Since Val Skyg’s last promotion in 2020, they have participated in 42 competitions, completing 78 gaming activities and 2 fiction activities. During this time, they also completed 1 course in the Shadow Academy and earned 1 Grand Cross, 1 Steel Cross, 1 Anteian Cross, 2 Crescents with Ruby Star, 2 with Amethyst Star, 4 with Sapphire Star, 1 with Emerald Star, and 1 with Topaz Star, along with 1103 Clusters of Fire and 2 Clusters of Ice.

While I didn’t have the chance to know or work with Val Skyg, I look back at their activity and see someone who contributed significantly to Vizsla and its coffers—an admirable endeavor in and of itself. Thank you for what you did for Clan Vizsla, and congratulations on your promotion.

Eminent Ikarri Itinen, 2024-05-21 20:30:17 UTC

Man, didn't I just write a recc for this guy?

Thran is a staple of this community. Whether it's as a leader in the regular command structure, or leader in the work for the community as my Praetor, there is one thing that cannot be denied: the man is one of the hardest working people for this club I have ever met. Over the last nearly three years of my Praetor he has been my rock, and although we have our disagreements, there is no denying his dedication to our little internet community and the fact the guy practically pees excellence in all of his work. I can attest to that, and so can numerous projects that have been completed from the Regent Staff since he has joined us.

Thran Palpatine is a machine, and I'd like to see anyone try to deny that. Even with the countless hours of work he puts in on my staff, often ripping out his little <insert color> hair, he still finds time to be a real leader in the community in more ways than one. He's an avid gamer, hilarious writer, strong and dependable leader, and all around amazing guy to have in your corner. I wouldn't want anyone else as my right hand, my main squeeze, my "just do it" punching bag, taking all the abuse that I throw at him. There is much of it.

Although it's the recent XP changes that have put him over the new threshold for Elder 2 (167000 XP, let that number sink in a bit), there is no denying that he has earned this promotion through his hard work and dedication. Plus, he's funny.

Congratulations Thran. You more than deserve this, and I am so happy that I get to write this recommendation for you.

Zxyl Bes'uliik
Grateful Friend
Regent of the Brotherhood

General Zxyl Bes'uliik, 2024-05-21 18:26:26 UTC

I started on the Regents staff 2 years ago but have known the Thrandalorian since nearly day one that I joined this club. He is now what he was then. A dedicated and hard-working member of this club that will go above and beyond. Anubis outlined his work as Praetor, but I will as well from a different perspective. Particularly in his onboarding of new staff members and teaching us the ropes. Clear and concise instructions on how the various systems work made, at least for me, a quicker onboarding of new members.

Working on Regent staff is a challenging thing. The standards are exacting, and balancing new items' costs is an exhausting feat at times. Thran can run this balance like walking on a tightrope juggling knives. His work on staff is second only to Anubis which is saying something. Nothing on staff it seems happens without Thran’s guidance in some fashion. And as many know Anubis is sometimes without the interwebs on his journey across the wilds during work. Thran runs the office in his absence in such a manner that most members don’t even realize Anubis is out for a few days. Work continues to get done, the member's questions and emails are answered, and the beatings continue.

Congrats Thran!! Here is a Random Number 74563

Korvyn, 2024-05-20 13:50:30 UTC

"Oh no. OH NO! It's to soon. This shouldn't be happening," Kamjin rustled through the papers on his desk in a panic. "I just made Master. I can't have Thran welding the same power as me. He'll," Kamjin choked as his swallowed. "I must put a stop to this. I must survive!"

Kamjin did not, in fact, put a stop to anything - Morgan Freeman voice.

Well, well well, here we are again my (new) old friend. Like a machine, which I assume you are at this point, you've done all the things in such a glorious way. From spreadsheets, to role plays, to clan events you've covered all the bases (I assume space baseball is a thing. If not it should be).

I shall now have to apply more efforts (probably in something other than cards) to keep you from stabbing me in the back!

Master Kamjin "Maverick" Lap'lamiz, 2024-05-20 15:04:43 UTC

Thran, the man, the legend, the one and only. We wouldn't be the same without you. You're a pillar of strength for our community both in CSP and in the Regent staff. I know for a fact how hard you work for both. You are an amazing writer, a passionate leader, and an all around exemplary member.

You had your hands in organizing May 4th last year, got us through a Probowl, a GJW, and a clan Sithmas, worked on various projects with our clan members, helped me become a better leader, helped the QUAs become better leaders, and most recently created our clan's fictional piece in Chapter 2. Your activity is staggering and a few things are worth highlighting. An Emerald Dagger, a Ruby Scepter, 3 Sapphire Blades, 2 Grand Crosses, 322 Clusters of Ice, 142 Clusters of Granite, 1359 Clusters of Fire, 2480 Clusters of Earth, a Gold Nova, 2 Bronze Novae, 3 Seals of Loyalty. You've also ranked up 21 times in our societies, organized 106 competitions, participated in 352 competitions, written 92827 words of fiction and another 55k in RP, and earned over 2.5 million credits for CSP. There's so much more you have contributed I can't even list it all and you've proven how an Elder should act.

The spotlight is on you and it's time to shine. You've earned this promotion into the next stages of Elder. Congratulations, Thran!! It's your turn in the fire!

Empress Rayne Palpatine, 2024-05-20 16:32:31 UTC

Dedication is the word I would use to sum Thran up. Since I joined the DJB, I have always seen and looked up to Thran as a leader. He’s been one of an unwavering constant for me in this band of nerds. He’s always been present. Even when real life took his precious First Friday, he has still managed to find the time and energy to make this clan (and the never-ending slew of labor that Anubis demands from him) a better place for veteran and new members. The work that Rayne cited stands as testament of this. Beyond his dedication, he’s been a real leader in our clan and a good role model for this entire club (I’m not biased, you’re biased). I am proud to have served under his leadership and even more so to be able to recognize him for it. XP update aside, you have more than earned this! Congrats, Thran!

empties a keg of booze on the Emperor

Imperial Kah’ri Marru, 2024-05-20 22:46:43 UTC

Thran Occasus-Palpatine. What can I say about him that could convey the weight of all he's done for not just Clan Scholae Palatinae, but the DB as a whole?

He's focused, resilient, driven. He leads his clan not by walking ahead, but by coming up behind them. His heart for the community and desire to serve them go hand-in-hand with his dauntless pursuit of the higher mark. He has taught me how to be a better lead both in the small logistical happenings of the club and as a person in general, and those are lessons that I won't soon forget.

Thran, where others make ripples, you make waves, and I'm honored to serve along side you and to learn from your examples. Here's to the Usurper, who sits upon the throne once again! Congratulations! We'll try not to burn you too bad...

Ellac Conrat, 2024-05-21 18:00:31 UTC

Removing Krath because it was from before I came back

Battlelord Katrila, 2024-05-21 17:37:24 UTC

Aiden, Eleceos, Rhylance, Ben... A man of many names but the face behind it not only has gorgeous hair, but remains an unstoppable force within Arcona. Aiden was promoted to Elder 1 a good bit over 2 years ago now and he hasn't let that time go wasted. I'll start with the stats as I often do:

He has organised 34 competitions, co-organising 8 more. He has participated in 1014 competitions, 143 containers and in doing earned 14 Seals of Ascension, 13 Seals of Transcendence, 2 Gold Novae, 1 Silver Nova, 3 Bronze Novae and 646 Crescents. 130 Diamond (heh, my bad), 165 Ruby, 167 Amethyst, 122 Sapphire, 35 Emerald, 19 Topaz and 8 of Quartz. He's also been awarded in this time: 1 Anteian Cross, 2 Steel Crosses, 1 Grand Cross, 1 Sapphire Blade, 1 Amethyst Kukri, 1 Ruby Scepter and 1 Emerald Dagger. Honestly this alone, is a feat in of itself. He's a dark cross of a full award sweep of everything usually reasonably attainable to people over the course of several years, not merely two. However we will continue. Clears throat...

Across 50 gaming activities Aiden has gathered 52 Clusters of Fire and 354 Clusters of Earth. He has been granted 1 Seal of Loyalty as well as 27 Scrolls of Foundation for 115 courses graded and a Dark Side scroll. In his efforts to improve his art skills over the last year or so, he has not only come MILES in his skill, truly dedicating himself to practise makes perfect, and has earned 239 Clusters of Graphite. Not that he's let his writing slow down any either, earning 114 Clusters of Ice across 48 fiction activities. This includes 9 regular fiction activites and dm-ing 5 roleplays, as well as participating in 33 more rps. Aiden also passed 8 courses and earned 2 more degrees because why not. Through all of this, he's earned 25 Society rank ups, 2 of the shroud, 8 in ACC participant, 11 in Envoy Corps Participant, and the final 4 in Envoy corps Dm-ing.

All of this, while partaking in many positions and going through the trials of life simultaneously. During this time Aiden spent 2 months as Consul to Arcona, just over a year as Magistrate to the Headmaster, only stepping down this April, a Magistrate to the FIST for over a year and still going strong and as of the 13th of April this year, taking up the mantle as Magistrate to the Headmaster. He's impossible to stop moving and kark, I wouldn't want it any other way. He's a constant present in the clan channels and beyond, encouraging others on their art and engaging with his peers for stories both of real life and in character. He encourages the story telling of the club while simultaneously doing the same for the community. And the community is the most important part of that. The Dark Brotherhood is a writing club, that's what you sign up for, but what makes people stick around is the friends you make. It's the community bolstered by people exactly like Aiden, who step up when asked or when not, to help those in need and to be a reliable kind presence even in the quietest rooms.

Enjoy the skill points Aiden, and enjoy the rank. I'm proud to be the one pressing this button for you.

Envoy Zuza Lottson, 2024-05-21 16:34:08 UTC

Aiden, Rhylance, Eleceos, no matter what name you know him by the man has been nothing short of unstoppable working behind the scenes in his various roles. As for his contributions to the Fist staff since his last promotion I scarcely know where to begin. He’s an absolute beast at keeping the queue running smoothly. I sleep easy at night knowing that Aiden’s experience, thoroughness and consistency will keep those clusters flowing to the gamers who earn them. Our standard is processing all gaming submissions within 24 hours, thanks in large to part to Aiden’s hard work I don’t think we’ve slipped on that standard in the past year he’s been on staff. Just to put things in perspective, he has, since rejoining the Fist staff last year personally processed 1037 gaming submissions in a timely and detailed manner directly supporting 144 members. This number accounts for 46% of all gaming clusters processed during that time. That’s extra impressive considering the Fist staff couldn’t touch the queue during the month or so the GJW was going on.

Building on what I detailed in a Ruby Scepter He's been involved in and provided critical input to the development of 6 new platform proposals, major policy changes for Casual Queue and Diablo 3, and the overhaul of the GMRG society rewards and progression. His experience and thoughtful analysis as a Fist staffer and member of the gaming community are invaluable to the office as we continue to make changes to improve one of our club’s activity pillar.

By any standard Aiden has walked the walked of an Elder and led the way in making contributions to the club. On behalf of the Fist Staff and the gaming community, thank you for everything you do. Arise a Master.

Champion Rajhin Cindertail, 2024-05-20 15:02:46 UTC

While Aiden joined the Herald’s staff only a few weeks ago, he’s been on my radar since before I, myself, was appointed Herald. I’ve watched him grow from a budding talent into an accomplished and effective artist and he’s still constantly willing to try new stuff and grow. He walked into the Herald’s office with a singular plan: to supply his fellow members with quality art. It’s my honor to confirm that he’s taken to it with infectious gusto. Already, he’s teamed up with fellow staffers to deliver custom art and supplemented our ongoing projects with smart suggestions of his own. Not only that, he shouldered the additional work with an eagerness that I not only appreciate but admire.

It is with great pleasure that I join my fellow leaders to recommend you for a promotion to the rank of Elder 2. You have been a constant fixture in our club and I’ve come to know you for a hard working and generous individual. I cannot overstate your value as a member.

You truly deserve this.

Well done, my friend.

Malfearak Asvraal, 2024-05-20 21:02:00 UTC

I've had a bit of bad luck with magistrates, which made Aiden all the more valuable as the rock solid one. His primary duty was the write courses and he delivered like no other member of my staff has. Personal Starships, Personal Speeders, and Lightsabers, three nails in the coffin of the dreaded starship exams, exist today primarily due to his efforts. There are two more drafts waiting in the wings for a time when I can next get through a month without some sort of hospital visit for somebody, bringing the total to five and making him one of the most prolific contributors to the modern course catalogue.

One part of my revision plan is to spotlight DB artwork in the course notes, either work by members or at least work of their characters that they've commissioned. Again, Aiden was the solid foundation for that plan, contributing his own artwork to the notes for Personal Starships and the upcoming Droids course, which he also wrote.

Finally, he became one of the most dependable graders, particularly during the final months of his term after we lost Nora, another heavyweight in this area. In total, Aiden marked 115 exams, making him the most prolific M:HM when it comes to grading.

As I noted, Ben's work is still making it through the pipeline and this won't be the last time I write it up, but I'm more than happy to see him rise to the rank of EL2.

Alethia Archenksova
Headmistress

Headmistress Alethia Archenksova, 2024-05-21 16:24:06 UTC

Titius has only been a member of Plagueis for a short period of time, but in the roughly two months since he joined our clan he has truly made himself feel at home and become indispensable to our summit. When some guy with a hat decided to leave the position of Quaestor of House Tyranus vacant, Titius was eager to jump at the chance to take his first steps into leadership within this club. And while nothing has blown up just yet (thankfully), he has gone a step further and taken up his first staff position in the club (but I’ll let Arch talk about that more later). While I only knew Titus as the fellow Canuck with a habit of blowing things up before he joined the clan, it was clear that he was passionate about this little corner of nerdom we call the DB, and the numbers will back me up on this. So, let’s do the normal rec thing and look at all those numbers, that long, long list of numbers.

Since his last promotion a mere 7 months ago, Titius has been tearing through absolutely every corner of the club looking for more things to do. This has led to him participating in a whopping 194 comps, not including containers, and earning a boat load of shinnies including 2 Crescent with Ruby Star, 8 with Amethyst Star, 5 with Sapphire Star, 8 with Emerald Star, 4 with Topaz Star and 1 with Quartz Star. On top of this we saw 11,357 words written between 2 ACC battles, 7 roleplaying activities and 13 fiction activities which combined for a well deserved 24 Clusters of Ice. One thing I learned about Titius is that he loves to game, I’ve seen him active in the gaming chat, chatting with members of Plagueis and giving them advice on games they can play in the club, but where it’s truly evident is in the 304 Clusters of Fire and 551 Clusters of Earth he has amassed over 87 gaming activities. On top of all of this, Titius has earned an additional 12 Clusters of Graphite, passed 4 Shadow Academy courses, earned 2 more degrees and has received 4 Scrolls of Foundation for reporting issues with the SA (all from before he even joined the staff!). All of these efforts have seen Titius rank up in every society (and twice in the GMRG) as well as both the ACC participant and 4 times in the Envoy Corps participant supplementary societies.

(Bear with me, I promise we are almost there!)

To say that Titius has been a welcome addition to the Plag summit is an understatement. Slags already talked about this in Titius’ Amethyst Kukri (oh yeah, he got one of those too! Who’s idea was it to give him something pointy?!) award just hours ago, but now it’s my turn. Titius has been eager and willing to learn, jumping straight into learning about our processes and expectations and getting to know the members of not only his house but the whole clan. When something is asked of him, Titius is all over it like it’s a grenade about to go off, making sure everything is taken care of properly and in a timely manner that puts the members of House Tyranus ahead of himself and making sure promotion and award recommendations are written and submitted as quickly as he can type them out. Hell, his first report was barely a week into being in the position and he knocked that out of the park! All-in-all, I can say with utter confidence that this well deserved and explosive promotion to Equite 3. Congratulations!!!

TuQ’uan Varick di Plagia, 2024-05-21 16:28:21 UTC

Our dearly departed coffee fueled maniac Titius has been a force to be reckoned with since he showed up on our doorstep. Though he is no longer with Clan Scholae Palatinae, he did get his start with us. The fever pitch with which he attacks activities is beyond measure. All the numbers presented by in the recommendations of the leaders of Clan Plagueis corroborate that.

That constant flow of activity is missed by CSP, but we also celebrate the achievements of member who venture on beyond our Clan. Titius went to Plagueis to better himself and explore leadership opportunities. This appears to be paying off well for him!

While we do miss having him around, CSP is proud to have witnessed at least some of his ascension to this monumental level. Congratulations Titius! Keep up the fantastic work!

Emperor Thran Occasus-Palpatine, 2024-05-20 23:53:28 UTC

Titius has only been on my staff for just shy of a month, most of which I've spent dealing with RL instead of giving my newly hired staff the direction and training they deserve. However, within minutes of hiring, Titius made his presence felt. The HM staff channels have been very quiet since well before I took over--quiet to the point that it often felt like I was talking to myself. Titius and his two new colleagues immediately shattered that quiet, teeming with ideas and, when I made them drink from a firehose of SOPs and planning docs, begging me for more. Thus it's hardly surprising that he's already graded 15 exams, but this is only the tip of the iceberg for the career he has in front of him.

New members don't just walk into their first staff job with all of the knowledge and skills they'll need, but these things can be taught. I can't teach passion. That was the one thing I needed my new staffers to bring, and Titius made it clear to me immediately that he did. I eagerly await the chance to write a more thorough rec for his EQ4 promotion.

Alethia Archenksova
Headmistress

Headmistress Alethia Archenksova, 2024-05-21 16:11:20 UTC

AWOL - Has not logged into the site in two months.

Howlader Taldrya, 2024-05-21 16:00:24 UTC