Troutrooper has been nothing less than a phenomenal Praetor. I am truly glad to have him assisting me in the various aspects of my job, and today I am pleased to award him with a Ruby Sceptre.<br> <br> Troutrooper was chosen in July to replace Pyralis as my Praetor. He had some awfully big shoes to fill, Pyralis was an active and influential member of my staff. Troutrooper has had no problem with that, however - he has been just as active and influential as his predecessor. TT regularly comments on projects, creates and reviews documents, assists with small and large tasks and serves as a source of information and advice. He is a very wise member and has greatly helped me in plotting a course for the Brotherhood. He is a hard worker and a good friend.<br> <br> Most impressive has been Troutrooper's work with the Alacrity project. His personal writing has doubled the amount of Alacrity available, and he has worked hard on editing and bringing the other documents into fruition. What I appreciate most is that Troutrooper volunteered of his own initiative to fully take over the management of the project. He now leads the staff, tracks their progress and follows up with them regularly. His work in this area will help the leaders of today leave a legacy of important documents for the leaders of tomorrow.<br> <br> Troutrooper also has his hands in a variety of other projects. From his detailed and useful edits of the 40-page Antei System document, to the revamp of the force powers to the creation of rank rituals, TT does it all. I appreciate everything he does and can only foresee his role getting larger.<br> <br> Thank you, Troutrooper, for all that you do.<br> - Grand Master Jac Cotelin<br> <br> ____________________________<br> <br> The Ruby Scepter is awarded to those individuals who 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. I can think of no other award that would fit the recent service of Pontifex Troutrooper. Troutrooper took over the responsibility of writing the Alacrity of the Commander Leadership Manuals and has exceeded expectations. Troutrooper has created a plan of action to complete the 40 or so slated Alacrity documents and he has thus far created quality and timely additions including "Email Best Practices", "Problem Members", and "Writing Unit Reports". Troutrooper's work has doubled the previous amount of Alacrity Documents and the quality of his work has passed the standard of the Dark Council with little or no editing. The dedication, time, and energy that Troutrooper has spent on the Alacrity documents will pay dividends in the Dark Brotherhood for years to come. Our leaders will rely on these documents as the standard of behavior, duty, and service while serving in positions of authority. There are very few members worthy of the RS and Troutrooper is one of them. Congratulations TT!<br> - Deputy Grand Master Sarin

Jac Cotelin, 2006-12-24 23:00:00 UTC

The Ruby Scepter is awarded for achievement and/or contributions in the area of instruction, invention, and mentorship. Based on these criteria, I can think of no one more deserving than DP Kaine Mandaala. Several months ago the DJBWiki was created to serve as an information tool and living library for the Dark Brotherhood. DP Mandaala contacted me after he found out about the project and volunteered his experience and time to the project. Immediately Kaine separated himself from all others working on the Wiki through the sheer volume of work he contributed. Kaine identified several areas for improvement and implemented them using his knowledge of Wiki coding. When the growth of the DJBWiki exploded, Jac and I identified the need for a Wiki Tribune. There was only one choice for this position, and that choice was Kaine. After receiving the position of Wiki Tribune, Kaine created a staff and set down tasks and goals for the staff to accomplish. Since that time, templates have been created for OOB, medals, characters, ships, and planets. In addition to this work, the main page of the Wiki has gone through a tremendous change and looks better than most wikis on the web. Kaine is a true asset to the DJB and his work on the DJBWiki is a testament to his dedication to our Club. Congrats Kaine! ~DJM Sarin<br> <br> I can't say enough about Kaine -- his contributions over the years have been nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to the Wiki has helped place a new resource in the DB proper. It is a valuable tool that will be used for years; Kaine being the primary force behind its development.<br> <br> Beyond the WIki, Kaine has been a great help in keeping the message boards updated and policed. I can't tell you what a relief it is to know that the MBs are consistently taken care of by someone who actually cares to do it. Kaine's initiative in this area has not gone unnoticed.<br> <br> Kaine is a great adviser and a good friend to all. He most certainly deserves this award!<br> <br> ~Jac

Jac Cotelin, 2006-11-25 23:00:00 UTC

Consul is a difficult position to prepare for and much harder when it takes you as a surprise. When Spears stepped down and Tarentum needed a new Consul, however, Welshman gladly stepped up to the challenge. Although he had not experienced the full range of things that a Proconsul should before stepping up, Welshman was able to admirably make the switch from second in command to the man in charge. Using his resources in Tarentum wisely, Welshman made quick progress on many ongoing projects and add new innovations to the Clan. Together, with Telona, Welshman oversaw as Tarentum continued growing into an even better clan. He place the proper people into leadership positions, ensured that his members were taken care of, spoke well for them in Dark Council discussions and made the a lasting effort on his clan. Like the other Consuls of Tarentum before him, Welshman was able to balance the politics of the DB with one of the most outspoken clans in the DB, a job not easily done. Even with a resistance towards participation in a sub-par Great Jedi War, Welshman was able to will his clan along for a good showing.<br> <br> I am greatful for the time Welshman spent as Consul of Tarentum. I believe he has left the next Consul with an improved clan, and for his efforts deserves the coming praise. He is, by far, worthy of this award.<br> <br> - GM Jac Cotelin<br> <br> -----------------------------------------------------<br> <br> Welshman has been a fiercely loyal and committed leader of Tarentum. He has gone through an amazing tenure of serving the Clan as Proconsul to both Anshar and Spears, which were periods that were mainly to ensure that Welshman would be ready to take his rightful place as leader of this ancient Clan. His attitude has been commendable, and in his time as Consul, he has served to be both a stable influence, and has served the needs of both Houses, and of new members. He has been dedicated and consistent in his presence on IRC and through reports. He is a fountain of knowledge for the members of this Clan, and has always worked to further the bonds of friendship and family within this Clan. During this most recent Great Jedi War, even though their was a great lack of desire to participate in such a wretched competition, Welshman remained as a point of encouragement for the members, and worked to see Tarentum benefit as much as possible from the War. He never stopped his work and efforts of Tarentum during the entire reign of Consul, and Proconsul before it. He worked to expand projects that began back when I was first Consul, as well as add to the Clan through innovative projects and creations of his own. Welshman is one of those members who has struggled through many trials, but has always maintained the proper attitude, and has been an example to everyone of what a leader should be. He is a member of Tarentum whose name will never be forgotten, and someone that everyone in Tarentum considers a friend.<br> <br> Welshman, thank you very much for your service as Consul, and your continued presence within our Clan.<br> <br> -DJM Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae

Jac Cotelin, 2006-09-27 22:00:00 UTC

Awarded after recommendation from DJM Sarin and Clan Plagueis:

The Ruby Scepter is the sign of a scholar in the Dark Side and its lore. It is awarded for achievement and/or contributions in the area of instruction, invention, and mentorship to one's Clan or Order. I can think of no one who is more worthy and deserving of this award than Dark Adept Jonaleth Isradia. Jonaleth is the Ultimate example of what a Master should be in the Dark Brotherhood. He is universally respected by his peers and more importantly by those he has mentored from Journeymen to Equite. Over the course of the past several years Jonaleth has mentored no less than six individuals into the Equite Class. His knowledge and training of these members have benefitted the entire Dark Brotherhood.

In addition to the training and mentoring of several members of Clan Plagueis, Jonaleth has also contributed to the area of invention and instuction by creating an enormous volume of work titled The Lore of Plagueis. This volume of work totals in at 20 pages of 10 font verdana and serves as a fictional drop for all that is Clan Plagueis. The Lore of Plagueis includes the History of the Clan, The Creation of the Clan's Force Powers, The Creation of the Clan's Elder Council of the Wise, the Clan's promotion guidelines, the Clan's Dark Jedi Knight Trials, The Clan's Force Powers, and the Clan's possessions. This body of work can only be summed up with the word, amazing.

On a personal note, I believe Jonaleth deserves this award because he truly is the Loremaster of Plagueis, Exar Kun, and the clan that preceeded that (you know, the evil one we dropped at Exodus). Jonaleth has kept meticulous records of the past of all of these Clans and has played a crucial part in allowing me to rebuild and create the history of Clan Plagueis. The rebuilding phase of Plagueis is now complete with Jonaleth's Lore of Plagueis and the Clan, the Dark Brotherhood, and I all owe him a debt of gratitude. - Dark Jedi Master Aristan "Sarin" Dantes

---

Words can hardly deliver the true meaning of DA Jonaleth Isradia's contributions and commitment to Clan Plagueis. His devotion to ensuring the growth and spread of knowledge within the Clan is unparalleled anywhere else in the Dark Brotherhood. His exhausting work on the creation of the Council of the Wise, organizing the artifacts and other objects in possession of Clan Plagueis, assistance in building the Clan History, involvement in the development of the "di Plagia" honors, and major work in development of the Clan Plagueis Powers can only begin to define the contributions of this outstanding Dark Jedi withiin Clan Plagueis. Without his commitment and energy Clan Plagueis would not have managed to evolve these fine projects and assets as fast as they have come to reality. As Proconsul of Plagueis I am consistently amazed by the leadership qualities that Jonaleth exhibits at all times. Over time Jonaleth and I have forged a bond of friendship, and through that bond I have discovered an individual that holds the true values of what it means to be a Dark Jedi and mentor close to his heart, while also serving as a severe reminder of what can happen to those that prove disloyal to Clan Plagueis. His wrath is only tempered by his generosity and loyalty to those that humbly serve within Clan Plagueis. On behalf of the members of Clan Plagueis I humbly request that DA Jonaleth Isradia be awarded the Ruby Scepter for his exceptional and tireless efforts and work in the many projects and mentoring he has unselfishly undertaken during these past months while the Clan itself underwent a major leadership change and restructuring. Jonaleth is indeed a rare breed among a sea of Dark Jedi. - SBM Salth Khan, Proconsul of Clan Plagueis

---

When I joined the Brotherhood, I was greeted by Jonaleth and was struck by the wealth of knowledge that he possessed. Since then, he has always been one to turn to when you needed help with a competition entry or guidance in your trials. Having been a student of his, I have valued his opinion and his judgement. He tirelessly lends his service to those who ask of it and strives to make each person better than they were before. His recent service to Clan Plagueis as Loremaster has demonstrated unrelenting service from this scholarly man. Congrats Master Isradia. - Priest Cipher K'oranian Isradia

Syn Kaek, 2006-04-18 22:00:00 UTC

I could go on and on for ages in a recommendation of Anshar, but I won’t Anshar excels at what he does.
The description of the Ruby Scepter says the following: Achievement and/or contributions in the area of instruction, invention, and mentorship to one's Clan or Order.

Anshar has gone over and beyond this. He has almost single handedly revived the Envoys and turned them into a well-oiled machine. This in turn has greatly aided the Brotherhoods retention rates as well as the pure numbers of members that join. In his duties as P:HM Anshar has done more then anyone I can think of in the instruction of members. While maintaining the highest degrees of activity in furthering the membership as KCB and P:HM, he is also the CON of Tarentum and formerly PCON of the same Clan. In doing all of this Anshar has not only invented new ways for the Brotherhood to do things but he has excelled at Instruction, Invention and Mentorship.

It is with the full power of my office and my eternal thanks that I extend this award to Anshar on behalf of the entire Brotherhood.

-- His most Gracious Lordship, Spears the Vicious, Knight First Class Headmaster of the Shadow Academy Right Hand of Justice Master Architect for the Brotherhood Thrice Marked of the Wanderer Baron Ale Pond: Keeper of the Estadian Expanse

Spears Tarentae, 2005-11-21 23:00:00 UTC

Greetings once again,

Now it is my pleasure to award Telona Murrage for her service to the Brotherhood.

Telona has been serving as Krath High Priestess for almost four months now. It seems time flies around here -- I remember it as yesterday when Alanna left the spot. Telona had some big shoes to fill, and I think she has adapted quite well to her new job.

Telona is a very steady leader. I like that her activities are well-organized and well-executed. She has a passion for the order and for the Brotherhood at large, emulating the qualities that have always brought about great High Priestesess in the past. I am encouraged by her, and the Krath order as a whole -- activities like the Debate Competition are great new avenues for the DB to take.

Telona has always been quick with my requests. Her reports come in on time, and she volunteers for things that need support from the Dark Council members. I wish we could clone her a few times, personally.

Today I award Telona a Ruby Sceptre for her continued service to the Order and to the Brotherhood. Congratulations, Telona. Keep up the excellent work.

• Lord Jac Cotelin

, 2005-08-01 22:00:00 UTC

Rekio is a leader that I have seen grow a lot over the past several months. When he took over as Consul, he had a great deal of potential, but had some hard shoes to fill, taking over after BF. Rekio has filled those shoes well, though. He has grown in confidence and ability since taking over Tarentum and is now leading with great conviction and vision.

Perhaps what I like the most about Rekio is his ability to shoot straight with me. He tells me what he thinks, when he thinks it, and always has good contributions to the discussions he is involved in. Most recently, I have truly been impresse with his sugestions for the new website. Rekio spent a lot of time compiling his thoughts, example screen shots and the like to show me how he felt the mission compendium and Tour of Duty portions of the site should work. His ideas were truly innovative, and I thank him for his efforts there.

Rekio has done a fine job as Consul and P:SHW. He is a true asset to the Brotherhood and deserves whateer recognition e give him and more.

Thanks, Rekio. Jac Cotelin

---

Rekio has been serving as my Praetor for nearly a year. In that time, he has been a motivating force behind many of the projects I've had going, reminding me what needs to be done, what people are waiting on, etc. He's also taken care of a number of things on his own, including the Tour of Duty idea, the Mission Beta Testing compendium site, and working towards getting the Sith site recoded that Mav originally did for Goat. Rekio has been self-motivated in much of what he does, and I appreciate the fact that i don't have to micro-manage him, or make every decision for him. He has great ideas, a true desire to help the Sith Order, and I don't believe I could do my job adequately without him. In this time when I have little time, and have been absent in many ways compared to before, I appreciate all of my staff, especially Rekio.

Congratulations, my friend. -DJM Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae

, 2005-06-19 22:00:00 UTC

For his contribution to the Brotherhood while in service to the Shadow Academy Overlord Malik Sadow has excelled at the instruction of the Sith Order and the Brotherhood as a whole. First let us examine what the Ruby Scepter is awarded for.

"Achievement and/or contributions in the area of instruction, invention, and mentorship to one's Clan or Order."

Malik has more then meet each and every part of this description while being the Instructor on no less then Four Shadow Academy exams, which is more then, any other member. His instruction and grading have been flawless and thru his work Malik has helped shape the minds of not only His Clan, but also His Order, and the Entire Brotherhood. I have never seen an EP with more dedication the Malik nor have I seen anyone that more lives up to the ideals of what the Ruby Scepter symbolizes.

By My Hand. Spears Tarentae Headmaster of the Shadow Academy

, 2005-06-07 22:00:00 UTC

In the past three months the Antei Combat Centre has seen improvements, adjustments and renovations that have set the stage for a better experience for the membership. However, the Centre's walls have stood for far longer than that; and in that time the Centre has seen the presence of a single individual, DA James Lucius Entar Arconae. The first 'public draft' of this entity was the Krath Combat Centre, birthed from a series of items, of similar format, that began somewhere in the old days of Arcona. Despite the grand history behind his tenure, I'd like to focus on the passed three months, my time as Combat Master.

Three months in the Dark Brotherhood can be a lifetime for a member and especially for a project. The club doesn't seem bound by a day as it may pertain to a 24 hour period, but the duration at which ideas are born, developed and brought to fruition. In the passed three months, the Adept has gone far above what I had anticipated (considering his predisposition to the 'rebirth' project) and I'd like to focus on three specific items:

Consider the ACC's Compendium, for example. What began as a ten chapter gaggle of information, ambiguous directions and rules has been transformed into a fourteen chapter work; clear in its established guidelines and packed with helpful information that can guide any Initiate, should they chose to use it. Obviously someone had to write it, but that task would be completely worthless without someone to code it and upload it and fix problems that arise - that's where James came in. As you may see through the course of this recommendation, he is more than a 'web monkey', but a willing instructor and brilliant in the art of compromise. Many steps through the compendium required slight adjustments to the rules, some could not be accomplished due to the present database, while others just needed a confident set of eyes. James could've easily been a 'yes' man and just loaded what I asked him to, or refused altogether. Instead, he directed my hand with poignant explanations of why things had to be a certain way (knowing that I am not a 'coder'), and offered 'options' instead of ultimatums. I have a far greater understanding than I had, simply because of the way he was able to see my shortfalls, come down to my level to explain them and flawlessly interpret my 'Dalthid-speak' as it applied to the terminology.

Moving ahead to the Championship Ladder, it wouldn't have gotten off the ground without James's assistance. A series of four ladders to determine four Champions who will attempt to attain the Supreme Champion title. It is a grand idea, and one that I was extremely excited about. I have been on staff in the Centre for quite some time, but was still green in the 'mechanics' of how to run a ladder. I asked around for some input, but all fingers pointed to James, as I knew they would. Again, his diplomatic nature shined through. Clearly explaining the procedures I should follow, the do's and don'ts that I was completely oblivious to and 'how' it would run from beginning to end. Though it must've been frustrating for him, not once did I get a hint of that in his communication. No matter how busy he seemed, he was prompt and clear with his responses and seemed to make sure that I knew exactly what he was talking about. I had intended to run the initial ladder with quite a lot of participation, but it was the Adept who weighed the pro's and con's for me, objectively, and let me choose. He went so far as to instruct me how to load NPC's, even though he knew I didn't want them, because he had enough foresight to see that I might be stuck in what I had wanted to do. The ability to see ahead, determine potential problems and offer solutions before they are needed is a skill that James possesses, and uses, with tact and compassion.

Finally, as a climax to this recommendation, ACCLive! Originally born with good intentions, ACCLive! never really saw the light of day. It was difficult to manage when compared to 'normal' battles and seemed thrown together to appease a specific need. The next 'version' was streamlined and redeveloped to use mIRC as a tool instead of the means to an end. However, it was still on the 'sensitive side of ease of use; and from testing to release, still had its ups and downs for the ACC staff. Then James came along, again. Not prodded, asked or even assigned to, the Adept took it upon himself to develop the latest asset to the Centre: A completely automated version of the ACCLive! script. Why is that such a big deal? Simple: The new program interfaces with the database, removing 90% of the previous tasks that were manual and making them fully automated. Until this program, it would take (on average) fifteen minutes just to set up a battle - with this new program, about two. Before this program, the staff member running the battle had to refresh his screen to see if the combatant had posted - now, being connected to the database, it is done automatically. Previously, one had to 'sit and watch' the battle because the timers had to be 'commanded' manually - now, it is completely automatic; freeing up staff members to run multiple battles at a time without the fear of forgetting commands to waiting fighters. The new program also posts intro's for the official and even tags the 'Judge Stats' with the points that the staff members get for administrating battles. I foresee this program as being THE biggest innovation to the ACCLive! system, ever - and forever...and he did it on his own, completely based on his own initiative.

We know that DA James Lucius Entar Arconae is an asset to the Brotherhood, that will always go without saying. However, he is an asset to new leadership as well. Proven by his diplomacy, quality of effort, quality of work, initiative and mentoring ability, James is an asset to more than merely Brotherhood, but the 'individuals' that make up its membership. Consider what the Ruby Scepter is awarded for: "Achievement and/or contributions in the area of instruction, invention, and mentorship to one's Clan or Order" I present to you that James has met and exceeded those requirements, repeatedly. I also submit that his efforts in the Combat Centre abound the Krath, Sith and Obelisk and are far more than Arcona, Talryan, Satal Keto, Exar Kun, Terentum, Scholae Palatinae and Naga Sadow as the Centre abounds those 'classifications' by it's existence. So, if you will allow me, I'd like to recommend DA James Lucius Entar Arconae for the Ruby Scepter (RS) along with my humble thanks for his service and dedication.

~KPN Dalthid Combat Master

, 2005-04-03 22:00:00 UTC

[13:05] <Jac> Our next announcement is a Jac YAAAAY announcement (tm) [13:05] <Jac> There is someone in the room who I have been very impressed with lately [13:06] <Jac> in fact, she has done one of the best jobs I have ever seen in running a smooth, care-free and fun RoS [13:06] <Jac> Lady Alanna has been serving as KHP tirelessly for a long time and is deserving of all our thanks for such a great job [13:06] <Jac> So without further adue: [13:07] <Mav> Yay Lannie! Boo Mav! [13:07] *Jac presents Lanniebear with her very own, shiny Ruby Sceptre [13:07] <`Jac> Lannie, thanks for all that you do

I don't know what else there is to say about our KHP. Alanna has been a rock as KHP -- she is strong and steady. She always has things done when asked, she always has the highest quality work and is always asking to help with more. I wish we could have ten clones of Alanna to assist the DB. If anything, we can all learn lessons from her in how to be a great leader.

Congratulations, Alanna, and thanks.

, 2005-02-12 23:00:00 UTC