Woo Report time! Can ya' dig it?

So, the DJB news page has blown up yet again during the course of the last week/two, given that it's the ending/beginning of the month. I'll try to make sure to focus on the really important stuff, but I do hope you'll browse through the News Page and see what catches your eye. It never hurts to be informed now, does it?

Moving along, we have four big announcements to make, with two of them being around the same subject.

Firstly, the DJB AWOL check has been going on for well over a week, and so far we have 40 of our 63 members to have responded! A fair amount of those members who have not responded are newer members. That's a little more expected, as it's a weird thing to grasp coming into a group that takes their rosters as seriously as the DJB does. However, Rian and I have been tackling those who have not responded yet with some emails, coaching you all through it. So, if you are reading this and have not responded to the AWOL check and wish to remain in Taldryan and not the dreaded Rogues: RESPOND TO THE MAA AWOL EMAIL! =P

Secondly, the Battleteam Leader over Phoenix, Rigar Ulrand, stepped down earlier in March. Rig's been struggling to keep up with his position, and he eventually came to us with a resignation. Rigar's decision to resign came with a heavy heart, as he truly loves being a leader and loves leading a group with such a rich history behind it. Rigar was also concerned about resigning and leaving Phoenix in the dirt. However, after a brief discussion, it was decided that he should resign, and build up some strength to come back to regular activity with us. Rig's a champ, and I know all of Leaders out there (no matter what position you're in) understand wha it's like to step down at one point or another. However, it needs to be done, and I am glad we have a competent member who's able to recognize when he is done.

Thanks for your service, Rig: We look forward to seeing you around when things are more timid for you. Enjoy that breather you've been needing!

Thirdly, this next blurb is on somewhat the same subject as above, as it deals with Phoenix. I've been going over some things with the Summit, and overall, we've come to a solid conclusion that Phoenix's time has come to a halt for the time being as a Battleteam. This BT has lots of stuff behind it and - someone correct me if I'm wrong - Phoenix has never, ever been closed before. With the amount of time that Tal and Ektrosis have been around, so has Phoenix. That's quite a feat for anything, let alone a single BT. As such, it's time for PHX to take a retirement plan and let the new guys come in. The history and all of it's treasure will still be here, and we won't forget her.

So, in short, I am closing Battleteam Phoenix. That being said, there also will be no applications for Battleteam Leader.

There is light, though, at the end of the tunnel! TAL will not remain BT'less forever! House Taldryan is very much a new era, and as such we truly need to begin working on creating that new era, and making it ours. As such, we will be making action to create a new Battleteam, with a brand new history and a new way to keep things alive. The TAL Summit is open to any and all ideas regarding this, and we would love to hear what you all have to say on the matter. BT's are a fantastic part of the Brotherhood, and they offer something for new and older members.

Now, moving on to a more pressing note: Fourthly, Ashia Kagan Keibatsu resigned from her position as Aedile over Taldryan last week. Ash's been a doll for Taldryan. Rian and Ash saved me from giving up a handful of months ago, and were there to help me get back on my feet as a leader. I am not one to put false-hope or untrue words into being, so believe me when I say Ash has been one of the greatest helps I have seen. I know Eiko can be a testament to that, too.

While Ash carts off to be busy IRL, I am pleased to announce that she of course will be staying in Tal, and will be with us for whatever Vendetta comes our way. From the bottom of my heart, Ash, thank you!

And of course, with Ash resigning, the position for Aedile of Taldryan is vacant and needs someone to fill it's seat. I know you all are just so eager to see another period of applications held for the AED position, so here are the requirements and mandatory stuff for those who are interested or feel they can do the job! Requirements: I: Email Turnaround of 24 hours (mandatory) II: You must know your way around the DJB.com site as well as having a good understanding on how the DB/leadership structure works III: You must be in good standing with myself or the GM/DGM IV: You must be DJK or higher to apply V: You must be active on IRC (members need to put a face to the name that's at the bottom of those emails!)

I am not looking for a super human, but I am looking for someone with very strong ideas, morals and is willing to work. This is not the time to play or beat around the bush. You will be entrusted with some of Taldryan's most active members, and I will not give such a position away lightly.

Your duties will include: 1: Running and Organizing Competitions for the Unit 2: Maintaining an Activity Tracking Record (ATR) which will be up for review at the end of each month 3: Overwatching the Battleteams in Taldryan 4: Doing what the QUA asks =P 5: Brainstorming ideas to keep things inovative and fun

One of the more important things on the bill for AED is that you must have a high-understanding of how the DJB works on all fronts. Emphasizing yet again on experience and knowledge. You need to know your DJB facts, news and way around the websites. You don't need to be perfect at taking SA exams, but you do need to know the basics of how they're run and who to go to in the incident that you need to correct something, as an example.

I am requiring that you include a 30/60/90 day plan included on your application. I'd also like to see an example of what you would like to change in Taldryan, or what you see needs to be added. I don't want to see fluff, or fake stuff just to make your app look good. Recommendations are allowed if you are currently not a member of Taldryan; otherwise, there is no need for a rec'.

Your applications must be sent to myself ( [Log in to view e-mail addresses] ), Deputy and Grand Master Halc ( [Log in to view e-mail addresses] ) and Muz ( [Log in to view e-mail addresses] ) . Apps will be open for 2 weeks from today (the 7th) and will close the 21st of April. I hope to see some good ones, peeps!

Over the course of March, Jac "Awesome" Cotelin snagged 210 CF's, 2 PoB's, a Crescent with Ruby and a Dark Cross. Jac is awesome, and for his work over March, he was awarded an Antein Cross by the Summit. Tell that Buffallo what's for, Jac!

During March, we had some outstanding activity in the Shadow Academyy!

Gobhainn Sgath managed a %100 on his Hand-to-Hand combat Shadow Academy exam, completing his last course and enabling him to earn his Dark Maven in Combat! Well done, Gob! Enjoy the extra piece on your ID line and your extra E-peen!

Retden was able to complete the ACC Basics SA exam with an %85 and the DB Basics SA exam with a %79.

Kiraala and Carissus both passed the Combat Tactics I, with Kiraala snagging a score of 97 and Carissus snagged a score of 100. Well one, guys!

We also had a nice showing in the gaming front. Please join me in recognizing the following members and their newly-earned Clusters of Fire.

Shadow Taldrya earned 15 CF's, Bieberfatt earned 69 CF's, Sutekh'Sithari earned 20 CF's, and Keirdagh (Yacko!) earned 4 CF's all to himself! Well done, guys! Let's show some more Tally's in the gaming world! Wooo!

There's a TON of competitions running right now. There's a plethora of writing and gaming events going on, and of course some random fun ones, too! Per usual, if you're logged into the DJB website you can go to the competitions page and click "Stuff that Matters to Me", or just follow this link HERE!

The QUA's competition pick for the month is as follows: Random MISC. Event, Click Me! Random FICTION Event, Click Me! Random Graphics Event, Click me!

In my closing, I seriously want to endorse IRC right now. IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is THE #1 way to get ahead in the DJB, and in Tal. You want to get your name out there? Give people something more than a name at the end of an email to recognize you with! Make yourself part of this club, give yourself a voice. I know it's rough to put aside enough time to chat with other people, but really, once you get into it, it's sure to make you want to set aside a proper amount of time to do it. You don't have to be glued to the IRC window while you're on; you can instead be chatting casually while attending to checking your facebook or email, or when taking an IRC exam or reading over a reporot. I'm sure you have lots of questions going on when reading various reports and news posts, and IRC is the perfect place to get those answered! Everyone who is on IRC knows the potential behind it. It's also why IRC is a mandatory requirement for being in a leadership position in TAL.

Here, I'll even give you a leg up on this and point you towards the DJB IRC guide, found HERE!

I've come to the conclusion that instead of buying another crappy piece of crap laptop for my next computer, I shall build a monster of my own! So, with some well received Tax-Return money, I shall be purchasing the proper parts for a computer, and piecing it together with a buddy of mine. I had some help from the fella's in OFH (mainly Ben, Yacks, Shad and Howie), so thanks guys! I'm gonna be making a mother-ship over here. =P So yeah.. Sid will be back in the swing of gaming once again! =D

Alright kiddies, for now, that is all! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the DJB news page and the Taldryan mailing list for updates and more! Don't forget to check out the report lyrics below. Think you know who it is? Also, if/when you do figure it out, go ahead and listen to the whole song! ;)

** Report Lyrics:** "I am an arms dealer, Fitting you with weapons in the form of words, And don't really care which side wins, As long as the room keeps singing, That's just the business I'm in, yeah"

Peace out, peeps!