Aura has been part of the community for many years, but over the past 6 or so in recent memory I've been part of she has stepped into leadership that spans multiple Clans, with years on the Clan Odan-Urr summit leaving an impact on both the Clan and Brotherhood community. She has a collection of sacramental medals and merit medals to back up her impressive contributions to this community and all the work she's done as a creator and contributor to the experience of other members. When looking over her accomplishments across her career in the Brotherhood so far it was clear she had already earned the Elder rank. Congratulations Blade.

Master Aramis Taelyan, 2022-01-12 23:48:19 UTC

If you would for a moment, picture a roughly medium-sized fluffy dog who constantly yips and runs through your house like a maniac wanting to play and who, if you don’t give them something to do, will find their own ways to entertain themselves. This is a Shib. This also happens to be Aura’s spirit animal.

Possessing the energy of many suns, Aura has been a driving force for a lot of the community-building initiatives here in COU. The brainchild to our very successful Weekly Community Events where members are encouraged to pull together their Clubmates and host events that range from roleplay missions, gaming, or anything else they would like. Aura’s love of comradery and community has become cemented in the culture of the Clan and even while not holding a position of leadership she still encourages and supports this by offering to host and participate when she can. Since piloting the Community Events nearly two years ago, Aura has hosted 47 of these events and participated in almost all the rest. To give it some perspective, our Community Events on average last around 3 hours so for her to host so many means she committed 141 hours to just hosting her events. This doesn’t include hyping, reaching out to members, or participating in other members' events. It is rare you find someone who will donate this much time to something on a consistent basis, but as she had for the Clan if she believes in something she will work tirelessly to make it happen.

On a personal level, Aura has been a good friend and mentor. From pulling me out of hiding and “CON”ing me into House leadership to being around to offer advice to me now, Aura can always be counted on for support. I know that if there is ever a spreadsheet that needs fixing or data that needs to be represented in a chart, I know who to reach out to.

So now comes the numbers part. Since her last promotion in 2019, she has earned 1 Ruby Scepter, 1 Amethyst Kukri, and 1 Grand Cross. Participated in 311 competitions earning herself 2 Gold Nova, 1 Silver Nova, 2 Bronze Nova, 4 Crescents with Diamond Stars, 15 Crescents with Ruby Stars, 21 Crescents with Amethyst Stars, 21 Crescents with Sapphire Stars, 15 Crescents with Emerald Stars, 3 Crescents with Topaz Stars and 2 Crescents with Quartz Stars. For her writing, she has 42,276 words of fiction earning herself 95 Clusters of Ice. Gaming-wise she earned 4 Pendants of Blood, 528 Clusters of Fire, and 863 Clusters of Earth. All those stick figures have earned her 206 Clusters of Graphite and in the Shadow Academy, she's passed 16 courses and earned 2 degrees. Additionally, she's earned 1 Dark Side Scroll, 2 Scrolls of Indoctrination, 2 Scrolls of the Master, 7 Legion of the Scholar, 1 Seal of Loyalty 22 Seals of Visions, and 25 Seals of Enmity.

Not only a consumer, but Aura has also organized 113 competitions, co-organized 6, and posted 20 news posts (most of which had been on time). She has also held the position of Consul and currently holds the positions of Magistrate to the Grand Master and the newly created SWTOR Tribune.

While I have barely scratched the surface of every contribution Aura has made to COU and the DB over the years, I will say that all of them have gotten the Club to where it is today. Thank you so much Aura for everything you do and have done. This is a well-earned promotion to Elder!

Revak Kur
Consul, Odan-Urr

Grand Inquisitor Lizuni Heraga, 2022-01-07 19:26:52 UTC

The true measure of a leader comes in how they respond to things not going their way, to obstacles, disappointment, and setbacks. Consul is one of the most rewarding jobs in the club but at times it can be the most challenging. Blade took the helm of COU at a time of great change both in the club and in the clan. Activity had slumped, the roster shrank and issues abounded. She did not shrink in the least from these challenges leading the way with her relentless optimism, determination, and downright inspiring level of care for the community, who she often refers to with affection as her “pups.” Blade retooled the summit, dug in, and did the hard work of steering the great ship of Odan-Urr out of the storm and into the future. The success the clan has today is due in no small part to Blade’s example and strength of character. My respect and admiration for Blade has continued to grow over the years as she doesn’t quite seem to know the meaning of the word retired contributing to the clan nonstop as a regular member and advisor.

Initiatives Blade started at the clan level such as roleplay, community events, and leveraging Discord as a platform are now being implemented across the club. Her vision, foresight, and laser focus on member experience shine like a beacon for the rest of the club to follow. Elders are those who have made an impact on the club for the benefit of their fellow members and Blade has certainly made a doge-shaped impact.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Odan-Urr and the entire club.

Turel Sorenn
Proconsul, Odan-Urr

Champion Rajhin Cindertail, 2022-01-07 22:02:01 UTC

What can I honestly say about Aura? She is a humble, passionate, and dedicated leader and friend. Always there for you when you need someone to talk to and wise enough to offer advice that can help shape your DB career. Upon rejoining COU, Blade was a mentor to me. Sure, I knew what it meant to lead and how to do it on the surface. But she helped me to reinvent myself, whether she realized it or not. A guiding light in the darkness, she was who I leaned on the most, even if her criticisms were brutally honest at times, she truly does want what is best for her peers. She has been a pillar for Odan-Urr and a shining star in the Brotherhood. An absolute beast in JA and a meteor deflector in Squadrons. A constant presence on ToR, when the tribune position opened I remember immediately messaging her and saying she had it in the bag, I think before she even applied. Sure enough, she was chosen, and I couldn't think of a better person for the job. As Consul of Odan-Urr she was simply amazing, her fresh ideas and vision were and continue to inspire me as I step back into leadership. I aspire to reach her level of skill and finesse. Bold enough to defend those she calls friend and compassionate enough to forgive, Blade is the embodiment of a true leader. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you've done for me personally and for your Clan. Odan-Urr couldn't find a better friend or member. You deserve this promotion, you really do, and it was an honor to write this.

Gui Sol, 2022-01-09 15:06:56 UTC

What can I honestly say about Aura? She is a humble, passionate, and dedicated leader and friend. Always there for you when you need someone to talk to and wise enough to offer advice that can help shape your DB career. Upon rejoining COU, Blade was a mentor to me. Sure, I knew what it meant to lead and how to do it on the surface. But she helped me to reinvent myself, whether she realized it or not. A guiding light in the darkness, she was who I leaned on the most, even if her criticisms were brutally honest at times, she truly does want what is best for her peers.

She has been a pillar for Odan-Urr and a shining star in the Brotherhood. An absolute beast in JA and a meteor deflector in Squadrons. A constant presence on ToR, when the tribune position opened I remember immediately messaging her and saying she had it in the bag, I think before she even applied. Sure enough, she was chosen, and I couldn't think of a better person for the job. As Consul of Odan-Urr she was simply amazing, her fresh ideas and vision were and continue to inspire me as I step back into leadership. I aspire to reach her level of skill and finesse. Bold enough to defend those she calls friend and compassionate enough to forgive, Blade is the embodiment of a true leader. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you've done for me personally and for your Clan. Odan-Urr couldn't find a better friend or member.

You deserve this promotion, you really do, and it was an honor to write this.

Gui Sol, 2022-01-09 15:08:09 UTC