Greetings,

Thank god this semester is almost over. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started working on my second Master's last fall, but its been a total nightmare. Currently, I'm trying to balance my teaching position, my academic and professional obligations as an artist, family, and the Brotherhood with this new degree. I'm in the process of getting my thesis approved, so I can work on my dissertation. Once I get that part finished....yeah, back to the library with Trev, I've a cot reserved :P

Anyway, onto my updates:

New Apprentice: Every once in awhile, I find a Journeyman who I feel is ambitious enough to undergo my rigorous Apprenticeship. Congraluations to Jedi Hunter Ma'ar-Tyrius Ga-Tir of Clan Arcona.

Dark Side Compendium: I'll be working hard this weekend to finish the first Book of the Dark Side Compendium as I have proposed it. Hopefully, I'll have it finished, and open for preview in draft form (after Oberst rips it apart of course).

the structure of the Compendium is going to read like Machiavelli's "The Prince", a series of letters from an Elder Jedi, geared towards the Journeyman Class. The dominant voice is my own (a minor conceit on my part), but I'm working with a number of others to contribute to the Compendium. It will be a worthwhile text.

Book One is the foundation of the Brotherhood, past and present.
Book Two is the Structure of the Brotherhood itself
Book Three is about the nature of the Dark Side, as it is taught by the Brotherhood.

Projected Deadlines:

Book One: November 30th
Book Two: December 30th
Book Three: January 30th

The Dark Voice: I have received a lot of comments about the current structure of the Dark Voice, and while most people really like it....they want to have a submission venue again. So, I'm going to reestablish the old form of the Dark Voice, with a new name. As the Oracle, one of my jobs is to keep track of the Records of the Dark Side, all the ancient scriptures and texts. I'll be starting an Archive/Library for this purpose. I haven't worked out the particulars yet, but I promise to have something prepared by the end of January.

Deadline for the Archives Project: January 30th, but I might be able to have it by December 30th.

Yes, you'll be able to earn Dark Side Scrolls again, but I'm changing the system to fit more closely to the Legion of the Scholar.

Addendum: Tales of the Final Way: I've had a forum on the Message Boards created. Every month, starting December 1st, I will be sponsoring a cooperative run-on between small teams of Jedi (3-5). In order to get access, you have to submit the list of participants, a proposed storyline (just an idea, I don't need the whole thing), and the first post. You'll be given the freedom to post your own story, and have it immortalized in the Archives. If you successfully complete the story, then everyone involved will be awarded Stars of Antei, and for really good stories, I may even award additional crescents or awards. the purpose of this is to encourage character development and cooperative writing skills.

Myself, Bloodfyre, Oberst, and Vassan will be taking the first month, by way of example. If everyone enjoys the format, and it becomes popular, I may expand it to two or three stories running every month, the first 6 months will be a test of concept, so I hope it works out.

I believe that is all for this week. I hope everyone will be enjoying a feast with friends and family. I myself will be unavailable Thursday and Friday

Along the Final Way,

His Excellency, Dark Jedi Master Trevarus Irad Caerick, Knight First Class; Son of Sadow
Oracle of the Brotherhood of Dark Jedi
Shan Long, Apprentice of Lord Chi Long
Secundo Marked of the Wanderer