I am both pleased and honored to submit this recommendation for my right-hand man, Cuchulain Darkblade Palpatine.
It is difficult for words to describe the impact he has had upon the Clan. Such limits of language are hard to surpass when one's deeds are truly indescribable in greatness, but I'll try my best.
If there is anyone in the entire Dark Jedi Brotherhood who deserves at least a small bit of recognition, that one person is Cooch. Apprentices who have completed their character histories, step aside! Cooch is more deserving of recognition than any person in this Clan. He has been through a plethora of rolls since coming back to Acclivis Draco in 2006 after a long break. He has played the part of wise man, old geezer, galvanizer, teacher, mediator, and great friend.
When he rejoined, Cooch was already known as a pillar of Scholae Palatinae, but few had been in the Brotherhood long enough to have witnessed his triumphs. He rejoined during a time of turmoil for Scholae Palatinae and was soon tossed into an uncontrollable torrent of anger and verbal threats. Soon after, he actively participated in a discussion between the upper echelons of the Clan's political hierarchy, and his support for one idea would soon change the entire situation: allowing me (someone he had barely met) to become Quaestor.
I must express my heartfelt gratitude for his support during this entire time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Although most of his work is not recognized by extreme activity or heaps of medals, I find it important for his expanding collection to be mentioned. Since his last promotion on May 27, 2004, he has earned eighteen Crescents (3 Amethyst, 3 Emerald, 5 Sapphire, 5 Topaz, and 2 Quartz), one Bronze Nova, six different types of Seals (2 Memory, 4 Retribution, 3 Duplicity, 3 Alliance, 1 Darkness, and 8 Pain, making 21 Seals in total), one Dark Side Scroll, one Scroll of Foundation, one Steel Cross, and three Dark Crosses. These additions to his medal case may be impressive, but they are minute when compared to the true reason for this award: his continual contributions as a mentor of Scholae Palatinae.
It would be, simply, insignificant to list his contributions without first describing how he and I were able to grow so close. By going through my own history with Cooch, I hope to show his true abilities and qualities that make him into one of the Brotherhood's greatest.
Since becoming my successor as Tetrarch of Drynwyn's Flame and getting to know the guy last year, I have seen Cooch pour his energy and soul into everything he does. His passion and dedication for the betterment of House Acclivis Draco is unparalelled throughout the Clan. When Drynwyn's Flame was finally shut down, this blow obviously saddened him, but he constantly looked for more opportunities to help and be involved. That opportunity would come in the April of 2007.
Ood Bnar, a few months after having become Acclivis Draco's Rollmaster from HC's Rollmaster, agreed to resign and a number of applications were sent in. None of the applications were impressive, so debates arose and names were tossed around. Eventually, one member stood out from the rest in terms of experience, vision, and overall skill: Cooch. Despite the House Caliburnus Summit being uneasy with the name and blatantly opposing it, I am, now, proud to say that I ignored them. My Aedile at the time, Natth a'Niel, the Clan Summit (Braecen and Phoenix), and I, all agreed that Cooch would be the best choice. I must admit that we were hesitant at first because Cooch's activity had been on-and-off recently, but our timidness was soon thrust away by his enthusiasm and efficient work ethic.
During this time, he began designing an incredible activity tracking system that substituted each award for points. In addition to this system, he designed multiple advancement paths for the Journeymen of House Acclivis Draco and, ultimately, Clan Scholae Palatinae. These paths allow a Journeyman to do what they find most enjoyable without being "forced" to participate in other activities through a rigid promotion guide, thus allowing a more pleasurable and fun experience. These projects are still in the works, but it is obvious that many, many hours were spent and I feel that they should be given at least some notice.
After having been Rollmaster for almost four months, Natth decided to step down and recommended Cooch as his successor. Unlike most appointments, Cooch was already aware that he had been recommended by Natth and he immediately contacted me to let me know that he will do his best. Despite my numerous attempts to get Natth to stay as Aedile, his decision was adamant and Cooch soon found himself to be the Aedile of our illustrious House. Because he still held the position of Rollmaster, and thus House Envoy, I tried to let him transition himself, so I did not immediately overload him with tasks and projects.
One of our greatest victories came during the Eighth Great Jedi War: Incursion. Both of us wrote numerous inspirational "speeches" as we attempted to spur activity. Let it be known to all, that this worked. The members House Acclivis Draco made up more than half of Scholae Palatinae's participants. Let it be known to all, that, without Cooch, Scholae Palatinae would never have met its goal to earn second place in this major vendetta.
However, our most awesome victory came a month after the Great Jedi War's conclusion. The Reclamation of Judecca began and both Cooch and I thought that HAD would easily win. After the first week's results were released, we were astonished: HAD was in third place, dead last, even behind the Clan's newest, smallest House, Dorimad Sol. The second week ended and we were still in third place. The third week ended and we were still in third place and were much farther away than we had originally been. In a last ditch effort, Cooch put his inspiration skills to the test through writing a long letter about HAD's history of winning, and we bugged people to participate.
The fourth week's results came... and we won. After having trailed behind the other Houses by increasing proportions for four weeks, we won. We won. We caught each other on IRC and shared a small moment of emotional catharsis. It had been a miracle.
And Cooch had performed it.
Cooch and I are very similar and we make a very efficient pair. We lead by example - he was our House's second highest scorer, only trailing behind me in points.
With nearly unparalleled skills in motivation and positive influence, Cooch has definitely changed this House for the better. His personal contact with a huge number of new members only helps spread his influence and love for the House. His work has touched hundreds of people for the better and he has proven himself to be a great teacher and guide. As the Dark Jedi Brotherhood's Codex states, the Sapphire Blade is only awarded to "The recipient of a Sapphire Blade has shown consistent and long-term service to their Clan or Brotherhood position. Such services however cannot be seen until taken on a hold, each individual part seen as one."
That description matches Cooch perfectly. Perfectly to a point of insanity. If his motivational emails and personalized, custom-tailored welcome emails are not examples of instruction and mentorship, I have no clue what those words mean. If his sweet activity tracker and multi-path outline does not contribute to areas of invention, the word must have changed during my lifetime.
I, on behalf of all those who have ever felt your guiding hand, hereby reward you your very own Sapphire Blade..
Congratulations, my friend. Thank you for everything.
-- RevengeX Palpatine Quaestor of House Acclivis Draco
Dedication. Stalwart. Determined. Follow through. Leadership. Active teacher. Loyalty. Charisma. Team player. All of these, without a doubt, can be applied without reservation to describe Pontifex Cuchulain Darkblade Palpatine.
His service to Clan Scholae Palatinae is spotless, and very few can claim the length of service that he can. In that amount of time he has become a cornerstone for the Clan, actively participating in so many events and contributing to so many aspects of running the Clan that it's mind-boggling. From taking the lead in the last Great Jedi War, to an active leader, to being available for anyone to talk to him about anything, and even to impart the wisdom of his time in the Brotherhood to those that choose to listen, he is a treasure for the Clan.
He has mentored far too many people in the Clan than he would probably admit to, and some of those have gone on to be powerhouses on their own. However, each one of them takes a piece of his extensive experience with them, which in the end helps them to use that to the advantage of not just his students, but the Brotherhood as a whole.
As a leader, there are few that can match him. Ferocious in even the little things, he dares you to come up to his level of activity, a leadership style that has helped his Clan and his House rise up to the occasion. In fact, his leadership had a huge influence in the recent Clan and House-wide competitions, where his sheer willpower alone helped to secure victories where none were expecting them to be.
Loyalty to his House and his Clan is second to none. It's virtually assured that he'll remain loyal until his last day alive, but in the meantime his own fierce loyalty inspires others to also have such feelings for their House and Clan, a force of unity that is rare in any location, much less the Brotherhood.
Thus, we wish that the countless examples of his expert work and his endless determination to get things done to be formally recognized, and we are proud to proclaim the Pontifex as one of our own, a shining example to all. We of Clan Scholae Palatinae thank you, Pontifex Cooch!
Timbal Palpatine
Since Exodus, Cuchulain has been a steady hand for our Clan and we hope to recognize everything he has done on our behalf.
Since Exodus, Cooch has serve as our Consul, an Envoy, an Aedile and a Tetrarch. He is not limited due to inability, but because he chooses to help the Clan flourish by filling positions that would, otherwise, go vacant. He has served with dignity and honor at every position, helping establish a solid foundation for our Clan's growth. Amongst his most prestigious works is the "Covenant of CSP" which outlines the ethos and integrity of what it means to be a member of Scholae Palatinae. This document outlines what it means to be a good member, a good leader and quality friend to those around you.
Braecen Kaeth
Cooch has been a shining example of what a leader and mentor should be. He works diligently alongside Revenge to motivate his house, as well as the clan, and push them to do their very best. His emails are tailor-made for the attitude of his members, giving them the "kick in the ass" that they need to the Number 1 house of CSP. He demeanor is top notch when it comes to aspects of the Clan that need handling. I have the utmost certainty that whatever I ask of him will get done, not only to what needs to be done, but completely blowing any expectation out of the water. His works behind thee scene on materials to help focus are new comers and show them the ways of CSP, the ways of being true members of the DB and treating their fellow members are aspects that should be taken by all the DB. For as long as I have been in this Clan, Cooch has been a person that I have looked up to and respected as a leader, member, advisor, and friend. There are not many people that work as hard as he does, and expects nothing in return.
But on this day, Cooch has earned this ten-fold. I could not ask for a better person to have alongside me in the years to come. Thank you for all your hard work Cooch.
Phoenix Palpatine
Consul of CSP
Phoenix d'Tana Palpatine, 2008-01-15 11:08:34 UTC