Ethan Martes has completed the following requirements to become a Jedi Knight:

• He has been awarded a Dark Cross for consistent activity in House Satele Shan
• He has been awarded 10 Crescents
• He has participated in 30 competitions
• He has organized the successful Deeper Look fiction competition.
• He has reached the fourth rank of the Inquisitorius
• He has been awarded 9 Clusters of Ice for just shy of 4,000 words of character fiction. Beyond this, he has written character fiction outside of competitions and shared it with he clanmates.
• He has been awarded 3 Pendants of Blood

In addition to these, Ethan served with distinction in our cooperative event with Clan Taldryan, entering 5 competitions, of which he took first place in one and third in another. Ethan is an absolute fixture in the COU Telegram channel, where he's warm, friendly, and encouraging to his fellow journeymen. For all of these reasons, it is my honor and pleasure to recommend that Ethan Martes be promoted to the rank of Jedi Knight.

Headmistress Alethia Archenksova, 2017-06-23 23:19:11 UTC

Ethan Martes.....this man has created one of the zaniest characters Ive seen in all my years in the DJB. His antics in fiction has given me quite a few laughes and is a refreshing change from the brooding Force user that many of us have created.

Since his last promotion he has organized two competitions, spent his required Time in Rank, awarded 3 PoB's, participated in 12 competitions (obtaining 4 Crescents), reached Rank 4 in the Inquisitorius, and written well over 300 words of character fiction. Beyond that though, he has cemented himself in as an active and talkative member in the COU telegram chat.

While he has only been here a few months, I can see Ethan going far in the DJB, and changing it for the better as he goes. Congratulations my friend, your ascension to Knight is well deserved!

General Daniel Stephens, 2017-06-22 22:09:39 UTC

It is my pleasure to shower him in praises he will probably say he doesn't deserve. Well, here goes anyways. Deal with it, Ethan.

One, Ethan is an absolute delight to write with, especially his great attitude. He follows through with his writing and willingly sticks around for more. Two, he has proven to be a dedicated learner and an avid writer. Third, he is a wonderful community presence and a great friend. Lastly, Ethan has been a great teammate to Odan-Urr and his House. I can't stress this enough because it is one of the best things he does for Odan-Urr.

I couldn't be prouder of all he has accomplished. Congratulations on this momentous promotion! To your inevitable rise to the Equites and a celebration of the awesomeness that is Ethan.

Aura Ta'var

Rollmistress

Aurora "Aura" Ta'var, 2017-06-23 04:12:54 UTC

I knew Ethan briefly before he joined the Brotherhood as he is game master for a Pathfinder game I participate in. I was excited to see him join as in our campaign I have gotten to see his writing and improvisation skills for characters.

I was not disappointed. Ethan's well formed character, a smooth talking Force user with an obsession with gambling (and other acts of questionable legality) has been incredibly fun to interact with and read. He is always a presence in the various chats he is in sending keeping up his antics and helping to lighten the mood.

It is my pleasure to recommend Ethan Martes for his Knighting!

Congrats Ethan, you have earned this!

Colonel Len Iode, 2017-06-23 22:47:30 UTC

Sev Ur, you continue to impress. You're growing more competent each day and you will surely rival the Dark Council when the time is right. You have met the requirements for promotion, and a recommendation has been filed. Your accomplishments include:

• Have an approved character sheet on record
• Participate in 3 competitions
• Pass the Advancement Survey Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Comms 101: Discourse Forum Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Comms 102: Telegram Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Comms 103: DJBWiki (An Introduction) Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Dark Brotherhood Basics Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 101: History Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 102: Departments Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 103: Paths & Orders Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 104: Ranks Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 105: Organization Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 106: Medals Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Vendetta 101: Foundation Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Vendetta 102: Submission Shadow Academy Course

I will continue to watch your progress, Sev Ur, but my direct intervention in your promotions must come to an end.

You will go far within this Brotherhood.

May the Force guide you, Journeyman,

Battlelord Farrin Xies
Headmaster

Adept Farrin Xies Tarentae, 2017-06-23 16:49:01 UTC

Mako is one of the most rock solid, dependable members and leaders I’ve ever had the honor of working with in the Brotherhood. It is my distinct privilege to submit him for elevation to the pinnacle Equite rank. For the entire time I’ve known him he never does anything halfway, it’s either given his full effort or he won’t do it. Mako is a treasure to whatever community he works in, be it the club’s gamers, aspiring artists or the members of COU. He has served in some sort of leadership or staff capacity almost his entire 17 months as an EQ3.

His record speaks volumes, since his last promotion he has earned: a Sapphire Blade for his work as Shan Quaestor and Magistrate to the Fist and a Grand Cross and Steel Cross for Clan activity. Additionally Mako was selected twice for the prestigious Seal of Loyalty. As a leader and staff member he is a first rate content creator, organizing 38 competitions and co-organizing another 53. As a member in the ranks he has certainly led from the front, participating in 252 competitions (and an additional 22 container competitions) and bringing home 47 crescents. He’s also hoarded 615 Clusters of Fire, 25 Clusters of Ice, 126 Clusters of Earth and an astounding 44 Clusters of Graphite.

Mako is the type of member that is so essential to the functioning of our Club, he is selfless, active and a true friend to have. His elevation to the highest Equite rank is well deserved and it’s my highest honor to recommend him for it. Congrats my brother, COU wouldn’t be the same without you.

Turel Sorenn
Consul, Clan Odan-Urr

Master Turel Sorenn, 2017-06-23 15:55:08 UTC

In the year and a half since his last promotion, I've worked with Mako in all sorts of different arrangements: member of House while he was QUA, his AED, QUA of his house, in my capacity as ACC judge, and his capacity as M:HRLD. The one constant is that Mako lives life like someone lit a fire under his ass.

He hit the ground running as Satele Shan's Quaestor at a time when we needed strong, engaged, and highly active leaders. He moved first to revitalize our lore as a house on New Tython, but soon had to completely abandon his plans after the loss of the planet. Mako was instrumental in developing Shan's new planet, Daleem. He lead from the front in our feud with Plagueis, participating in 9 of the 11 competitions. The energy continued throughout his tenure as QUA, which ended with an 8-competition inter-house feud Mako organized with Arcia.

Since he stepped down from a a leadership position last year, Mako has nevertheless continued to make a dramatic impact on the club. Turel shared the numbers above, and I'm sure Vyr will detail his involvement with the Herald office, but I'll add in my two cents as well. Mako turns up when you need him. His comp participation is insane. Beyond that, he's a fixture in both art chat and COU channels. We need more people like him.

Mako, you were a fantastic mentor who showed me how DB leadership ought to be done, and you've been a wonderful guy to have on my team. Congratulations on making it to the top of the equites.

Alethia Archenksova
Proconsul, Odan-Urr

Headmistress Alethia Archenksova, 2017-06-21 19:35:33 UTC

Mako entered the office as a wildcard. He was very enthusiastic about graphics, but he lacked the skill most of my staff had. That was partially the reason I picked him for the position — I needed someone with experience leading a community and creating content other than graphics. At first, his duties were linked mostly with the DB Art channel. he was supposed to scan competition, write updates and pin them to make it easier for members to see. he also started coming up with daily drawing challenges that he posted in there. In general, he is a very proactive member of the art community.

Mako's work never ended on that, though, as he started creating competitions for members to participate in. He has created 9 competitions, including the Shroud War tournament which was a great success, with 31 participants and 68 unique entries. The idea of the Tournament was in the works for a while, but it was Mako's work that made it happen. In short order, he had created an idea for the Tournament and in cooperation with Arcia Cortel (Esca) made it happen.

To say that was the last of his contributions would be unfair as he had started working on Warbanners recently, gathering enough confidence to do so, and completed 12 of them already. Given time and effort, I'm sure Mako will develop his skills even more and, eventually, find a permanent place in the Herald's office. Thank you for all your work, Mako, and congratulations.

• Vyr (Morgan)
• Herald of the Brotherhood

Boss Morgan Sorenn, 2017-06-22 15:41:29 UTC

Out of the Odan-Urr artists, Mako has been one of my favorite. Far too often our work is a singular effort made with no connection to anyone outside of ourselves. Mako has helped reverse that trend by consistently participating in and supporting my graphics competitions. Several clan members have been gifted his art and each and every one of them is specially made for that person. He shares his gifts freely and I appreciate that a lot. Simply put, he brings joy to others and that is special.

This spirit of adding to the community is key to being an Equite and I am proud of his accomplishments. In addition to his amazing activity and his efforts in the DB art group, I recommend that he receive this promotion.

Aurora "Aura" Ta'var, 2017-06-23 01:56:29 UTC

In all capacities, Mako is among our best members and leaders. I cannot think of a time when he was inactive, being a constant presence to our Clan and the Brotherhood. None of his activities are lacking, with each aspect of his promotion assessment reading achievements across the board. During my time as Consul, I oversaw much of his tenure as Quaestor of House Satele Shan, through the thick of what would otherwise be seen as a "reset." Mako's task through all of this, in addition to the duties of a Quaestor was to create a new planet (now called Daleem) that the House could use as their fictional center of operations. He far extends himself past the expected duties of a given role, even as a member. His earlier recommendation for a Sapphire Blade speaks volumes about the particulars of his trials through Clan leadership, but I'm glad he managed to impress throughout his service.

As such, I feel Mako's more than earned his next promotion to EQ4!

A'lora Kituri, 2017-06-23 06:38:21 UTC

The time has come, and Akaarn has satisfied the requirements for the rank of Hunter. He is a reliably active member of COU's Telegram community. He has participated in ninety competitions during his time in the Brotherhood, placing in twenty-one of them. While the majority of these aren't types that award clusters, he has nevertheless earned himself six Clusters of Graphite. Akaarn has also been awarded for his consistent activity on three separate occasions, once with an Anteian Cross and twice with a Dark Cross. Most recently, he has joined the ranks of the content producers by running Akaarn's Puzzle Corner #1. This was far, far more involved than the typical puzzle or riddle competition. Akaarn personally designed a script based on semaphore, and used that to write his ciphertext. He then made an image to give the impression that the text had been carved into a rock wall and photographed.

While many new members join up, burn through the checklist ranks until they hit knighthood, and then abruptly fade away, Akaarn's career has taken the opposite path. Jesse isn't here to chase glory or recognition, and he's certainly not here to pump up his own ego. He's here to to make friends and to be part of a community, to have fun and help other people have fun, too. So it might take a little while for that last step to Knight, but we can rest assured that Akaarn is here for the long haul.

Congrats, man. There's only one more step left to go.

Alethia Archenksova
Proconsul, Odan-Urr

Headmistress Alethia Archenksova, 2017-06-23 14:28:44 UTC

When I think of Akaarn, I think of patience and dedication. I see an awesome person in the Odan-Urr community that makes everyone laugh and prompts us all with great fiction topics. I see someone willing to share his passions, whether they be Star Wars related or crypto-related. I see a valued journeyman of Odan-Urr that has more than earned this promotion with the above and his wonderful activity so far.

It is my pleasure to recommend that Akaarn be promoted to Hunter. You're awesome, Akaarn. Keep it up!

Aura Ta'var Rollmistress, Clan Odan Urr

Aurora "Aura" Ta'var, 2017-06-23 04:21:50 UTC

Alandro Sul, you have successfully completed the Trial of Identity and confirmed your e-mail address, for which you have earned the rank of Apprentice. While you may currently be on a shuttle to Battle Team Zirael, I will continue to follow your progress with great interest.

May the Force guide you, Apprentice,

Battlelord Farrin Xies
Headmaster

Adept Farrin Xies Tarentae, 2017-06-20 12:29:12 UTC

You're already beginning to make a name for yourself, Ozosi Vym. I have heard reports from House Hoth that you have managed to:

• Join Telegram or IRC, and visit Clan Channel

I have recommended you for immediate promotion.

Congratulations, and may the Force guide you, Novice,

Battlelord Farrin Xies
Headmaster

Adept Farrin Xies Tarentae, 2017-06-18 23:57:26 UTC

Ashely, you continue to impress. You're growing more competent each day and you will surely rival the Dark Council when the time is right. You have met the requirements for promotion, and a recommendation has been filed. Your accomplishments include:

• Have an approved character sheet on record
• Join Telegram or IRC, and visit Clan Channel
• Pass the Advancement Survey Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Comms 103: DJBWiki (An Introduction) Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Dark Brotherhood Basics Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 101: History Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 102: Departments Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 103: Paths & Orders Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 104: Ranks Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Essentials 106: Medals Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Gaming 104: Pazaak Shadow Academy Course
• Pass the Vendetta 103: Fiction and Graphics Tips Shadow Academy Course

I will continue to watch your progress, Ashely, but my direct intervention in your promotions must come to an end.

You will go far within this Brotherhood.

May the Force guide you, Journeyman,

Battlelord Farrin Xies
Headmaster

Adept Farrin Xies Tarentae, 2017-06-18 15:44:49 UTC

Ozosi Vym, you have successfully completed the Trial of Identity and confirmed your e-mail address, for which you have earned the rank of Apprentice. While you may currently be on a shuttle to House Hoth, I will continue to follow your progress with great interest.

May the Force guide you, Apprentice,

Battlelord Farrin Xies
Headmaster

Adept Farrin Xies Tarentae, 2017-06-18 12:06:09 UTC

You're already beginning to make a name for yourself, 32. I have heard reports from House Imperium that you have managed to:

• Join Telegram or IRC, and visit Clan Channel

I have recommended you for immediate promotion.

Congratulations, and may the Force guide you, Novice,

Battlelord Farrin Xies
Headmaster

Adept Farrin Xies Tarentae, 2017-06-17 22:47:36 UTC

Keiji or as I know him better Lavanth, has been a member of House Hoth for quite some time now and I have seen not only his character grow but I have seen the person behind the toon grow as well. Since his last promotion and in fact since the beginning of the year, Keiji has become a very active member.

Throughout these last few months, he has become very engaged within the House and Clan telegram chats and is activity taken or looking for more ways to be a guiding force not only within the House but the entire Clan as well.

Combating a tough real life school and family schedule he still found time to organize 1 competition and participate in 63 competitions and earning himself 1 Dark Cross, 3 Crescents with an Amethyst Star, 1 Sapphire Star, 3 Emerald Stars, 4 Topaz Stars, 13 Clusters of Fire, 21 Clusters of Ice, 5 Clusters of Earth and 5 Clusters of Graphite.

Lastly, I'm impressed with the number of good ideas Keiji can come up with he is constantly emailing or private messaging me with something new he just thought up and wanted to see if it will work. He is becoming a great source of inspiration and ideas for me and he has truly earned my respect.

Keiji I'm proud to be able to promote you to Equite 1, it's been a long road and one that you handled in a very mature and positive way. I'm more than eager to see where you can go from here and I for one am honored to be able to work with you.

So Congratulations Keiji Suoh, you earned this!

Edgar Drachen, Quaestor of House Hoth

Ghost Edgar Drachen, 2017-06-16 23:32:41 UTC

Keiji has been one of those special members and a good friend. Lately, he has engaged in some wonderful character development with others in the Clan, including myself and Yuki. I am probably missing some names, but he really has integrated himself into Odan-Urr a good bit and in the process gave back to the community. Giving back to the community is what being an Equite is all about. I am honored to recommend that Keiji should become an Equite.

Aurora "Aura" Ta'var, 2017-06-16 04:36:24 UTC

Let me start this off by saying that I'm not exactly a people person. I'm a grouch and fairly cantankerous on my best days. However, one member stands above the others in my books and that is Keiji. As my apprentice, he learned everything he could with vigor and gusto. Rarely do I get to see someone like that these days and it made me truly proud to be his Master. Attaining Knighthood was a big step for him and I was honored to help him out.

That being said, Keiji has been on his own now and figuring out his own path in this club. He carries himself with integrity, fields his ideas to the summit and his colleagues, works his hardest on any project given to him. This is a member to be watched and paid attention to because of the simple fact of his drive to make things better, not only for himself but for his Clan and his House.

Keiji Suoh is a prime candidate for entrance into the Equite ranks and I am well and truly blessed and honored to know such a member. I look forward to seeing all of the good he can do.

Mihoshi Keibatsu, 2017-06-16 16:24:05 UTC

Though I've only known him a short time (has it really been almost a month already?), Keiji Suoh is just the kind of member others should look to for an example. While he does tend to poke us about concepts that occur to him and is helpful to others within the Telegram channels, Keiji has also been working hand in hand with Takota (Seraphol) on the creation of Battleteam Wildcards since the very beginning.

Being able to watch a relative newcomer work and flourish with a veteran member is truly a privilege to see; whereas most would chafe under the constructive criticism, Keiji takes it and adapts to everything we've thrown at him in the process. Keiji is very quick to pick up on any lesson we offer and I wouldn't be surprised to see an application from him in the future. In short, Keiji Suoh is a member I would highly recommend for the Equite ranks.

Congratulations kiddo!

Celevon Edraven Erinos
Aedile of House Hoth

Adept Celevon Werd'a, 2017-06-16 20:36:01 UTC

Everyone else has gushed about Keiji's activity since his last promotion, so forgive me for just talking about the impression he has made on me in a few weeks.

When I was first made BTL I looked over his application and was suprised to find that he had several well thought out ideas. After talking to him I realized that he would be an excellent right hand to get the team created and running. Since then he has been in constant communication with me, bouncing ideas for comps, and the direction of the new BT. He has even ran the naming comp for us.

Im glad for us to add another into the ranks of Equite in COU. Congrats man, youve earned it!

General Daniel Stephens, 2017-06-16 23:28:47 UTC