Welcome, friends, to the most important stage of your Brotherhood careers to this point.

It's November 9th. This is the conclusion, the climax, of one of the most significant Brotherhood-wide events in our history. This event has gone on since January, and in the past few months, we've seen some incredible performances by Arconans old and young. We've seen the meteoric ascents of writers, gamers, and leaders. Some of the folks who will be shouldering the largest burdens in this final chapter weren't even around for its start.

But, most importantly, we've seen Arcona. Not the rise of Arcona -- we rose years ago. In the Dark Crusade, we've seen ideals even more important, and even more inspiring. Resilience. Determination. Passion. Fortitude. There were times when it looked like Arcona was fading fast, and that our sun was setting. It looked like Taldryan was back to reclaim their throne, and like Plagueis was ready to put the rest of the Clans and Houses down.

You did not give up. None of you did, not even for a second. And now, we're beginning the final chapter. Complete victory in the Crusade is within our grasp, hovering just beyond our outstretched hands. It's right there, guys. It's there for us to take. We just have to reach out and snatch it away from our rivals before they can even whimper in protest.

Now, here's the thing. I can't take it for you. Wally can't either. Cethgus, Ernordeth, Atyiru, Valtiere -- none of them can. No, this is going to take a Clan. This isn't going to take a "group effort," because that suggests that a group of Arconans can win this Crusade for us. That's not true. It's going to take every single one of us, from Wally down to the newest APP.

Look around you. Are you hungry for this win? Are the men and women next to you? Or is it fine if Plagueis knocks us down, bloodies our nose, and sends us back home to lament what might have been? I can't speak for any of you, but I know that I'm never going to settle for second-best, and I'm never going to accept anything less than excellence.

Welcome to the edge. Our destiny is in our own hands now, and we have a choice to make. Are we going to win this thing, like we always said that we would, for one another? Or are we going to let Plagueis push us off into oblivion, and spend the next few months looking up at them, doing our best to ignore their gloating?

I'm just some guy that believes in Arcona, and in each of you. I believe in the ideas that we stand for, the friendships that we've formed, and the home that we've built. And I'm just some guy that's going to fight like hell to ensure that when the dust settles in two weeks, Arcona remains on top, as the First Clan of the Brotherhood.

I hope you'll join me. We have a Crusade to win.

-Legorii
Proconsul

The Dark Crusade

And so it begins.

Thank you for the introduction, Legz. First, I'd like to apologize for not getting this out sooner. I had a rough week with balancing two jobs that have inconsistent schedules in my real life. Thank you for your patience. Let's get to it. We have a lot to cover in this report.

Planet Selection

The Planet selection this round was fairly straight forward.

I chose to target Ziost, where Plageuis, Naga Sadow, and Tarentum decided to join us.

Taldryan, Odan-Urr, and Scholae all chose to take on Domond Kaas.

What this means is that Arcona's Special Forces are competing directly against Plag, Naga Sadow, and Tarentum's Special Forces team for the planet. Likewise, our Main Forces will be taking on Plag, Naga Sadow, and Tarentums Main Forces.

I can't begin to stress how important every single participation point will matter in this round. As Legorii said, this is not something any one of us can do alone. Together, we must rise and together, we will conquer.

Special Forces Team

With victory in mind, Legorii and I selected the Special Forces team based on performances from the past year, various statistics, and our own judgment based on trying to predict events and who we felt would be best fit for taking on anything thrown our way. Fighting for Ziost are:

• Marick Arconae
• Troutrooper
• Cethgus Entar Arconae
• Atyiru Entar
• Socorra Erinos
• Invictus
• Timeros Entar Arconae
• Ernordeth

Main Forces Generals

As with the past rounds, your Main Forces Field Generals are there to help you. In-character they are helping coordinate the Main Forces efforts, while out-of-character they will serve as beacons of activity and maintaining either their duty as a Summit member or their assistance to the Summit.

The Main Forces are lead by: * General Legorii ([Log in to view e-mail addresses])

Field Generals: House Galeres

• Teroch Erinos Arconae
• Nadrin Erinos Arconae
• Kordath Bleu d’Tana

House Qel-Droma

• Strategos Entar Arconae
• Nikola Valtiere
• Etah d'Tana
• Deimos d'Tana

Events

Below are the events for the final chapter of the Dark Crusade.

Main Forces: Fiction
Main Forces: Gaming
Main Forces: Crusadeology
Main Forces: Advertising Campaign

Special Forces: Fiction
Special Forces: Gaming
Special Forces: Crusadeology
Special Forces: Advertising Campaign

(Thanks to Field General Deimos for correlating this for me)

NOTE: In order to see the details of a given event, you have to Subscribe to it. When making a submission, you may also edit that submission at any time leading up the deadline of the competition. If you have any questions on how to submit to a competition, or have any concerns with participating in an event please e-mail or contact your summit

Legz and I will send out a follow up e-mail to the Arcona group with our typical "Strategy Guide" for participating in the Dark Crusade. This includes things like Wally's "How To" Video tutorials for Graphics entries, tips for finding matches in gaming, and how you can make sure you're able to compete to your fullest.

This is it though, guys. There is no "next round" after this. It's time for us to rise. It's time for us to take control of our own destinies, and to show the Brotherhood why we are the First Clan of the Brotherhood.

Clan Projects

Legorii is heading up the new Clan Arcona Projects initiative. In it, we laid out multiple ways for members to sign up to work on the various aspects of Clan Arcona that need help or work. For the next few weeks, I'm putting all projects on "hold" until the end of the DC.

The #arcona_rp (Pilot Project)

Here is an exerpt from #arcona_rp. From it, Atty decided to draw a comic to illustrate the encounter. I'm debating doing one of these each report.

[04:45:48] Action: Atty smiles, nodding the their Consul as he types away. "A similar mindset lead me to Soresu, and a rather dull Master, if I do say so myself. I'm sure he could tell you more about it if you ever like."
[04:47:38] Action: Marick takes a sip of his tea but keeps his eyes on his work. "I could, but, my student seems to be doing a good job on her own. If only she was this passionate about her training."
[04:48:34] Action: Atty mutters "You're a training."
[04:50:02] Marick "I've done my training. When I think you've progressed far enough I will let your brother Timeros take over. He's a much more...passionate teacher."
[04:50:45] Action: Marick suppresses a shiver, thinking back to being a punching bag for an Elder.
[04:51:58] Action: Atty shivers herself, sinking low in her seat, wrapping her arms around her. "He told me when we started, he'd throw a Krayt dragon at me."
[04:53:39] Marick "If you're lucky. Try balancing on one foot for an hour while his aura of terror overwhelms your senses and makes you want to curl up into a fetal ball."
[04:54:52] Action: Marick thinks, lowering his tea. "Or the time where he wanted to test out his range with his Force shock, but wouldn't let me use my Lightsaber..."
[04:55:08] Atty "...Ashla and Bogan help me."
[04:55:13] Marick "He called it "Lightning Catching."
[04:55:28] Action: Marick unknowing rubs his shoulder.
[04:55:40] Action: Atty drops her head on the table. "My brother is going to kill me."
[04:57:03] Action: Marick nods slowly. "No, he will leave you at an inch of your life. He's always in control. Always."
[04:58:20] Action: Atty just groans in dismay and waves at the bartender for a couple drinks.
[04:58:24] Action: Marick sips his tea and nods. "If anything, I've been going to easy on you..."
[04:59:46] Marick "We are pushing up morning training to 04:00."
[04:59:51] Action: Marick goes back to his datapad
[05:00:29] Action: Atty mutters, "Sithspit."

What's interesting here, is I've been writing Marick for 4 years. In that time, he's grown and changed and developed organically. I've channeled a lot of my real-life leadership experience/instances into Marick's own fiction, making parallels where I can. In all that time, I never really thought about the training Marick went through to get where he was. I always knew he went through hell with Timeros- who is not known for being a cuddly, warm, loving mentor. In truth, Tim would go through my writing with a red pen of hatred correcting my errors. That all helped me get better and better as a writer though, so I tried to make it fun by developing that type of relationship with our characters.

Just from randomly hanging out in #arcona_rp, I was able to invent training exercises Tim would have had Marick do. I now have something to potentially add to my wiki, or just for my piece of mind with playing my character.

This is what I hope #arcona_rp can provide, as well as an outlet for character exploration and growth.

Recognition

From the last month, we've had a lot of promotions. This is a trend I not only hope, but expect to continue as we plow through this round of the Crusade, and then onwards and outwards after its conclusions.

Promotions

Knights of Arcona:

• Anigrel was promoted from Jedi Hunter to Dark Jedi Knight!
• Kyrun Ashida was promoted from Jedi Hunter to Dark Jedi Knight!
• Cyrinity Lokar was promoted from Jedi Hunter to Dark Jedi Knight! Did I also mention she did so in a matter of weeks? Despite facing obstacles that made it more difficult to progress through the ranks, with the help of her Summit and friends she was able to make it to Dark Jedi Knight in record time. This just goes to show that anything is possible if you are willing to put the heart and effort into it.

I believe that puts us at 18 DJK’s for the year. I don't think we will stop there. Do you? The Dark Crusade is the perfect place for Journeyman to make a name for themselves. Hard work always pays off in the end.

If you feel like you’re not progressing fast enough, contact your Rollmaster and respective Summit and we will work with you to ensure that you are getting everything you need to achieve your goals.

However, at the same time, there is absolutely no rush. Some members are just very driven to get the right to have a lightsaber. It was the thing that drove me way back when I was a Journeyman, but even then it took me a long time to reach the rank. Every member is different, and your journey through the ranks of the Brotherhood is your own. One way or another, we are here to help.

Journeyman on the rise:

• Mavric SinCloud was promoted from Apprentice to Novice
• Adi Ka'Taramas was promoted from Protector to Guardian
• Kookimarissia Mimosa was promoted from Acolyte to Protector
• Krant Altair was promoted from Acolyte to Protector
• Zenon was promoted from Protector to Guardian
• Marrek Gunstinson was promoted from Guardian to Jedi Hunter
• Karetus was promoted from Apprentice to Novice

On the Equite level, Andrelious J. Inahj was promoted to Sith Warlord for his service to Arcona as RM for the past year, and his dedication to the Brotherhood.

Uji (Donny) was promoted from Dark Jedi Knight to Obelisk Templar for his work as both a Battleteam Leader, Special Forces member, and Magistrate to the Fist among his regular activity and dedication to the club and Arcona.

Awards

Seals of Loyalty

The following members recieved Seals of Loyalty (SoL) for their dedication to the Brotherhood over the course of the year. Nominations come from the Dark Council, Consul's, and independent House Quaestors.

• Cethgus Entar Arconae
• Timeros Entar Arconae
• Atyiru Entar
• Marick Arconae

I would like to point out for all our new members: SoL's are not something that are handed out lightly, and the slots available for awarding them are limited. If you have questions in regards to how these members were selected by either myself or the rest of the Dark Council, please let me know.

Medals:

• Deimos d'Tana was awarded 1 Dark Cross
• Zenon was awarded 1 Dark Cross
• Vynn Salm was awarded 1 Dark Cross
• Andrelious J. Inahj was awarded 1 Dark Cross
• Teroch Erinos Arconae was awarded 1 Amethyst Kukri
• Atyiru Caesus Entar was awarded 1 Grand Cross of the Dark Side

Ask The Wally

You may be familiar with this from Muz’s reports, but I took questions from members on IRC earlier.

Cyrinity asks: How do I go about becoming a Master to another member?

Answer: Excellent question, Cyrinity. The way that the Master/Student program works right now is that if you are interested in having an apprentice, you e-mail Andrelious (Clan Rollmaster), Legorii, and myself saying that you would like to make yourself available. Taking on an apprentice is no light task, however, as you become responsible for working with Andrelious to stay on top of their progress: updating their Prometheus, making sure their questions are answered, and making sure they have everything they need in order to advance towards their goal of Dark Jedi Knight.

To become a master, you need to have already reached the rank of Dark Jedi Knight yourself. As with most policies, nothing is set in pure stone, so if you have questions feel free to ask Andrelious, Legorii, and I.

Deimos asks: “What happens at the end of the Dark Crusade in terms of the planets we’ve fought on and one. Will we break away from Dajorra to occupy those planets, and how will Arcona change fictionally?”

Answer: Loaded question, Deimos. As of now, we only have small details (that you can see by reading Muz’s excellent Grand Master reports) on how we will be getting our fictional spoils of wars. As of now, I don’t see Arcona leaving the Dajorra System, however or abandoning the Citadel.

At the end of the Dark Crusade, we will be looking at a lot of things like accumulated Fleet Points earned and where we will be taking Arcona fictionally.

Kanis asks: How do I go about proposing ideas for a Battleteam?

Answer: Another excellent question. I’m glad you asked. Arcona’s Battleteams have a long history, and over the years we’ve seen new teams emerge and old ones close to then be reopened at a later time. As Consul, I’m always looking for ways to tweak and improve the Clan as a whole. Adding additional battle teams has been something I’ve been musing over for quite some time. Up until now, I just haven’t seen the passion or desire for me to make them happen. However, I could be easily proven wrong.

Do you guys want to see more Battleteams in Arcona? Show me. If everyone does their part with participating and helping their Clannmates to compete and have fun, I will be very open to creating more Battleteams for Arcona.

Esca asks: I'm curious as to how babies are made.

Answer: As is only appropriate, I will just leave this here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll-lia-FEIY

Cyrinity, Deimos, and Kanis will be earning Dark Crosses for their questions. (<3 you Arion in advanced)

Wally's Word

The Dark Jedi Brotherhood is changing, and fast. It is doing so at a more constant rate than it has in the last 5 years as new projects are beginning everyday. Ideas are being thrown around the Dark Summit as the clubs minds attempt to work together in creating a better experience and a better club for everyone. We look towards how we can improve things, and how we can continue to build towards the future.

Keeping an open mind is the most important part of growth, I think. Just because an idea is not your own, does not mean it is automatically bad. Always stand up for what you believe in, and always speak what's on your mind. Do not use take that same liberty, however, and use it to attack another person's idea. We are all on the same team at the end of the day. Sure, I want to crush Taldryan’s face into the mud for the glory that is Arcona. That does not mean, however, that I don’t think Rian and Yacks do an excellent job of keeping their unit running, and guiding their members just as Legorii and I strive to in Arcona.

Be happy for others when they achieve something. Jealousy and hatred are venomous and can ruin the entire fun of the Brotherhood. The best way to combat this is to simply be happy for others. If you think you are not getting the recognition you deserve, reach out to your Summit. That's what we're here for. We are here to serve you, and if something is bothering you, bring it to us and we'll work you through it.

Hatred and anger, while of the Dark Side (sabely black darkity dark), in reality can be more contagious than you realize. In the famous words of Atty: "It wouldn't kill you to smile, you know."

With that said--change is something that happens in life. Nothing stays the same forever. Things like the new Character Sheets, and the new ACC are different. Give them a chance before you write them off. Mav, Sarin, myself, and the rest of the team spent a lot of time and thought and effort into them. The only thing we ask in return is for you to keep an open mind and give it a shot. As for the various other projects, I know they would appreciate the same courtesy.

On a friendly note: good luck to all the other units participating in the Dark Crusade.

On a competitive note: Break out those kneepads and get on all fours.

It's Arcona Time.

-Marick Arconae
Consul