your game to lag. I just wanted to reminisce about the past and give you a little of the joy and carefree happiness that we once had and that now remains only in our hearts and memories. I dearly love those who are no longer with us or who long ago closed that chapter of their lives with The Endless Forest.
Please, those of you who still play it, don’t forget about it. Don’t be closed off; frolic in the meadows, keep meeting new people, chatting, and making friends. These are difficult times in the world right now. But the internet has always brought us together,I truly believe that. I wish you all the best and send you a warm hug.
I’ve always admired your work here, no matter what your skill level is. You are creators, and I hope you never stop creating! May the muse be with you.

Be the ones who spread kindness. After all, the forest has taught us that.
And here’s an important reminder: if you still have loved ones in your life, please hug them more often.

15Qwe's blog
Login to post comments

May 9, 2026 - 5:31pm — Kitty997

Hey, friend! I think I

Hey, friend! I think I remember you.
Thanks for stopping by.
Years have passed, but we've become more comfortable and nostalgic.
Yes, one game is indeed fading, as many have left and never returned, others have matured, and in others, we've become more isolated.
Everyone is either alone or in their own group.
Unfortunately, not everyone makes new friends here.
You might even be outside. Basically, everyone spends time in their own group, wherever they prefer. Sometimes, some might forget about you and move on to another group, and that's okay.
Or some wait for you to take the initiative and meet someone for the first time.
We are a community—me, you, he, she, and they.
Otherwise, what's the point or interest in the game if you come and lie there alone, and the game is minimized?
In such cases, I can play a solo game alone. Sometimes I have difficulties with the game, but it's temporary. I'm so glad I made new connections and met new people; it's so wonderful.
I've been coming here for years, too, and I'm so glad there are people who want to meet and actively participate in the game.
New faces are appearing, and the biographies are very interesting.
There's almost no communication on the forum; it's practically dead, with maybe two or three people interacting.
I look forward to seeing you, bye! I didn't mean to offend anyone.

The translator does not convey the idea that I write.

—

May 9, 2026 - 5:31pm — tumannayaledi

(No subject)

—

May 9, 2026 - 5:56pm — Saater

The kindness with which you

The kindness with which you wrote these words touched me to tears! The vision of Dakota’s "astral projections" was a true miracle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I joined the game quite recently, less than two years ago, but I can say that it heals my soul. I don’t know what it was like here before, but now I really love the atmosphere of love and mutual understanding that reigns in the Forest. Thank you all for creating it.

And thank you for playing with my deer. It’s a great honor for me.

—

Signature by Fernelescent

May 9, 2026 - 7:09pm — Hoodie

It was so lovely to meet you!

It was so lovely to meet you! I completely agree with the sentiment that we need to be more open to other players of the game. And I agree that cliques are a huge part of why the game is dying. I took a year long break from the game to try and find a community that I truly belonged in, as it's really hard to break into the established friend groups here, and playing the game often left me feeling so much more lonely than before. Now that I have established friendships elsewhere too, I feel more comfortable and less lonely seeing the cliques here.

But I really love seeing more people willing to meet others. Those who are so open to being friendly to new people or those you haven't met. People like you truly make the forest come to life for those who haven't visited before, or for those who just have a hard time fitting in, which is so important for keeping this game alive. Much love to all of you. Dakota's display at the twin gods is absolutely beautiful <3 And Saater and Jeweleye, it was so good to see you both again. <3

—

Signature by Saater

May 9, 2026 - 7:13pm — Saater

Hoodie, you're here! I can't

Hoodie, you're here! I can't believe it! You don't even know how much we've missed you. I'm so glad you've made new friends. And I'm glad you're finally back. <3

—

Signature by Fernelescent

May 9, 2026 - 7:29pm — Starling

(No subject)

May 9, 2026 - 9:06pm — petaldance

This is so sweet!! True that

This is so sweet!! True that it certainly caused some lag haha, but the idea behind this is very heartwarming. Grateful for you to have hosted this little event for people who were able to participate! <3

The game is definitely not as active as it maybe was years and years ago, but there is definitely still a lot of life inside it despite that, and I am willing to bet that the players still around aren't planning on abandoning it anytime soon. True, people aren't very active inside the game most of the time, but take into consideration that a lot of people are exhausted, people have busy lives, people have their own troubles and worries, and sometimes it just does good to open a peaceful comfort game to rest in and have it in the background for comfort, while handling the real world's troubles.

Or, alternatively, a lot of people focus on IC aspect of their characters and focus on roleplay/building stories with their characters. Sometimes people just need an escape from the real world, and this, I have found out, is a wonderful way to do that. This is a 20 years old community so of course there is bound to be friendships that have lasted very, very long, so it's only natural that people do hang out with those they are more familiar with.

Not to mention, the forest is full of characters that are In-Character, as in roleplay sense, and they tend to hang out with other IC characters they have met. They're not an indicative of people's feelings towards you, ever. IC characters act as the character themselves would act, not the player.

Most people here also have social anxiety or are just extremely shy, plain and simple. But if you reach out to people, there is surely going to be an echo back sooner or later; all the people I have connected with over the past year have welcomed me with open arms and we have been able to create wonderful things together. It just takes time and effort, and having the courage to take the first step. <3

No group you see in-game is closed off, people are always welcome to join any pile of characters you see, really! <3 People of this community are genuinely so sweet.

True also that there isn't much communication in the forums nowadays, but frankly it is just generally viewed easier over Discord, as people feel more comfortable using that, and most players do roleplay, so that too is significantly easier over that. Not to mention the forum having its issues now and then...

—

Signature by Atlas

May 9, 2026 - 9:24pm — Saater

I completely agree with you,

I completely agree with you, my beloved friend! In the short time I’ve been in the Forest, I’ve found not only peace, but oceans of love. And that has inspired me to be creative! It’s all thanks to my deer friends!

—

Signature by Fernelescent

May 9, 2026 - 9:57pm — Widmung

Oh my goodness! What a huge

Oh my goodness!

What a huge party this is!

Yes, welcome back to the Forest! I totally agree with your statement. We spread the light with kindness and love to all players who have been a part of our game's history. Seeing huge events, like this one, brings awareness to this community of who we are as our Forest Friends and Family.
I, too, have helped and supported players by giving Forest Magic sets. Every Halloween and Christmas, I bring candles as a gift for all players. That is my tradition of spreading kindness to everyone around the world. I have been playing this game for 16 years. Looking back, we had such a wonderful time. Beginning in 2010, I started with my first deer, Jeweleye. I think that you met him in his sunlit mushroom circle, doing the ritual sun dance!

Since 2017, my deer character, Widmung, has always been helping new players who enter this tranquil forest. We want them to feel welcome to this game. Over the past years, I photographed fine-art screenshots of huge events and family gatherings. Those photographs tell a story of who we are and how big this community has grown. We all have a mission in life, and we fulfil our obligations in the real world. It is not only that we are away from the game, but the immersive forest is forever cherished in our memories.

I believe that we, as a community, can continue to share our stories through our creativity in art and literature. We should bring awareness to everyone, here in this Forest. We bring peace, tranquility, and happiness to all deer-kind. Let us share the light with this world!

It depends on how long this game lasts. Let's hope that the developers (M&A) can fix the issues on the newer version of this game. We will see what happens next.

Thank you for sharing this historic event to everyone! I hope to see you soon in the Forest!

Candlelight Nocturne No. 2

—

Signature by Rinniekins

May 9, 2026 - 10:02pm — oxyinco

Oh this is so nice, I'm

Oh this is so nice, I'm really sad I missed it, but I was outside. I hope you will coordinate another dance sometime! It would be an honor to join in! I'm also new here, like Saater, but the community's been so welcoming. And now the forest brings me such solace, whether I'm playing or just sleeping in there. <3

—

Signature by Hoodie

May 9, 2026 - 10:10pm — Widmung

Yes, Eris! I'll coordinate

Yes, Eris! I'll coordinate another deer dance in the future! You're more than welcome to join in anytime!

—

Signature by Rinniekins

May 9, 2026 - 10:24pm — Fernelescent

Agreeing with Petaldance

Agreeing with Petaldance here. Even if the game looks "dead" / "Silent", there is still activity going on as in roleplaying and such ^^

—

Arts made by Atlas, Rinniekins, Saater.

May 9, 2026 - 10:49pm — Hoodie

I don't think sentiments of

I don't think sentiments of feeling lonely were any jab at you Ferne or Rin, you two are staples of the TEF community, here and on the TEF discord. Ferne and Rin, and the others active here on the forums, are all so open and very very very welcoming to all, new and old.

But I also understand how being surrounded by very established characters and friend groups can be lonely. It feels like everyone already has their characters established with others. And when your own characters don't have any established friends, it can kinda seem like others aren't interested in making friends. At least meaningful ones, as all of those roles are filled. Even with new characters made, the close friendships and cliques are immediately filling the important roles with other ocs. At least I feel this way on the discord / RP side of things. People are more receptive to those who have better art, popular characters, a presense, etc. This is just human nature and real life unfortunately. I'm not blaming anyone for that. I can personally say an 'echo back' does not always happen. It's why I had to leave the TEF discord server. I lost count of ignored messages. Aside the point, before the game was flooded with RP characters, the game was solely a place of silent connection. It wasn't based on if your OC would like the other deer or not. And I say this as someone who enjoys making OC's too. So it's no dig at the RP community for being IC. It comes from an understanding of both sides completely. Missing the nostalgia of the well populated forest where there was always deer willing to play.

Genuinely, I hope my comment didn't offend either of you, it wasn't towards either of you. It was more towards the TEF community as a whole. Being in other communities, even ones as toxic as Path of Titans-- it just isn't that way. There are enough new people to allow new close friendships to form. I know this game is different, but even then, it can be a very isolative community without meaning to be. I just wanted to share the sentiment to Kitty, that this game has made me feel lonely as well, and that I'm very comforted in her words, and the fact that I'm not the only one who has felt a bit lonely in this community. <3 I feel being open and honest about that can help us lonely people find stronger connections as well, maybe allowing us to find our own close friendships. Sorry for the long text. I just wanted to validate the feelings of not fitting in and share my own perspective!

Much love to all of you here in the community. <3 I'm so happy to be back!

—

Signature by Saater

May 9, 2026 - 11:01pm — Fernelescent

I can totally see and hear

I can totally see and hear your point Hoodie, and of course it is totally okay to share you own view of point and share your feelings.

I had those same feelings a long time in here, even made a lot of characters to "fit in" or trying to find roleplaying partners, but it usually burned my energy down and faded my motivation towards my own OCs for sure. It is true that it's hard to reach out or make those connections and it is true that those who has known each other in TEF for years are usually relaxing with each other, but I'm sure there are a lot of RP players who are ready to create new plots and connections if there are players who voice their minds out and want that for sure. I, for example, am ready to make new connections to my characters, those deep ones and also more plots and ideas to every character who wanna join.

I'm just personally quite awkward when reaching out for people and my social skills are quite uhhh not that great xD but I still try my best and reach out to people I feel like I want to connect my characters with, maybe with together there could be plots and ties to works with.

It does take time for those characters to connect together as any character is different individual and they act and think differently, some are more anti-social: which will make the connections taking a long time to happen and some are more social: which will help to make those connections faster.

The discord server is especially made for those roleplayers who are seeking for connections and plots for their characters. You can there ask if anyone wanna create plots or if someone want to just chill and relax. The keyword is just to ask around and see what will happen. Also, it is good to remember that the real life can and will be busy, which usually means that those plots and roleplaying will be pausing for a while, or happening in DMs (in discord or whatever platform players use for RP).

I agree that in past years, the community/the game has slowed down a lot and become more quieter, but it doesn't mean that there is no activity behind the scenes, just need to ask and voice own mind out loud to be heard and seen if someone wants any RP partners or just chilling around ^^

I'm always open and free to make new connections to my characters or just chilling, I just can't know if anyone needs company if there is no asking for it. Please, do not hesitate to ask for companion if feeling lonely or needing something to connect with others <3 I'm pretty sure there are always someone ready to help out and keep companion any time ´v`

—

Arts made by Atlas, Rinniekins, Saater.

May 9, 2026 - 11:06pm — karame

I'm terribly sad I missed

I'm terribly sad I missed this!! I left home just as you gathered around the Gods.
Widmung, I'd also love to attend if you organized a dance party like this at some point. I hope I won't be away from my computer during it!

Dakota, your pictogram is so familiar to me. I used to be more active in-game under the name "Vanilliana" between 2016-18. It feels like we used to be deer friends from back then. I'm not sure, but whatever the case, when I saw you pop up in-forest when I was still at home, it stirred something in me. Sadly my memory is garbage, I remember no specifics, but it was a good feeling. I really appreciate that! I hope to catch you in-forest sometime with one of my deer. <3

May 9, 2026 - 11:54pm — petaldance

I truly understand that, I

I truly understand that, I do. Also yes, totally okay to share your point of views, always! <3 But yeah, unfortunately the only way to get those established connections for characters is just to reach out, really. Especially when you don't know anyone; literally every single person I've personally reached out for has been like super thankful that I did, because they were too shy or anxious to, clinging to those familiar presences, which is of course very natural!

Characters' relationship building takes a lot of time and effort, genuinely usually none of the character relationships you see in the Forest are just suddenly decided on a whim. Everyone has started from 0 and everyone's any new characters usually also has 0 connections in the beginning, unless if the case is like... them being born to some other characters or being siblings of some other, or something else along those lines.

In my case nearly all of mine have started from not knowing anybody, and the only way I have gained connections for them has been just to reach out and interact with people. The connections get more meaningful and established the more effort is put into them, from both sides of course. I personally don't think it has anything to do with who has better art or popular characters whatsoever, I was practically a "nobody" when I started haha. For me acknowledging that almost everyone is shy or anxious at first has helped a lot.

That being said, personally my characters are always available for anyone, for any new connections, interactions and plots, even those who may seem intimidating or unapproachable! And I know for a fact that many other players' characters are always available too.

I don't really know what to say to that the echo back hasn't happened, because everyone I know and... I know quite many at this point and they would definitely reply sooner or later, assuming they're not busy or otherwise doing unwell. Alas, many really are very busy with real life and most roleplays genuinely expand for days or weeks and sometimes even months.

I definitely understand the nostalgia aspect also, it has definitely changed a lot from that. Also no, I didn't get offended! I didn't take it personally whatsoever, just generally saying my part in this since I think it's very important to me! <3

—

Signature by Atlas