Greetings, Clanmates,

This first report to be released from the Consul's office in a long time is not your classical, who-got-what summary of the week's arrivals, departures, rewards, etc. This time, it's rather more important, and while all the activity-related facts are of course very useful, I've decided to skip those parts this time in favour of some insight into my plans for the near future. Terribly exciting, isn't it?

We do, however, have some traditional report components left, starting with...

THE NEWS

• With Psyko's recent elevation to Proconsul, Galeres was in dire need of a new Quaestor. And thus, it is my pleasure to annouce that none other than our resident Priestess, Selene, will be taking over this prestigious position. Psyko and I have every confidence in her, as, I'm sure, does the House itself. Huge congrats to Sel... partly because the drinks are on her tonight. Party!

• Taking Selene's place as Soulfire Sergeant will be Malidir, so let's not forget to congratulate him as well. :)

• While we're at it, I've got another position-related note... as everyone must have realised by now, Venquis seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth. Whatever he's doing, I wish him well, but if he's not back very shortly, I will be forced to remove him from his position. For now, let's hope for a speedy return to activity.

• As far as DB-wide news is concerned, Gaming Tribune is now open for applications, as well as several positions on the Dark Voice staff. If you're at all interested, just check out the news page, and drop the appropriate people a line. Good luck!

And with that out of the way, it's time to move on to part two... a genuine speech. The State of the Clan, so to speak.

ONE MONTH

First off, I'd like to apologise. For what? Basically, for everything I haven't been doing lately. I'll be blunt - so far, I haven't been a very good Consul. Certainly, I've been on IRC often enough, and my contact with the other leaders in Arcona hasn't been too bad, but on the whole, I just feel I haven't done enough for Arcona. I could come up with various examples, but that won't serve any purpose.. suffice it to say that I'm unhappy with my performance so far, and that's why I owe an apology to you, the members.

I must admit, after reaching this conclusion, I briefly considered resigning... then I realised that resigning at this point would cause the Clan more harm than good. So evidently, we need a change. A change in my own performance as Consul, and a change in the current state of the Clan. And to prevent Arcona from falling into decline, we need it soon.

One month, that's the time I've given myself to increase my own performance, and with the help of our excellent leadership team, the Clan's performance as a whole. Vague and abstract words, you say - what can we expect in that time? Competitions, for one. Not only the good old Arcona Monthly Topics (starting December, incidentally), but new and exciting comps, in the area of fiction, poetry, graphics, gaming, trivia, even essays and role-playing. Reports, as well. Not just like this one, but with clear info on everyone's achievements. After all, credit where credit is due. You will also find more messages coming your way over the e-groups and forums; reminders, results, updates, and so on. And of course the regular level of fun in our IRC channel. I very much hope you're going to enjoy it all.

Lastly, I'd like to state the following: if, in a month's time, you, the members, don't feel the situation has improved, or if you want me out for any other reason, I will resign from my position. I'm not Consul because I want the power, I'm not Consul because I want medals and promotions so badly, I'm Consul because I want to help Arcona. Without you, Arcona is nothing, and that makes your opinion about my functioning as Consul decisive.

So remember, one month. I'll do my best, and I'm counting on you all to do the same.

Signing off,

• Strat, CON-man
  

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to all you American folks out there.

--

His Honour, Krath Pontifex Strategos Thanatos

Acuithar Khmarh Entharyi, di Tenebrous Arconae

Consul of Clan Arcona

KPN Strategos Thanatos Entar Arconae (Krath)/CON/Clan Arcona [GMRG: CRU] [ACC: CL:3]

SB / GC-S-GS / SC-SoP / StA-LS / DC-LC-R / (GN) / (SNB) / (BNAg) / Cr-2D-1R-12A-9S-3E-1T-1Q / CF-BlF-RF-GF-PF-SF-GoF-PlF-WF-BF / ECF-BlF / LSG / DSS / SI-SoW-SoL / SoL-TC / S:-18M-1R-4C-15D

{SA: U:TL - U:TS - G:L - G:IRC - G:IRC2 - G:MSN - K:GS - O: MRK - G:TS - L:PRH}