23 February 2008

It has been a really long time since my last report, but no more worries about late reports since this will be my last one :P In the time since my last report I've had an ear/throat infection and right after getting better was given a full-time position where I've been extremely busy for the last month. So with that out of the way, onto the report.

Leaving CM

As most people should be aware by now, I won't be Combat Master for much longer. I think applications are already closed, so perhaps there will be announcement in the coming week or so. I resigned from CM due to real-life. I'm not around all that much anymore, save for the weekends, and the ACC requires someone with a lot more time and dedication to properly run it. I've been a part of the ACC "staff" for the better part of 3 and a half years. With this, other than one little aspect (that I'll mention below), I plan on giving the next CM a clean slate. I don't have time to be on the staff, so I won't ask to stay on in any official capacity. Whoever becomes CM will not having me looking over their shoulder or anything like that. I plan on doing the "normal" member thing and help the DB out where and when I can. There are a lot of things floating around in my head that I would have loved to have seen, as well as be the CM who ushered in and worked in all of the new things that are coming in, but RL doesn't always give you that choice.

Championship Ladders

This is the one area I hope to completely finish off. We're currently right into the finals, with Clan-mates Sharad and Sklib facing off against one another. To ensure that the competition finishes off correctly with no outside judging, I plan on judging this one final battle...they better make it a good one :P

Custom Species

During my brief stint as DGM, Dalthid introduced a guide for those who wished to create a Custom Species. There were a few people who had been regularly using their own species, and as such they were grandfathered in (so long as they still submitted them using the guide that was created). Outside of that, people would have to submit their species for full approval to the CM and DGM. While an interesting idea to implement, time has shown that we don't really need custom species. Star Wars itself has so much variety itself that anything people come up with it just some variation of a current species, or ripped off from other fiction sources (normally fantasy).

As such, one of my last official acts will be removing the ability for custom species to be introduced. Both the GM and DGM have approved of this, as they also agree that people should be ulitizing species that already exist in the SW universe. However, the species that were previously approved/grandfathered in won't be touched at all. This goes only for any future submissions. This will also hopefully remove any future headaches for other CM's and leaders dealing with the RP elements of the DB.

Future Changes

You've seen mention of all this in the GM/DGM reports, but the bulk of these changes will have a direct impact on the ACC. It will probably be a good point for people to jump on or get back into the ACC since a lot of things will be completely new to everyone. Let's see...

<li>Brand new Character Sheet look with lots of pretty buttons and other cool features <li> 3 new attributes! This should help expand the CS a bit more for outside-ACC use. Remember, these character sheets aren't only for the ACC <li> Over 150 force powers (including Order-based powers). We currently have 45 powers, but the new system make people choose which powers they wish to use. No more "getting" all the powers that are available to you <li> Hand-to-Hand guide will be implemented similar to how the lightsaber forms currently work <li> Order Disciplines (now you can really see what Order fits your character)
<li> Other things I'm forgetting about or can't talk about!

Closing

So...I think I'll keep this short and sweet. It's been an interesting run as CM. I was brought on to ensure there was stability in the ACC after Dalthid had to leave due to RL as well. I didn't get everything done that I wanted to, but I did try and ensure the ACC kept moving forward and made changes when and where I could. I could probably go on a huge rant, but I think I'll save that for a later time in other publications. The ACC has been a large part of my DB-life for a number of years now, and it will be a little odd being on the outside of it. Thanks to those who've helped or encouraged along the way. Those that hated the current regime...perhaps the new CM will do everything you want :P

In darkness,

DJM Halcyon Rokir

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