Riverche stood at the doors of The Spire that served as the home to the Fist Of The Brotherhood. The building was ominous in a gothic way, yet that wasn’t what caused the Miraluka to hesitate. She only saw the building as a manifestation of dark energy, feeling the pain and almost tasting the sweat of the workers that had labored in its creation back in the distant past.

Steeling her nerves, the Jedi Hunter pushed through the doors, and climbed the spiraling staircase until her thighs tingled with soreness. When she reached the top, she paused before knocking on the large wooden door that stood before her. She balled her fist and was about to knock when the door slowly opened as if on its own accord.

“Ah, yes Riverche. Come in,” Valhavoc said calmly from somewhere unseen in the room. His voice was stern, yet familiar, and gave River a sense of ease as she entered the Fist’s office.

“You called me here, Master?” River asked carefully. She clasped her hands behind her back and shifted her weight from foot to foot. The Jedi Hunter had not heard from her master in over a month after his sudden departure from Arcona. Cethgus had assured her that everything would be alright, but the young Miraluka couldn’t help but feel like she had been left behind.

“I wanted to apologize in person for not being able to see you through to your final trials. I trust that Cethgus wasn’t too unbearable?” the former Quaestor quipped.

River smiled at that. “No, sir. He has been quite patient.”

“Cethgus...as in, dark skin, pointy head-spikes. We’re thinking of the same person, right?” Valhavoc said with an easy grin, his full beard magnificent as ever. Of course she could never fully understand what that beard was like. Instead, she took comfort in her Master’s aura, taking solace in its easygoing manner. “I have been keeping tabs on you regardless. Do me a favor and go into that chest over in the corner and bring what’s inside of it to me.”

River nodded once and without thinking realised she was already moving towards the chest. It was made of a smooth wood and had a metallic clasp that clicked when she flicked it open. Inside, she felt a smooth cylindrical object in her hands that caused her to draw a quick breath. Not wanting to somehow jinx her situation, she pushed her initial thoughts aside and brought the object over to the Fist’s desk. She extended the object out towards her Master, but Valhavoc simply waved his hand dismissively.

“It’s taking up space, and I have been meaning to get rid of it for awhile,” he said casually. “Would you do me the honor of carrying it? You have more than earned it, Knight Riverche.”

River opened her mouth to speak but found no words came. She stood there for a moment in a daze before tightening her grip around the object and holding it against her chest. A soothing warmth settled over her entire body as she took in the weight of what was happening. She bowed her head and had to fight back her smile.

“Yes sir. I promise I will not let you down,” she said with as much conviction as she could muster.

“Good. Then, as your brothers and sisters would say: Arcona Invicta, Riverche.”

-=x=-

I am honoured to be recommending Riverche for her promotion to the rank of Dark Jedi Knight. She has been a stable and dedicated member of Clan Arcona and House Galeres ever since joining the Brotherhood. All I constantly here is how much work she is doing, and honestly i'm impressed. She has completed all requirements set forth by the Master at Arms office.

For all of her efforts through her time within this Club she has managed to earn herself a Steel Cross. An impressive feat for a Journeymen but on top of that she has managed to take a range of medals from crescents to novae, the later of which she has accumulated a pair of gold in. She now sits at 15th overall on the Arcona Novae leaderboard for the Dark Crusade. This was mainly due to her work of entering a total of thirty-two competitions, double what was required of her but still she goes out there and gives everything one hundred and ten percent and it shows.

Riverche is someone who is always giving back just as much as she takes, running a Trivia in the #Arcona channel on IRC for the benefit of others. She has also offered assistance to the House Summit which was greatly accepted, completing updates on both the Spectre Cell and Soulfire Strike Team Wiki pages. She was able to give both pages a thorough check and added and edited where it was required in bringing their timelines up to date with the most recent planet, Svolten. To this day she still understands the knowledge that the Shadow Academy gives by taking both the Leadership Fundamentals and Leadership Studies exams.

During her time in the Brotherhood she has also worked on her own wiki expanding the depth of her character greatly. Most recently she created a unique description for her character as well as updated her timeline to the events of the Dark Crusade. Though a wiki page is never completed fully, hers is to a high standard and she continues to improve and add new history to it whenever possible. Through her hard work inside the Shadow Academy she has picked up not one but two SA Degrees in Philosophy, Writing, Essentials.

Well River you finally made it to the top of the Journeymen ladder, and its been an awesome journey I have seen you take. Congratulations on this elevation and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future. Keep up the hard work.

Quaestor of House Galeres

Cethgus Tiberius Entar, 2013-08-12 06:11:58 UTC

It’s funny, when I first met River, she barely said more than three words in a given night on IRC. It was a real treat to watch her slowly and steadily become more comfortable with her fellow members and clanmates. We often forget how intimidating a place like this can be- it’s a strange culture that we have all grown accustomed to as veterans but often forget can be quite odd to a newcomer. Despite all of this, River has been one of few constants on IRC and in the Dark Crusade. She has shown up every round and done at least one event in each, giving her a total of 10/23 participation points. She is always listening and learning and anytime I have asked her to do anything she jumps to it without hesitation. On top of that, it seems like every day I wake up and have at least 2 new Shadow Academy exams completed or passed by River. I truly believe she is coming into her own, and I see no better way than to mark her becoming a full-fledged member than to express my extreme pride in seeing her Knighted. Congrats River, keep up the good work and I look forward to helping write your next recc ;).

Consul of Clan Arcona

Legend Wally, 2013-08-12 06:10:25 UTC

I'm only a TOR only player so this is for everyone's benefit.

Xenithius, 2013-08-12 05:27:39 UTC

Azasell trailed behind and to the right of his Master, making sure he maintained the proper distance ratio.

Two feet back, one step over...no more, no less, he counted in his head as he walked.

The Jedi Hunter had developed quickly under the Kaleesh’s tutelage, and the pair had faced danger more times than either could count during the Crusade. Azasell knew whatever the reason for this journey to his Master’s homeworld, it was likely to be unpleasant.

The ruins through which they walked were barren, their path taking them away from where they had set down outside of the area. The presence of the Dark Side of the Force emanated nearly as strong as the pungent stench of the bogs surrounding the place. They walked together across the crumbled grounds until they stood before the entry to the burial chamber.

The chill mist that laid heavy on the swamp air seemed to press in on them as he spoke, as if the Knight’s words had summoned the hungry vapor closer. The pale tendrils were eerily reminiscent of reaching fingers, grasping for the warmth of their living bodies. S’nar continued._

“When you pass through the entry, whatever happens within will be your final trial as my Apprentice. Should you persevere, you will walk beside me as a Knight, and a warrior of the fallen Seshai. Should you fail, your own spirit will be bound to these grounds to serve as a guardian to those buried within.”

Azasell nodded and swallowed a lump in his throat. Slowly, he moved towards the entrance of the shrine before descending into its depths. As he walked, shadows watched him with unseen eyes. A soft glow came from the edges of a chamber up ahead, illuminating the underneath of each of the hollows and shedding enough light for Azasell to see the resting place of S’nar’s ancestor. Taking a deep breath, he entered further into the tomb...

...Azasell panted as he came upon a shrouded form that revealed itself to be his master. S’nar’s eyes were closed in meditation. When the Kaleesh spoke it was an odd mixture of a spirit and his Master’s own tone.

“Come forward Student.”

“Come forward Warrior.”

Watching carefully, Azasell felt the eyes following him from every hollow, from each of the resting places of the dead. Descending to the last tier of the mausoleum, he felt the power of the former Sith Lord; yet he felt no fear, his mind sharp, his own connection to the Force pushed back not in challenge, but in recognition.

“Azasell, you have fought alongside me time and again, proven yourself among others who have failed to live up to the expectations of the Brotherhood. It is with the blessing of my Ancestors that I present to you the blade of Xalek, wielded by those who came before us. You will walk in their footsteps as you claim your title of Dark Jedi Knight.”

The intricately assembled saber was ancient by the standards of more modern lightsabers, yet as Azasell felt the weight of the weapon he felt a connection to it, a familiarity.

-=x=-

I am honoured to be recommending Azasell for his promotion to the rank of Dark Jedi Knight. Since his return to the Brotherhood he has been a beacon of steady activity, getting involved in clan and house work and striving to continue to do the best he can. Completing all the requirements set forth by the Master at Arms.

Since his last promotion due to his hard work and effort he put in he managed to achieve a Steel Cross. As well as managing to get a Crescent with Sapphire Star for his participation in competitions. During these competition he managed to participate in the Dark Crusade competing in four events on Bhargebba helping Arcona achieve victory on the planet as well as his total of fifteen Player vs Player events in ToR.

Though he has taken time away from participating in events in order to run events, this was in the form of a Trivia ran in Arcona. Showing his dedication to the Clan and House he stepped up and helped the House summit sorting through four wiki pages: BAC Darkest Night, Dark Sight Squadron, Black Tide Squadron and Black Hammer Brigade. Not only taking his time but making sure the previous work on these pages were correct, showing that he put his full attention and time into completing this House Summit Task. The same level of devotion has gone into his own wiki page, where he has successfully completed his own high standard wiki page for his character.

Since Azasell has joined he has continued to make an impression trying his hand in writing and graphics but not only that but gaming. He has shown this by doing various gaming from Flashpoints to Player vs Player wracking in an impressive eighty-seven Clusters of Fire since joining. As well as taking the time to take Leadership Fundamentals and Leadership Studies passing both of these exams. During all this time he has already hit the requirement of six weeks at the rank of Jedi Hunter.

Well that time has come for you Azasell you finally reached Dark Jedi Knight. Congratulations on this promotion and the end of your Journeymen trials. Its had its ups and downs like always but its been a pleasure to see you finally make it. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

Quaestor of House Galeres

Cethgus Tiberius Entar, 2013-08-12 03:54:42 UTC

A few months ago when I first claimed the title of Dark Jedi Knight, Azasell and I spoke at some length as to what his plans were within the Brotherhood. During the discussion, the topic of becoming someone’s Student was brought up, and Azasell asked if I would be willing to work alongside him to obtain Dark Jedi Knight. I accepted without hesitation, and have been proud of his dedication, willingness to learn, completion of assigned tasks, and participation as a member of Arcona’s Journeymen corps.

Knowing that Azasell is far from finished with his work inside the Brotherhood makes me proud to welcome him as a fellow Dark Jedi Knight. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes going forward.

Battleteam Leader of Dark Forge

Fist Uji Tameike, 2013-08-12 03:52:49 UTC

Azzy’s positive spirit and outlook is inspirational and refreshing to see in a new member. He is always willing to offer an emoticon or smiley where he can, and is always engaging with his fellow members and offering to help. He has been a regular participant in the Dark Crusade, batting 6/23 despite coming in a round late and having to work around real life complications. In the grand scheme, this is more than even some of the veteran members have been willing to contribute. As his Proconsul and now Consul, I can say that Azzy’s drive and dedication will keep him advancing through the ranks and I look forward to writing his next recc.

Consul of Clan Arcona

Legend Wally, 2013-08-12 03:53:07 UTC