With all members having received their medals for the Independence Games now, there remains only one more thing to do and that is to reward the winning Clans. And it is my pleasure to present something this year that will benefit those in the middle ranks - those who are in the end truly the foundations of their Clans - more than those at the top.

Four robed servants bring four small boxes, one each in a deep blue, a glowing purple, a bloody red and a pale green and line up in a row. They then open their boxes, presenting a set of shiny rings - seven plain and an eighth, adorned with a glistening gem of the same color.

These rings are a reward for team spirit and they will serve to enhance team spirit even more as they only work if one who is good is willing to share. But then, they will benefit a large number. With the master ring worn and activated by a master of the Force power the set is attuned to, this master can project some of his skill to up to seven other, weaker members who then gain some of the master's insight and ability to use that power.

Clan Plagueis, as the winners of this competition, I present to you the Rings of Swift Action attuned to the power of Enhance Skill.

Chi Long steps forward and proudly accepts the green box.

Clan Scholae Palatinae, as the barely beaten second, I present you the Rings of Perpetual Motion, attuned to Telekinesis.

A slight commotion and a subdued "ouch" come from the ranks of Scholae Palatinae before Vally steps forward from next to a grinning Arania who seems to have a good aim with her elbow. The Consul receives the blue box, bows and returns to his Clan.

Clan Tarentum, as third, I give you the Rings of True Domination, spreading your power to Affect Minds.

Rekio steps forward, accepting the purple box and returns to his Clan, slipping one of the plain rings to Merlance with a quick slap on the shoulder in the process.

Finally, Clan Naga Sadow, as fourth, you did not have much of a choice remaining and I am sorry that the other Clans mostly shared your relative valuation of these rings. Yet, may the Rings of Pure Blood serve you well when healing is needed, as they are attuned to the Altered State power.

Dejected, Xanos Zorrixor quickly approaches the robed figures, snags the red box and disappears, wishing he could somehow trade the artifacts for a good, powerful attack vehicle or five.

This concludes it for this year - may the next Independence Games see even more success and activity. To all who won, my fondest congratulations and to all who took part, many, many thanks. This event truly lives from the people who play and in many events, there were more entries worthy of recognition than the ones we could reward.

[Editorial note: The full RPG stats for these rings can be found on the messageboard under "Announcements".]