The colossus arena, raised quickly out of crystalline limestone and marble, was amazingly silent for being so jam packed with observers. Every seat of the plain bleachers held a being from one of the many systems under control of the Dark Brotherhood. Seven pillars towered around the inner circle of the well groomed grassy center. On each a plaque was engraved with details about the man who was represented by the statue that stood apex to each monument.

Thundering cheers erupted echoing the entrance of the six clans. Small children went deaf from the sudden change in volume. Each clan was lead by a wavering flag that towered six meters high. A Krath priest from each clan was assigned to use the Force, ensuring the banners would flutter perfectly as if a soft breeze was flowing down through the otherwise draftless arena. Only the strongest Obelisks were tasked with carrying the poles designed to carry the heavy cloth pennant. Each Consul rode proudly in the back of the convoy, carried in fancy wooden chairs lifted by the begrudging Quaestors of their Houses. Fireworks painted the sky, exploding into various symbols to celebrate the opening of the Independence games.

Darth Sarin, Grand Master of hundreds of Dark Jedi and millions of sentient beings, sat high in his throne that oversaw the entire amphitheater. To his right sat his most trusted aide and apprentice, Darth Muz. Floating in the shadows behind were half a dozen Crimson Guardsmen.

"It has been eight years since we cut ties with Asyntine's forces." The Lord of the Sith's voice spoke without echo in a manner that allowed every auditory organ to hear it perfectly. "While we have had good times and bad ones, the Independence Games have always been a steadfast instrument of celebration and pride for the Brotherhood." Cheers rang outward, and the Grand Master paused to wait for the uproar to dissipate. "Today we again come together to celebrate the twelfth of April. It was on this moment we first shattered the chains of servitude to become a free Sith Empire. No words can say enough to commemorate the actions of the seven for setting us free. Still we hold this festival in their honor and thanksgiving." Sarin switched to the ancient Sith tongue as if he had spoken it all his life: "Let the Independence Games begin!"

---

That was the unofficial first introduction for the IGs this year that I wrote. Since they weren't used, I thought they should go somewhere. IGs 2008

I have 30 competitions plus 31 for gaming. And as everyone knows, that is 61 events I am running right now. If I hear people are bored though, I do have a dozen event ideas on the back burner for a rainy day. So do the IGs or I will shove more crescents down your throats!!!!! >:}

As I announced in my last report, the Spoils of War was completed. The winning entry can be found here.

Activity Rocks!

So do promotions. Robin and Korvyn have now stood the test of time and earned the rank of DJK. Melvin earned JH. Zin Zin Zoom!!!! (though Zin Zalabim is just as fun to say but harder to spell) has joined the Brotherhood and reached the rank of Novice. Awesome week everybody,

This week Korvyn also finally qualified for the ACC. I think that helped to put him over the top. But still it is awesome, because now I have a sweet newbie to whip and earn a win from. Korvyn, you should challenge me, since I will be bored while everyone is IG-ing.

With the IGs came the Day of Exodus on April 12th. One of the rarest of awards is the Seal of Loyalty or SoL, as it is only given twice a year. 3 of CSP's 4 winners came from our very own house. That means we rock a lot more than everyone else! Go Go gadget Blade, Dante, and Robin.

Tashlan, Dante, and Robin each racked up a crescent this week. Unfortunately they were all third places! I know you were all just saving for the IGs.

Last and probably least of the Activities I note: SA. Not that SA is bad, I love the exams. That is why I have like 30 or something. Melvin passed the most this week with 5. Dante tried to keep up with his apprentice but got outpaced at only 2. Zin Zalabim also passed his Basics, which means he knows the difference between HM and HC, and between being part of House Damn Sexy is a gift and a curse. It is a gift because we rock, but a curse because we rock because we win because we do more stuff better than other people do. Because.

Thran is a beast. He knows why.

So that is the past. I am working to write my sweet guide for EaW so people are better in both single and team matches. AKA, I don't want to lose because I am with poor players. Anyone can learn to be decent enough that I would be happy to be a partner with. That is why I am writing the guide. When I release it, I expect everyone to read it. That is my project to get done before I help with IG closings. That and some wiki. I hear there is a lot more promoting going on, so work hard and you might be in the fun circle.

Cerean Wisdom Finally something has two brains for the two heads

"And he don't know...

That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,

carved my name into his leather seats...

I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,

slashed a hole in all 4 tires...

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats."

That is because cheating is bad. Don't Cheat. And Carrie Underwood is drop dead gorgeous.