What a busy few months it's been for Arcona's favourite door-faceplanter. It was only in Feburary that I last got to write a promotion up for Sofila and frankly I'm not surprised it only took her a matter of months to reach this. So, to get it rolling, let us look at the numbers.

Sofila organised 8 competitions, co-organising 2 more. She participated in 315 comps, 56 of which containers and earned 74 Crescents for her efforts. 5 Diamond, 10 ruby, 19 Amethyst, 18 Sapphire, 9 Emerald, 5 Topaz and 8 Quartz. She has also gathered 30 Clusters of Graphite, a Seal of Loyalty, a Scroll of the Master, a Dark side scroll, a Sapphire Blade, an Amethyst Kukri and air drum roll... 1148 Clusters of Fire and 35 Clusters of Earth across 105 gaming activities. But of course it doesn't stop there, Sofila also earned 144 Clusters of Ice across 11 Fiction comps, 21 participant roleplays and 3 dm-ing spints. Oh, as well as passing 3 courses for 3 degress for pure efficency too. This has earned her 2 rank ups in the Collegium, 1 in the Inquisitorius, 2 in the Shroud and one in the Envoy Corps Organiser tree, and all together garnering a total of 1,228,150 credits for Arcona.

And all of this while being the leader of the House Qel-Droma. Since her move to Quastorship, we had the Clan Event during which she encourgaed her members to partake as well as being a major contender herself, in the few weeks since the final wrap up of the big event Sofila has been on the ground running and preparing for the next thing. Not only in events, but also in preparing for Tali's departure. House reports have continued to come through consistently with useful information for the membership and I believe Sofila has been more than ready for when the support wheels come off for a while now. It's wonderful to watch her craft stories and how easily she takes new information on to make sure the story stays true. She has incredible attention to detail when it comes to stories or just handling her own membership. As long life permits her to be, she will be the beating heart of Qel-Droma and cast her silhouette over the shadowyiest part of the Shadow Clan.

Sof cares about this club as a whole. No matter who you are, or what niggly piece of information it is that's been lost. Afterall, it wasn't long ago that, as notated by Arch, that Sofila created a whole wiki-page guide to help others create trivias and understand the process so it'd be more accessible. Nor is it ever that long ago from the last time she supported someone, joked or gathered someone for gaming. Or rambled about Taco Bell.

Be active and activity will follow you. This is something I watch every day in her wake and it's a point of pride to get to be the one pressing the green button on this. You've got this Jenni.

Envoy Zuza Lottson, 2024-05-20 19:36:11 UTC

Sofila or Jenni as most of us know her has only been with the Fist office for a little over a month but has already hit the ground running. She dived into training to work the queue and has already identified areas where both our public facing and internal documentation needed updating. She has been an eager and vocal participant in staff discussions on our recent policy changes and the addition of a new platform. In this short time working the queue she has processed 125 gaming submissions in a timely manner directly supporting 57 unique members.

Before officially joining the Fist staff Jenni has been a consistent and uplifting part of the gaming community. She helped me test the functionality of the Scriptly transcription bot to help our deaf/hard of hearing members more fully participate in Discord voice activities such as gaming and hangouts and helped test the pingable gaming roles we initially rolled out. Jenni brings people together, welcomes anyone to join in whatever game she’s able to play and will never leave you hanging in Dead by Daylight :P

So on behalf of the Fist staff and gaming community at large, thank you Jenni for being so eager, uplifting and a tangible positive influence on our community.

#TIGERYEET

Headmaster Turel Sorenn, 2024-05-20 13:32:09 UTC

"Miss. Wyvern," Anderson raised a glass of Coruscanti Red to her sudden achievement, a coy smile stretched across his face. "Well done."

In all seriousness, Jenni is a lite firecracker that transcends Clan boundaries. She's literally everywhere, participating, chatting, writing, gaming, you name it, she does it. It doesn't take being in the same Clan to realise that and I'm not surprised she's reached EQ4.

Congratulations, Jenni! sips wine.

Grand Inquisitor "Aequitas" Anderson, 2024-05-20 16:53:24 UTC

Another month, another Jenni promotion!

All jokes aside, you are amazing and I am glad the system has changed such as to recognize people like yourself for your constant dedication and activity unlike the past one we had. It is a remarkable thing to witness, like a tornado or tsunami of Clusters...

Since we hot-swapped seats in the HQD Summit, I've been pleased to see Jenni has taken well to her new seat as Quaestor. She has worked both diligently, and with due deference for the past, without letting all the choices of history constrain her creativity too much. She consults those in the know, yet only to the point that she knows from where to leap off into the unknown.

In our House chat, she remains active and engaged, eagerly hyping the achievements of our membership and going above and beyond to make everyone feel seen. How she finds hours in the day to do all she does, I'll never know. Mayhaps Sof has come across some archeotech left behind my Miss Granger...?

As a retiring lek, I wish to extend my deepest thanks to you, Sof, for giving me the best gift a Quaestor could ask for; a worthy successor that will hopefully outshine my legacy.

Congratulektions, Jenni!

Tali Sroka
Aedile, House Qel-Droma

Aedile Tali Sroka, 2024-05-20 19:28:11 UTC

Sashar Erinos Arconae is admittedly a name I've never heard before. Perhaps in other nicknames, he faintly rings a bell but in lieu of this, I will defer to those who can speak to the achivements of Sashar for a true reccomendation. It's good to see that even people, that while not remembered in the new generation, get what they deserve even if it's been a long ass time. Congrats on the rank up!

Envoy Zuza Lottson, 2024-05-20 18:59:02 UTC

The Brotherhood was a very different place back in 2008/2009. The mere concept of "One Brotherhood" was not even a fledgling concept. It was a clubs culture that, despite distancing itself from the Emperors Hammer, was still a byproduct of it. Competition between Clans was encouraged. Rivalries and bitter exchanges were just accepted as part of the cost of operating an online star wars club.

Dash was a product of that environment and time period. He was responsible for taking over Clan Arcona after Mejas stepped aside, which represented a big tonal shift in culture. He then did some things that maybe some DBers rather he didn't- he did things like recruit his friends from other clubs.

He recruited me. So when I say I wouldn't be here in this club with Dash, I mean it.

And I'm sure some people reading this and bare their teeth or roll their eyes. Dash wasn't universally loved by everyone. But he was fiercely loyal to his friend, dedicated to doing his job, and very willing to be the "bad guy" if it meant doing something that could help the Clan out in the long term. He was not afraid to butt heads with anyone, and while that combative nature helped in the earlier times, it slowly became less needed as the club matured and grew into what it's been trying for today.

Dash and I did not agree on a lot of things. We fought about the future and the culture of the Clan and the club. But when it came down to the nitty gritty, punch for punch, he did not stand in my way or try to hold me back. He supported me and let me start towards a vision of a different kind of future for Clan Arcona and the larger Brotherhood.

For all of that, Dash did his best to adapt. Up until his eventual retirement and stepping away from the club, he did try his best to fit in with the new generation. But for some people, life has other priorities, people change, and so does the DB. So in light of not having been around the last many years to see a lot of our improvements and updates to the club, I will add a bit of color to this XP-granted promotion, as I believe the Elder Ranks still are important and vital and mean something.

Over the course of his career, Dash has held the positions of:

• Soulfire/Nighthawk BTS
• Nighthawk BTL
• M:Voice
• P:MAA
• Soulfire BTL
• Combat Master
• More BTL roles
• Consul x2
• Proconsul
• Aedile of Galeres
• Quaestor of Galeres

This spread, over the stretch of 11 years shows the range of impact Dash had in different elements of not just Clan leadership internally, but of club-level leadership working as CM and as part of the MAA team.

Since his last promotion, in 2010 (about when I graduated college, shit I feel very old now) Dash has earned 1 Emerald Dagger, 1 Ruby Scepter, 1 Amethyst Kukri, 3 Grand Cross, 2 Steel Cross, 1 Anteian Cross, 3 Dark Cross (probably from asking the GM a question for a report), 3 Gold Nova, 9 silver Nova, 2 Bronze Nova, a bunch of crescents, 88 CFs, 67 CIs, 2 SoFs, 10 Scrolls of the Master, 1 LoS, 5 SoLs, enough Seals to go clubbing, and 40,690 (nice) credits earned for Clan Arcona. He has organized 22 competitions, participated in 119, and completed 8 ACC matches for 17,580 words of fiction. And a lot of this is missing some things that were tracked prior to site changes and database carry-overs.

He even helped us squeak out a Silver Nova in a GJW, simply because I asked if he'd come help us out for this one silly voice over for a competition. He was also responsible for a lot of the world building behind Arcona's home system: Dajorra that is still in play today. A lot of his ideas and creativity are the foundation that was later built and expanded upon by future Consuls.

So while Dash has not been active in the club for quite some time, his legacy and work ethic have a chance to be highlighted and acknowledged.

Thanks for your service, you jaded old bastard. The club is different than the one you once operated in, but it will always be here and remember your contributions.

-W Walldawg

Legend Wally, 2024-05-20 15:57:12 UTC

It's felt wrong to be a higher rank than one of the men I so looked up to when I joined, so here's to fixing that today.

Jon -- I missed the Dash period -- was already one of the Olds for me as a little baby PRT in 2013. He wasn't fully retired then, but he'd set up his Clan to grow and his successors to take over and move on. Jon always fought for Arcona or those entrusted to him tooth and nail. It wasn't all good by any stretch, but the spirit was in it, and its that spirit that carried on to Wally, then to me, and to each successive Arconan leader and member today. It evolved like the Clan did from various efforts. We're strong as we are and still around today because of the legacy of members like Jon.

More personally, I've spent ten years in leadership, and when that was at the Clan and House level, Jon was always there to advise. While he formally retired from that advisor role along with some of the other Arconae who'd earned their rest a couple years ago, in that time he was always a great guidance and backbone to me. He was willing to fight anyone or anything for me or the Clan, and having that support alone always meant so much. This man is a legendary writer, builder, friend, and [redacted], and I know he earned Master as much as he earned probably not reading an email since 2020.

We love you, blue eyes. Thank you for setting the stones of the place I came to find and make my home.

Atty
In fact not 16

Golden Envoy Abbey Atty Attiter Ann, 2024-05-20 17:38:24 UTC

Zhunix has reached the required 3600 XP to reach the rank of Journeyman 4. Congratulations!

Howlader Taldrya, 2024-05-20 14:03:14 UTC

Kaz Raith has reached the required 6800 XP to reach the rank of Equite 1. Congratulations Kazmiri of Belgium! I hope this brings you back to the land of activity again!!

Howlader Taldrya, 2024-05-20 13:56:34 UTC

Armags C'Hiesa, much to my knowledge, has quite the fierce reputation as a Gamer. Its a name, that when it appears in the Taldryan Chat sparks immediate excitement and when you look at the numbers, it's not hard to see why.

Since their last promotion, Armags has participated in 117 gaming activities and has earned the following awards;

Grand Cross x1

Steel Cross x1

Anteian Cross x1

Crescent with Amethyst Star x1

Crescent with Sapphire Star x2

Crescent with Emerald Star x1

Crescent with Topaz Star x2

Cluster of Fire x279

Cluster of Ice x3

Cluster of Earth x1444

That is a lot of clusters...

Congratulations on finally hitting EQ2, Armags! Now you get to do it all over again!

Grand Inquisitor "Aequitas" Anderson, 2024-05-20 13:21:29 UTC

Congratulations Armags!!!

Howlader Taldrya, 2024-05-20 13:34:40 UTC

A slow hare wins the race!

Blithe has been a persistent part of House Qel-Droma's personnel roster and although he prefers to be the strong silent type, he certainly has been there. His dedication to logging in to the site within two month intervals stands as a testament to their persistence and dedication to the site and I am pleased as punch to punch in this JM3 recommendation for their nerf-headed persistence alone!

In Shadows We Thrive!

Duchess Jenni, 2024-05-20 12:22:29 UTC

Hau Nae has proven in very short order that they are one for the books, tearing their way through the earlier entries of the Shadow Academy and digging through the Journeyman Ranks, a successful path lies ahead. I'm glad to see you through another promotion already and I know you'll soon be joining us in the Equite ranks. The Brotherhood has much to offer you still, and seeing you unravel the mysteries of it all through the Academy is a great first step to understanding all the paths laid before you.

Ever Onward, Hau Nae!

High Councillor Wolfe, 2024-05-18 18:31:33 UTC

Working tirelessly through the nights Journeyman Hau Nae has cleared Shadow Academy courses and earned his second rank in just over a week, Congratulations on all your hard work. 12 courses in under 10 days since joining is impressive, most impressive. Keep up the amazing job.

Guardian of the Whills Waza Sunrider, 2024-05-18 14:52:55 UTC

Wenet has been one of the most prolific voices in Odan-Urr since I returned and took the hotseat as Proconsul, facing each day with a warm welcome and conversation. In her 10 months with The Clan and Brotherhood she has left an indelible impact, writing prolifically, making herself known as one of our top roleplayers, and throwing herself headlong into every puzzle challenge she saw. She's hopped into the hotseat herself, setting the benchmark for what we hoped to see of our Journeymen, helping explain functions to others, bolstering our competitions, and reminding others that it is okay to take things at your own pace.

This is a journey and we're all in it together, whether we're sprinting at a Hare's pace, or a tortoise's crawl.

I look forward to what the future holds for you, and what heights you'll reach, Wenet,
Ever Onward.

High Councillor Wolfe, 2024-05-17 04:33:36 UTC

Wenet has been a force of creation since joining the Brotherhood. Her ability to create a story and the characters she includes is amazing in my opinion. She has been a caring and great influence for her Clan mates. In her 10 months of activity she had become a great friend and inspiration to me. She has encouraged writing and participated with many clan mates and from other clans through fiction role plays.

Wenet always has a good word to say in Discord and juggles her real life and her activity flawlessly. She interacts with leadership and the new comers with the same grace and gentleness of an experienced veteran member. It is time for Wenet to receive the Equite rank and the honors and privileges she has earned. It has been a joy to watch her flourish in the club. I hope she continues to grow and shine in her new rank, I know she will be a great member of the highest levels of the clan and club.

Guardian of the Whills Waza Sunrider, 2024-05-15 02:08:44 UTC

Let’s handle this by the numbers first. Since her last promotion, Wenet has been (once again) a flurry of activity. Participating in 54 total competitions, 46 of which were without containers. She’s also won a whopping number of medals including 50 Clusters of Ice for her staggering twenty thousand words of roleplaying. Along with several handfuls of clusters from placing in numerous competitions. Other things of note are during this time, Wenet also earned her first Grand Cross, was awarded a Seal of Loyalty, and earned a handful of society ranks in the Envoy Corps and the Inquisitorius.

Boring details aside now, it was a pleasure guiding Wenet through her Novitiate and Journeymen ranks. It has been even more so watching her take her first steps into the larger Brotherhood. She’s been more than willing to hang out in Discord, have fun in RP, and in general, has just been a genuinely welcoming presence to anyone and everyone new and old. I see big things in Wenet’s future and have expectations that she continues to utterly smash through at every chance. It is with great pleasure that I join with this recommendation for her promotion to the Equite ranks.

Congratulations, Wenet. You have more than earned this through your desire to help others, your desire to be active, and your desire to be the best you can be. Well done and I’m always eager to see where you’ll go next!

Mihoshi Keibatsu, 2024-05-15 02:52:35 UTC

What can I say about Wenet?

I love this bunny!!!

When I first met her and introduced her to the club. She was, at first, hesitant to join. With some prodding, she decided to give us a shot and I am so happy that she did because she has not only put trust in us from the jump. She has become a part of our family. A good friend with a sweet personality. Wenet is always willing to try things and strike up conversation in our discord channels.

She has also become one of our more active roleplayers and members overall. Participating in competitions and even giving gaming a go, playing with her old Consul in Pazaak. She makes those around her better and brightens my day when I get the opportunity to discuss life with her. She is always willing to help and listen. The mark of a true friend. Thank you Wenet for being you and thank you for sticking it out. This Clan wouldn't be the same without you. I look forward to seeing where you go from here. Yet I'm positive that you could reach the stars if you wanted to.

Captain Jim Nova, 2024-05-17 04:29:39 UTC

Since returning, Alex wasted no time to get settled in back in Arcona. He had completed 23 competitions and got involved in a few gaming activities. He dusted off the books and got society rank ups in Aurora Collegium of Sciences, GMRG, Shroud, and Inquisitorius! While he passed those with ease he earned himself a Steel Cross, Anteian Cross, Crescent with Ruby Star, Crescent with Amethyst Star, 3 Cluster of Ice, 6 Cluster of Earth and a niffy Scroll of Foundation!

I enjoy chatting with Alex in Discord and learning so much from him. I look forward to see what more he brings to the Clan and interesting conversations to come!

Duchess Jenni, 2024-05-16 19:42:56 UTC

Alex, better known as Bograt, has been a bustle of activity that I'm certainly glad he chose to join us in Arcona rather than building his way up through the ranks on the solo. Despite his relatively short time with us, he's already been making himself a static part of the community, renewing old relations with people from the time before as well as being open to new friendships with all the fresh blood that has entered the clan since he was last here. Though this isn't just isolated to Arcona, he's often seen in the Society chats purusing conversation, talking dice and whatever else happens to be relevant in the moment.

It's been great to have another old soul return to the mix. Enjoy the extra skill points to spend Bograt!

Envoy Zuza Lottson, 2024-05-16 17:31:38 UTC

What can I say about Professional Agron Dyrce? Well, for starters, since his last promotion 4 months ago, give or take a day or two, he has been an absolute flurry of activity in several facets of the Brotherhood. To start off with, this young student has passed 36 courses and earned 4 Maven degrees, which impressively are in Character Development, Writing, Philosophy, and Combat. Moving onto competitions, he’s participated in 60 competitions, earning a total of 3 crescents, 2 Ruby Stars and 1 Amethyst Star, and 5 cluster’s of Graphite for his efforts. He’s even organized another successful fiction competition. Argon has also advanced in 3 of the Brotherhoods Societies, ranking up twice in the Aurora Collegium of Sciences, once in the GMRG, and once in the Shroud Syndicate. All of this hard work had not gone unnoticed either, as Argon was awarded his first Grand Cross.

As of now Professional Argon Dyrce has exceeding the required 5000 XP to reach the rank of Privateer (Equite 1). I see him continuing to advance steadily through the ranks and accomplishing many great things in the future. Keep up the amazing work, and Congrats Argon!!

~ QUA Tahiri

Blade Mistress Tahiri Thorn Morte Tarentae, 2024-05-16 00:37:43 UTC