Greetings everyone,

Sad news from the summit offices in CNS this week: Consul Korras is stepping down. For those of you who don't know Korras well, I don't know what rock you've been living under. This is a member that flew through the ranks and took on leadership positions from the start. He has served for long periods of time as Proconsul (twice) and Consul and he also had a very successful tenure as our Obelisk High Commander. Korras has helped to build CNS into a powerhouse of activity today and has instigated changes into the Brotherhood that have taken us a long way.

The good thing is that Korras isn't going to go far. He may not know it yet, but there's no way he can stay away. Korras is one of the DB's greatest "people persons." He can talk to everyone and always takes up the proper cause. Once he gets a bit of his pazaz back after a break, I have no doubt that Korras will be firing it up on IRC and trying to improve the DB once more.

I normally shy away from giving any sort of retirement gifts, but this one is an exception...because it wasn't planned as a retirement gift at all. Kaek, Goat and I have regular conversations about who to reward for their efforts, and in our last conversation (before we knew of Korras stepping down) we had decided that is was high time that Korras get more than that SB on his dossier.

Korras, for your influential service as Consul, Proconsul and Obelisk High Commander, for your time as Left Hand of Justice, for your constant activity in the debates regarding changes to the DB, for your advocacy of Members' rights, for your unending drive to see things done right, for your great leadership in the clan through the feud and most of the GJW, and for being a great friend to all, we hereby award you with an Emerald Dagger. Congratulations, and thanks.

With that said, I still unfortunately have to find someone to fill Korras's big shoes. That person was not far off -- the Proconsul of Naga Sadow, Manesh, will be taking the reigns of the clan. I have seen Manesh grow into a great leader; he has been essential in CNS's effort in the War. I trust that he will do an excellent job in leading the clan. Congratulations, Manesh.

Jac