Greetings, my brethren!

I am pleased here to bring you the first of several awards and promotions that I will be handing out today in conjunction with work that has been completed over the summer. I am quite proud of the work that the Dark Council and Summits have accomplished and can only serve today in recognition of their achievements.

I first recognize Herald Kaine Mandaala.

Kaine has been a member of this organization for almost eight and one half years. There aren't many old fogies like us to fill our ranks anymore -- most have found their interest in the DB fade due to RL or other concerns long ago. Kaine has stuck with us though through thick and thin. Beyond his tenured membership, Kaine has become the longest standing Dark Council member, having been appointed Herald on 2/21/2000. I find that truly remarkable myself. Lately, Grant of Arms requests have not been taken, but for upwards of four years, Kaine dealt with the requests, helped members design them, made custom sabers, uploaded and administered everything etc. etc.. He was promoted to Dark Jedi Master four years and eight months ago -- That is a long time to be serving on the Dark Council without a promotion of recognition.

It's not the service that I admire about Kaine, though. Out of almost every member that I interact with on a daily basis, I can honestly say that I believe Kaine cares the most about this club. I can tell through his statements to me that his dedication is unwavering. He is truly loyal to his comrades and will always be here in support of our club. Kaine and I have become quite good friends and I know where his dedication and heart lies for this group. Kaine is honest, forthcoming and wise -- those are traits that we should all envy.

Kaine has been working for a long time on the GoA project and I am glad to see it finally taking form. If it were any other person, they would have quit by now. I can't tell you how many times Kaine has put together a staff and then they see how enormous the project is and just drop like flies. Kaine has finally found a worthy assistant in Cyris, and the two of them have pounded out a measure that will greatly benefit the DB. Kaine and Cyris both have a lot of work ahead of them in establishing the warbanners, but I have full confidence in Kaine that he can make it work.

We are truly honored to have members like Kaine Mandaala. So, today, we honor him with an elevation in rank to Dark Prophet. He is the first in many years, and rightfully so.

Kaine, on behalf of the entire Dark Brotherhood, I thank you. Congratulations.

Lord Jac Cotelin