The position of Fist is an unenviable one as it requires a excellent attention to detail and an ear on the pulse of our gaming community, and the ability to respond to changing in gaming. Over the last year, Drac has achieved more with his office than most Dark Councillors have or ever will. To say that he keeps his eyes and ears open when listening to the community is an understatement as he conducts regular polls and discussion on future supported games, keeps a close eye on game popularity and the very precise job of keeping the whole system balanced. In everything regarding our gaming community Drac endeavors to keep the balance to allow members the fun and recognition they deserve while keeping the system fair and open to all. Drac’s desire to run additional gaming competitions, offering members new opportunities for participation and competition, drove the development of our widely successful Bin system for Vendettas. His latest project, that of the new GMRG rules, has been a long time coming and has, so far, showed a positive trend in breaking up the long-standing gaming stereotypes related to the Leaderboard.

Drac has a very precise and organized manner in which he runs his office. All gaming competitions are planned well in advance (up to several months at least) and they are transparent and clearly voice to the members. He runs a well balanced portfolio of competitions and in the past year he has organize 34 competitions and co-organized 35. His efforts regarding the latest Rite of Supremacy have not gone unnoticed either, as his competitions drew plenty of participants. He is continually relaying information to the club, posting more than 25 news posts over the last year, and he contributes to the SA as well, grading more than 100 courses.

More than that, Drac is an excellent advisor to both of us. As a member of our Dark Council, Drac has been involved in every major decision we’ve made over the year. His patient and balanced approach to gaming is evident in his feedback towards all of our discussions and systems.

Considering his efforts to improve the Club, we congratulate Warlord Dracaryis for his Emerald Dagger.

Grand Master Telaris "Mav" Cantor and Deputy Grand Master Vyr

Telaris "Mav" Cantor, 2019-03-24 18:39:13 UTC

In the last ten months since his previous Sacramental, Atra has been incredibly active at multiple levels in the Brotherhood. In general activity, Atra has participated in 44 competitions and earned more than 900 gaming Clusters, 19 Clusters of Ice, and 16 Clusters of Graphite. While this activity is certainly noteworthy, Atra's major contributions have come as Combat Master in managing the ACC, in his excellent work in GJW XII last year, and as a constant participant or project lead in endeavors to improve character sheets and related content.

As Combat Master, Atra has helped build the ACC into a platform that can be appreciated by all members. Atra regularly engages with summits to encourage the usage of the ACC, and is always willing to work with the Clans to provide ACC opportunities for members, such as when he assisted in the administration of the CNS event The Harrowing. Atra continually updates and adds to Venues, and even has introduced a new 'mode' for the ACC in the Scenario Hall, where each venue has a unique experience and prompt that sets the stage more explicitly and provides unique experiences based on the venue used, including multiple opponents and specific objectives defined in the prompt. This Hall has been an early success we hope continues. Atra has trained more than a dozen members to be Judges from across the Brotherhood, including the current crop of Judges: Kelly, Areticus, Lucine, Grot, and Turel. Notably, Atra also trained a Dark Councilor, Farrin, in time for us to utilize him in the Great Jedi War. Atra himself has judged 46 battles since his last Sacramental (the majority of which were in the GJW, discussed below). Importantly, Atra has helped ensure that knowledge of how the site functions for the CM is maintained and open to future CMs through the creation of a CM Reference Manual.

Atra's contributions to the Great Jedi War were immense. From designing venues to running competitions, Atra was a major force throughout the two ACC 'phases', as well as the combat fiction. In total, his events garnered 105 unique participants and 129 entries, marking the largest participant total in ACC events in my memory. Atra was wholly responsible for the prompt and preliminary grading for Collective Strike, which garnered 40 participants. Moreover, he had more than 30 battles judged in the first Phase of the ACC in GJWXII, the open ladder, as well as judging the final bracket phase. Without Atra, the ACC would likely have been absent from the GJW.

Atra's Brotherhood-wide contributions are not restricted to the ACC or the GJW alone. Atra is tirelessly involved in the developing the character sheets and related items. From the addition of new species (e.g. Ewoks, Devaronian), to his updating the tiers of Skills, Feats, and Powers, to minor changes regularly to Skills and Powers to keep updated with current Star Wars canon, Atra is an invaluable member of Team Character Sheet. More recently, Atra pushed for and assisted Evant with the implementation of an armor system that will enable members to utilize their armor items in fiction more easily. These contributions have bettered the membership experience and helped address long-standing issues with our character sheets, particularly in the case of armor.

Atra is among our most important leaders. As the Combat Master, he oversees a platform unique to the Brotherhood, but his contributions go so much further than 'just' Combat Master. Moreover, Atra is always willing to step out of his role as CM, or expand on it where it is necessary. Without Atra, the last Great Jedi War likely wouldn't have had any ACC options, and his incredible judging turnaround time and ability to handle multiple battles quickly is what enabled us to really succeed and to have a model for how to utilize in the ACC in future Vendetta events. Atra is an integral member of our development team that creates and refines the membership's experiences with the Brotherhood fictional tools, especially the character sheets. More importantly, Atra is an advisor I trust and rely on beyond just the ACC. In short, Atra's efforts over the last ten months have been immense, and it is without a doubt that he deserves this Emerald Dagger.

I know I speak for the Deputy Grand Master and the Voice as well when I say congratulations, Atra!

Telaris "Mav" Cantor
Grand Master

Telaris "Mav" Cantor, 2018-04-28 15:41:44 UTC

The membership of the Dark Brotherhood consists of many talented and creative people. Within these numbers are a select few who distinguish themselves as future leaders of our club. In 2015, Abbey was one such member. It was apparent, to anyone with a brain, that Abbey was a superstar and destined to lead a Clan and more. I asked her to be Consul of Arcona because I knew she would succeed and I knew she would build upon Arcona's years of success. I was not mistaken.

Abbey has had a unique and potentially singular impact on our club. She is well respected (even loved) by many of our members, she is a creative force across a multitude of our activities, and she is a steady hand in times of crisis. I am fortunate to have had her as a Consul and our club is fortunate to have her as a member/leader in any capacity.

Abbey, I look forward to seeing you improve our club for years to come. Congratulations on a fantastic three years in charge of Arcona and Congratulations on your new Emerald Dagger.

GM Pravus

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Atty is a unique member and leader in the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. Her infectious charisma has allowed her to form connections and inspire loyalty in anyone she interacts with. Even those that don't agree with her or particularly like her seem to still get caught in her web. I mention this not for her work as Consul, but as Praetor to the Voice.

Character Sheet remands have been a point of contention for members both new and returning members. Atty's personality has really shone in how she has patiently and warmly worked with members on their remanded sheets. She engages with them on the side, in a pm, or a follow up email or google doc. She doesn't just remand someone and then shrug her shoulders- she helps them work towards getting it approved. Since her last merit in October of 2017, Atty has approved a staff-leading 77 out of 244 non-auto approved character sheets (~35%) for the Brotherhood. This does not account for all the time she has spent working with members on making sure they are able to get their sheets up to spec with the most recent guidelines, all while doing it with a smile. This has generated better feedback from members about the entire Character Sheet creation process, and I'm extremely grateful for the work she has put in. She is active in Voice chat when I need to review a policy and even if she disagrees with me on something, she will always follow through and do what is required of her as Praetor. On top of that, she has been instrumental in proof-reading all of my reports, announcements, and fiction updates (sans the ones during GJWXII). When I was writing the finale, however, she stepped up in a big way to help me deliver a massive 14-page fiction update that I wouldn't have been able to finish without her to bounce ideas off of, check my thought process, and quite honestly to believe in me that I could get it done.

That's not something that is tangible. I can't quantify it with metrics or statistics. But it's the kind of thing that makes Atty special. She genuinely cares and wants to help.

As a Dark Councilor, it's been an honor working with her as the emissary to the Dark Council for Arcona. While we've argued on at least 75 different fronts- But when all is said and all is done:Atty has her beliefs, and sticks to them while understanding the importance of comprise and resolution to progress forward.

As a member, I think that the DJB is a better place with her as a part of it, I'm grateful to have her sticking around on Voice staff, and I look forward to all she will continue to do with whatever she sets her mind to next.

-W

Voice of the Brotherhood

---

Three years, three years of corralling one of the most active, insane group of people you're likely to come across. You did it with the utmost patience and, usually, grace. You encouraged, you lead by example, and you kept the kids informed. You slapped me down when I got out of line and taught me (tried, boy did you try) tact. My time in leadership thus far has been reliant on your guiding hand and assistance. I can't say enough about the things we've gone through the past three years, keeping Arcona from devolving into a madhouse of egos and chaos. You're god damn brilliant, and you deserve both this award and a break. Congrats, Blinky.

Kordath Bleu Arcona, Consul

---

That's mine, Terran has expressed interest in saying some words (I had fallen asleep by this point last night, else I'd have something tangible here) and the Arconae put something together if you want to use it.

I never thought I'd celebrate such a drastic change in Arcona so much, but truly, Abbey has left her mark on the Clan and changed it for the better. She has an effortless grace in inspiring her membership, encouraging them, nurturing them and turning them into a formidably close collection of kin that warms the dead little-shriveled thing I used to call a heart. I also crunched some numbers. 1088 days continuously as Consul. I did half that in two separate terms and found it hard to deal with the day-to-day SNAFUs the DB routinely throws your way. That she managed over a thousand days without having a conniption is a feat of endurance that makes taking the cloth and becoming a nun very small beer indeed. She will truly be missed as Consul, and on behalf of the clan, the Arconae and myself, I'd love her to be thanked in a manner befitting the finest Consul this Clan has ever seen. Well done Abbey, now get some rest. You've more than earned it.

Jon (Sashar Arconae)

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2018-02-22 23:19:18 UTC

Augur Sanguinius Tsucyra has created, participated, and led in the Dark Brotherhood for a period of 19 months without an award. Throughout this period he has served in leadership positions including Proconsul, Consul, Quaestor, and Shadow Academy Professor. He has led Houses and Clans with the creation of content through competitions/fiction and supported the entire Dark Brotherhood with countless graded exams.

He has done all of this without an expectation of an award or a single complaint about the lack of wards he deserved. Truly impressive patience and dedication to our club.

Sang, keep up the tireless efforts as a creator and participator. My apologies it took us so long to recognize your great efforts.

Congrats.

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2017-12-10 18:37:07 UTC

Adept Evant Taelyan has performed remarkably in his duties as Regent. One only needs to look at the position of Regent to realize that we created it for Evant due to his incredible performance in creating the DJB's possession system. This fact alone makes him unique among club leaders and members.

Evant creates new possessions, balances credits, creates fictional enemies, and works tirelessly ensuring the DJB's integrated systems make sense. Evant needs to keep up with award trends, balancing of gaming, fiction, canon issues, Star Wars movies, membership needs, statistics on ownership of possessions, and a list of things that are too long to count or list here.

Evant, we appreciate your dedication to our club, your efforts as the Regent, and your amazing work on the GJW.

Congratulations on your ED.

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2017-12-04 01:59:06 UTC

We all know Howlader. He has been a mainstay in the Master at Arms office for years now, to the point of becoming furniture even as MAAs come and go. His knowledge of MAA policy and procedure is absolute, largely because he has been involved in crafting most of our rules and working with the MAA and James to implement most of our admin tools. He has served as Special Magistrate and, for most of his time, Praetor. This award specifically is for his service to the Brotherhood and me since his promotion in September 2015, but I will list out some numbers that cover his entire run during my term as MAA as those are what I have available:

• Competitions Processed: 1938
• Awards Processed: 2272
• Promotions Processed: 264
• Misc Requests Processed: 823

Do forgive the appearance of double dipping, but I know there is no member who questions the loyalty and efficiency of Howie (also cut these numbers in half to see his recent activity). His numbers are, put simply, higher than everyone else including the MAA! In day to day operations, he is a monster seemingly up at all hours to tackle requests as they come in. Our turnaround is tantamount to our success, and Howie leads by example to instill these same virtues in our magistrates.

Howie is one of the most vocal members of the office, providing positive and constructive criticism to nearly everyone who asks. For better or worse, some leaders may say, but while his still may be unique there is never of question of his experience and wisdom being accurate. Howie knows better than most, even I, how standards and values have changed over the years, so threads the ever delicate balance between maintaining them while also shifting with the winds.

His proclivity for discussion extends to internal conversations over larger rewards as well as grander plans. Howie was one of the biggest skeptics toward the idea of an experience based promotion system, yet he dived into the debates and continues to be willing to see what comes off the proposal. Having worked closely with Howie over the past two and a half years, I respect and admire him as an individual firm on his principles yet open to new ideas and being shown a better way.

Howie excels in all regards. I would be neither a good or successful MAA without him and doubt I would have lasted as long in the role. I am honored to be able to continue what I am turning into a tradition and bestow upon him his second “MAA-here’s-your-cookie” Emerald Dagger. Thank you, Howie, for all of it.

Zanet Xox, 2017-01-16 04:59:19 UTC

Adept Xen'Mordin Vism orsus-Palpatine has performed superbly in the role of Consul for Scholae Palatinae. His service to the Clan and the Dark Brotherhood has not stretched for an unheralded 22 months in which he has provided leadership, stability, and mentorship to his Clan. Xen has organized competitions, posted reports, participated in club events, and served in various external roles that round out a year + of activity that sets him apart from many of our members and most of our leaders. I am pleased to award him the Emerald Dagger for his service, continued leadership, and contributions to our club.

Grand Master Pravus

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Xen is the very definition of consistency and quality as Consul of Clan Scholae Palatinae. His last few years have been marked by the same consistency he has shown in the year and few months since his elevation to Dark Adept. Since then, CSP has been consistently in the top half of our units in every category throughout the our unit reports, driven by Xen’s constant stream of activities he creates for members and the impressive example he sets for his leaders. The numbers themselves are impressive - he has 55 competitions organized through major events, Feuds, and general Clan activities. And although most of Xen’s time is clearly spent generating content, when he does break into general activity, he does well, earning 11 crescents since his last promotion. Many of those Crescents - 13 in total across his career as Consul - have come from being the best report writer in a given week!

What really makes Xen so impressive is that competitions for him are not just merely things for members to do, but are instead aimed at advancing a constant story for his unit and engaging members in more than just participation. Virtually every competition Xen has organized is focused on driving a greater story and engagement, with numerous ‘campaign events’ which span months of time with several phases. From Xen’s Forgotten campaign in late 2015, to his House Feud event Subterfuge that garnered 25 participants and pit both units against one another, to his latest Clan event, the Order Campaign - currently underway but whose first chapter generated more than 80 total Clan submissions - Xen’s drive to provide the best experience for his members is clear.

It was during the CSP/CNS Feud that Xen relentless pursuit of the best experience possible for his members was on full display, as he contributed to every competition development possible and ensuring that the Feud went smoothly. While there were occasional conflicts between the summit leaderships, Xen smoothly navigated disagreements to keep the Feud moving. Shattered Ties was an enormous success and incredibly close throughout its duration, with 17 sub-competitions across three total phases, involving hundreds of submissions. His unit pulled out all the stops for the second round, and after a first round where the two units were essentially equal, CSP pulled ahead and took a commanding victory over CNS. While both units fought hard, no doubt the constant effort of CSP’s summit encouraging members at every turn on Telegram and email to participate is what helped them pull ahead.

Deputy Grand Master Mav

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2016-12-25 09:29:31 UTC

Grand Master Cotelin,

Please accept this Emerald Dagger as a token of my appreciation for your (nearly) life long devotion to our club. Your vision to create possessions, your work on this latest iteration, and your updating of the Covenant are testaments to your ability to improve our club with nearly every action you take. Thanks buddy!

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2016-12-09 21:09:44 UTC

Wally,

I am greatly appreciative to your service to our Club and your tremendous work in support of possessions. I look forward to your service as Voice and your assured promotion to Dark Jedi Master.

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2016-12-09 21:04:12 UTC

Yacks,

Thank you for your hard work on the possessions system, continued support as a retired T:R, and leadership within Clan Taldryan. I am greatly appreciative.

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2016-12-09 21:02:58 UTC