When a leader looks to evaluate whether one of their subordinates is ready for a senior Equite promotion, in this case to the rank of Equite 3, there are three metrics by which we should measure: Personal achievements, Clan contributions, and Brotherhood-wide impacts. It is not possible when examining what Teylas Ramar has achieved in those three areas to come to any other conclusion other than that he is deserving of promotion.

On a purely personal level, his list of awards is quite extensive: A sapphire blade, steel cross, anteian cross, 3 novae, 3 crescents, 12 pendants of blood, 2533 clusters of fire, 18 clusters of ice, and 33 vendetta seals.He is one of the most active gamers in the Brotherhood as shown by his impressive ability to earn clusters of fire and pendants of blood. His vendetta seal total speaks to just how active he is when competition time rolls around and Plagueis needs its best on the front lines. Even serving in a leadership position where the opportunities to participate in clan competitions are limited (mostly because he was organizing and running most of them), Teylas still entered 41 individual competitions between the date of his last promotion and now. An impressive list when presented, it's more important to look at what that list means. All too often, there are people that are active in fits and starts, blowing the doors off the Brotherhood in between bouts of extended hibernation. Teylas is not one of those people. He is the absolute benchmark of what it is to be a consistently active participant in the organization we all love to play around in. Every day, every competition, every opportunity. While Teylas is part of Plagueis, he is one who lives by Howlader's motto for Taldryan: Do all the things!

All too often, those in leadership positions end up either focusing on their job to the detriment of their own participation in our organization or allowing their leadership obligations to take second place to their own personal achievement. I think Teylas, by contrast, has been able to find a perfect balance with his continuing contributions to Clan Plagueis. He has served at some level of the Plagueis summit for pretty much every day since his last promotion, he was integral in helping prepare our clanning proposal, he has published a report for whatever position he held 11 times without fail in that time. All of that is great, but it really only rises to the level of doing your job. While that is important, advancement truly hinges on going above and beyond. After Plagueis had scored its victory in the Dark Crusade and finally reached the mountain top of becoming a clan, the clan entered the doldrums. Clan Plagueis was a reality, and as such the long term goal that had been driving activity in the unit was gone. The unit did begin to drift like a ship without a course. Seeing this, and knowing that such directionless wandering could be the death of the Clan we had all recently fought so hard for, Teylas championed a new course. Six months into 2014 Teylas, along with several other members of Plagueis, approached then-Consul Aabsdu about holding a intra-clan feud to help build activity again. He was integral in it's development and presentation. The Sphere of Influence feud was a resounding success, and was absolutely critical to prevent the slide back into lethargy that was afflicting Plagueis at the time. Fading Light III was not an overwhelming success for Plagueis on the activity front, so Teylas went to bat for yet another event to rally activity again with the Great Jedi War looming on the horizon. Developing, running, and grading the event along with Kz'set allowed me as Consul the luxury of sitting back and being a participant again, and I have no doubt that Plaugies's activity would have floundered come the Great Jedi War without the shot in the arm that the Anchorage event gave to our unit. During the war itself Teylas was a commanding presence on the battlefield, leading from the front with both his activity and encouragement to other members. In short, without Teylas's presence I have no doubt that we would not be the Clan we are today.

One would assume that the above achievements to both himself and our Clan would be enough for any one person, but Teylas apparently would disagree. Six months ago Teylas joined the Master At Arms' office and threw himself into the life of the most time intensive (and possibly soul crushing) departments the Brotherhood has to offer. The MAA's office isn't about long term projects, it's about making the day to day operations of the Brotherhood function. Medals, promotions, competition requests, all of these things have to be processed in a timely manner to ensure that the wheels don't come off. Teylas has been an important part of keeping the MAA's office smoothly serving the needs of our membership as a whole. He served his time in the dungeon, telling people no and helping them make their recommendations better, and is currently looking to re-up for one more tour. Teylas also has made sure to focus on bettering our organization on a more micro level beyond such macro focus on his MAA duties. His personal recommendation brought Evoroth Stigaryl to the Brotherhood and helped him to the rank of Dark Jedi Knight; he also took Marduss under his wing as a new join and mentored him to Knighthood as well. The Brotherhood's ongoing success is built on bringing new members to our organization and mentoring those that find their way here on their own, and Teylas does not disappoint in either capacity.

If Teylas Ramar were a professional athlete, he’d be what they refer to as a “complete player.” I’m thankful to have Teylas by my side as a colleague in Plagueis and happy that I could see him reach the rank of Sith Battlelord.

Vivackus Kavon di Plagia, 2015-02-26 02:17:08 UTC

Teylas, HAP Quaestor. I speak the name in awe. Honestly I don't know how he puts up with everyone sometimes, but he does. And he's damned good at his job too. I've known him by name since I joined and have had communications with him over both IRC and email. Always quick to help out if you find yourself in trouble, always quick to pick you up when you're down. His leadership qualities in Ajunta Pall always shine and he goes from strength to strength.

Admittedly, I don't know Teylas as well as Arden, but from what I do know of him he is great with members old and new alike. Always there to help if it's needed and quick to point out anything you can do to better yourself, he excels in his job. Having two apprentices trained to DJK is a fantastic feat, and his recent Gold Nova show his commitment to the members of Ajunta Pall and to the Brotherhood as a whole. All in all a great member/leader who deserves recognition for all the hard work he puts into this club. Congratulations, Teylas. May you continue your steadfast approach to bettering everyone's Brotherhood experience and enjoy your EQ3!

Envoy Taranae Rhode, 2015-02-26 02:15:15 UTC

I got the great opportunity to work with Teylas as part of the MAA staff over the past six months, as someone who I only knew prior to the experience as a member of Plagueis who hadn’t been around very long, things have come a far way to this recommendation for a promotion to Sith Battlelord. He certainly can stand among those who have earned the rank of Equite 3 and stand among them as an equal. Speaking specifically of his work on the MAA staff, he has taken on Wiki improvements and streamlining to improve communication with the membership, taken on dossier details discussions and people take their dossiers very seriously, worked on competition policy and administration decisions, MAA policy on many matters from members restarting their dossiers from scratch to promotional authority discussions to if a member is considered AWOL if they idle on IRC, improving the crescent levels, ideas and suggestions and thoughts of things never implemented, and things that will continue to be implemented going forward as things adapt, recommendation quality and policy discussions about how and when to push back for improvements and when to just approve as is, unit transfers that aren’t always straightforward as they should be, and countless different medal and promotion decision discussions from Dark Cross to Sapphire Blade, from Apprentice to Elder, and from every single unit across a wide range of personalities. He also remains very angry to this day about people replying to all on emails. Congratulations on your promotion to Sith Battlelord Teylas, it’s well deserved.

Lord Evio Nezsa, 2015-02-26 02:15:42 UTC

When selecting Magistrates, Teylas was my pick for “leadership experience but little MAA experience.” I hoped to teach one of Plagueis’ and the Brotherhood’s strongest leaders more about the MAA process and expectations, and I think the experiment has gone very well. Teylas is always an active participant in the regular email thread discussions my staff gets into about everything possible: character restarts, competition detail forms, sacramental award standards, and his favorite topic of all -- people replying all to automated emails. He also pulls his weight in approving and remanding requests, helping to create the fastest turnaround I could ask for on everything that doesn’t need a greater discussion. Teylas has performed exceptionally as a Magistrate and, I hope, learned a lot in the process. The MAA office, when it works, is a well honed machine. Every gear grinds smoothly and quickly, but you rarely notice each individual cog. Teylas has excelled at keeping the machine running over these past seven months as while continuing to perform in his roles within Plagueis. Thank you, Teylas, this is well earned

Zanet Xox, 2015-02-26 02:16:51 UTC

Let me start with an honest truth, Plagueis wouldn’t be what it is without Teylas. We have plenty of people who are as active as he is. We have a few that put out the consistent quality of work that he does. There may even be a couple who are experts in rocks. OK, probably not that last one, but that’s not his only unique quality. Above all else Teylas puts everything he can into the unit and that is what makes him truly stand above others.

Lots of people can rack up lots of Clusters of Fire and Pendants of blood, though few have done quite as much. Lots of people can do “all of the things” (TM - Howie) and can rack up crescents and novae. Teylas has done all that while at the same time doing everything they can to ensure the unit’s success, sometimes in subtle ways. There have been a number of occasions where something important has slipped my mind and Teylas was right there to make sure I got done what I needed to do. This was particularly clear during the Anchorage event where there were a couple times he kept me on task. To some, things like this could be seen as annoying, but it’s not. It shows he cares and wants things to go well, and that is something I personally value quite a bit.

I could go on for a very long time about all the things he’s earned over the past year or so. Even though he’s earned more CFs than I can count, participated in 37 competitions, and earned a number of crescents and novae, those things aren’t what is truly important. Teylas’ dedication to the cause is what makes him truly special and deserving of this honor. I hope to see more in the future. Good job, and good luck!

Grand Inquisitor Arden Karn di Plagia, 2015-02-26 02:16:07 UTC

Equite 2 is a dividing line. Not just the halfway point between the Equite ranks, once a member reaches that rank, simple activity ceases to be enough. One must couple personal achievements with Clan contributions and Brotherhood-wide impact. Kz’set (Arden) not only meets these three qualifications, he exceeds them.

Arden’s activity record is an impressive resume in and of itself. A sapphire blade, steel cross, 2 dark crosses, 2 novae, 12 crescents, a pendant of blood, 109 clusters of fire, 40 clusters of ice, and 49 vendetta seals. He is one of the most active writers in the Brotherhood as demonstrated by his prolific ability to earn clusters of ice through both fiction and the ACC. His vendetta seal total speaks to just how active he is when competition time rolls around and Plagueis needs its best on the front lines. Ks'zet even entered 47 individual competitions between the date of his last promotion and now. He has been one of the most active members of Plagueis, even while serving in leadership positions for most of that time. Since his last promotion, Kz'set has come to be the embodiment of Montresor's old call to arms: Do work, son!

As much as Kz'set is the exemplar of what it is to be an active member, he is even better as a leader. He returned to the Plagueis summit for a second time on the final day of 2013 and hasn't looked back since. His work as Rollmaster and his focus on member retention was integral to our effort to re-clan, and he made significant contributions to our clan proposal. Following that change, he took over the newly created House Karness Muur like he had never left his old battle team that the House had arisen from. He, along with others, did become mindful of the overall slip in activity that followed, however, and he sought to take steps to reverse it. Kz'set understands that maintaining activity is as much about keeping people in the habit of doing things in the Brotherhood as it is about anything else, so he threw himself into championing the event that would become known as the Sphere of Influence intra-clan feud. He also lent his expertise to running the Anchorage feud as well, offering me as Consul the nearly unheard of opportunity to sit back and participate. His efforts during the Fading Light event and the recent Great Jedi War, however, have been invaluable. He took over the role of Clan Stathead, making sure to track all of our activity. He was also our taskmaster, keeping tabs on our competitors and teams in order to ensure that they were participating and getting their entries in. As a result, Plagueis had one of the highest per capita entry rate of any Clan in the Brotherhood. Those numbers in the Great Jedi War simply do not happen without Kz'set's tireless efforts in the year that predated it, so our success is as much his success as anyone's.

Most people would be content with the personal development and leadership achievements that Kz'set has amassed since his last promotion, but Kz'set is not most people. His passion has always been in storytelling, so it made perfect sense when he joined the office of the Voice last October. As one of the Brotherhood's relatively newer members, he has always had an eye for making things more approachable and user friendly, especially for new members. Much of his work in the Voice's office has been along those lines, from crafting competition approval guidelines to changes to the character sheet approval system. He has also worked on a number of Brotherhood-wide projects, including the upcoming Hand to Hand combat guide. In addition, Kz'set has always been mindful that that the Brotherhood must grow to avoid stagnation or collapse. He has brought this attitude to his role as mentor for new members, shepherding both Meleu Karthdo and Misium to the rank of Dark Jedi Knight.

Kz'set is one of the most fiercely dedicated leaders I've had the pleasure to serve with in the Brotherhood, and a monster of activity. I’m thankful to have him by my side as a colleague in Plagueis and happy that I could see him reach the rank of Sith Battlelord.

Vivackus Kavon di Plagia, 2015-02-26 02:14:25 UTC

Arden has been a steadfast member for as long as I have been in the DJB. His constant vigil over IRC and his outstanding efforts to prrofread anyone and everyone's work in fiction is unbelieveable. I couldn't wish this promoton to EQ3 on Arden enough. I don't know much about the man behind the name, but when I hear that someone has been taken under his wing by Arden for either help or proofing, I know they are in good hands. He's always there, always has been, and I can probably say, always will be when it comes to assisting new members achieve their goals. An upstanding member of the Brotherhood, he has always shown respect, friendship and brilliant leadesrhip qualities as PCON of Plagueis. All this while also juggling 4 apprentices? Wow. Also a Gold Nova for the GJW and a Sapphire blade to his name prove that this is a member in need of this recognition. I salute you, Arden. Thanks for all your help, thanks from everyone you helped and may you continie long in your endeavours to better the DJB. You deserve the jump to EQ3. Congratulations!

Envoy Taranae Rhode, 2015-02-26 02:13:28 UTC

I’m so excited to recommend Arden to be promoted to Equite Three. Arden has always been welcoming to new and old members alike. He is always one to answer a question and make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed. I think one of my favorite things about him is his patience. I’m convinced this man has no temper, and if he does, I’ve never seen it. I know because I’m sure I’ve tested it may, many times, and while he has given me a stern talking to, never once have I been yelled at or belittled. Arden is also beyond active. He is an amazing PCON, always on IRC and engaging in conversations with new and old members, isn’t afraid to be silly (which I’m convinced is a prerequisite to be placed into Plagueis) and makes sure the peace is kept. His emails are constant, informative and straight to the point so we don’t get bored or over stimulated and he is always bring new, fresh ideas to our Clan. His hard work and dedication to us is amazing, and if I can be half the leader Arden is, I will think of myself as successful. Arden, my friend you bust your butt for us and I’m proud to be part of your leadership team. Thank you for all the hard work you put in! You are truly deserving of this promotion. :)

Octavia Morgan Obrie, 2015-02-26 02:13:53 UTC

What is there to say about Kz'set that hasn't been said already? There are plenty of shinies on his profile to talk about all the quantifiable things he's done, but even so, there's a lot it doesn't say. Kz'set came into Plagueis a few months after I did back in 2012, when he first joined the Brotherhood, and immediately made an impact. Now, three years later, that hasn't changed and has only made improvement. Since becoming PCON Kz'set has continued dedicating 110% of himself to the Clan pushing the membership to be the best they can be, engaging them on a personal level, and ensuring that, above all, everyone is having fun. Exactly what you look for in a leader in an organization like the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. The most recent Great Jedi War was a testament to that as Plagueis rose the occasion and improved it's overall standing between the first and second phases in no small part due to Kz'set driving the membership to up their own game personally.

During the event Plagueis ran a few months back called "The Anchorage", Kz'set was instrumental in helping me organize, create, distribute, and grade certain events. When I first started creating and shaping what I wanted, Kz'set quickly stepped in to critique and improve the fictional setting of the event. During the first phase he wanted to get involved in some of the events, so I handed over two of the easier ones for him to come up with and take care of on his own. Not only did he do that, but during the second phase insisted he wanted to take on some more of the harder events. This might not seem like a huge deal, but it just shows the type of leadership that Kz'set brings to the table: always striving for more, for better, for people to be all they can be. Not only does he expect this of others, but he also expects this -- and shows it -- of himself.

For someone who has paralleled my own time in the Dark Jedi Brotherhood in many ways, and differentiated himself in others, he has carved his own path out which definitely puts him above many others. Someone I'm happy to call a friend both on a professional level here, and personally. Congratulations.

Teylas Ramar, 2015-02-26 02:14:20 UTC

If you asked me who was the most enthusiastic member of Clan Plagueis, I would answer Brimstone without hesitation. If there is a competition going on, Brimstone will do it - probably before anyone else. If a report comes out, Brimstone will leave an encouraging message in the comments. If a member gets promoted or receives a medal, Brimstone is almost always the first person to congratulate them.

Brimstone has been a Sith Warrior for nearing on two years. During this time, he has done all the things. He participated in 83 competitions, including almost every event in the most recent GJW and Fading Light. Brimstone has been awarded 3 Seals of Loyalty, 13 Crescents, a Sapphire Blade, 4 Novae, 2 Pennants of Blood, a truckload of assorted seals and merit medals. Brimstone has completed more competitions on his phone than the majority of members in the Brotherhood have completed period. Most Equites bore of the Shadow Academy. Brimstone has completed 38 SA courses as a Warrior, earning 2 Savants, 2 Mavens, and a Dark Pundit.

Not everyone is cut out for formal leadership, but that doesn’t stop Brimstone from being a leader. He is one of the most vocal promoters of the DJB to the outside world, and there is a great intangible benefit to Clan Plagueis that his consistent positive emails provide. Were it not for Brimstone, two members of the Plagueis Summit, Taranae and Misium, wouldn’t be here.

As a club, we like to talk about how participation matters. Brimstone participates more than just about anyone. We talk about how attitude matters. Brimstone is is more positive and encouraging to members than just about anyone. The amount of effort that Brimstone has put into this club is staggering. Brimstone is a perfect example of what an average member can strive to accomplish.

Brimstone has been an excellent role model for members of Clan Plagueis and the Brotherhood at large. His persistence, his dedication, and his effort is more than deserving of the rank Equite 2.

Congratulations Brim, keep up the hard work., ~Viv

Vivackus Kavon di Plagia, 2015-02-24 19:45:23 UTC

What can you say about Brimstone? He’s a machine when it comes to activity. I don’t know of many competitions that have run without Brimstone’s name in the participation list. He doesn’t win all the time but he certainly is always participating. He generally has a positive attitude and is always trying to give suggestions that he thinks will benefit his clan. There is no one else that I know who is completely sold out to the clan like Brimstone is. He’s more than earned this promotion

Callus Bo'amar, 2015-02-24 19:44:44 UTC

The Dark Brotherhood is blessed with a collection of members who are dedicated to improving its existence through activity, leadership, recruitment, and promoting the club. This population of membership is often found in the elder ranks, but we do have a very dedicated and small group of younger members who truly stand for all our club is and should be. Brimstone is one of those members. Driven to participate from a phone, a broke laptop, or through any means necessary, Brimstone is always willing to help and support our club. This promotion is overdue and well deserved! Congrats Brim!

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2015-02-24 19:45:11 UTC

Brimstone is an interesting guy. On the one hand he doesn’t always put out the highest quality entries to events. He might not be active on IRC because of his job. At the same time though he proves that someone can be an asset to club and clan without such things. Brimstone is the sort of member who can be an asset simply by being present and active.

First and foremost, to borrow a phrase from a most illustrious panda, Brimstone quite simply does all of the things. He competed in (or at least tried to)all of the events in the Great Jedi War XI and was the first in the unit to finish all of the individual events in both rounds. He also did everything in Fading Light and in our Anchorage clan feud. He regularly competes in other DJB wide events. While he may not place in all of these events he definitely gives it his all.

At least as impressive as his competition efforts is the efforts he puts in supporting the unit as a whole. On numerous occasions throughout the GJW and other times, Brimstone goes out of his way to encourage others. He does this even though most of the time he lacked a formal leadership position. If we could give him the position of captain (Admiral?) of the cheerleading team we would. Wait, Brimstone with pom-poms and a skirt...naaa. But that doesn’t diminish the amount of effort he puts in to push others in the unit to do their best.

All that said, Brimstone more that deserves this promotion. Just no skirts, please god no skirts.

Grand Inquisitor Arden Karn di Plagia, 2015-02-24 19:44:07 UTC

This is a confusing recommendation to write, because more often than not, I assume Yacks is already a Dark Prophet. That assumption is based on what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will continue to do for our club. This recommendation does not require statistics, positions held, or any other laundry list of items to explain why Yacks should hold our highest rank. The simple fact is, he is one of a handful of our members who deserves to hold our highest earned rank. Congrats.

GM Pravus

I am beyond pleased that Keirdagh Yacko Cantor is finally receiving a long deserved promotion. I made a mistake years ago in failing to move Yacko beyond DJM; I'm glad to see that mistake rectified.

And it deserves to be corrected. Yacko is one of this club's greatest members. He is one of the few leaders that can single handedly bring a unit back from the brink. His force of personality and sheer tenacity has saved Taldryan. His dedication and caring for his clan is second to none. And he is talented to boot.

After nearly twenty years in this club, my friend Yacko is one of the main reasons I stick around. He keeps me level and is never afraid to talk straight. His favorite phrase is "I told you so" which he has been able to say on many occasions. His counsel is wise and necessary.

He will hate being described this way, but I think beyond anything, Yacks is just a good and caring person. After fourteen years of knowing him, I can say that without question. Yacko is simply an amazing man. I'm glad to call him my friend, and one of my best.

Congratulations to the true Prophet of the DB.

Grand Master Cotelin

Look, I know this is the final promotable rank anyone in this club can get (Grand Master doesn’t count, that’s an appointment with an election and all that jazz), so this is the last promotion recommendation Yacko will ever get to read. It should be filled with demonstrations of Yacko’s gravitas and grandeur - and how his contributions in the past decade (and then some!) have changed the club for the better - and it will. From me and from others. But first? Because I’ve always wanted to do this, and I think it’ll look really cool when it’s all lined up with all these glowing endorsements from the best members of our club (plus me). This:

Since his last promotion a little over eleven years ago, Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor has earned: 115 various Vendetta Seals, four Seals of Loyalty, 13 Legions of the Scholar, one Scroll of the Master, six Scrolls of Foundation, 18 Scrolls of Indoctrination, 3 Dark Side Scrolls, 43 Clusters of Ice, 1572 Clusters of Fire, 13 Pendants of Blood, 95 Crescents, 8 Bronze Novae, 9 Silver Novae, 11 Gold Novae, 13 Dark Crosses, three Anteian Crosses, three Steel Crosses, two Grand Crosses of the Dark Side, an Amethyst Kukri, and an Emerald Dagger. Oh yeah - and the Golden goddamn Lightsaber.

Obviously, as a club, we do not promote our members to Prophet for just a laundry list of medals - so I suppose I shall state what in the hell Yacko has done. In his seventeen years in the Brotherhood - Yacks has been a steadfast and active contributor to anything and everything - and he is a near constant source of affecting positive change in this club. If there is a policy or project that he can give input to (ie: he is asked or is told about it?) - he will offer suggestions. Sometimes these suggestions are minor, pointing out potential aspects of abuse or confusion that would only be noticed by the most fastidious minds - and sometimes these suggestions are wholesale bottom up changes, wherein Yacks will recognize a fatal flaw in a program and rebuild it from the ground up so it works. From the newest version of the Brotherhood website/database, to the way we award and promote members, to our roster maintenance programs - Yacks has had small (and in many cases, substantial) impacts to them all.

I am not qualified to speak on Yacks’ contributions to the Brotherhood’s judicial system. I can mention it in passing, I’ve read the documents and the recommendations, but I was not there. I can speak on Yacks’ contributions to Taldryan. Over the past year and a half or so, Yacks’ leadership as House Aedile, and then Clan Proconsul has been nothing short of amazing. He pulled our unit out of a slump, and I hope set us on a greater long term path. He did not do this by magic, or voodoo, or by inspiration alone. It was hard damn work. Lots of reports, lots of emails, designs and plans for competitions, and lots of personal activity on his own. Leadership in this Brotherhood takes time, and it takes effort - you have to be one of the most active members in your clan, and you also have to spend the time engaging with your members, and inspiring them. A leader in this club always has to outpace his or her members. This seems to be contrary to the popular belief that leaders in this club do not have time to do regular things because they’re busy leading. That’s a load of bullshit. As a regular member, I am not going to follow and I am not going to be inspired by a guy that sits on his duff and makes plans for the future and just manages people. That’s not leadership, that’s management or administration. The leader needs to be so infuriatingly active that his or her members see that standard as the goal. That level of activity combined with running competitions, writing reports, managing people? That’s why leadership in the Brotherhood is hard, or at least is supposed to be hard. That’s what Yacks does. He does both - because you have to. This entire paragraph? That is Yacko in a nutshell.

I was talking about gravitas earlier - and Yacks has it in spades. A lot of people (and hell, I do too sometimes) will conflate that with ego and/or being an asshole. But where those people go off the rails is when they try and conflate that with Yacko’s motivations. He contributes to the DB in his way because that’s who he is - and he sees it as the best method of ensuring the long term viability of this club. He knows that by and large, when he speaks? People listen - and he’s used this to institute positive change throughout the club. Not for his own benefit, or his own edification - but instead, so we can all have a better club. If that’s not worthy of Dark Prophet/Primarch? I don’t know what is.

To me, Yacks earned this promotion a hell of a long time ago - he just ran so fast and so far ahead that it has taken this long for everyone else to catch up. For this decade and then some of service as a Dark Jedi Master, including time as Justicar, for his service as Taldryan’s proconsul and aedile, for his service trying to make this place better, and everything in between? Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor should be promoted to Dark Prophet. Congratulations, dude.

PS: You abandoned me. :P

Howie

When Howie first approached me about writing a rec for this, I had to stop and think for a second when he said "DJP/DP". My first thought was: "Oh, wow, is Sarin bringing back the old Dark Jedi Primarch rank?" It was only after I went and quickly checked Yacko's dossier that I remembered: hey, wait, that Canadian dude- and acclaimed Bollywood dancer- was never made Dark Prophet.

Cue my senior moment and facepalm, followed by: wat? o.O

This is a man who has been here for 17 years. 17 years! Good god. There are people in the Dark Brotherhood who are only 15 years old- in real life! And Yacko has been here since, if you'll forgive the graphic analogy for a second, since before they were even floating in their mother's wombs. That... that is wow, just wow. It goes without saying, then, that after my senior moment I didn't even have to think for a second before agreeing to add my support to this much belated recognition of all that Yacko has done for the Dark Brotherhood for a long, long time. I mean, we're talking about a man here that has not only led his unit to more Vendetta wins than I can count- although I'll always rub him for that one time when House Ludo Kressh pwned House Arcanis back in 2000!- but who has done more than that, way more.

Even if we put aside what Yacko is currently stewarding as the Recruitment Tribune- which, frankly, I personally consider one of, if not THE most important roles in the Dark Brotherhood today, what with how important Facebook, Twitter, et al, are to all those kids who've been born in those 17 years since Yacko first joined this place- but he's been doing this stuff for the Dark Brotherhood for more than a decade, and has been a Dark Jedi Master for just as long. I'm going to repeat that again, because it’s worth dwelling on for a moment: Dark Jedi Master Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor has been volunteering for this club, and giving his own time, for the benefit of other people, in exchange for no real reward for himself other than his satisfaction of helping others, for over a decade. Over a decade.

That is the definition of selfless service right there.

The list of Yacko's personal sacrifices is endless, and far too long to list exhaustively and do him credit when he has been doing this for such a long time. Even for a start, he was Justicar, which is in no sense of the word an enjoyable job, nor one that many ever want to step up to- indeed, back when Jac once asked me if I wanted it, I turned it down, because I simply didn't think I would be able to handle the aggro without having a total meltdown. But Yacko did that, and he did it at a time when "justice" had been made into a dirty word after many years of the club seeing the legal system as corrupt, and the very phrase "High Court of Inquisitors" met with sneers and curled lips. However, Yacko didn't turn into the next Astatine and become self-absorbed and power mad- although maybe he too would squeeze into Tiamat's leather catsuit, that part I admit I cannot be totally sure about- but was instead the complete opposite, and instrumental in shaping the way the Chamber of Justice would work for the Dark Brotherhood in the days after we first walked away from the Emperor's Hammer. That's not a legacy many can put on their CV and call theirs, but Yacko, who back at that point was still "just" a Dark Side Adept, and a far cry from the Grand Masters and High Admirals who had presided over the courts in the years before him, he took that burden on, and made it his own, building trust where previously trust was not to be found. I could go on, and talk of the man who has time and time again aired his views- constructively, I might add, without being confrontational, but helpful, supportive, and beneficial- about many issues that Yacko has been deeply passionate about, whether it has been about the legal framework during his days as Justicar, or about the way the Dark Council is run during any of the many roles he has filled when a need has arisen, whether it has been in his home of Clan Taldryan, or for the Shadow Academy, as a Magistrate, the list is practically endless.

For a man who already has everything- not least a Golden Lightsaber- there may be little left to pin on the old admiral's chest, but in the end, the one thing that hasn't happened- and which I am sure many will agree should have happened long ago- is to finally raise Yacko to the highest honour, and raise him to the last rank to which a member can be raised. No, he might never have been Grand Master, but in so many ways, I feel Yacko has already proven himself to have left a legacy just as significant. I'm going to end by quoting something Jac said to me nine years ago, and which today I feel applies to Yacko, arguable even more than it ever did to myself:

"Many would argue that this is an award more coveted than even the Golden Lightsaber; for all intents and purposes, DP is the rank given to members who could have very well been Grand Master had the pieces fallen into place."

For a long time, this has been true of Yacko -- and today we finally recognise that and make the First Prophet of the Brotherhood finally into what he has been all along.

Thank you for everything you do, Yacks, and which I hope continues in the days ahead.

(PS: I now hate you because you will now be one of the few gits with more prestige :P)

~ Xanos

I’m not sure whose idea it was to let Yacko and I share a rank, but I have to say, it sounds like a bad idea! He’s right enough as it is, what’s going to happen once we make him a Prophet? I’m tired of hearing “I told you so” as it is, and if he starts actually predicting the future, ugh...

Yacks is one of the Brotherhood’s strongest members. An incredible leader, motivator, project manager, Yacks has almost done it all throughout his career in his Brotherhood. Perhaps all that is surprising, then, is that he hasn’t been made a Prophet already.

When Yacks became Aedile of Taldryan, he made it a policy to do weekly reports. Unsurprisingly, the number of reports posted on a weekly basis kicked up in other units and the Dark Council, as well. This is the kind of thing Yacks brings to this club: dedication and inspiration through one method or another. It is these qualities, combined with the sheer perseverance of seventeen years of membership, that makes Yacko deserving of our highest rank.

As Recruitment Tribune, Yacks has set the bar high for what a tribune position can do. The Brotherhood’s news page has become a reliable source of good Star Wars information, something a long time in coming, and his push for the additional of social media buttons was excellent. His service to the Brotherhood was not limited to recruitment, though: Yacks has served as an advisor to the Chamber of Justice since his time as a Justicar, and has himself served as a Hand this year.

As Proconsul of Taldryan, he guided the Clan to a second place finish in the last Great Jedi War, a first place finish in Fading Light, and a strong showing in the Dark Crusades. All of these placements came upon his back, Yacks leading from the front by doing every event he could, and placing in many of them.

I could go on and on about my oldest and best friend in this club, but given that I’m the worst, the words would just be wasted. ;)

It seems like just yesterday that I stumbled into Yacks and transferred to Aquillas, where he taught me the ropes of the club and helped me learn just what it meant to be a leader here. Congratulations, Yacko… You more than deserve this.

~Mav

Yacks doesn’t need an eloquent, long-winded recommendation from me. His work, as always, speaks for itself. Frankly, if the DP rank was used in the past as it is now, he’d already be a Prophet due to all the work he’s done for the Brotherhood. Yacks alone had the presence of mind and gravitas to start the Chamber of Justice after our split from the EH, at a time when people in this organization were extremely sensitive to the idea of overreach by the Dark Council, and when they certainly didn’t want to see a remake of the EH’s High Court of Inquisitors. Yet Yacks managed to pull it off better than I could have imagined possible at the time, and left a great example for future Justicars to follow. If that wasn’t enough, he later returns from a long slumber and completely reinvigorates Taldyran. Not something he was obligated to do in any way, but he took a look at the Clan and realized he could improve it, and immediately went to work with his characteristic zeal and energy. In addition, he’s been an immeasurably valuable advisor to leaders at the Clan level and higher, always ready to improve the club as a whole. Everyone knows Yacks deserves to be in the ranks of the Dark Prophets, and I’m glad I’m here to see him join it. Congratulations Yacks, you finally caught up to me!

-Kir

I have known Yacks for many a year now, first as a member from a rival Clan, then as a subordinate to his time on the DC and then finally as an equal in the same Clan. He was always this scary person you never wanted to piss off, but also wildly talented and hard working. It's pretty safe to say that not a lot has changed over the last decade.

I have now had the pleasure of working alongside Yacks and getting to know him and I can safely call him a friend. I have seen how hard he really works and it is a forgone conclusion that Taldryan would have been in shambles if he wasn't around. We are where we are because of the tireless efforts he puts in.

But on top of that, all he wants is to see this club succeed. I wish he was able to have a bigger role in this club, just so that everyone can benefit from what he can give them. Dark Prophet is a rank given to those who are akin to GMs in terms of what they try to give back. This had been a long time coming and I can't think of anyone else who has deserved it more. Yay Yacks!

Halc

When I first joined the Dark Brotherhood, I was auto-assigned to a Clan that made no contact with me, and leaders who didn't bother to teach me the first thing about being a member. I was very, very lucky, because instead of growing bored and dropping the DB altogether, I met some people who invited me into their own Clan—Taldryan. I started out as hyperactive and annoying as the worst nub anyone has ever seen, but because of these two people, I managed to become a (somewhat) respectable, long-standing member. I have two people to thank for my time in the Brotherhood, and one of those is Yacks.

Yacks was the Proconsul of Taldryan when I joined, but because GM Jac was far too important, Yacks was the one engaging us and hanging out with us on a regular basis. He led then, as he does now, from the front. He didn't just provide us with stuff to do; he pushed us and motivated us to do it—to get better. Taldryan's decade-long legacy of excellence in the DB, of members rising up into Dark Council positions and leading the Brotherhood, all came from following Yacks' example of leadership. Everything I learned about leading in the Brotherhood came from Yacks. Now, of late, members have given a lot of props to people who have been around and doing stuff for a handful of years… which is great and all, but that just doesn't compare to someone who has been a driving force in the club for a decade and a half. It's been more than thirteen years since I joined, and Yacks is still striving each day to make both Taldryan and the Brotherhood a better place.

The thing is, people don't like the voice of reason. That guy who points out the flaws and asks the hard questions. But that's the guy Yacks is. He's willing to stand up for what he sees is right, despite whatever personal, petty agenda other people are pushing. Most of those active today would say this is because Yacks is such an old member, arguing just for the sake of arguing. Except they weren't there in the earliest days. Yacks has always been that voice, shouting up at the powers that be to ensure things get better, not worse, in this club. He doesn't just demand that he and the members of Taldryan be better, he demands it of everyone else in a position, too.

According to the site, it's been over eleven years since Yacks became a Dark Jedi Master. Eleven years of commitment to Taldryan and the Dark Brotherhood. It's time that commitment was properly recognized. Yacks, we've joked about getting Dark Prophet a lot the last couple of years, and honestly, it didn't look all that likely the way things were going. But, I'm glad to see you're finally being recognized for all the time and effort you've put into making this a better place. Congratulations, Yacks. And, since any recommendation from me wouldn't be complete without it: thrust

• Shadow Taldrya

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2015-02-24 04:26:02 UTC

The elevation of a member to Dark Adept is one of the most challenging and nearly impossible tasks within the Dark Brotherhood. You must touch all aspects of our club, act beyond the confines of your small unit, and provide a lasting and beneficial impact to our members. Dante has done this, is doing this, and will continue to do this for years to come. His elevation to Dark Adept is long over due, needed, and something we should all be proud of. Welcome to the Elders.

GM Pravus.

What makes Dante such an incredible member of the Dark Brotherhood? What makes him worthy of this elevation, and the prestige it entails? Dante is a many faceted individual, and one who has been a leading force within Scholae Palatinae, and the Dark Brotherhood, since his joining us.

Dante is a gaming god. There are no two ways about it. Almost no one can stand before him in Jedi Academy, and he can hold his own in a number of other platforms. He has one of the highest tallies of Clusters of Fire, and a ludicrous amount of Pendants of Blood. There are very few people who can boast just this array of victories and awards.

Dante is a stalwart. He is a consistant member, maintaining activity and excellence throughout the majority of his Dark Brotherhood career. You will frequently see his names amongst those who have submitted to competitions, both within the House and with out. Along with this activity, he provides strength of skill and prowess, and has garnered a heavy array of Novae and Crescents.

Dante is a master. He leads from the front, and trains our newest members. He's trained several members to Dark Jedi Knight, and will continue to do so in the future. His training has led to high-class submissions from his apprentices, whose achievements can only reflect fantastically on their master.

Dante a lore fanatic. His tireless work behinds the scenes with the Scholae Palatinae military is inspiring, even to me, the one who wrote most of it! His knowledge of the lore and military units of the Star Wars universe is unsurpassed in the Dark Brotherhood, and he lends his intelliegence to the creation of our military at every turn. Without him, we might have had no medics!

But most of all, Dante is a friend to all. He is kind, conscientious, courteous, and forthright. He is the kind of person the Dark Brotherhood needs and should strive to acquire. He is a prime example of the best the world has to offer, and deserves nothing less than our undying admiration and praise.

It's been a long time coming. Congratulations, Dante

Archangel

Dante is the “Old Man” of Scholae Palatinae. There is no doubting his steadfast dedication to the Brotherhood, and his efforts to better it for all. A long time resource for myself, and the last several Scholae Palatinae leaders, there isn’t any of us who can imagine this club without him. When Thran has issues, Dante was there to support him. When Ood felt lost, Dante was there as a compass. When I would fall frustrated, Dante was there to help me back up.

To sum up Dante’s career in the Brotherhood, the only word I can think of is “immense”. He has served as both Right and Left Hands of Justice. He has sat on the Appeals Panel twice. He served as PCON in CSP with Thran. He served as QUA and AED in Dorimad Sol before the declanning. He was T:Gaming and helped set up what we now call the FIST’s position. He served as M:FIST when that position change happened.

In terms of his base level activity, there are few that can compare. When the SA Society first opened, he was the highest ranking member. He is consistently a top ranking member of the GMRG. His lifetime DJB Competition participation is at 272. Just since his promotion to EQ4 he has earned: 5 Diamond Star, 11 Ruby Star, 14 Amethyst Star, 19 Sapphire Star, 24 Emerald Star, 14 Topaz Star, 5 Quartz Star, 1 Amethyst Kukri, 1 Sapphire Blade, 5 Grand Cross, 5 Steel Cross, 4 Anteian Cross, 4 Dark Cross, 3 Gold Nova, 11 Silver Nova, 8 Bronze Nova, 2 Seal of Loyalty, 4 Scroll of the Master, 5 Scroll of Foundation, 3 Legion of the Scholar, 16 Pendant of Blood, 14 Seals of Defiance, 13 Seals of Affliction, 19 Seals of Reminiscence, 25 Seals of Decimation, 27 Seals of the Crusader, 9 Seals of Return, 8 Seals of Revelation, 2,290 Clusters of Fire, 23 Clusters of Ice.

These positions and awards have added up over the years. Since the additions of the prestige system on the site, Dante has regularly found himself in the top 10 prestige holders in the club. Then some formula tweaking would occur, and he would fall out, only to climb back in. At the moment he sits at 11th highest prestige in the club. He is quickly closing in on Anshar for 10th. He has been the only non-Elder member to break into the top ten. The next closest Equite member is back at 15th.

Rain or Sun, Snow or Hurricane, I know Dante will be there leading the charge on everything that is going around. He has successfully brought 5 different members to DJK, many of these members moved on to do their own amazing and impressive work. Xantros was a long serving AED in HSP, and the first T:Recruting. Rial is currently serving as a M:MAA.

Beyond the positions, the medals, the prestige, there is a man. He may not always be the loudest, but he always hits his mark. This club would be a lot emptier without him. I know for certain Scholae Palatinae would be a lot emptier. In my eyes, Dante has already been sitting as an Elder for a long time. I am glad to call him my friend.

Congratulations old man. Drinks are on you

Xen’Mordin Vismorsus

Dante has a depth of knowledge and vision for Scholae Palatinae that keeps things on the right path through the years. This, above all else, is the invaluable contribution he has provided, his wisdom. In combination of all the things he has done and accomplished through participation nevermind his position in the Prestige lineup, and all his work in Scholae Palatinae as a leader in addition to the Chamber of Justice, Office of the Fist and most recently Shadow Academy, he has earned an elevation to Dark Side Adept. I won’t go into the details but speak more on his impact and character.

From my unique perspective on why Dante deserves the promote to Dark Side Adept, to Elder, requires at least some understanding of what he does behind the scenes. He has previously held positions as Aedile, Quaestor and Proconsul of Scholae Palatinae spanning 2 years that serve as the basis for all his current sagely advice. As member of the Scholae Palatinae summit and advisor on matters, he has a guiding hand in many of the decisions and directions we take. From helping structure our military and fleets, to helping with decisions about leaders and training, to plot discussions and fictional developments that include his vast historical knowledge, to fighting alongside us in competition after competition for as far back as anyone can remember without fail, he has his impact.

In regards to his attitude, and character, and his interaction with the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. He isn’t the most outspoken voice, but he gets involved in the important discussions. I’m not sure anyone could doubt his dedication to the Brotherhood and seeing it succeed and grow and become a better place.

Congratulations on Dark Side Adept my friend.

Evant Taelyan

Grand Master Declan Roark, 2015-02-24 04:23:19 UTC

Navvel, you have successfully passed the Test of Lore and earned the rank of Apprentice. While you may currently be on a shuttle to House Karness Muur, I will continue to follow your progress with great interest.

May the Force guide you, Apprentice,

DA Dacien Victae di Plagia Headmaster

Lord Dacien Victae, 2015-02-24 00:02:43 UTC

Kelly has successfully completed all of the requirements for promotion to the rank of Jedi Hunter as prescribed to her.

Congratulations! Now the difficult part begins.

Callus Bo'amar, 2015-02-23 16:16:16 UTC

You're already beginning to make a name for yourself, Ty'Gera. I have heard reports from House Shar Dakhan that you have managed to:

• Logon to IRC and visit Clan channel

I have recommended you for immediate promotion.

Congratulations, and may the Force guide you, Novice,

DA Dacien Victae di Plagia Headmaster

Lord Dacien Victae, 2015-02-23 00:11:37 UTC

Ty'Gera, you have successfully passed the Test of Lore and earned the rank of Apprentice. While you may currently be on a shuttle to House Shar Dakhan, I will continue to follow your progress with great interest.

May the Force guide you, Apprentice,

DA Dacien Victae di Plagia Headmaster

Lord Dacien Victae, 2015-02-23 00:03:22 UTC

You're already beginning to make a name for yourself, Rogue_13. I have heard reports from House Dinaari that you have managed to:

• Participate in 1 competition

I have recommended you for immediate promotion.

Congratulations, and may the Force guide you, Novice,

DA Dacien Victae di Plagia Headmaster

Lord Dacien Victae, 2015-02-22 18:45:18 UTC