Event History

The Ruby Scepter is awarded to individuals who provide a high level of consistent and meritorious mentorship throughout the Dark Brotherhood. Mentorship can take the form of improving a House by motivating members to become a competitive unit. Mentorship can take the form of developing proposals and documents in an effort to re-Clan. Mentorship can take the form of creating systems, Shadow Academy Courses, and guides for the creation of a new ACC.

Dark Prophet Halcyon has served a distinguished and nearly unequaled Dark Brotherhood career. Throughout his time in our club he has always provided insight to our members and our club wide projects resulting in the overall betterment of the DJB. Halc’s recent activity serves as another reminder of his dedication and commitment to our club. Halc has served at the House, Clan, and DJB level in various positions, but all with the same endstate in mind. Improve our people and improve our club.

Personally, I have worked with Halc for several years and his consistent commitment has been amazing to watch. He has always taken the time to improve upon DJB level ideas and work towards helping our members enjoy their DJB experience. This has recently manifested in his work with the ACC where he developed a new way for our members to Qualify for the ACC. This new system of Shadow Academy Tests affords Halc the opportunity to directly converse with our members and help them improve upon their writing and their ability to successfully complete in the ACC. Halc furthered these efforts by participating in the editing and creation of multiple ACC documents that have resulted in an overall better experience for our writers.

The Ruby Scepter is awarded for mentorship to members of the Dark Brotherhood. It is a seldom awarded honor and one that is befitting Dark Prophet Halcyon. Thanks for all you do and congratulations! ~GM Pravus

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Well, uhm where shall I start with this? From all people invited to contribute to Halcyon's Ruby Sceptre, I am the one with the shortest time within Taldryan or the Brotherhood and thus time I have spent knowing Halc. Still for all the time he has been one of the few members always influencing myself and others by helping and mentoring them and myself how the club works and what they can do to contribute their own to make their Clan, House and the Brotherhood a better and, more importantly, more interesting place.

We all know without doubt that Halcon Rokir Taldrya has been such a member, always there, always approachable and always full of advices for those starving for it. But that's long not with it, there are few people in this club who know it better than Halcyon, members who have nearly built up this club to what it is today. Still he doesn't cease at that. Whenever an innovation hits the club, Halcyon is one of the first to adapt to it so he can mentor other members on how to adapt to these innovations as well.

Halcyon did this in the past and continues to do so willingly and all while serving the Brotherhood in varying official leadership positions like for the last six month as Quaestor of Ektrosis of Taldryan and while being one of the most active members of Taldryan at the same time, earning medal after medal and grading numerous Shadow Academy ACC Exams while mentoring his personal Apprentice beyond his Dark Jedi Knight trials to become the next generation of Taldryan's leadership. He does this out of love to this club and more importantly for its members.

Sure, you can say that these traits are something you can expect to see from someone like Halc, but we need to be remanded to never take members like him for granted. Members like Halc are the most important and rarest that we have and we must recognize their dedication and love to the Club in an appropriate manner, and as such I am hereby telling you that Halcyon Rokir Taldrya has proven his capabilities as an Instructor, Inventor and Mentor over and over again and thus earned to be rewarded with a Ruby Sceptre for his service to the members of Taldryan and the Brotherhood.

Halc, for all your mentoring within Clan Taldryan and the Brotherhood, congratulations on this Ruby Sceptre. ~Rian

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It is hard to discuss the past ten years of the Dark Brotherhood without at some point mentioning Dark Prophet Halcyon Rokir Taldrya. This is a man, who has had his fingerprints on every aspect of Dark Brotherhood life in some way or another. He’s a twice serving Deputy Grand Master, a twice serving Master at Arms, and yet he still seems utterly incapable of riding off into the sunset to hang up his spurs. He is ultimately, a custodian of the Brotherhood’s future, and has proven his commitment to that role time and time again.

Most recently, Halcyon has proven this once more by doing exactly what those of us who know him would expect him to do: stepping up. Six months ago, Taldryan finished the long uphill climb, and returned to Clan status, but despite that triumph, Taldryan still had need of Halcyon and his talents, and Halcyon answered the call.

Since the reclanning, Halcyon has been the face and voice of Ektrosis. His hard work and dedication have ensured that from within it’s ranks, more active and contributing members have risen up and stepped into greater roles. His first official apprentice in years, Aiden Dru, has already risen to the position of Aedile within Ektrosis. Under Halcyon’s steady guiding hand, the next generation of Taldryan’s leadership is starting to emerge, and for this Taldryan is forever grateful.

Despite all of the responsibility and work that comes with the position of being a Quaestor, Halcyon’s own personal contributions to Taldryan and the Dark Brotherhood have not lessened at all. Since his last merit award, Halcyon has participated in over 60 Taldryan and DB wide competitions, placing in nearly one third of those competitions. He’s been an active participant in gaming nights, and trivia nights, and any other number of competition type you can throw at him. Not only is he an active participant in the Brotherhood, he’s also been responsible for creating and hosting over 15 events for other members of the Brotherhood.

Halcyon quite simply put should be used as an example to every member of the Brotherhood, from Grand Master down to Apprentice, on how one can be an active, and contributing member of this club.

Now, the definition of the ruby sceptre states that it is awarded to members of the Brotherhood whose work have touched a wide range of members across all the clans, and they will have contributed significantly in the areas of instruction, invention and mentorship. I can confidently state that Halcyon Taldrya fits into all of those categories. My colleagues will attach their own recommendations that espouse the efforts Halcyon has gone to within the Antei Combat Centre’s rebuild, ensuring that everyone understands and learns about the vast changes within that institution he has helped to rebuild.

But in my opinion, it is his ability to be a leader who has been so instrumental in the maintenance and creation of the Brotherhood we know today, and yet still be one who is constantly pushing the bounds of new competition, and activity design in the Brotherhood that set him apart. Since the adoption of the new forums systems, Halcyon has been one of the most active members on there, being one of a handful to earn a promotion to the second level. Halcyon was also an early adopter and promoted of twitter for the Dark Brotherhood. He’s always been a supporter of the Dark Brotherhood’s facebook page, and will surely be one of the most ardent supporters of every other institution the Brotherhood adopts.

More recently, Halcyon has been working side by side with me in the creation and execution of the Taldryan competition Gathering Darkness. This competition has been designed to test out many new types of competitions, including new forms of co-op fiction and a fully adaptive plot storyline. In the end, it’s just a simple fact that if the Brotherhood offers something? Halcyon goes out of his way to learn it, so he can help others participate in it. That is being a mentor. Halcyon is always looking for the chance to make the Brotherhood, and thankfully Taldryan, a better place for not just himself, but every member in the club.

It is my great honour therefore, to recommend that Halcyon be awarded a Ruby Sceptre for all of his hard work.

Sincerely,

Dark Jedi Master Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor, Proconsul & Proud Son of Clan Taldryan

Halc has been an excellent mentor and teacher in the ACC since he joined our staff in beta. As one of the initial supporters of an exam-based take on qualification, it should come as no surprise that Halc’s efforts have been exemplary when it comes to exam grading. Halc has covered more than a quarter of all ACC Fundamental exams graded, helping keep the turnaround time on those exams extremely low. More than that, though, Halc has been one the most active ACC Judges in one of our most important areas: Grading qualification exams. This exam, with shared judging by all ACC Judges, is one of our primary points of really providing detailed feedback to members on their writing, and it is here that Halc exceeds. Halc has graded more than twenty percent of all ACC qualification exams, with more than thirty exams graded. Halc’s feedback is also superb here, where he highlights the issues members have excellently. Together, his performance as a grader on these two exams makes him the only member of the staff to grade more than twenty percent of both exams.

Beyond that, Halc has been an excellent resource and mentor for me in many ways. His past experiences as Combat Master have been invaluable in our reconstruction of the ACC, and it is this experience on which I have leaned many times for advice on directions to take the ACC and how best to engage and maintain membership activity.

Halc’s work in Taldryan, as detailed by others, along with his excellent record as a mentor in the ACC, make him more than qualified to receive a Ruby Scepter. Congratulations, Halc!

Telaris “Mav” Taldrya Cantor, Combat Master & Aedile of House Dinaari

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The RS has a focus on honouring those in the Brotherhood who are involved in: “areas of instruction, invention and mentorship,” and Halc is one of those leaders that has fulfilled those criteria in spades. As a leader of Taldryan, Halcydoodle helps develop all of her members, not just those under his command in Ektrosis, this ranges the full gamut - from offering guidance to (and directly training) our newest members, to helping out his ancient clanmates with their latest hair brained schemes. My colleagues have already discussed some of Halc’s leadership statistics, his competitions run and participated in, but not Halc’s personal accomplishments.

Since his last Grand Cross of the Dark Side, Halcycon has earned himself 19 crescents for competition placement (1 Ruby, 4 Amethyst, 6 Sapphire, 3 Emerald, 5 Topaz), 4 Pendants of Blood, 1 Gold Nova, a Seal of Loyalty, of the Master, 12 Scrolls of Indoctrination, and 3 Dark Side Scrolls. To put it bluntly, Halc is active as hell. From my perspective, Halc’s own activities do not solely demonstrate his own activity - but rather, they are examples of his greater leadership and instructional actions. He is the type of leader that mentors and instructs not just through his words, but through his actions - he doesn’t just say “go be active” - he shows his members throughout Taldryan what it means to be active.

Halc’s mentorship of Taldryan’s members also extends to me personally. When I first came to Taldryan, I knew how the DB worked, I knew what it meant to be an administrator, but I did not have a damn clue how to be a member of a Clan - or how to lead people (hell, I probably still don’t). I have seen Halc work on proposals and policy documents from all aspects of the DB (including Taldryan’s own clanning document) - always there to offer a cogent point or a new perspective. I have watched Halc put extraordinary efforts into designing and implementing Taldryan events, such as Gathering Darkness, and I have seen him give a damn about the DB when lesser men would have thrown up their hands in frustration and just said “to hell with it.”

Watching Halcyon as a member and leader Taldryan and the Brotherhood for the past few years has given me a new perspective on what a member and a leader can and should accomplish in this club, and I strive to be more and more like him (except for the green parts) every day. I have learned much from the actions and attitude of Halcydoodle, and I believe if more members of our club attempted to do the same? We would be much better off.

For his mentorship, instruction, and leadership of Taldryan’s members new and old (and the Brotherhood at large), Dark Prophet Halcyon Taldrya must be awarded a Ruby Sceptre.

Signed, the fat Panda

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2014-08-23 02:46:06 UTC

Marick Arconae has served on the new ACC's staff since the projections inception. Marick has served in multiple roles as content creator, administrator, course designer, and guide writer. These roles have been tremendous in their scope and herculean in their effort. Throughout Marick's tireless efforts he has always been driven by the principle of delivering content that enhances and improves the average members experience in the Dark Brotherhood. This began with his work on the creation of character sheet guides, species creation submission sheets, and multiple other projects designed to help our members create character sheets. Marick's efforts as an administrator for the Voice staff saw him approve, remand, and provide content on hundreds of character sheets. He would purposely take the time and effort to provide feedback to members who had their character sheets remanded and would often email them to help walk them through the process. Wally continued his work in the realm of mentorship by developing the ACC Shadow Academy Exams designed to teach our members how to participate in our new story driven ACC. These exams and their new function as qualification tools for the ACC required a level of detail and explanation that few exams can boast. Marick crafted them in a manner to help and improve our club's ability to participate in this avenue of activity. Lastly, Marick has written and designed an multiple guides (CS Guide, CS Approval Guide) relating to the ACC/Character sheets that further clarify any potential misunderstandings our members may have. These guides were written with no direction and guidance and were solely the fruits of Wally's desire to help our membership. Marick is a master mentor in our club with a focus on helping every member to enjoy our organization. An award like the Ruby Scepter was designed for members like him. Congrats! - Grand Master Pravus

Wally has always been my deputy of sorts, but his most important work of late has been as a mentor and teacher for new members working through designing custom Aspects. Wally is incredibly creative and has gotten very good at helping guide and develop member's character sheet Aspects. While he sometimes seems overzealous, he is driven by a desire to help every single member that submits a CS. Wally has added most all of the new races added to the system recently, has been proposing new feats, and has worked tirelessly to see that member concerns are addressed in his CS work. On top of this, he is by far the fastest to clear and approve the character sheets in the Queue.

This same attitude towards mentoring was visible when he originally proposed the two tests for the ACC, the first of which, ACC fundamentals, is used virtually verbatim from his first proposal. He continues to be one of the faster judges over the course of the Open Beta, and he served as one of the small number of Closed Beta testers.

Overall, Wally's strong drive to continually improve the members of this club and to help them understand and enjoy the systems he helps create make him perfect for the Ruby Scepter... So congratulations, Wally! ~ Mav

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2014-05-08 14:07:07 UTC

The Ruby Scepter is an award given to the greatest of mentors of the Brotherhood and I can think of no greater mentor in modern memory than Sang.

Sang is a serial master, having guided three members through to the conclusion of their trials (Inarya, Kalon and Anigrel) and I'm sure still aids these students to this day.

But his mentor-ship is not limited to just new members within his own clan. Sang is also a Professor of the Shadow Academy where he overseas the Department of Lore Studies. His grading turnaround time is among the fastest, if not the fastest, of all graders. This ensures students get their results in an impressively fast time, often times meaning newer members get to their next promotion that much sooner.

Sang, thanks for all the work you do for the Dark Brotherhood.

Master Windos, 2013-12-05 07:22:42 UTC

Ood has just graded his 1000th exam.

1000.

That number is crazy. I can imagine that Ood is the first and only person to achieve this milestone.

1000 exams and he is still passionate about the Shadow Academy. He hasn't developed the cynicism that is all too common among "grizzled veterans."

Ood is nearing the end of his 7th year of total, combined, active service to the Shadow Academy, having served as the Eclectic Pedagog of Sith Tactics, Eclectic Pedagog of Pre-Republic History, Professor of Philosophy and now Professor of CORE Studies.

During all of the time he has looked after courses in various capacities, he has always sought to improve his courses. Everything from spelling and general quality checks to complete re-writes when needed.

Not only has Ood served as a Professor of two different departments, he was also THE first Professor. His appointment occurred at least two months before any of his future counterparts. For those two months he beta tested the new system (prior to this, every course was assigned an EP, afterwards courses were grouped together under one Professor). It was thanks to Ood's diligent testing and close work with Muz and Taig that the Professor system saw the light of day, much to the benefit of the Academy and her students.

Ood is always willing to assist his student, taking the time to point them to where they strayed in their exams and even emailing them after grading with further information. Given his department, he is the one Professor that interacts with EVERY new comer to the Brotherhood. His mentorship, I'm sure, has played a large part in a number of Apprentices' early careers.

His grading is timely, often taking well short of 24 hours between submission and graded exam. If it were an option to not sleep, I am sure Ood would be willing to grade every exam as soon as it came in.

Since I started as Headmaster, Ood has taken on the task of updating all of the Shadow Academy courses currently on offer. He has managed the taking on of an assistant and has completed two departments so far. He works quickly and efficiently and always with the student as his number one priority.

He has also been a great asset in writing and checking Grind Path courses which will greatly assist future new comers to the Brotherhood.

Ood, you're a great asset to the Shadow Academy and a truly believe that it wouldn't be what it is today, and what it will be tomorrow, without you.

~ Epis Solari, Headmaster

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<BOW>

One thousand exams, three and a half years of service to the Shadow Academy, Ood has arguably done more for the Shadow Academy that any Headmaster ever.

Numbers aside, Ood still, after all this time and exams, respects his position. Back in January, I took the DB Basics exam (I hadn't, it was there, let's do this). Even though it was just another DB Basics exam--an exam he's graded literally hundreds of times--Ood gave me a complete and thorough reply within 24 hours. Not just a "[Score]. Well done." like most other professors, but a detailed response: "You missed these questions for these reasons. You passed, but you have room for improvement." (Not an exact quote, but the sentiment is the same.) I didn't take the exam seriously, but Ood did. After the hundreds he's graded, knowing a DJM did not put any effort into the DB Basics exam, he did not go through the motions, he graded the exam as though it was the first exam submitted to him.

One thousand exams, three and a half years of service to the Shadow Academy, and he remains respectful and diligent. I fully support the recommendation of a Ruby Scepter for Ood Bnar.

<BOW>

~ Dark Jedi Master Troutrooper, Special Magistrate to the Headmaster

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Ood has been a bastion of activity for as long as I've known him... and I've known him for 5 years. I've seen the guy consistently help our new and younger members to integrate into the Brotherhood and learn about the ropes. The guy is a producer for the Brotherhood, as well as a teacher. He is currently undertaking a massive rewriting of the departments that make up the Shadow Academy and has pretty much been a part of the SA for the five years that I've known him. He teaches me new things and also helps me to improve on helping others.

Ood has been a boon to the Brotherhood and thoroughly deserves this Ruby Sceptre. Congratulations, Ood. You're a legend, mate.

~ Exarch Sanguinius Tsucyra Entar, Quaestor of House Galeres.

Master Windos, 2013-04-23 01:29:21 UTC

The Brotherhood without Dash is inconceivable. They are inseparable. They are one.

Teroch, Sashar, Dash, Rufio, whatever you want to call this man, he has remained a stalwart member of this club for longer than I care to imagine. A bastion of activity and dedication, Dash has served to train up some of the best members in the Brotherhood. He has guided, he has nurtured, he has fathered. I think that is the best way to describe him: a father. A shining light in the darkness. Someone to whom one can always turn. Someone who will always offer advice and friendship in times of need. Someone who will demonstrate unfaltering loyalty to his cause, and drive every ounce of his ability into seeing it through to its end. I turn to him for counsel; I know many of my summit do also. And he has gone overlooked for as long as I care to remember. This upsets me.

As a member of Arcona, Dash showed himself to be a part of the Clan's very foundation. He proved his worth time and time again. Whether it was helping the newer members find their feet, or whether it was helping me find mine upon my ascension to Consulship, he treated everyone the same, and he gave everyone the time they deserved. I think this is demonstrable in his extremely impressive student list, which boasts two Obelisk Templars, two Obelisk Prelates, one Sith Warlord, and one Dark Jedi Knight. To see one student through to DJK is seen as an achievement in the Brotherhood. To see one student through to the Equites is commendable. To see five students into such a bracket is nothing short of astounding. And, in absolute honesty, I see his success in his role as a mentor resulting from the time he gives each of his members, and the dedication he himself puts in to understanding, learning about, and fundamentally knowing his students. I am proud to call myself one of his unofficial students. As is Marick. As is Socorra. As is Celahir. The point is, he is extraordinary. Not in one facet of the Brotherhood, as many are, but as a person, as a member, as a mentor, as a guide. Of course, his talents speak for themselves. He is a polymath. But his true, innate skill rests with what I previously called 'fatherhood'.

This skill filtered outside of Arcona, also. Indeed, his position as Combat Master served to reify his position as a mentor. He was the first port of call for all aspiring combatants. He was the figurehead of the Antei Combat Centre, and he was to ensure that all participants were trained and held to the same standard. Whether that was grading the ACC Basics exam, whether that was putting members through qualification (or, in some cases re-qualification), or whether that was giving judges rigorous tests and training exercises in order to prepare them as judges of the Combat Centre, Dash did not fail to deliver. I can testify to many, many hours Dash has spent guiding aspiring judges. Many more have been spent helping aspiring combatants.

It is fair to say that Dash is a pillar of our community. He served Arcona for many, many years. He served Arconans for many, many years. He served the Arconae for many, many years. He served the Brotherhood for many, many years. His thirteen-month tenure as Combat Master was the icing on the cake.

On the Brotherhood Wikipedia, it states that: "To see one possess the Ruby Scepter is to know that this member is one of the great mentors of the Brotherhood. Their work will have touched a wide range of others within the Dark Brotherhood as they will have contributed significantly in the areas of instruction, invention and mentorship." There is no one I can think of whom embodies this more than Dash. His work with the membership has been consistently extraordinary. Leaders, official students, unofficial students, judges, magistrates, combatants. All of these people have been touched by Dash's influence. I dare say that his true legacy extends throughout the Brotherhood, and that there not one unit that has not felt his influence.

The firelight ruby used within the scepter is a jewel of Antei. And I feel that is an appropriate reward for one of the jewels of our Brotherhood.

Well done, Jon. You've more than earned it. ~Wuntila Arconae, Consul of Arcona

A member like Dash is hard to come by and I have certainly never met anyone like him. As a mentor, I owe him almost everything - he was the person who convinced me to give the Brotherhood a shot, the one who helped me create my character (that 3 years later I still love and enjoy writing). He was the one to first pushed me into going for a Battleteam leader roll, and the one who inspired me to hopefully one day reach his level of cunning, creativity, and poise as a leader. I watched him handle situations without blinking - situations I thought would tear the very fibers of Arcona and the Brotherhood apart. He would just stand there, think for a minute and then launch into doing what ever was unnecessary to solve the problem. What he has given for Arcona will never truly be weighed on a scale or accurately represented. If you cut him with a knife, the man bleeds Arcona. He had done a lot of things that have put him at odds with many, many members. In fact there will be plenty of people reading these recommendations with their eyes perpetually rolling. You don't help build a Clan from the bottom of the barrel to to the top without making a few enemies. Polarizing would be the best way to describe it, I suppose. Regardless, It will stand before every single member of the Brotherhood right here and right now and lay down that Dash cares and has given more to the Brotherhood as a whole than a non-DCer has right to. He has served thanklessly as Korras' right hand, all while keeping the ACC running and operating at full capacity for an entire year. Despite being hated by countless members of the club, he has stood tall and worked tirelessly to help the MAA staff process awards and medals in a timely and effective manner. He helped effectively train almost half of the current Arconan Summit, the foundaiton upon which Arcona sits as First Clan of the Brotherhood.

For everything you have done in your long career, the sacrifices you've made, the people you've helped, and the things left done unseen in the background, it gives me no greater honor than to lend my voice to your Ruby Scepter. Thank you for everything, Sarge. -Marick Arconae, Proconsul of Arcona

The men above speak volumes about how Dash has impacted Arcona. There's something to be said there about how his influence has taken Arcona and built it up with his strength, crafting a powerhouse that leads the Brotherhood, not only in Vendetta but also in example. He has, as Marick says 'Bled Arcona'. This could be contrasted against his sudden departure from Combat Master, or his abrupt exodus from his home clan of Arcona. But what happened outside of Arcona is what I am here to talk about. He has served on the Master-at-Arm's staff under Korras, working in one of those jobs that gets very little attention or accolade. His term as Combat Master has seen stability and the work on new character sheets as a small community effort was enjoyable and challenging. A few months back, Dash left his home in Arcona. Some might say that it was to escape politics or to strike a blow against some in the clan in some passive aggressive display. That wasn't it. Dash, having two positions on the Dark Summit, knew that with Arcona triumphant, could start to link the success of the clan with some sort of bias on his part. That his presence would stifle the growth and development of Arconan leaders. He knew when to peel back, to cut the apron strings. That ability to know when to let go is difficult, at best. To still be there for advice, but to let them make their own mistakes. Arcona is more Dash's child than it ever was Mejas's, Nighthawk's or Donitz's. This last year has proven that in my mind. His retirement from COmbat Master has a similar motive. The climate in the ACC is changing, and he knew that with the long sense of tradition he had built, that those needed changes would be stymied by the overarching sense of stability he had toiled to instill. He knew that it was time to step back, but we all know that he'll never be out. He'll continue to offer his help, his advice. A big part of mentorship is knowing when to back away. He has used his influence to try to help new members figure out how and when to promote and award their members. He has worked to try to improve the Combat Centre. He has used his experience to try to improve the Brotherhood in many aspects. An award for his mentorship is more than warranted, even necessary to show that we do appreciate his efforts. Thank you, Dash. ~Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith.

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2013-01-09 13:32:48 UTC

Grand Master Ashen has led the Dark Brotherhood through four years of steady, innovative, and successful leadership culminating in the recent completion of the club wide vendetta, Horizons. Throughout Muz's reign, his calming influence has benefited the Dark Brotherhood and resulted in an organization that is vastly superior to those that operated under his predecessors. Utilizing an execution focus, solution oriented, team player approach, Muz has brought an entire new generation of leaders to the forefront of the Dark Brotherhood. Focused on developing new leaders to take our club into the future, Muz has assured the Dark Brotherhood's continued success. On behalf of the Star Chamber, the Dark Council, and the members of the Dark Brotherhood, it is my honor to request the Ruby Scepter be awarded to Muz Ashen.

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GM Sarin Star Chamber

This won't be long and over-wrought, because that's really not my style. However, it is tremendously clear that Muz deserves a Ruby Scepter. It states clearly that the RS is for those who "contributed significantly in the areas of instruction, invention and mentorship. Instruction and mentorship go nearly hand-in-hand. Although we don't generally point to families when making any type of recommendation, one can look at all those with the name of Keibatsu and know that each and every one of them had been molded, either wholly or in part, by Muz. The members in that family are both talented and have given much to the DB as a whole. Going beyond that, the very fact of being a leader means that one of your primary jobs is mentoring those below you in some fashion or another. Muz has been GM for nearly 4 years and on the DC as a whole for much longer. One cannot even fathom the amount of people he has had to help in some fashion over the years. As for invention...well, Muz was a driving force in the creation of the lightsaber and hand-to-hand guides, which provide us with a foundation for martial RPing in the club. It is also his standards that we use in the creation of our lightsabers, warbanners and robes. The plot of the DB has come from his hand, with nearly all of the fiction derived by him. His "inventions" will live on long after even he is no longer active in the club. This award is more than deserving and has been long overdue. Congratulations!

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DP Halcyon Rokir Taldrya Deputy Grand Master

The Grand Master has managed in his several years to play around with various concepts and ideas in order to keep the Brotherhood's time-honored traditions from become stale and rehashed. The success of the recent Horizons vendetta only serves to solidify that legacy. His work in providing these innovative, fresh, and interesting competitions has helped maintain the liveliness of our institution and keeps the membership coming back for more. Furthermore, I can speak from personal experience when I say that Muz uses his wisdom and creativity to aid his Councilors in doing the same. He teaches and guides, providing a steady hand of mentorship to all who ask for it. Its has been, and continues to be, my honor to work with him in these endeavors. Congratulations and thank you to Lord Ashen.

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His Excellency, the Voice of the Brotherhood Vodo Biask Taldrya

Having served on the Dark Council for a few years, Muz has been one of my greatest sources in my development as a Dark Councilor. Whether it be dealing with minor issues in regards to graphic design or determining an action as a leader, his calm composure and logical reasoning has helped me numerous times from making sever mistakes. Recently, he has been focused on developing interesting and exciting ideas that would not only encourage more activity from the Brotherhood but to go beyond the usual storylines that have been recycled in vendettas past. Working alongside him in ensuring that we create a solid storyline for the Brotherhood as well as provide quick and accurate results to the satisfaction of the entire Brotherhood. For providing guidance to his fellow Dark Councilors, working to develop intriguing events for the entertainment of the club, and strong management to ensure satisfaction of results, I would like to recommend Grand Master Muz Ashen for his Ruby Scepter and complete his award weapon collection. About time, Brohim!

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DA Shikyo Sasuke Keibatsu Herald of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood

I've known about the specifics of Horizon since the end of the last War, being brought up to speed later on. The sheer amount of mental and financial stress that was put on Muz through this time would burn any other member out, but he does these events once or twice a year. I cannot begin to explain the importance of these Vendettas and their impact on the Brotherhood at large. For his consistent leadership and wisdom, it is my honor to aid in the recommendation of this Ruby Sceptre. Congrats.

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Taigikori Dupar Justicar of the Brotherhood

Muz has always been consistent in his delivery of solid, perhaps superb vendettas. Starting from Spoils of War, trekking on with Disorder, and packing a wallop with The Tenth Great Jedi War, Muz has not slowed down in his vision and invention of vendettas in terms of story, competition, and structure. Horizons was a damn good romp as far as vendettas go, and it went, for the most part, extremely smoothly.

Muz maintained a steadfast presence and steadiness as Grand Master, a skill he has proved over and over that he has while running the Brotherhood. I myself had a blast and I know that others enjoyed it just as equally. His persistent tracking of grading and graders, his efficient delivery of results, and his constant management abilities really made this vendetta one of the best. That's pretty much what a mentor and leader has to do - be constant, and be efficient. So enjoy your shiny scepter, buddy - you earned it.

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Ronovi Tavisaen Dupar Headmaster of the Shadow Academy

Muz over the last several years has been a mentor to many of us on the Dark Council. Whether it be a QUA who just started and lasts only a couple months or a Dark Councilor who's been there for several years, Muz gives advice to those that seek it. When I first started there was several days were I requested assistance on how to proceed with certain members or new policies. Over the last year, I've watched him switch his focus onto helping the Clouse leaders, making sure that their houses remained strong and could survive awol checks and have great participation in vendettas. Without that assistance and mentoring I'm sure several of the houses would have crumbled and been dissolved already. With Horizons he put leadership to the test. He wanted leaders to motivate their people and get them into the vendetta. This way units could get more participation numbers, and for those that are still houses, look good enough to be clanned. In some cases it worked, some it didn't. In the end though, Muz is working on being GM for four years now, and isn't slowing up any time soon nor not being around to help anyone out. Thanks for a good vendetta and being a mentor to all of us Muz. Congrats on your Ruby Sceptor!

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OPM Fremoc Pepoi Fist of the Brotherhood

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GM Darth Pravus

Muz has done a lot of good to this club over the past years, and has trained up a lot of new leaders over the years as GM. Under his leadership, a whole generation of new leaders has stepped up. Add to that the various major events he ran, and the capability to remain sane even with the amount of inane requests sometimes received. All in all, I firmly believe Muz deserves this reward. Now, let there be booze!
~Korras, Master at Arms.

Darth Aeternus, 2012-11-01 22:00:32 UTC

Taigikori has been an outstanding Headmaster. He has also served as Magistrate to the Fist. The Shadow Academy runs very well and smoothly under his guidance. A plethora of new courses have been opened under his aegis. He has trained an excellent staff, and Ronovi's solid work under his leadership reflects well on Taigikori's training regimen. The Shadow academy has become more solid, responsive, and offers more to the members under Taigikori's leadership. I've seen the SA grow by leaps and bounds under his guidance. Taigikori is very responsive and helpful in any dealings I have had with him, both as a regular member and as a Clan leader. I can safely say on behalf of Clan Naga Sadow, that Taigikori deserves serious commendation of the highest level for his outstanding performance. Congratulations!!! ~ Macron Goura Sadow, Consul of Clan Naga Sadow

Even with plenty going on in his own personal life, Taig has managed to keep doing his job as Headmaster succesfully. He is constantly improving and expanding the SA courselist, and consistently works with new members to help them along. Member retention is up, and more members have made it through the first few ranks then 2 years before. This is not due to the requirements going down. Those have not changed in difficulty. It is, however, due to the attention people get. Congrats, Taig. Here's to the Grind Path! ~Korras, Master at Arms

Taig's an awesome person to talk to when working on projects. Personally I work for him as a Magistrate and he works for me as my own Magistrate. Although we've officially been on each other's staff's for a short period we have been un-officially attached to one another since I joined the Dark Council. We bounce ideas off one another, trying to figure out the best way for our department to be better at what it does. Prior to ToR's release, my staff was shown the work Araxis and I had been working on for months in preparation for the release. Taig spoke his mind about the plans to make sure that the plan was sound, and pointed out a couple issues that could come up in game. A lot of the time I would call up Taig during the summer to discuss ideas about new Shadow Academy Courses, re-writing the GMRG exam, while he would bounce off ideas he had for the grind path to make it look freaking awesome. Trigger deserves this award, he's a great friend and ally, a hard worker, and will always play the devils advocate for you to make sure your plans are sound and proofed. Congrats man, and well done. ~ OE Fremoc Pepoi Sadow, Fist of the Brotherhood

Taigikori Aybara Dupar has been a wonderful addition to the DC and the Shadow Academy. He has brought a number of new SA courses has worked diligently to find ways to reach the newer members. He is a credit to the club and it is with great pleasure that I recommend him for this sacramental award. Congrats, Taigi! ~Ashia Keibatsu, Aedile House Taldryan

Taig has continued to devote all of his time and energy into improving both the SA and himself. I have seen him do everything in his power to ensure the Shadow Academy is more than just a place for newbies to do some tests in. He has worked to expand and update the courses into ones that can be useful to the DB at large. He has attempted to work the SA into every facet of the DB, making it a staple of life for the club. He has continued, diligently, to ensure the Grind Path is completed with only coding needed to fully have it implemented. As I had said earlier, he has also shown a large willingness to improve himself, so that he can better the club. He has come to me on numerous occasions for guidance on how to improve himself personally and is always willing to help out in any way he can. That was proven in the last GJW where he jumped into any spots where others may not have had time to grade events. Keep up the great work, Taig! ~Halcyon Taldrya, Sith Lord

Taigikori is the perfect Headmaster. I'll let that sit for a moment, as it could stand on it's own as a reccomendation for the Ruby Scepter that I am giving him. He has driven the expansion of the Shadow Academy since he took the office, creating and authoring new courses and degrees. He has worked with me to get more older members interested in the SA again with things like the society and character sheet and possessions integration. He has also taken the lead and done the lion's share of the work on the Grind Path, a new methodology to set our hooks into the new members better, to try to increase member retention. He is where the rubber meets the road for many of our new members. And he has done it seamlessly. Taigikori, you are an inspiration to many of us, and I hope to be here long enough to reward you for it in the future. ~Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2012-01-24 15:58:55 UTC

Usually, Ruby Sceptres are reserved for mentors of the brotherhood. Timeros is the model example of a mentor not only in Arcona, but in every field he sets his mind to. His work as Rollmaster has been trend-setting, his efforts in the ACC have revived an otherwise failing institution and in every other avenue of activity he takes a unique, trend-setting approach.

First, his work as Rollmaster: During his tenure of 9 months and counting as RM for first House Arcona, then Clan Rollmaster he’s sent out roughly one hundred welcome emails, and over half of these mails have been sent no later than sixteen minutes after the member joins. This is astounding. He has helped innumerable members get on their feet and oversees all the Journeyman Promotions within Arcona, having submitted 41 promotion requests himself, and recommended a further 6 to the summit. He has also reworked promotion templates for all of the Journeyman which have become standard issue within the Clan. On top of this, with Celahir, he’s also created an excel document to further automate the Journeyman which essentially boils down to a Grind Path which speeds up the Journeyman promotion process exponentially. This is in the process of being converted into a .exe program which will be able to be distributed to all leaders on the DB, allowing them to track journeyman activity and action promotions efficiently. Next up, his ACC work. Where to begin…he has personally graded thirteen members’ attempts at qualification, writing no less than 2000 words per participant. He has also judged a further five ACC Quick Skirmish matches, all with a far greater amount of detail than any other Judge, and has opened around a hundred matches. He has also deleted about forty matches that were timed out. Finally, he helped some people find appropriate opponents for their Qualification attempts. Further initiatives within the ACC he has performed/am performing are: When the site hiccupped and made us incapable of Judging, he was the one to hog-tie Orv into fixing it, he took the initiative in having the automated ACC notifier brought into existence, he took the initiative in altering the weapon selection rules, he took the initiative in suggesting a policy change that led to the creation of the current Genesis Combine system, he was the first to suggest the 2v2 ladder, together with Viv and Halc, he helped create rules for custom lightsabers for high-ranking ACCers, he was the one who thought up, wrote, and implemented the ReQualification rules. He did the Hall change, resulting in a far larger amount of challenges under the new rules, he created the Matchmaker system, which has already resulted in about a dozen Judged battles within the first month of its operation: as many as the previous five months put together. In addition, he helped change some of the reward policies to make it easier to gain Pendants to further promote ACC activity. Together with myself, he innovated the ACC’s early warning system, and he created attending rule changes about timeouts. He has found and trained up a new and functional staff to deal with our increased system pressures. Other than his ACC and RM work, Tim and Celahir discovered a serious error in the Prestige system and informed Orv, gaining them both a Steel Cross. He did not spend that much time in the position, but was briefly Praetor to the Voice. And assisted Vodo with several policy decisions during his short time there. He created the Master Promotion proposal. While it was not successful, it did bring together every single House in the Brotherhood under a single banner, which is a rare commodity at best and demonstrates leadership even if the idea itself was not approved of. This has taken over a page to write so far, so I’m going to let his activity speak for itself. The man is an activity tank, and it doesn’t look like anything can stop him. He’ll be on the DC before long if he keeps up his record of brilliance, and his ID line should reflect this. The man deserves a Sacramental, and definitely deserves more than a Sapphire Blade. Well done, Tim. You’ve done us proud. - Sashar Arconae

It's not very often that we find someone with the continual drive to make the Dark Brotherhood a better place, but I believe we have truly found this in Timeros.

Within Arcona alone, Tim stands as at the vanguard of activity, greeting every new member promptly and maintaining an ATR for everyone in the Clan. Without Tim's organization skills, I'm not sure where we'd be today, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that when he goes on vacation, we are well and truly lost.

In the DB as a whole, Tim works tirelessly to promote the ACC, and he not only works to make the ACC Staff better, but works to make the judging itself better and more detailed. I have never met a more unbiased and impartial judge, and he'd be the first to tell a Clanmate that they sucked. He grades everyone fairly and evenly, and if he finds fault within his own Staff, he corrects it. As Praetor to the Voice, I have worked with him on my projects and provided feedback for his own projects, and the work that he puts into this club shows. Dralin Fortea

Tim is in his own league of awesome. Not only is his activity above the mark, but he is a consistent workhorse, always looking to further the development of the younger members in his capacity as Rollmaster. The development of the Master-Student Excel script and his subsequent plans to make an executable file with the help of some experienced coders for Dark Brotherhood-wide distribution exhibits his devotion to the club. He has always been a team player and he goes beyond the parameters of his positions to help members with issues ranging from ACC tips and Journeymen progression queries to fictional development cases. He is one of the Dark Brotherhood’s few polymaths and even this title is not enough to fully justify the extent of his capacity. Approachable, understanding and always willing to be of assistance, Timmy has not only proven himself as an inspirational and incredibly patient member, but he has shown that leadership extends beyond the menial duties of day-to-day administration. He has shown, time and time again, that his respect and dedication for the general membership of the Dark Brotherhood has not been missed. He has constructed an interesting and insightful promotion recommendation fiction that covers all the basics with Journeymen requests and adds another dimension to engage the recipient member. He is the first port of call for many within the ranks of the Dark Brotherhood, especially Journeymen looking for an experienced and affable individual. This is not only present within his tenure as Arconan Rollmaster; his base of influence and trust extends throughout the very foundation within the Dark Brotherhood, in small part due to his time within the ranks, but mostly because of the time he has for other members. He always puts people before himself and has often spent hours helping me personally and many, many more with other members. As the Combat Master, Tim is in a prime position. His influence, his easygoing nature and his acceptance of ulterior trains of thought shows that he is a mentor, a friend and a role model to a myriad of people. This is not enough, however; he deserves recognition for his abundance of work and his grounding as a foundation within the Dark Brotherhood. Primarily, however, he is a mentor. It is this, above all else, that justifies the award of a Ruby Sceptre. Timmy, I am elated to have been part of the process to award you for your considerable dedication. A big congratulations, you more than earned it. Wuntila Zratian Entar.

Well what I can say about Timmy really, from my experience with working alongside him he is a dedicated and motivated member of Clan Arcona. He is always trying to improve things inside of the clan and as well as inside of the Combat Center. Let me start with Tim’s hard work as the job of Rollmaster to Clan Arcona, he is always trying to drive the new members and make them work towards moving up the journeyman ladder. He is always willing to answer any question as is always a helpful face for the new members inside of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. Overall he is a inspiration to the new members, focusing on helping everyone else he never looks for personal gain instead enjoys seeing the younger members moving up inside of the brotherhood. Now onto his second thing that makes him stand out as an extraordinary member of the brotherhood, since he has been Combat Master of the Antei Combat Center I have seen more members participating in and getting involved in it. As well as this I have noticed changes taking place and things working a lot smoother overall his hard work is showing in all areas that he is currently involved in. Overall I believe that Timeros deserves this reward, his hard work and focus on others provides younger and older members with inspiration. Thank you for all your hard work inside of the brotherhood and you deserve this reward bro. Cethgus Entar

Timeros Caesus Entar Arconae…the name itself just has weight to it. And not only because the name itself is cool, or because the Clan Title of Arcona is attached to it, but because of the person that the name belongs to. Timeros is one of the most hardworking, friendly, funny, and consistently active members that I have ever met in the Brotherhood, and the best Rollmaster that I have ever had. He reaches out to the membership of Arcona, whether you’re new to the Clan or a veteran, always looking for ways to try and help you, whether it is with some “technical” error, like getting onto mIRC or something that has to do with your character. A bit on his mad Rollmastery skills; I think it is truly safe to say that Timeros has not only the fastest, but best worded, welcome e-mail that he sends out to the new membership of Clan Arcona. The e-mail, even though it’s merely copied and pasted and sent to the new member, always sounds fresh and new and the way Tim has crafted it makes the new member want to stay in the Brotherhood for more than a day, it makes him/her want to take the Test of Lore, and then log onto mIRC, and then meet the leadership, and so on. And besides being one awesome Rollmaster, we cannot forget that Timeros is our honorable Combat Master, though honorable is too casual of a word. I think “esteemed” is a better term, because in my mind, esteemed is defined as someone who is held in the highest regard by his/her peers, subordinates, and superiors, because of the work that that person has done for an organization. I bet if the there was a Brotherhood version of Webster’s Dictionary, you would find Timeros’ mug right next to the word “esteemed”, because it describes him perfectly. Timeros loves the Antei Combat Centre like a mother loves her own child; there is never a time when we’re on IRC together that Timeros is not doing something related to the Centre. This includes judging a myriad of battles, sending out critiques on said battles, coaching and training his Staff members, updating the Centre’s rules and regulations (as seen in the Timeout/Extension update, released about a week or two ago). But Tim doesn’t just work on fixing or updating what’s already established within the Combat Centre, he brings out new stuff too... Ala the Matchmaker System, which, as Tim himself so delicately describes, as the “Brotherhood’s version of e-Harmony, where you can set up on blind dates to beat the crap out of each other”. In addition to everything I just mentioned and detailed above, Timeros Caesus Entar Arconae is one of the most, no probably the most, selfless Brotherhood member I, and many other Dark Brethren, have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and then later, the great honor of working beside. Many of us, me included (both as an Aedile and Rollmaster) have been taken under Timeros’ wing, being tutored in the proper ways to lead a unit of the Brotherhood. And because of that tutoring, Clan Arcona is what it is today, because if you ever took Timeros out of the mix, Arcona would be a lot darker of a place (no pun intended on being Dark Jedi). In closing, Timeros never asks for reward, never asks for recognition. He works for the good of his Family (the Entars), his Clan (Arcona), and the Brotherhood as a whole without any thought of what he’ll get at the end of it all. Well Tim, we don’t give a flip if you don’t ask, because we’re still giving you something that’s so very long overdue. Congratulations my mentor and friend…it’s been an honor to serve with you! Talos Erinos

Since taking over as Combat Master Timeros has re-energized the ACC. Although he has introduced a number of changes to the ACC, the bulk of the DB is very much in favour of these changes. They have updated the ACC so that it is relevant to the current membership and has brought back a lot of the fun and spontaneity to the platform. He has constantly looked for ways to improve all aspects of the ACC, from the rules to how the staff operates and judges. On top of all that he is a leader when it comes to activity, doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to administration, while teaching and helping the newer staff members. The ACC is very much in good hands, and Tim is more than deserving of this award for all his efforts up until now. Halcyon Taldrya

If there is just one member I would finger as my Brotherhood stalwart, it’d be Timeros. So often in my time in Arcona, events that he would coordinate proved to be successful; he’d carefully push his views on his fellow leaders, each member in the House a vital resource. Filling each hole I presented, from battleteam rosters to competition participation, Timeros would then take it upon himself, generously, to change our policy, away from a traditional, flawed system to one of much greater effectiveness, all while mocking gay sex and stupidity in #arcona.

Most days aren’t walks in the park; Tim runs laps in that park, making himself master of every situation, always decisive, a shining example of leadership. As my brother, both of the same family, Tim is quick to criticize philosophies he hates, doing what he can to change them. Tim is the driving force behind many projects, the reason why so many reforms in the Clan and ACC, many just young ideas with great potential, have materialized. Boys and girls, pay attention, because Timeros is onto something. Fear Clan Arcona, if just because we have Timeros. Legorii Entar

Timeros; a man who seems to defy all expectations with his commitment, work ethic and general good humour. A leader who shows both the ability to be hard when he needs to, but also knows when a gentler approach is needed. Tim is a mentor to all of Arcona, a person for even the highest ranked member to turn to and get help from, without any snide comments about how stupid or useless a question might be. Not only is Timeros the man who answers the questions, he is also the driving force behind the constant improvements being shown by new members in the Clan. When a member joins, they are swiftly greeted by Timeros who subsequently helps to guide them along the path up the ranks, supporting them along the way and ensuring that as soon as they are deserving of a promotion or other reward, they receive it. Honestly, Timeros has been a godsend for myself and Arcona as a whole. He is truly one of the best leaders I have had the honour to work with and without a doubt the best mentor I have seen working in the Brotherhood to date. Tim, you complete me. You fully deserve this one, enjoy it. Zandro Erinos

Jorad Erinos, 2011-06-12 08:30:07 UTC

I've known Ronovi for years now, and if there's one word I could use to sum up what she brings to the DB, it would be "progress." Everywhere she went, she introduced changes that would better whichever group she happened to be in charge of at the time. When she took over for Arcona Signum, she changed it into a very active Journeymen-training group. Members walked away confident in their writing abilities, and used their talents for the betterment of Tarentum. When she became Aedile, and then Quaestor, of House Cestus, she turned an inactive House that was the joke of Tarentum (commonly known as Cesspool) into the most active, fictionally-developed House we had. After serving with distinction as Quaestor, and later Proconsul under Oberst, she became Consul of Tarentum, and that's when her real work began.

Tarentum has long had a history of being insular and xenophobic. Members hardly ever went to other IRC channels, the other Houses were regularly mocked for no reason other than not being Tarentum, and sometimes members went out of their way to cause problems for the other Houses. When Ronovi took over as Consul, the did what no other Tarentae has done in a very long time, if ever: she extended an olive branch to the other Clans. She worked hard to promote inter-Clan cooperation and built friendships with the other leaders that would last past her own tenure of leadership. After the Clans got downgraded to Houses, she continued her work on both creating a more cohesive Tarentum and forging us into a group that can work well with others.

Toward the end of her tenure as Quaestor of Tarentum, Ronovi took up work as the Praetor to the Headmaster. Despite her heavy workload trying to better Tarentum, Ronovi did what she could the better the entire DB through the Shadow Academy. With her work for the upcoming Grind Path, new members will be even more prepared for the DB, and they won't have the waiting periods many of us have gone through in order to get promoted. This in itself will prove instrumental in membership retention.

Essentially, Ronovi, even after stepping down as Quaestor, is a voice of progression in the DB, and I hope that voice never goes silent.

-- Equite Dralin Fortea Shadow Warrior, Fourth Class, of House Arcona Scion of Telona Murrage

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Ronovi has been a solid contributor to the Brotherhood for a long time now... Not only as consul of Tarentum, where she worked tirelessly to develop a storyline to motivate members to activity and generate a fictional plot for the house to follow, but also in her work with the Headmaster's office, where she had focused her attention on enhancing the Shadow Academy with new courses and working on the vaunted Grind Path as well as helping Taigikori with fictional backing. Her skills are robust and she has soldiered on to work despite great adversity. Most importantly, ROnovi does this work without expecting a reward, which tells me that she is doing it for the love of the Brotherhood, for the love of the Work, and these are terribly rare attributes in the club. She genuinely desires to make things better for the club, not out of self-interest or wish for rank or reward. That distinction ingratiates her into the heart of the Brotherhood. In recognition of that, please accept this as a token of our esteem and appreciation. You've more than deserved it, Ronovi. ~Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

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Ronovi Tavisaen. Probably one of Tarentum's greatest leaders over the past few years. Even so much that she's now a member of the Tarentae. Starting off on the summit as an Aedile while it was still a Clan, Ronovi worked her way up the ladder until she reached Consul. Something she had probably envisioned in the entirety of her leadership career. Unlike leaders of old, however, Ronovi took being Tarentum's leader one step further. She constantly focused on inciting activity, pushing the Clan forward fictionally, and even made relationships with other leaders outside of her Clan; to try and get past this ridiculous notion that's plagued this club for a while; 'one for all'. These relationships blossomed into friendships, something that was equally rare between the leaders of different Houses/Clans. So much so, to the point where she was absolutely estatic when I came to her and asked her if she would be willing to write a recommendation for Sid's Obelisk Exarch promotion.

Although I am a leader of a unit outside hers, I have studied her growth as a leader. I'm impressed. It's rare that you see a leader actually try to improve the unit itself, rather then it's fictional aspects or activity levels. Ronovi worked tirelessly to provide the best for her members, pushing the now-House forever forward. During Burden, Distrust, and Loathing Ronovi was booming with activity, ensuring that she had her fictional pieces done on-time, the submissions she was assigned graded, and that everything was flowing wonderfully. She put a lot of work into it, and it really showed. Her work as CON continued when the Clans were downgraded to Houses, leading Tarentum as it's Quaestor. Ronovi Tavisaen continues to inspire new members, which is a rare quality that is long sought after.

While I haven't paid much attention to her work in the Shadow Academy, I'm well aware that she works hard. When she first got the position, I was somewhat skeptical; Leading a House and helping the Headmaster to oversee members of the Brotherhood's training. That's a big thing. I was very concerned that she may burn herself out, and that we'd be sort a Tarentum Quaestor as well as a Praetor to the Headmaster. Fortunately for us, Ronovi was well aware of her limits, and chose to step down as Quaestor when RL got tough; instead choosing to devote her attention to the Brotherhood. When Taigikori steps down from his post, I have no doubt in my mind that Ronovi will be right there ready to swoop in and fill it before the seat goes cold. For all of her hard work and dedication to both Tarentum and the Brotherhood at large, I hereby put forth my recommendation for a Ruby Scepter in the name of Ronovi Tavisaen Tarentae.

His Honor, Anubis Annedu Aedile of House Taldryan Wiki Tribune of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood

Enjoy.

His Honor,

Anubis Annedu

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I first 'formally' met Ronovi during a time when our members, especially leadership, had been encouraged to abandon insular thinking and reach out to the whole of the Brotherhood to ensure our collective survival and success. I can honestly say that I have come away from the experience of working with her a better member and a more effective leader. Ronovi was responsible for the impetus behind the organization of the 'Distrust, Burden and Loathing' Tri-House Feud between Naga Sadow, Tarentum and Taldryan. Her enthusiasm spread to myself and my Taldryan counterpart, and it was through her efforts that the event was such a success. Ronovi's conduct during the Feud, with her encouragement and organizational skills and willingness to host nearly the entirety of the event, was inspirational to be sure. But, it was her conduct AFTER the Feud that proved to have the most impact on me. Her House did not perform as well as it could have, but in no ways did she berate or belittle her charges: she chose to see the situation as an opportunity for improvement, and led her House to do the same. To me, this speaks to a mature attitude that a leader must have in order to make sure their people are not discouraged and are focused on things that bring success. Additionally, although I have no direct dealings with Ronovi regarding her Shadow Academy work, I am sure that her passion for service has led to the positive changes within that institution, just as I'm sure that if anyone can replace our current Headmaster, it is she. Ronovi's example is surely one to follow, and therefore it is without hesitation and with no reservation that I lend my name to the list recommending her for this award. Congratulations, Ro!

Tsaitenomo

I've known Ronovi for nearly four years. We joined within a week of one another and rose through the ranks, and positions of leadership, together. Throughout her entire DB career Ronovi has striven to improve her house, the club, and individual members. I have learned much of what I know about the Brotherhood from her during our tenure as Tar CON / PCON. She's been a stalwart friend and ally even now that we're in different houses. Being the Praetor to the Headmaster she has found a niche where she can apply her interest in elevating individual members and offering continuous opportunities to be active. Nobody in the DB is more deserving of this award. Congratulations Ronovi.

Ji

Here's what I have to say about Ronovi :)

When I joined the DB, I was a bit intimidated. I knew going into this that I'd be one of very few women in the organization. I became a lot more comfortable when I found out that Ronovi, who was in a leadership position, is female and had been doing very well. After seeing Ronovi's example as both a leader and a prolific member of Tarentum's fiction community, I was happy to be entrusted with the responsibility of founding a new battleteam (the Reckoners) and helping found a new house (Kaerner).

Founding the Reckoners was very difficult for me. I've never been someone incredibly comfortable with coming up with new ideas. Ronovi challenged me to create an original team concept and pushed me into creating some of the best fiction I've ever written. "Good enough" is rarely satisfactory for Ronovi, and through her urging I feel the Reckoners became one of the most original and kickass BT's in the DB.

I've had to step back from the DB quite a bit. I'm in the last semester at college and will be getting my Bachelor's in English on May 6. Between my thesis and my internship, I just don't have time for a lot of DB involvement. But I still read all the DB emails and have seen Ronovi continue to lead valiantly even as Tarentum was downgraded to a House and team involvement became small. She's done a great job and I wouldn't still be hanging around if not for her.

It's awesome to see a strong female leader in a male-dominated club like this. :)

JH Teia Coran (Obelisk)/TRP/Tarentum AC-ToSH / Cr-3S / CI / S:-2B

Well, Ronovi has encouraged my activity within the Brotherhood. She's always willing to talk to me when she's on, whether about DB-stuff or real life stuff. She has given me advice whenever she could, and just listened to me rant when she couldn't. To me, Ronovi is more than a master in a club or a good friend; she has become a real life mentor and more of an older sister to me. I can tell that she not only wants me to be successful in the DJB, but she cares about my overall well-being. I know that she'll probably say that seeing someone's success is enough of a reward for her, but I believe, as do most Tarenti, that she deserves a lot more than that.

GRD Syrna Valkiss (Krath)/TYR/Tarentum DC-SP/Cr-1A-1S-2E-1T

It's sometimes hard for me to put into words exactly how I feel about specific people, or what I think about their contributions. While some would describe me as "eloquent," or "verbose," or maybe even "too damn yappy," there are times when simplicity counts, and I whittle my thoughts on someone, or their actions, into as few words as possible. With Ronovi, that all gets whittled down into "Tarentae" or "friend."

Ronovi spent a great deal of time in leadership of Tarentum, working as both a leading member, and a positioned veteran in several levels of Clan and then House leadership. While she is often critical of herself, she is also sometimes too criticized for what contributions people actually let her make. Some of the work she put forward was, in hindsight, not actually allowed to blossom fully because it met with stiff resistance. And yet, this happens all the time. The mark of actual leadership is not being able to make things happen without resistance, but yet, to make things happen despite resistance. And, in some cases, the greater the resistance, the greater the reward.

Above all else, as a leader, Ronovi has been completely dedicated to Tarentum, and seeing it remain a successful, living unit, and its membership gain trust and respect for each other, and a bond that will never fail. She also recognized the ties that Tarentum has elsewhere throughout the Brotherhood, and how those bonds that stretch across House and Clan lines really perpetuate the life that Tarentum has within itself. No one House or Clan can stand alone; we exist as a mutual, living entity together, or we die as separate, isolated individuals. Ronovi understood that, and wanted to make it a commitment to ensure that Tarentum was never isolated from the rest of the Brotherhood.

At times, Ronovi was assisted where possible, but there were many instances when, honestly, Ronovi was trying to lead Tarentum alone. The reasons behind that can be debated for days or weeks, but the end result is, Ronovi remained dedicated even when she believed herself completely alone, completely void of friends and allies who might assist her. She was not afraid of tackling challenges as an individual, though she always sought to band together as a Tarentum family and move towards activity and progress as a whole.

Ronovi sought to inspire changes within Tarentum, both fictionally, as well as functionally. She wanted to make Tarentum focus on competition and friendship, activity and rivalry, even, across Clan or House lines. While each individual competition speaks for itself, Ronovi was consistently trying to drum up activity in any way possible. She was generally consistent with reports, consistent with keeping Tarentum updated on Brotherhood happenings, and trying to make things work.

Ronovi has made an impression upon some of the newer, or newest members of Tarentum, and I believe the lasting impression she makes upon them far outweighs the impression that I can pass off about her. The fact is, while Ronovi and I weren't always on the best of speaking terms, we have always been friends. Friends fight, friends go through rough patches, or amazing periods of camaraderie. And yet, they always remain friends, barring exceptional circumstances.

Ronovi has always been someone I see as a Tarentae friend, and a Brotherhood peer. She is one of Tarentum's best, dedicated writers, and even after she has moved on from leadership, to be molded into a role for the Shadow Academy, she continues to try and maintain her presence, and her leadership role, in Tarentum. She is completely dedicated to Tarentum, to what it stands for, and acts as a beacon to those who have moved on.

for their own reasons as to what a dedicated valiant member of this House or Clan (depending on status) is capable of when they seek to rise above struggle and work, and actively focus on building up the good cause, which is the future for the membership of this Club. People can learn from the example Ronovi sets, no matter the opinion they have of her. And yet, I believe there is generally the opinion that Ronovi is a good member, and a good leader when placed in the opportune position. She has a role to fill, both in Tarentum and the Brotherhood, that will rely on her for years to come.

To Ronovi herself, I have only a few words for you. Sincerely, thank you for your effort, my friend.

-DJM Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae Quaestor, House Tarentum Sith Order

--

She's been there for me at a time when I needed a Praetor the most. After a trial and horrible error with my first, she took up the mantle with uncanny ease. I've tasked her with being the Director of Shadow Academy fiction, which has in turn had her pen been used in pre-Vendetta fiction enjoyed by the masses. Her most recent work with the future Jedi, Liu Van Dae, got more than a few heads to turn at the way she writes her characters. I'm not one to fluff up a recc with useless air to make it appear more than it is, but know this: Ronovi is my right hand, and has a say in every Shadow Academy doing. Some are still secret, so I can't disclose her full works until they've gone public. An outstanding educator, she's there to pick up the slack when other Professors fall behind, she's also an amazing friend to most of the staff. On top of it all she writes Shadow Academy exams for featuring within the organization itself. I know I did the right thing when picking her as my Praetor, as we're no doubt looking at the future first female Headmaster. It is for these reasons that I recommend that my Praetor be awarded with the Ruby Scepter. Congratulations.

~Taigikori Aybara Dupar; Headmaster of the Brotherhood

Taigikori Aybara Dupar, 2011-03-30 19:35:13 UTC

Although Windos and I have worked together for many years he has always managed to keep his activity (and creativity) up. This was especially true during the creation, and first few months, of House Odan-Urr. He was a true asset in the house’s development, participating in virtually every step and taking occasionally taking the lead, coming up with key ideas, such as our Jedi Library and Tythonian Space Militia. He was the first member of House Odan-Urr and it’s unlikely the unit would have been such a success without him.

However, his activity during Fall of 2010 did not only include fictional development. While in Arcona, Windos won himself 6 Seals of Defiance and two novae, in both fiction and gaming. This time is dotted with a smattering of crescents, clusters of fire, and two merit awards, displaying Windos’ staunch devotion to everyday activity in addition to what was expected of him as a developer of a new house, and Wiki Tribune. During his time as Aedile Windos was a valuable asset. His reports were always on time—early actually, he ran a very popular competition, created our Wiki standardization graphics (both category images and Order templates), and kept several of our most important Wiki articles up to date. Though I am sad to lose him, real life definitely should come first.

Ji

Quaestor of House Odan-Urr

There has never been a single individual in the wiki's history with as powerful and distinct an impact as Windos has had. Few can fathom the amount of work he put into the wiki, turning it from a mere repository of information into the powerhouse of activity and development it is today. One of his many projects on the wiki was his bot. This bot was able to scour every page of the wiki, seeking out and fixing common spelling mistakes, and attempting to bring every page into alignment with the general Wiki requirements. This addition alone created a far more appealing wiki to read.

The projects he has run has transformed the look for the wiki, standardizing templates, developing tools for Clan/House wiki workers, just to name a few. This impact on the wiki has been astonishing, and to maintain such activity over the length of time he spent as Tribune is nothing less than spectacular.

Thank you, Windos!

Brent “Archangel” Ligur Victae

Wiki Staff Member

I concur with the statements above, made by Ji and Archangel. Windos has been nothing less then perhaps the most active, and dedicated, wikipedian of the DJB Wiki and a great Aedile for the new House. While I could go on for days on the amount of work that he has completed for the wiki, I think that I’ll just cover a decent chunk of it. When Windos first became Tribune, he brought an activity like no other to the table. However, unlike like many past Tribunes, he maintained that activity throughout his tenure. He completely restructured the categories, streamlining them for ease of access; something that I will continue to improve on. Perhaps one of his biggest projects, the DJBWiki Awards, brought new innovation to the wiki. It allowed wikipedians to be awarded for their work (and for every five DJBWiki Awards, they also earned themselves a Dark Side Scroll). I still have Windos running this project as a member of my staff, as no one knows them better. He’ll be instrumental in the near future in helping create guidelines for these.

He’s made over 32,000 edits, an absolutely ridiculous amount for any wikipedian. Windos has created several tutorials adapted from those on Wookieepedia and THEWIKI, in an attempt to assist newer members when there isn’t always a member of the staff on IRC. Over the course of his term, he’s enforced using the “Show Preview” feature, as well as use of Image Categories. He even tweaked the account creation process, so that the { {welcome}} template was automatically placed on the new account’s talk page when it was processed. The former Tribune served as a strong safeguard from any spambots, deleting roughly 700 of them. With his bot, he’s cleaned up many articles, made mountains of link suggestions, changed all links to Wookieepedia and dossiers to [[starwars:link]] and [[dossier:#]], and even kept track of statistics throughout 2010.

Although it was not required of him, he stepped up to start an annual report for 2010 half way through the year, utilizing the statistics gathered by his bot. This made the task of finishing a report for GM Muz much easier, and allowed for a good glance at the progress the Wiki has made within the last year. Don’t worry, I’m almost done. In short, Windos has been the greatest asset we at the Wiki could ever hope for; and it brings us great pleasure that he still serves as a member of the Wiki Staff. This was just a small list of the things that he has managed to accomplish during his time as Tribune; there's just too much to cover. This is just a small token of our appreciation for the work he has done, and it is my honor to be recommending this Ruby Sceptre to such a fine and valuable member. Thank you for everything, Windos. We love you.

Anubis Annedu Wiki Tribune Aedile of House Taldryan

Darth Aeternus, 2011-02-03 14:26:04 UTC