Archpriest Spears Tarentae has, over the many months we worked together, proven to be an invaluable resource to the Shadow Academy and more than just an assistant or second in command.

When he, then Jedi Hunter, first applied to me as Eclectic Pedagog, I had to decline his application for that job simply because it would have been a massive waste of talent to let him just grade courses. I have offered him the Praetor job instead and never one second regretted that decision. Spears has quickly passed through the "got anything to do for me, boss?" stage and moved on to see and fix issues on his own accord. Especially in the last months, when I had many secondary duties to the Great Jedi War and Project Rebirth, he has always, without any need for coordination, seen where problems lay and presented or implemented solutions right there and then. I know now that the day I shall move on from this position, Spears will be a worthy successor and in fact, I would feel comfortable today, without any reservation, in handing over the Shadow Academy to this man.

Now I know that Spears is not a person who is publicly seen that much because he works behind the scenes both for his Clan and the Dark Council, but this does not lessen his achievements. On the contrary, this often unrewarded situation is one in which it is hard to stay motivated and make progress. Spears has made his advancement a quiet and, to some, possibly unseen one, but rest assured that this shall not remain so for I have every belief that he is qualified for service in the Dark Council and that it is only a matter of time until we see him bring new ideas and power to a position in the Dark Hall. I have said Spears has transcended being an assistant or deputy - Spears has acted with the talent and wisdom of a second Headmaster and thusly provided more to the Shadow Academy than I could ever expect.

In summarizing, the demonstrated wisdom, ability and dedication to the Brotherhood and the Shadow Academy of Archpriest Spears Tarentae are such that I can not but insist that this rank be increased to something more befitting his talents.

With the power invested in me as a member of the Dark Council, I thus bestow on Spears Tarentae the rank, privileges, powers and status of EPIS OF THE KRATH ORDER.

Thus decreed at Lyspair, Khar Shian campus, on this 19th day of October, 2004.

Spears Tarentae, 2004-10-18 22:00:00 UTC