Dark Greetings,

This is the fourth time that I've chosen a Deputy Grand Master -- it really doesn't get any easier with time. There are a variety of people in the Brotherhood who I believe have the potential to fill the position and do a good job. When Goat and I decided he should step down, I went to the task of looking carefully at each of those in consideration to pick out the candidate that could bring the most to the table. That takes the balancing of a lot of different factors, including the RL of the candidates, the dynamics of the move, the impact on their current position, the political implications, the things they do well, the things they would need to work on, their ideas, their interactions with the folks, their interactions with me, etc etc. If you haven't noticed -- I've been slower in the past week on GMly things because I've been trying to choose between a pool of very qualified applicants, talking to a lot of people on IRC about it and planning for the transition.

After long and careful consideration, I hereby appoint Sarin as the next Deputy Grand Master.

Sarin is a strong and capable leader that has a mindset not unlike my own. He does not hesitate to take the initiative or step in where needed. He is responsible and expects the same from those under him. He is innovative and detail-oriented. Sarin is a well-rounded individual who does well in any and all situations.

Sarin is a person that only continues to outperform his previous efforts. Every time I talk to him I like and respect him more. Truly, in talking about Sarin to all of the Dark Council members, that is a common theme: once you get to know him, you see his greatness. I do realize that some of you will take exception to this appointment, but I hope you only do so if you have actual experience and interaction with Sarin. I assure you: once you work with him you will agree that he is the man for this job. I am extremely confident in his abilities.

I expect a lot out of Sarin. Not only do I expect him to get over a sharp learning curve in record time, but I expect there to be little slack in the continuation of projects started by Goat and I. He is going to hit the ground running and I think you will see a lot of good things very soon.

To address the rumors: yes, I will be stepping down eventually. I don't want to stay Grand Master forever, nor do I think it's healthy for the DB if I do. This is not something I intend to do this year, or even in the very early parts of next year. A successful transition into GM requires months at DGM -- there is no other DB job like it and training and adjustment are a must. That is why Goat mentioned that one of the reasons he stepped down was to give me time to train my replacement. DGM is a big step for anyone.

Sarin is the person who, in some time, I do hope to be able to hand the Brotherhood over to should the Dark Council agree. However, he fully understands that my recommendation for Grand Master and the support of the Dark Council only comes from a successful term as Deputy. Before I step down, we are going to set -- and reach -- some lofty goals.

I am very confident that I have made the right choice in Sarin. I am excited about the skills and ideas he brings to the table and look forward to seeing him continue the tradition of excellent DGMs. Should you have any concerns, however, do feel free to bring them to me. My door is always open.

Aabsdu, Sarin's Proconsul, will be taking Sarin's seat as Consul of Plagueis. Aabsdu is a very active and talented individual who Sarin has taught well. He will do a great job as Consul.

My congratulations to the new Deputy Grand Master and new Plagueis Consul. My thanks for stepping up to the plate. I can't wait to see the things we can accomplish together.

Grand Master Jac Cotelin