Greetings,

It's been awhile since there's been a MAA report, so I thought I may as well try and get one in myself early on. Due to the nature of the office, there isn't an overabundance of need for a report, but as there are a number of small projects on-going, I will release reports as I have news to report on. There has been a lot of back-and-forth work done the moment I arrived, so a lot of things, if not fully complete, are nearing completion.

I would just like to point out that all of the policies that were in effect under Kaek still apply now. I will be putting these policies up in a more permanent home. Jac has suggested the wiki, which seems as good a place as any. When they're up, I'll make an announcement. However, if you ever have any questions, please come see me first. I've already noticed a number of misunderstandings stemming from the fact people would rather assume a reason instead of actually asking me directly. Ask me and I'll explain. Complaining without coming to talk to me will make you look the fool, plain and simple.

Journeyman Promotions:

I have been in contact with the various Clan Summit the past few weeks concerning guidelines for Journeyman promotions. In essence, we are making a minimum standard across all Clans. No one Clan will be "easier" than the other to be promoted in, as has happened in the past. However, each Clan still has their own individual ways of getting to each rank. As a general rule of thumb, the more active and more competitions you participate in, the more likely you are to be elevated. In the end it's really that simple.

In that same vain, we ask that those who make recommendations, be it a promotion or medal, that they please be SPECIFIC in detailing just what a member has accomplished. While words of praise are always good, we also need to know just what someone did to earn that praise. If we can't tell what someone did, then it can't be approved.

Merit Medals:

We have just completed a re-working of the Codex descriptions for the merit medals and crescents. For the most part it was to make the descriptions that much clearer. There were however two "large" changes. The first being we have decided to change the name "Star of Antei" to "Anteian Cross". Looking at the list, it went Dark Cross, Star of Antei, Steel Cross and Grand Cross. One of those medals was a bit out of place, so this name change will bring it in line with the others.

The other large change is the Silver Sash. It will no longer be considered a merit medal. Instead, it shall be rewarded once a year, on the Day of the Exodus, much like a Seal of Loyalty. However, only one Silver Sash shall be rewarded to one person. This particular idea came from Bloodfyre some time back, so thanks go out to him for that.

These changes will be uploaded to the Codex shortly as well as I'll see about getting these changes put on the wiki as well.

There are a few small things we are continuing to work on, mainly focusing on the medals themselves. These include:

• Re-writing the fictional aspects of each medal so that they aren't as bland

• Putting together a few good recommendations for each medal with reasons why they are good

• Working on ideas for new medals and discuss whether they would be needed or not. These would not be merit medals however

• Re-work the ID line and various medal upgrades to make things simpler and consistent with each other

There are a few more ideas, but those are a bit more in the future, with the above being a more "immediate" concern.

I would just like to remind everyone again that I respond well by e-mail, so if you ever have a question or concern, that's your best place to turn to first. I'll also point out a few policies with which some people may be confused on

For competitions, you must get approval from your "superior" to run a competition unless you already command that specific unit. For example, a Quaestor or Aedile can run a competition for their House or Battleteams without question. If they'd like to run a Clan-wide competition, they would need approval from their ProConsul or Consul. The same goes if the crescent level you wish to award is above what you are able to. You must get the approval from someone within your Clan who can rec. it. In the comments section of the competition form, all you need to do is say "So and so has approved this competition" and I'm fine with it.

I do look at each transfer, especially anything Clan-to-Clan related. Before putting in any sort of Clan-to-Clan transfer, please talk to your House or Clan Summit first. Once they understand your reasons, then put the transfer through. I should be the last person to know about it, not the first.

In regards to name changes, everyone knows that famous SW character names can't be use, nor can titles such as "Lord" or "Darth". Many new members however do submit such names and they can only be picked up after they've joined the club. I can't pick out each one and neither can the HM. However, Envoys and Summit members also receive these mails, so if anyone should see a questionable name, just shoot me an e-mail and I'll look into it and change it if need be.

That is it for this report. Hopefully I'll be able to release another report in the coming weeks. I'd also just like to quickly thank Tarax for throwing together the above banners at the last minute so my report wouldn't be just text. Thanks again.

In Darkness,

Dark Jedi Master Halcyon Rokir

Master at Arms

Deputy Combat Master