Dark Greetings Naga Sadow,

Well now… It hasn't really been that long since my last report, and even more so not much in the way of major events to run down! Regardless, you journeymen types have been busy beavers! As many noticed — I myself had over 40 emails about it — the Shadow Academy requirements changed for their tier program. This resulted in a lot of people getting much higher ranks and neat stuff as a result! That means you guys, who are living in the Academy exam section as part of your trial requirements, will get to move up faster in these ranks and enjoy what they have to offer you!

Go out there and pass those courses! Carpe diem and such!

We got several Run-Ons actively going right now in the Discourse threads. If you are interested in participating, by all means contact the members involved or even ask me to do so on your behalf. We here in CNS love our ROs… I mean it, we live for that stuff. It is pretty ridiculous. So, don't be afraid to get involved.

Master-Student Program

As always I need to plug this. It is the lifeblood of our system. As new members, you can be paired with an experienced member who has been right where you are now, and made it out to the other side. Use their experience, it is freely given, and you just might make a new friend!

Here is the official form for the Master-Student Program to show your interest as a master, or a student.

Click me, for I am important and flashy and stuff... Okay, I'm important for setting up pairings!

Competitions

My competition, More Than Words - #1 ends today, and it is super easy. Get your participation in while you can!

The Quaestor of Shar Dakhan is looking for his Black Guard.

Devil's Shroud has a whole event series going on, for their members… Mayhap you wish to become a member and particpate in these beauties.

You can find the full list right here

Notable Accomplishments

I would have more to list off here if I weren't doing this in the middle of the month, but here is how you guys are doing so far in June.

Bentre Stahoes (aka Bentros, Benny)

• Dark Cross

Vyrim

• Anteian Cross

Tasha'Vel Versea

• Anteian Cross

Fenn Eshka'yla

• Promoted to Protector

Krataa

• Steel Cross

Sandrin

• Promoted to Dark Jedi Knight

Star Saber

• Promoted to Novice

Vyrim

• Promoted to Jedi Hunter

Scarlet

• Promoted to Dark Jedi Knight

Special Recognition

Now I get to have a little fun and highlight a member that I more than likely won't be talking about in my reports anymore, on account of no longer being a Journeyman! Scarlet, now a Knight, has shown an impressive amount of focus and hard work in her trials.

She never shied away from the tasks presented to her, and even if she stumbled she had no issues getting back up and pushing until the obstacles before her melted away. Time and time again she succeeded in her endeavours, all while keeping a vocal and active relationship with the main body of the clan. Getting to Knighthood is not as easy as it seems, it takes time and effort in measured parts. She has managed this feat, and I look forward to what she will bring to the clan in her new capacity.

Mayhap she should take a gander at the Master Student program… Shameless plug is shameless.

Getting To Know The Clan

Introducing Maelous Ascerand - Click for his Wiki

So… Maelous.

Anima.

… Yeah, I remember why I liked you now. Let's get through this and go have us some fun… And by fun I mean immediate death for people not us, eh?

So, can you tell me quickly what brought you to the Dark Jedi Brotherhood?

I kind of found it my mistake. I was looking for costuming groups like the 501st and RP groups and just found the page in the listing on google. I signed up and have enjoyed it ever since.

Nice, not everyone gets here by way of recommendation, but the Googles is a recommendation all in itself. You've had the opportunity to learn from many notable members during your time here, what would you say the most important thing you've learned is?

How to write better. I looked back on old RO posts and some of the first fictions I wrote for the club and I'm horrified at how bad they are compared to what I write now.

Yes, many people don't realize how much of an impact the writing of others can be on their own. A combination of practice and seeing techniques that resonate with you, merging into your own style, is how we all grow as authors. How would you describe your character and his experiences to someone else that was hoping to portray them in fiction?

Maelous is very dark side and very paranoid. He hears a voice in his head constantly judging him, his actions, and those around him. He's also willing to take great injury to himself if he thinks it will mean he can kill an enemy. He's brutal and ruthless, but not above working with others when it is needed. He's highly intelligent, and would do anything to the pursuit of alchemy.

By the Gods of Chaos that is a thing of beauty… Brought a single tear to my eye — but only one… If you had to pick one thing in your DJB career that is your "oh wow, my character is awesome" factor, what would it be?

I think it would be from when the clan reclaimed Markosian City. Maelous and Roxas broke into a house of the woman who was trying to take over and were greeted by servants that took them to see her. She tried to convince us to side with her. With the Force enhancing his strength Maelous shoved his hand into her chest and ripped out her heart. I checked with everyone involved in the RO. They said it was odd, but could be possible. I loved that.

Please tell me you were muttering kalima under your breath while writing that. If you didn't, don't tell me… I want to preserve the mental image. Moving on to our final question, what sort of advice would you give to any newcomers to the Clan?

Find a Master and get involved. Even if you are new and don't know what you need to do, jump in. If you need help ask leadership, we may seem like we are far off and not in contact but that's the furthest from the truth. We are here to help and motivate and guide you, but we can't help if you don't talk to us.

Thank you for that… Now that we have that unpleasantness out of the way, wait outside and I'll come meet you when I'm done here. It'll be like old times!

If any of you reading this would like to see a specific member up here, or volunteer yourself, please don't hesitate to reach out and we'll keep this going… Or I'm going to pick someone myself, and I will hunt them down wherever they may hide.

Conclusion

Same conclusion, as always, for I cannot stress this enough:

This is a great place to be, and the members are what make it that way. You guys can all be a part of that going forward, if you choose to be. Myself and all the other veteran members of the clan are here to help, most of us at any time, so all you need to do is ask.

Stay classy, gang, and I look forward to speaking with you again!