Greetings, folks.

The past few weeks have found us in some interesting times. The Restructuring...the Wiki Audit...we've all had to make some adjustments and evolve in the face of massive change. In my mind, this is nothing but positive. In my time here, I personally have tried to get promoted, have tried to compete against both you and the rest of the Brotherhood, and all in the name of glory for Sadow. Love for the House has been what's driven me to remain active and to keep going.

Now, we stand at the cusp of a truly magnificent opportunity! Naga Sadow now has a mission, a purpose, a clear cut goal, something that WE ALL can work towards...and for the first time, we actually have a map that will guide us there.

We now know what we need to do - specifically - in order to make sure Naga Sadow thrives and grows. This will not - cannot - happen without the help of everyone, from the highest Dark Prophet (hi, Goat!!) to the newest Journeyman. We can all make an impact, and we must in order to see this dream fulfilled.

Firstly, the Dark Council will be watching our Membership Levels. This means that we have a number to strive for in regards to active members that remain after AWOL checks. What this also means is that everyone needs to be vigilant and respond to the actual mailers that the MAA office will send out. We cannot be lazy and ignore those mailers, hoping to simply transfer back in after being Rogued; if you are active, then be active; space holders and roster fillers will quickly be weeded out, trust me.

Next, our Awards will be tracked as well. We must be able to show that we have many members all across the board being rewarded for their activity, whether its through Clusters of Ice, Fire and Crescents for competitions or through promotions. This should tell you two things: number one, that your Summit is looking to hand out rewards and promos, so let us know EVERYTHING you're doing. It doesn't matter how small, as long as your activity is going towards improving Naga Sadow. The second thing this should tell you is that, since the DC and MAA's office will be tracking this sort of thing, that we can't slip into a false sense of security. We are going to have to EARN these things; the MAA's office has developed an eye for 'spammage', and so we must make sure that our work stays at the high level of quality that I'm used to seeing you guys put out. This area is where the Journeymen can make the biggest impact, as many of the early ranks give people the greatest opportunities for medals and whatnot, so let's make sure that we are participating - and more importantly, congratulating one another should we happen to see one of our Bretheren succeeding. Positive feedback, and all! ;)

Thirdly, the DC is going to be looking at our Raw Activity. One of the realities of being in a club such as the DB is Everyone can't win Everything. Someone, inevitably, is going to beat you at something. But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't TRY. Keep the Developmental Runon going. Participate in a Journeyman comp. Submit to a Voice evolution. Odds are, you could place. But you'll DEFINITELY help Naga Sadow. Work on a Wiki article. Pop into IRC from time to time. Take an SA course. Game a li'l bit. Do a stick-figure graphic. Type a page and a half of fiction. If you can do that, I promise you that you'll get better, you'll eventually win a few of these things, and you WILL have fun! Activity builds fun...and if you're here, and not doing anything, then why waste your Time? You can't get Time back, so why not spend it enjoying yourself? Besides, if you're not doing anything, you're essentially Rogue. And it's fine to be that...just not here! :) On a serious note, this also means that if you're not active, then we've lost you, and that's inexcusable. If there's something that you'd like to do, but you feel it's not being supported, let us know. Communicate. The Club exists for OUR fun, not the other way around. Let your voice be heard!

Lastly, but not least, the DC wants to see that we're producing members with Drive. The GM wants you to cc him on every position you throw for. Not to micromanage, but to check to see exactly how healthy we are as a unit. The logic is that a healthy House has members wanting to contribute on a Leadership level. The more people putting their name up for open positions speaks to a membership that wants to have a hand in shaping its own future. Besides, all of us who lead now had to learn how some way, right? What makes us different from any of you? Well, on the surface, it's the willingness to put your name on the line for the sake of your Home. The ability to make decisions and stick by them, for better or for worse. I've seen that same quality in many of you...but not your names in my inbox when it comes to apply for a job. This has got to change. Gone are the days of the same names recycling over and over in job after job. That breeds stagnation...and burn-out, and no one wants that.

These are just some of the things that will be considered when it comes to being looked at for Clan-status. The great news is this: we already do most of this! It seems to come naturally for us, and it's part of the reason I've called Naga Sadow my first and ONLY home. But, I want to mind everyone that this is not the time to become complacent. As I stated, these are only some of the things that will be considered.

My beloved Sadowans, the road ahead for us will long and rough...but know that I will be there right beside you, fighting every step of the way.

WHEN we win the next Vendetta (that's right: I said it!), and WHEN we Clan up, will I be able to say the same about you? Will you be able to write your name beside mine in Naga Sadow's histories as those who brought the highest glory to the House?