::bow::

Clan Plagueis,

I am not sure how you guys feel, but I am excited about the forthcoming Great Jedi War. With it beginning on Sunday, I can let out a long held breath. We have been gearing up for this event for some time. So we owe it to ourselves to come out strong and give our best showing - as a Clan - ever. And we certainly seem to have a good, solid core of members put together to drive us through this Vendetta. Hold nothing back, folks! The war or all wars is about to begin!

Clan News

The site may have been down, but our Clan continued to advance and grow. We saw several appointments within the Clan and a few exciting announcements. Just to make sure you didn't miss out on the news, I will briefly recap the body count!

House Satal Keto Quaestor. Recently appointed Aedile, DJK Vivackus Kavon, was elevated to House Leader. With the continual QUA missing in action, it was a no-brainer that the upstart, tenacious DJK should take the reigns.

House Satal Keto Aedile. With his appointment, Vivackus needed a second-in-command to assist. After a very thorough application process, he found a good match in his former Master, SW Kal Vorrac. Kal, as a former QUA, brings experience and mentorship to a young QUA. Its a win-win for HSK.

Consul's Aide. Piggy-backing on the HSK AED process, I combed over applications for a CON's Aide. I wanted to take the individual whom possessed the greatest, natural ability... that needed refinement... this time around. The reasons are two-fold, and I am available to discuss it should you be interested. However, the winner of this position was SW Eludajae M'Nar.

Harvest. Towards the end of the Great Jedi War, I will be opening up my first Harvest Program. This program is designed to target potential leaders and give them basic skills, tools and experience for eventual leadership roles. The program is designed to teach basic BTL and AED skills. A more advanced program for QUAs will be rolled out later and the applicant process will be more selective. Keep your ears to the ground for this one.

DB News

Resignation. Grand Master Sarin has resigned his post. He has, for now, gone Rogue. He plans to lurk within the Star Chamber and become a member within Clan Arcona.

Appointment. Deputy Grand Master Muz Ashen has been appointed to Grand Master. Muz has already issued a statement detailing his plans to continue adding content to the site and about ability to meta-game as Dark Jedi.

Public Vote. We decided to make the Consul vote public to their respective Clans. As I explained, I voted "No" during this round. I shot a brief, private e-mail to Muz explaining my decision and those of several of our members that provided input before I made my decision. I also explained, in a clan-wide e-mail, my reasons, or beliefs, on whom would have been a better fit; based on the perspective of our member's needs and desires. Again, if you have questions or would like more details... drop me a line!

P:MAA. The Master At Arms is accepting applications for MAA throughout the entire War. If you have a love for administration and the ability to process requests... this is the job for you! If not, then I would suggest signing up for Harvest :-p

DGM. The position of Deputy Grand Master will remain vacant throughout the GJW. Muz has elected not to appoint a second-in-command as to not deprive the clans of their stability and leadership throughout the conflict. Applications will open after the big dance!

The Message

Live, Love, Laugh. A number of members have come to me recently concerned about the ranting of other members. Many of them were concerned with my feelings... and I found that adorable. It, however, made me realize I should share some insight I have from church.

The key to making it within any organization - Brotherhood, church of work - is to know when to "Live, Love, Laugh" at the right times. It is all too easy to get fired up about the small, trivial things... or become unhappy with one's position... or not find humor in the small things. So, listen up... I only give this speech once a year... and generally to the kids in my Youth Group.

Live. There are going to be challenges in your life that seem insurmountable. They may present themselves in the form of doubt, antagonistic peers or tasks seemingly epic in nature. Take it all in stride and strive for more. Do not let yourself get stuck in the ruts. There are going to be people and events in your life that will threaten to swallow you whole or put you into an uncontrollable tailspin. Have the fortitude and wisdom to know that good and bad things will happen in life. It is all part of the process we call 'life.' So, regardless of where you are in your life... be sure to live for the next day.

Love. Without it, we are empty vessels. And, often, the most twisted and warped individuals in life are the byproducts of a life lived without love. The simple urge, and desire, to nurture and care for another individual is not a weakness. In fact, it should be encouraged in all aspects of life... in many, many different forms. There is nothing wrong with loving many things. However, love can create some tunnel vision and one-sided thinking. Should you be overrun with your love for something, you can be blinded to other things. Many people will make poor decisions in their life. Things that could be easily rectified if they - simply - listened to you. But that is not how we grow as people. Wisdom comes from experience, experience comes from failure. So love others enough to let them fail and succeed on their own. Just because we believe we have the best intentions does not mean we are always doing the right thing.

Laugh. Everyday. There are going to be situations and encounters that threaten your jovial spirit. If you let other people adversely affect you, then you only feed their machinations. Most people wish and do harm merely for their own amusement. Ignore it all. Find happiness in your friends, hobbies and successes. These things will be a wellspring of a much needed smirk, smile or laugh each and every day of your life. And do not be afraid to make others laugh, but be wary of the means. Self-deprecating humor is acceptable, but to find joy in other's failures or shortcomings is often ill-becoming of a mature adult. Sadly, it is all too often common in our daily lives. I challenge you to be uncommon.

So, yea, it was a bit long-winded. But hopefully one or two things in there struck a note with you personally. And if it helps you keep a stronger mental attitude throughout the entire war... then I succeeded in my aim.

THE FIN

GJW starts tomorrow (Sunday), March 8th. Lets rock it out!

I am, your servant,

Braecen Kaeth

Consul of Clan Plagueis

Safeguarder of Sheep