Change Your Image
Angel_Of_Purgatory
Firstly, her accomplishments on IMDb are enviable. She's one of the only players I know of that has won every single time she makes the finals in a strategy game. She's made it to the end of 4 games (SIMDB 4, Bettis Africa, my very own Big Brother 1, and Wolf's Big Brother Idol) and has gotten the majority of the jury's vote all 4 times. To say this is impressive is an understatement. Merriska has perfected what I think is the most important part of a strategic game, the art of the social game. She's so likable that it's so hard to vote her out and if she's in the finals, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who could beat her. This may be why she's been the last juror SEVEN times (which I think is a huge compliment, the last juror of a game is usually the one the people in the finals fear most). Also, you can't forget her awards and nominations in our community's own awards show. She's been nominated for Best Idol Player, Nicest, Best UTR Player (twice, winning one of those times!), Best Alliance in a Game (and won!), Best Female Player and Best Mystery Player! Like I said before, Merriska easily should've been inducted much sooner but I think right now, when people are finally starting to see how much of a great player Merriska truly is, is almost fitting.
Merriska is easily one of the smartest people I know. There's not many topics you could talk about that Merriska couldn't contribute to. I’ve had her explain the entire history of Canada and I feel like I learned more that night than I could’ve taking a college course on it. Also, try playing this bitch on Trivia Crack, you'll see it's hard to beat her. Merriska is extremely driven, she’s set goals for her life and I’ve seen her over the past year meet every single one of them. She’s killing it at school, already killing it with all the things you have to do before being a teacher and keeping herself slim and cute all at the same time! She’s also kind, I wish I could tell you all the ways she’s saved me from myself with just her words but it’d take weeks. She’s also self-sufficient, she’s doing everything in her life while still being active in this community and talking to her friends, IRL and online, on the daily, and this is possible because she’s a boss ass bitch who can do it all by herself. Destiny’s Child thinks they’re Independent Women, gurl please, Merriska owns that. She’s also hilarious, she’s made me laugh out loud so many times when chatting. She’s got a quick wit and it’s unfortunate she’s never been nominated for Funniest yet, because that just means everyone else is missing out.
Merriska is one of the best friends I've had on this site and probably in life. She's always been there for me. I've been friends with Merriska for NINE years and we've still never had a huge fight or anything, she's just too likable. That may sound like a dumb statistic but I’ve gotten into fights with ALL of my friends. I’m a fire sign, don’t judge me, ok? This may sound cliché but, Merriska has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life and has always been someone to listen to my BS, a shoulder to cry on or someone to give a pep talk when it’s really needed. She's anything but selfish and will go out of her way to make you feel better when you're having a bad day. There’s been countless times when I’m just having the worst day and talking to Merriska always cheers me up and gets my mind off the negatives. Also, the degree of loyalty Merriska possesses is astounding. If you're her friend, she will defend you and stand by you through it all. I know that no matter what, she’ll be my friend for life and I feel so lucky to have that with her. If anyone ever feels the need to try to attack or say something negative about this extremely amazing individual, you’re gonna have to get through me first because I will always have her back just as she’s always had mine. She’s a special person to me and has always been like a sister to me.
As you can see, Merriska is easily qualified for a spot in the Hall of Fame. She’s a winner, a savvy strategist and a social mastermind. But, she’s not only got what it takes game-wise but she also is a great representative of our community and she makes us look good. She may call you out, but only if you give her a reason to. Other than that, she always rises above the drama while still being 100% real. If all of us were more like Merriska, this world would be a better place and I truly do believe that. She has earned this spot, I don’t want to hear anything different because she is 100% one of the best this community has to offer. So, everyone clap for this angel, she deserves it.
-Games Board Hall of Fame induction speech, 2015