A Message from the Quaestor

Hello, darlings! Welcome once again to a monthly HQD report. So, for this month’s rant, I am going to talk to you about leadership. As a person who has been in DJB leadership for mymembership, I have a bit of experience with it. As such, I am a huge advocate for people wanting to try their hand at it.

Leadership at any level gives you an opportunity to look back behind the curtain, and learn more about some of the processes that go into maintaining the club. It helps you to get to know other people who are not necessarily in your close-knit circle of club friends. Finally, it also gives you an opportunity to give back to the club.

Frankly, I would recommend leadership to almost anyone. It’s fun, even if it can be challenging at the same time. I have become much closer to certain people than I would have if I had stayed as a regular member. Are there frustrations? Sure. Get more than 2 people in any situation, and there will probably be some frustrations. But it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment.

As luck would have it, there is a leadership opportunity right now! If you haven’t already, get your applications in for the open BTL position. I promise, I don’t bite unless asked, and safewords are usually used.

A Message from the Aedile

Hallo, my lekfriends! Speaking of trying one’s hand at leadership, I’ve been graciously allowed the opportunity to serve as your Aedile and I am looking forward to working with you all to make the next leg of our journey an amazing one.

Being my first leadership position, I was hesitant to apply. Although I’ve been around for some time and gotten to know the club at least fairly well, it still felt like such an important task for little lekhead to do. However, I reassured myself that the amazing people we have in charge would not pick me if it was not in the Clan’s interests and so here we are!

Moral of the story is: Never be afraid to apply! The worst thing that can happen is you get a polite “maybe next time”.

As for myself, you are all hopefully aware of the terrible lekpuns and the hardt-to-readt accent. Beyond those things, and behind the alluring lekku, I’m a Master of Science, working as an analyst for a multinational and building my life in the Northern Wilderness of Finland (allegedly). I hope to bring my particular set of skills to bear on y’all in some way or another, but failing that, I’ll just bombard you with lekmoticons from my lektastic sticker pack!

In closing, I hope that by the end of my tenure as Aedile, I will have had the pleasure of following each of your characters’ exploits and been able to mark a particular moment of triumph in the annals of House Qel-Droma’s Wiki. I want to get to know your characters and immortalize their stories, so if you have any idea for House activities in mind, my door is always open!

(Actually, I don’t have a door in my office. Lucine said she liked her old one, so she took it with her…)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. House Fiction Update
3. News
4. Awards, Promotions and Transfers
   
5. Crescent Leaderboard
6. Competitions
7. Ask the Redhead and the Lekhead
8. In Closing...

House Fiction Update

Quaestor’s Quarters Port Ol’val 37 ABY

This was it. Finally. All that she’d been waiting for for so very long.

Lucine Vasano ran her hands along the smooth, supple Nerf leather of the Quaestor’s chair and did her best to stifle a shiver of bliss. It had taken a bit of adjusting after the initial news about Rhylance’s advancement, but she’d like to think she had taken it well, all things considered, and now all of this was hers – at last.

The office around her had beheld so many difficult decisions, this chair so many weighty names; and now it was her turn. What great challenges would still lie ahead of her? What monumental tasks would she be called upon to tackle and tame?

Well, there was one in particular. One she’d been aware of the day Rhylance had been summoned to serve as the Consul’s right-hand man. Her own replacement.

You can read the rest of the fiction here.

News

Arcona News

• First, a bit of bad news. For those of you who are unaware, our wonderful BTL Leeadra will be stepping down in a few short days. She has been an amazing leader, and will be sorely missed. Whomever steps into the BTL role will have big shoes to fill. Big, smol shoes. You can read more about what she has to say in the Voidbreaker report. Also, considering applying!

• Second, for those of you who have not noticed, Tali has been named Aedile of HQD! Yay!

• Next, congratulations to Aldaric for being named Quaestor of Galeres!

• The Shadow Sloth speaks! Check out the latest Arcona fiction update, and other crunchy bits in the Consul Report!

DB Wide Updates

• Look! The DJB has a new clan!

• In another bad news/good news situation, Vyr is stepping down from DGM, and Evant is stepping into the role. This means that the Regent position is now available. For more information, read Mav’s announcement and the open position notification.

• Also, Drac will be stepping down, and applications are open for Fist.

• Speaking of the Fist, do you enjoy gaming? If so, check out Drac’s latest Fist Report.

Awards, Promotions and Transfers

And now, for the Crescent list!

Terran Koul

• 3 Clusters of Ice

Tali Sroka

• 4 Clusters of Ice
• Promotion to Aedile (wee!)

Cymbre Kall

• 2 Crescent with Ruby Star (Awesome!)
• 1 Scroll of Foundation

Lucine

• 4 Clusters of Ice
• Legion of the Scholar (Woo!)

Leeadra Halcyon

• 1 Crescent with Ruby Star

Magik

• 2 Clusters of Ice
• 3 Clusters of Graphite

Kelviin

• 18 Clusters of Fire (Burn baby burn!)

Alaisy Tir’eiivra

• 3 Crescents with Ruby Star
• 1 Crescent with Amethyst Star
• 3 Crescents with Sapphire Star
• 6 Clusters of Graphite

Emere Galo

• 1 Crescent with Sapphire Star
• 15 Clusters of Graphite (Wow!)

Eilen Jath

• 1 Crescent with Amethyst Star
• 1 Crescent with Sapphire Star
• 3 Clusters of Graphite

Blithe

• 18 Clusters of Fire (BUUUUURNN!)

Crescent Leaderboard

Below you will find the numbers used to determine the scoring and the leaderboard itself.

• Diamond: 7
  
• Ruby: 6
  
• Amethyst: 5
  
• Sapphire: 4
  
• Emerald: 3
  
• Topaz: 2
  
• Quartz: 1
  

Member	Points
Alaisy	35
Cymbre	12
Eilen	9
Leeadra	6
Emere	4

This month was dominated by Alaisy, with Cymbre coming in second (Way to go!) and our favorite space-ferret picking up third place! Good luck to all over the next month!!!!

Competitions

• Our very own Edema’s Alternate Futures: Fall of Arcona is still running for 2 more days! Get it before it’s gone!
• Eilen is hosting a second round of What’s My Fandom Again?! Get your graphics on!
• Ralph McQuarrie Puzzle Series: You want puzzles? He got puzzles!
• Look forward for some House Comps coming your way “Soon(TM)”

AskRedAndLek

• Consul No-Pants wants to know many things:

  • How's the new work environment? Do the two have a good dynamic??
    • Tali: Vork environment is goodt, but I seem to be missing a door. Lucine saidt she likedt her oldt one better. As for the dynamic? Vell, ve are both very flexible andt accommodating of each others’ needts…
    • Lucine: There has been a 100% decrease in potentially life-threatening experiments, so the work environment is excellent. And yes, the dynamic is most satisfying for both parties.
  • Does Tali get confused by all the blue men wandering through?
    • Tali: Huh? Vhat? I thought I vas going colorblindt for a moment.
  • Does Lucine get jealous because of Strong's powerful respect for Tali and that he pays attention to her even with Lucine present?
    • Lucine: Shockingly, no. She has no problem with Strong liking and respecting other women, so long as Strong extends the reverse of the courtesy to her.
  • Is Ol'val smoking again or is that my imagination?
    • Tali: (sniffs) Vho let the Quaestor into the kitchen, again?! She must have priedt off the ankle-bandt. She’s getting craftier by the day…
    • Lucine: No, for once that was not me. Excuse me, I must speak to the engineering department about the functionality of the sprinkler systems. Oh, and for the record? Your ankle-band is woefully inadequate.
  • Tali when are you going to let Lucine go off on her vacation to Celeste's new Chiss staffed resort?
    • Tali: Once she’s finishedt teaching me the new holonet access codes andt systems. So far she’s only allowedt me to play minesweeper… VHICH IS A SILLY ANDT STUPIDT GAME VITH NO LOGIC! (flails at compooper)
    • Lucine: And as soon as you discover the logic behind the game, we will move on the the next lesson: playing Freecell without undoing moves. (pause) Wait a moment. Did you say there is a Chiss staffed resort on Celeste?

• Grot is hungry, so he asks: Recommend me a recipe please?

  • Tali: Trandoshan first rearing omelette vith lizardt-tail fries.
  • Lucine: Hmmm, how about Trandoshan tendermeat in a sweet chili sauce, served on a bed of rice with brown butter vegetables?

• Kordath returned, because he was feeling bored:

  • Any big plans leading up to the war for Qel-Droma?
    • Tali: We’ll be running some pre-war comps to get our juices flowing!
    • Lucine: That the lek-head said. That, and starting my usual Pre-War rituals.
  • Eye balling any more purchases?
    • Tali: I am not saying everyone vill receive lekwarmers before the Var, but I’m also not saying everyone vill not receive lekwarmers before the Var…
    • Lucine: Well, the summer wardrobe has already been purchased, so now it is time to consider what sort of shiny new things for the House. Perhaps a bor gullet?
  • Did you get that thing I sent you?
    • Tali: Yes, it vill be a crucial component in assembling The Device
    • Lucine: Yes, it was surprisingly thoughtful. Did Strong help you pick it out?

• Leeadra wishes to know:

  • What is the current plan to put pants on the Consul?
    • Tali: I cannot divulge the entire plan due to operational safety requirements, but it vill involve leadt pipes, a copy of the latest Fornaxx -magazine andt superglue.
    • Lucine: Except we have decided to swap out the lead pipes with 20 pounds of marbles, a hive of angry bees and and five candles of varying lengths. All other items are as Tali described, however, remain an integral part of the plan.
  • What would you suggest Lee do with her newfound freedom?
    • Tali: Just Kidding! Bask in the glow of your accomplishments and then report for duty fresh-facedt andt bushy-tailedt on Monday. Ve’ve got a Var to vin!
    • Lucine: I would suggest that she begins by getting some sleep. Afterwards? Perhaps enjoy some adventures aboard the Voidbreaker without the constant pressure of leadership? Or, perhaps taking the time to meet a certain space-ferret and utilize the dinner reservations and show tickets that I have arranged for you?
  • What must one do to please the newest lek’d overlord?
    • Tali: A customary offering of lekwarmers is a goodt start. Doing ALL of the things, or at least Some of the things is better, though. The lek’d overlordt appreciates your time andt effort!
  • Do you have a favorite underling?
    • Tali: Not yet, but I am accepting submissions...
    • Lucine: I appreciate the individual strengths of all of my underlings.
  • What was the first change you made when you took over your new office space?
    • Tali: Replacedt the missing door vith cardboardt… Andt reducedt the vine cellars from three to two.
    • Lucine: Having the blood stains scrubbed out, and having the overall look changed from ‘mad scientist haven’ to ‘posh yet comfortable office space’.

• Xenna asks: I'm still finding sand in my ship, can you next time aim for a less sandy area?

  • Tali: I’m sorry, I vill try to escape a life of sexual slavery to a less inconvenient location for your ship’s interior...
  • Lucine: So you are saying you do not want to attend our beach vacation?

• Alaisy asks:

  • Definitely want a Ramen recipe as well, it fits my diet.
    • Lucine: I can honestly say I have never stopped to having ramen. I shall defer to Tali.
    • Tali: Oooo! Vhere do I begin?! Have you triedt the ones vhere you open up those little surprise bags that come vith the ramen? Oooh! Andt maybe, if you vant to get real freaky, try adding a little vater. Vow! Vhat flavors!
  • Fashion advice, thinking about swapping my silver hair accessory with a leathery band coiled around for a high ponytail. Got any other ideas for that edgy look?
    • Lucine: Maybe include some thin strands of flexible metal woven into your hair? Against your dark locks, it would look quite striking!
  • What are your new offices looking like so far?
    • Lucine: Well, the door is securely in place, and most of the redecorating is done. You should come by to see it sometime!
    • Tali: It’s bigger than my apartment… Andt in vay better condition. I shouldt move in.

• Eilen asks:

  • Are sock-lekku allowed in the workspace?
    • Lucine: Our dress-code policy is remarkably lax, as it turns out. By all means, wear your sock-lekku!
    • Tali: Highly encouragedt for group-cohesion purposes! (Andt also other purposes)
  • Have you considered suggesting an alternative to pants for the Consul - maybe something he might resist less? I bet a kilt would go well with his accent.
    • Lucine: What a remarkable idea! Perhaps we will try that is Operation Pant-ageddon fails.
    • Tali: Never give up! Never surrender! Arcona Invicta!
  • How many rainbow decorations can we have in the workplace for Pride month? I probably should have asked before installing the rainbow LEDs in the ceiling, but, eheh, oh well I guess
    • Lucine: I was wondering why the generators were suddenly working overtime! You can have as many LEDs as you want, just bear in mind that that portion of the energy bill will be coming out of your salary.
    • Tali: Have you seen our spaceships? Ve are the Pride month, every month. Go vildt!
  • Is it better to ask for forgiveness than permission?
    • Lucine: I suppose it depends on who is the one asking for forgiveness instead of permission, what they are asking forgiveness for, how big their credit account is and how good their combat skills are.
    • Tali: Victory needs no explanation, defeat allows none!

• Jazzy asks: What do you think of this video?

  • Lucine: Beautiful!
  • Tali: Blyautiful!

In Closing…

We know that this is a moment of great shifts in leadership within the House, but rest assured that the same friendly faces you’ve been used to seeing will still be around. There have been some rumors along the grapevine (or just looking at the callendar) that there may be some greater conflict in the wings before long. Things are bound to heat up, and not just because summer is finally coming!

As always, if you have concerns, ideas, recommendations or a general need to chat, we are always here for you. Whether on TG (@lucinevasano and @tali_sroka) and or email.

Signed,

The Redhead and the Lekhead