Report #2 – May 23, 2010 <-

It's been a busy few weeks since my last report, with a lot of things begin to percolate and come together. There are a number of things to announce/explain/talk about, so let's just dive right into it.

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Just a few news posts below, you will see the Combat Master report from Erinyes. If you haven't read it, you should go now...ok, all done? Good. I would like to thank Erin for all of the work she's put into the ACC over the last year, and especially these last few months where she has managed to transition the interest in the ACC from the RoS into regular activity. Her two ladders have brought some newer members to the fore, and I am glad that she will stay on to complete the Equite Ladder.

Of course, with Erin stepping down it does leave some openings in the ACC, which I will be using to make some tweaks to how ACC positions are handed out. Eventually, the position of Combat Master will be phased out on the DB site, although it will be kept on as a "rank" in the ACC itself. Until more of the coding can take place however, I will be taking on the title of CM. However, I do need someone to handle the day-to-day duties of the ACC, while also helping in running various competitions and really being the "face" of the ACC. This will be my Praetor and will also be handed the title of "Deputy Combat Master" until other smaller issues are sorted out. This means applications are now open for Praetor to the Voice! And what am I looking for?

• Strong understanding of the ACC and it's mechanics

• Ability to work with members of the DB in a professional manner

• Highly active and able to stay on top of the day-to-day running of the ACC (introductions, judging, site maintenance, etc...)

• Clear and constructive ideas for the continued growth of the ACC

There are no real specific requirements I am looking for, but I want someone who is motivated and truly willing to see the ACC grow. Someone I can work with to ensure that happens. Please send all applications to [Log in to view e-mail addresses] by June 6th (that's a total of 2 weeks). If you truly want to help run the ACC, then apply. You can't get the job if you don't get your name to me.

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While on the topic of the ACC, we've had some large discussions on just about every aspect of the platform. There has been some direct comments on where some of our deficiencies lie, and the entire staff is committed on trying to plug those holes. Every aspect of the ACC is being looked at, and hopefully some of those changes can be implemented sooner rather than later. One change that I am making is to do away with the "reserves" and instead increasing the amount of active staff. While we don't necessarily have a lot of work for everyone, I want to make sure that all ACC functions are completed in a very timely manner. We will have two levels of staff; Operators and Judges. Everyone will start out as a Judge on staff. Those who have shown themselves to be the most active are "promoted" to Operator. In essence, Operators are always around while Judges will help back them up. All staff members will have to be active, but not at the same levels. I will be discussing things with the current staff/reserves and will announce openings should we need any more members.

A second change that will be happening within the next week or so is the elimination of the Proving Ground and Training Annex. This will be replaced me a Hall open to ALL members. Initiates can battle other Initiates or other qualified members. These battles won't be judged or count for wins, but they can be used for general training or completed battle can be submitted for qualification purposes. Detailed information will be released once everything is up and running.

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Alright, time to switch gears and talk about competitions! Yay! Below are a list of current competitions that are being run from the Voice's office. Lots of medals are up for grabs, and winning DB-wide competitions is always a great way to get your name known.

The Journey - This is a poetry competition. You are to create an "Epic Poem" (think the Illiad or Odyssey) describing a figure in the DB that you have the utmost respect for.

Dark Jedi Swap - A fun little competition. A member-exchange program has been introduced and you have been chosen to represent your Clan and spend a month with another Clan. This is the story/report of what you experienced during your time there.

RoS: The Aftermath - A bit more of a character-study. Many Clans have really taken off into different direction since the end of the RoS. Now is the chance to detail just how you were affect by the end of that competition and which direction you've taken since then.

All three competitions are being awarded with First-Level Crescents. Also, something I am going to begin introducing to my grading of fiction is actually taking into account people's Character Sheets and Wiki's. We have these great tools to develop your character's, but they never seem to be acknowledged in grading. Well, now they will be. Generally, the grading scheme will be 60% story (taking into account a number of aspects); 20% Mechanics (Spelling, grammar, etc...) and 20% Realism (How you play your own character, other characters and their interaction with the SW universe). I do now want to take away from anyone's creativity, but if people are going to spend a lot of time in creating characters then I am going to see that they are acknowledged in the grading.

Weekly Mission #1: Derelict - An Imperial Star Destroyer has been found floating in your system. You are to investigate further, detailing your mission. Further information on this mission, as well as the specific objectives that are to be completed in your fiction are detailed on the competition page. This competition is being run by KP Raimi Mistwalker, with submissions going to the both of us. Second-level crescents are being rewarded, and it ends on Monday. A second mission will be released on Tuesday.

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Staying with competitions, I have already mentioned that a second Weekly Mission will be released on Tuesday. If there's a solid level of participation, Raimi will be continuing with the release of these missions. Coupled with that, there will of course be brand new competition released in June. Also, anyone who has competitions ideas can come directly to me if they would like to have their competitions released to a wider audience. Why keep competitions contained to a House or Clan, when you can instead reach the entire DB? It is an idea I have discussed with all of the Consuls, and most agree with moving in this direction. So feel free to come to me with any and all fiction-related competition ideas. It is up to you whether you also want to run the competition or not, but either way you are credited with it.

On the ACC-side, there are plans for more competitions once the Equite Ladders have been completed. I will be giving everyone a couple weeks to cool down, but after that a 2v2 Ladder will be introduced (thanks to Timeros for poking me about it). So start thinking now who your partner is going to be...and no, they don't have to be in the same Clan.

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I think I've talked enough for this report, although expect to see a number of news posts from me the next week or two. I am currently just ironing out a few more details, so don't want to even mention things before they're agreed on. Once again, the position of Praetor/head of the ACC is open to applications, so please apply if interested. My e-mail is always open, so feel free to send me any comments/questions you may have and I will be sure to get back to you as quickly as I can. Feel free to poke me on IRC as well, and I will respond if I'm around.

Report Lyrics:_ "That night in Toronto with its checkerboard floors..."_

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In Darkness,

Dark Jedi Master Halcyon Taldrya

Voice of the Brotherhood

Sith Lord