Passed the Test of Lore

Markus Grunao, 2010-02-24 13:33:46 UTC

This promotion has been far too long in coming. Sidarace is one of the best assets this Clan has and Ektrosis is blessed to have a leader so capable. He was recently awarded the name of Taldrya as a symbol of his loyalty and leadership and I believe strongly that Sid’s character defines what it means to be a Taldrya, let alone a Taldryan. As is my tradition, I will begin with Sidarace’s personal achievements before moving onto his accomplishments as a leader. In the nearly eleven months since his elevation to the Equites, this Obelisk has exemplified what it means to be active in this organization. During the last GJW, he earned himself two Bronze Novae while participating in 19 of the events offered! He was given a Sapphire Blade for this extra-ordinary effort. Later he earned himself another Dark Cross and a Seal of Loyalty. More recently, during the Rite of Supremacy, Sidarace earned 7 Seals of Bone and a Gold Nova to boot! Personal activity however is not sufficient when it comes to promoting an Equite to the next level. Its perhaps fortuitous then that Sidarace has served nearly nine months as the Quaestor of House Ektrosis and as the Aedile before that. Sid is one of those leaders that a Clan Summit dreams of. He makes regular reports to his members, offers regular competitions (at least two a month of his own accord), and sees each one to completion. At the same time, this Quaestor is training his Aedile in the ways of running a house, looking forward to the day when he will leave his position. Its this forward looking attitude that I strive for in my own administration. He keeps his house in a tight order, nipping potential conflicts before they can flare, training the newest members in the ways of our organization, and keeps information flowing from Summit to Summit and from Summits to the Members. For his exemplary level of personal activity, his superb leadership, and general badassery, its my distinguished honor to request this promotion to Obelisk Prelate for him.

~Consul Vodo Biask Taldrya

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The step from Templar to Prelate is not an easy one... Over these past few months, Sidarace has been an exemplary member of both Clan Taldryan, and House Ektrosis, For as long as I have known him, Sidarace has been a kind member, and has done what he can to further his Clan and House. He was just recently awarded the title of Taldrya, and all of us know that he will serve that name well. During my time as Aedile, he's helped me along with getting to know the responsibilities of leadership, and is always willing to give advice to me. As an leader, he's stellar; sometimes communicating with members more then he should, in my opinion. During the past five weeks, he's kept in constant communication with the entire clan, encouraging everyone to participate. He himself participated in seven competitions total, and placed first alongside Halc for the Week 5 fiction. I can't think of anybody else I'd rather half as my immediate superior. He's helped me keep my cool, showed me the ropes, and so far has been a great mentor; and will obviously continue to be. There's no other member I would rather see get their Equite 2 promotion, then Sid. He's been in this leadership business a while now, and I don't think he'll be departing us anytime soon. Keep up the great work, Sid. Congrats on your just desserts. Now, go bug Shik for that custom lightsaber of yours. :)

~DJK Anubis Annedu, AED of House Ektrosis

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Sidarace is the sort of leader that shines because he constantly can be found working well above and beyond the duties strictly required of him without complaint. Sidarace is an absolutely colossal pillar of activity and a paragon of leadership within not only Ektrosis, but the entirety of Taldryan. He excels in keeping the Clan abreast of current affairs, and half of the news updates on the mailing lists over the course of Spoils of War are easily attributable to him. He's picked up quite a bit of slack in some of the post-ROS projects, giving the Clan Summit immediate feedback on his House's activity, and is above all an absolutely great guy to work with. His enduring and positive attitude and powerful work ethic is an inspiration to all of our Clan, and this prodigal Son of Taldryan is long overdue for elevation to the second tier of the Equites. Congratulations, my friend!

• Vorion, Proconsul of Clan Taldryan

Colonel Shanree Argentin, 2010-02-23 18:50:01 UTC

APP Xannilious Shepard has passed the shadow academy exam Lightsaber studies. For showing an interest in continuing with the Dark Jedi Brotherhood, it is my pleasure to recommend him for immediate promotion to Novice. Congratulations! -Kalak Ragnose, Quaestor of House Acclivis Draco

Augustus "Kalak" Ragnose, 2010-02-23 12:35:17 UTC

APP Javik has joined us on IRC. For showing an interest in advancing in the DJB, it is my pleasure to recommend his promotion to Novice. Congrats! -Kalak Ragnose, Quaestor of House Acclivis Draco.

Augustus "Kalak" Ragnose, 2010-02-23 12:35:11 UTC

Rinsus has successfully submitted his Character Sheet to the Combat Master. Upon its approval, Rensus is hereby eligible for his promotion to Novice. Congratulations Rinsus! Keep it up!

-Quaestor Shaz'air Taldrya Rathden Templar of Ektrosis, Clan Taldryan

Inquisitor Shaz'air Taldrya, 2010-02-23 09:58:00 UTC

Since her arrival to Clan Tarentum, Kaname has logged onto IRC. For this reason, I believe she is ready for her first promotion to Novice.

General Ronovi Tavisaen, 2010-02-23 08:07:12 UTC

Oberyn has completed his Character History and has been in contact with his Summit to seek new activities so he can continue with his trials. For proving himself dedicated to furthering himself in the Brotherhood, I elevate him to the rank of Novice. Congratulations, Oberyn.

Aidan Kincaid, 2010-02-22 16:03:08 UTC

Passed the Test of Lore

Javik, 2010-02-22 19:21:42 UTC

In the 5 years I've been here (2 of them being AWOL) I like to think that one of the most influential members I've come across is Shikyo. Even while he was QUA of HMR, he began pumping out the graphics at an extraordinary level. When he was elevated to the position of Herald over two years ago, he had begun to fill the massive shoes left by Kaine Mandaala and Muz Ashen. As Proconsul of Naga Sadow, I STILL feel the ripples that Shik left on this clan, and the Brotherhood as a whole. Though I haven't worked with him much in the Shadow Academy, I feel that our two offices work individually to compliment each other wonderfully. As confusing as my last statement was, I think that the Herald of the Brotherhood is not a position to be taken lightly. As many will tell you, this is one of the most intense and demanding positions in the Brotherhood at large. To be honest I'm amazed that Shik hasn't gone and killed us all from the work load and stress. But after two years he brings us more and more, never failing to impress. Just recently he released his Herald Style Hanukkah, which to date has released dozens of new and exciting content that members can unlock once they earn their rank. While The Old Republic has given a good idea for Shik to work off of, I can tell that he pulls a lot of his talent out of thin air, often times taking something great and turning it into something better.

Turning our attention now to the Rite of Supremacy. Holy hell. Shikyo returned to his true home, and for 5 weeks struck down bitches with a vengeance. I'm going to brag now and point out his extraordinary battle vs his long time friend Dalthid, which he won. He considered this one of the toughest matches he had ever endured, and over came it. In the epic struggle against House Revan, his excellence burned bright. Between his awesome graphic entries, and his wtf pwning in the Antei Combat Center, I have been the most honored of having him fight at my side. As Proconsul, he leaves me with no questions as to why he is on the Dark Summit. Without Shik, I think our beloved club would no where near what it is today, and on a more personal note, the Shikmeister is an awesome guy, and this promotion is long overdue. Congratulations big man. ~ Taigikori Aybara Dupar CNS PCON

Not much really needs to be said about Shikyo's work ethic and dedication to his position to emphasise why he deserves this promotion; it's pretty clear to everyone that he loves being the Herald, and that he puts a lot of his time into the position, even in the face of internet problems. I doubt many members of the Brotherhood could continue to consistently deliver such awesomeness when faced with the kind of computer troubles Shikyo's had, so that he's managed to keep going at the same awe-inspiring pace is nothing short of amazing. The recent Herald Hannukah is just one example of the kind of sexiness he's been providing the Brotherhood with; the robes and sabers that are being released in great quantities are of the highest quality, and there are some that I would definitely be using if I wasn't already hooked up with some custom stuff! In every other aspect of the Brotherhood that he's involved in, Shikyo shows the same commitment and dedication; he's been doing a great, solid job in the Antei Combat Centre as well, and is like a dynamo of fictional ideas. His great desire to return to CNS for the upcoming Rite of Supremacy and to dominate in the name of his Clan is just another example of how much Shikyo puts into the Brotherhood and how he does not look for reward; he gets involved to help other people out, which is exactly what the Brotherhood should be about. In short: you fully deserve this promotion, brohim. Congratulations! ~KPN Manji Keibatsu Sadow, Consul of Clan Naga Sadow

In my seven months as Combat Master, Shikyo has been a constant in the ACC. His dedication has shown through on many occasions, always being willing to pick up if other staff members are having difficulties and assist new members in learning the ropes. In addition, he has assisted with several projects, including a rewrite of portions of the ACC Handbook and the introduction of no less than fifteen new ACC venues. Because of his sustained effort over the past seven months, I am happy to add my recommendation for his promotion. ~ Seraine "Erinyes" Ténama, Combat Master

I am not even going to count all the custom sabers Shikyo has created. Nor will I do so for the warbanners. there's simply too much to count and stay sane. Add to that the recent Hannukkah robes and sabers, and I am truly amazed that Shikyo did manage to stay sane as he did them all. So, I congratulate thee. Now, please stay sane a little longer, please. ~ Korras, Master at Arms

There's not much subtle or quiet about our Herald. Graphics are such an integral part of any web-club, that it is hard to ignore one who does such good works over such a long period of time. Shikyo Has been our Herald for more than two years, a record only bested by Kaine Mandaala. In that time, he has picked up where I left off, continuing to advance our graphical projects, in things like Herald Style Hannukhah where we grossly amplify the choices available to the members, to projects like the headshot selector and possessions, major projects that require intense amount of man hours that have yet to pose their impact on the club. Shikyo has definitely made a name for himself, and the club would not be as good a place without his work. for that work, he is to be elevated from the Equites and take his place among the elders as a Dark Side Adept. ~ Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2010-02-22 14:01:02 UTC

Since his last promotion, Troutrooper has steadily contributed to the progress of Tarentum and now, fortunately for us, House Revan. He has a long history of benefiting the entire club through his work, but recently has focused on seeing his particular unit succeed. Though often quiet, when he is asked, or when necessary, Trout puts forth effort like no other. Without him, Tarentum nor Revan would have enjoyed the competitive success they have in recent Vendettas. By example, over the last two and a half years Trout has earned 18 Seals of Pain, 11 Clusters of Fire, 6 Seals of Unity, 3 Gold Novas, 2 Bronze Novas, 2 Seals of Remembrance, Silver Nova, Seal of Loyalty, Crescent with Ruby Star, Crescent with Topaz Star, Dark Cross, and the Steel Cross.

So complete and dominant were Trout's efforts on behalf of his clan during the Eighth Great Jedi War, he was awarded Second Hero finishing before all competitors save one. While with us in Revan we have witnessed first-hand this steadfast dedication to his unit. Trout has participated in nearly every event of the Rite of Supremacy including Round 1 Fiction, Round 2 Fiction and Graphics, and the Finals Fiction event. He also placed 5th in Round 1's Fiction event helping us defeat his former clan. This swing clearly illustrates the value of having such a talented member as part of one's organization. Were it not for his efforts on our behalf, we would not have made it out of the first round.

Not only has Trout helped us succeed in competition, but he was also one of Revan's original founders. He has dutifully and skillfully turned his talents to helping us establish and explore our new lore and mythology. Revan has an interesting concept of an identifying tattoo only visible to our own members through the Force. Trout helped us develop this concept and wrote out its formal description. We of Revan feel very fortunate to have him with us and would like to show our appreciation and give our thanks with this honor. Trout is more than deserving of this hallowed rank and we could not be more thankful he chooses to spend his time here with us. ~ Raken, Independent House Revan

Dark Jedi Master, a rank that requires outstanding achievement in the Dark Brotherhood that can only be compared with the top 10% of our members historically. What makes a Dark Jedi Master? Perhaps a member who has submitted Dark Brotherhood changing work in the form of the Antei Document? Perhaps a member who has excelled not only as a Dark Council member, but also as a Second Hero of a Great Jedi War? Perhaps a member who has regularly served as adviser to Grand Masters and Deputy Grand Masters for the last decade? Perhaps a member who desired to see the Dark Brotherhood change and helped develop and form an Independent House that could win the first Vendetta it ever participated in? This is Troutrooper.

Trouty is a writer with few peers, a creator of new content and lore of the Brotherhood, and a leader with few peers. What makes Trouty's leadership remarkable is that he has done it without serving in a position, something that so many require. Trouty serves the Brotherhood daily be providing a calm and stable influence that mocks those who throw fits or those who embarrass their House/Clan. When House Revan recently encountered our first series of setbacks, Trouty was the first to lend a calming hand and influence on what could have degenerated into the standard fit shown by so many Clans in the past.

Trout's most recent achievements, a capstone to his most impressive career, include setting up and helping establish House Revan lore. His talents at creating new and fresh content are second to none and he will continue to provide quality to the Dark Brotherhood as a whole for years to come.

Trouty is truly deserving of this elevation. ~ Sarin, Sith Lord

It’s been awhile since I was called to write a recommendation but when asked to write this small token I couldn’t help but agree; a member who has done so much deserves recognition. During my tenure as CON of Tarentum a person transferred to the Clan of whom I knew very little but what I’d heard from my associates however this ignorance did not last as Troutrooper, the member in question, threw himself into the workings of the Clan integrating himself fully and contributing much during and after my time in charge. His run on output was prodigious, fiction of quality churned out; often for no material benefit only to further the Clan’s fictional standing and history. The Sixth Great Jedi War came and went and with it TT excelled himself earning plaudits for his work and gaining a significant percentage of Tarentum’s overall points.

His attitude towards the Club was refreshing during a period of dejection amongst many and was a contributing factor in Tarentum’s renewal after a disappointing war. Not only did this help his clan mates but he too was an excellent ambassador for the Clan to the Club at large and helped restore our image to those who had become jaded.

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help and assistance during the months I was CON and for the two years of aid and succour you provided Tarentum. Congratulations on a well earned promotion and may you remain for many years a part of this Club to entertain us with your fictions and other works. ~ Welshman

Although I have not had the opportunity to work with Troutrooper recently, I know him well and have worked with him extensively in the past. Troutrooper was my Praetor when I was Grand Master. In that role, Trout excelled. He served for over a year as my go-to guy for side projects and advice. He was level-headed and reliable. I trusted TT to be within my inner circle of advisors; a group that is not easily entered into. Many of the contributions that I made to the Brotherhood were completed in part because of this man's role as my assistant.

I cannot speak fully for Trout over the last few years. However, I can speak fully as to the rank of Dark Jedi Master. The elite of the elite of the Brotherhood hold this rank; these are individuals that show skill and resolve beyond description. They serve over a long period of time and always enjoy putting the Brotherhood's labors ahead of their self interest. A DJM is a person who we uphold as the best of the Brotherhood, a person who deserves to be written about and remembered.

Troutrooper is just that. He is a member that I know deserves to be recognized. He is a member who is among the elite in our organization. He deserves this. And frankly, had I the ability to skip him over DA, he would have been a DJM three years ago.

This is a promotion I fully support because for years, Troutrooper has fully supported us. ~ Jac Cotelin, Sith Lord

There have been, in the Brotherhood, a handful of writers whom I’ve read and looked at with not only interest, but the kind of study that is normally devoted to Faulkner or Steinbeck. These writers give the Brotherhood pieces of work that are more than just flashes of action or heavily verbose soliloquies that would fit in with the literature of more than one hundred and fifty years ago. These writers are, for lack of a better term, real writers. They engage the reader. They make the reader think. They force them to look at the world that they’ve written, the world that they’ve borrowed, the world that we live in through their coke bottle lenses. They don’t always win, when they rightly should, because their pieces are too challenging. Which is a shame, but it in no way detracts from their skill.

Troutrooper is one such writer. His writing inhabits that strange simplistically complex nature that is the hallmark of Modern English Literature. It doesn’t borrow from insipid and inane scifi or fantasy genres. While the subject matter borders on the inconsequential, he presents his work with both clear purpose and dizzying subtext. On the surface, his work looks very plain, very ordinary. A cursory read through gives you nothing. You have to read his work in detail, to really delve into why his writing is so captivating. He makes excellent use of detail, not by going into detail, but by withholding it. He gives you just enough to show you what is going on without burdening you with superfluous trinkets of diction. And his word choice is cautious and planned. His words are there for a reason. They change the tempo of a sentence, they set up a scene and denude another.

For one who is such a Master of his craft, I have always failed to fathom why he has not been celebrated even a fraction as much as he should have. In the last GJW, I saw him come second to me with a superior piece. A reason that I still cannot divine. And so, I offer up this humble recommendation as both an apology and appreciation. What better way can our organization honor someone who has such incredible command of the written word, capable of standing side by side with the likes of Shaitan, Sirrus and Darkfyre, than to recognize his Mastery by making him a Dark Jedi Master? ~ Maxamillian von Oberst-Tarentae, Consul, Clan Tarentum

Subtlety and surety is another mark of those who know that they do not have to cause havoc to get stuff done. As an advisor for the Dark Council for the better part of ten years, Troutrooper has long been considered a mitigating voice and a solid ear on projects in the brotherhood. Yet, while he works diligently behind the scenes, he also finds the time to bring his a-game during vendetta events. Trout came to us late from the hammer, and lost DJM when he did so, a sacrifice that he felt was needed for his own sanity and for our advantage. I am pleased to say that today, we restore to Trout the very well-earned rank of Dark Jedi Master. ~ Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2010-02-22 14:11:13 UTC