Members of the Royal Clan,

There will be no mind numbing analysis of the War Council, Captains or events in this report. In fact, this message has very little to discuss concerning the Great Jedi War and a whole lot to do with the fate of Scholae Palatinae... the directions and actions that will honor the past, highlight the present and cultivate our future.

Oh... and I will be on a Leave of Absence starting today until this coming Monday evening. I am going to Bermuda for a wedding.

Resignations

First, I must announce some departures from the Clan Leadership. Each of these people has served with distinction and honor and it is a sad day to see them go; however, where one man falls another will step forward to assume their place. Be sure to send your thanks and gratitude to these individuals.

Knight Class Envoy Zeron - The Sith Warrior has served CSP since his joining at the Sixth Great Jedi War. His first interest, and last, were the Envoys and he worked his way through the ranks to assume the highest mantle of leadership and direction: Clan Envoy. Thank you for your efforts, Zeron.

Aedile Natth a'Niel Palpatine - This Dark Jedi Master has held a variety of positions within CSP (most unofficial), helping shape our direction and progression since his resignations from Lord Hegemon. Of most worthy note, however, is the work he did while Aedile of House Acclivis Draco... and we are indebted to him.

Companion Class Envoy Fionn dan Locut'Hal - Jedi Hunter Locutov (IRC names, ftw!) has resigned to take some time to get some external issues corrected. His commitment to the House Caliburnus doctrine has been spectacular and it is a sad day to see him go. However, once he has those issues corrected, he will be welcomed back and reinstated with full honors. So think of it more as a Leave of Absence than goodbye. We hope for his speedy return.

Position Shifts

To compensate for the changes, we will be moving some people around to flesh out a full team as we continue through the competition. As such, several individuals have willingly stepped forward to accept new responsibilities until further arrangements can be made. Proconsul Phoenix Olkyssagh d'Tana Palpatine has accepted the responsibility of Knight Class Envoy... Jedi Hunter Yzarc Rellik took the mantle of House Caliburnus Envoy (Until Locutov's return) and I wholly expect to see the HAD AENV, Syphoc Rilkel, to take a bigger hand in assisting Phoenix and Cooch.

The Message

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

Matthew 20:26-27  

When I came to Scholae Palatinae, over a year ago, I recognized a need to introduce a new culture into the Clan. It had become commonplace to blame our shortcomings on the circumstances, redirecting the culpability for wrong and non-actions onto others. My primary task, then, was to remove the long list of excuses by heaping unimaginable amounts of work onto my own plate - reducing everyone's workload and giving them the 'room' they needed to operate.

Great things were done during this time. But it was a temporary fix, duct tape patching a gaping wound in our Clan. Issues were addressed, the leadership was shuffled... and we began a new phase of rooting great leaders into positions. A new age dawned in the Clan... whether for ill or good, I leave that to each of you to decide on your own. But, again, the methodology was not correct and the framework burnt out. Where had I gone wrong?

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not drive to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned [by God]. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9  

Far too long the Leaders of the Clan have assumed the mantle of responsibility, sheltering the members. The actions were meant to be protective and nurturing, but I fear that we may have stymied a great deal of potential in the process. And I received a brief glimpse - much to my horror - of this tragedy at the conclusion of the Rites of Supremacy. I had adapted my methods to help the Clan grow... and we did, in a way, achieve a much richer environment. But it was still far from my vision.

There is so much potential, but how was I supposed to connect with each and every one of you to draw you into your glory? It had to be a two-way relationship, one where those whom were seeking wisdom came to those whom could offer it. And while my methods are not full proof, there are few better administrative individuals in the Brotherhood... of that, I am sure of.

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.

Booker T. Washington  

Ironic that the solution to the problem I wrestle with each day stare me straight in the eye (if you belong to the CSP Senate List). For a great deal of time, I had upheld a quote at the bottom of each of those e-mails that defined not only the Senate's mission, but my mission as I worked with each and every individual in the Clan. Because, long ago, I knew the key to success was developing more than loyalty, but pride to belong to this great Clan...

I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. Leaders are the ones who keep faith with the past, keep step with the present, and keep the promise to posterity. Leadership is action, not position.

My mission statement for the Clan. But not my burden to carry alone. And it is in these words that I find the core of everything I hope for during my tenure.... action, not position. Positions only enable a small handful to tend to the daily grind and administrative duties; however, it does not stop anyone from burning the traditional bridges and taking it upon themselves to become Champions of Scholae Palatinae. Holding a position is... well, under me... work. Very boring and tedious sometimes, too. But it does not drive the Clan. Participation... is what drives Scholae Palatinae.

This Clan was built with love and friendship. It was expanded with desire and commitment. And now, in the midst of the greatest Brotherhood event know to 2007... we are left standing at a threshold. Stepping forward, we embrace what we have labored so long and hard for: victory. Stepping back, falling into oblivion and ceasing to compete, we risk losing all we have worked on since the dawn of the Sixth Great Jedi War.

But there is only one way to take that step forward: doing our part. Every member must hold themselves accountable to participating. And I do not mean the... "If I have time" sort of participation. Show yourself and your fellow members that you have what it takes to be a role model of this Clan without holding a position... make time for the competitions and find time to encourage your fellow members.

One heartbeat. We must act, move and think like one, united entity. Together we stand, or alone we shall fall. No excuses, no regrets. Whatever it takes.

Good night and good luck,

Braecen Kaeth Kunar

Consul of Clan Scholae Palatinae

Safeguarder of Sheep

Braecen Kunar (Krath Pontifex) / CON-M:MAA-GC-EP / Clan Scholae Palatinae

[GMRG: RG3-G] [PA: Elder] [ACC: CE:1]

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You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be...