From Khyron:

Based on his years of dedication--including laborious service and tasks, action at crucial moments, and sincere commitment to the best interests of the Brotherhood, which has without a doubt contributed to its success over the years--I, Grand Master Justinian Khyron, recommend that Warlord Maxamillian von Oberst be elevated to the rank of Adept of the Dark Side.

From Trev:

Throughout my many years as a member of the Brotherhood of Dark Jedi, I have experienced few members as experienced and dedicated as Maxamillian von Oberst Tarentae. Far beyond even my scant years as a member, Oberst has dedicated his efforts to the growth and development of Clan Tarentum. Through his singular devotion to his Clan, Oberst has displayed the qualities expected of an Elder of the Brotherhood.

I have spoken to the venerable Elders Zero, Sirrus, and Sauron, and even the Most High Grand Master Khyron of Oberst and his devotion to the cause of the Brotherood. All have said that he is passionate, even obsessive with concern for the smallest minutae of his Clan--a Clan he has played an essential role in developing-- and for the larger affairs of the Brotherhood. His guidance and experience have fostered a culture of respect and outward pleasure in Clan Tarentum, which have in turn granted Clan Tarentum the envy and admiration of even the Elders of rival, if Allied Clans. To offer a personal anecdote, I had negotiated an alliance between Clans Naga Sadow and Tarentum during the Consular reigns of myself and Ciara Tearnan respectively. After the Exodus, and the development of a friendship between myself and Oberst, we negotiated between ourselves and within our respective Clans to continue that Alliance into the present.

I have always considered Oberst to be one of my most respected and trusted confidants, advisors, and friends. He edits my fiction, my poetry, and offers me valuable insight into innumerable other affairs. What he does for me, he does for everyone else in the Brotherhood who earns his attention and respect. I have always counted him among the Elders, even more Elder than one such as I. His voice is invaluable, and his experience is beyond all measure of comparison.

Long past is the time to count him as a true Elder of the Brotherhood, and long past is the time to make his status as an Elder official. I now implore my own Elders to offer the same respect to Oberst that I have for this exemplary Brethren. and for the raw devotion he has demonstrated to his Clansmen, the Brethren, and to the Final Way. Oberst is long due this recognition, and I implore the Grand Master, the Master at Arms, to grant the petition of myself and my Brethren.

Along the Final Way,

Master Trevarus I. Sadow

From Bloodfyre:

It can be hard, at times, to adequately reward the people who deserve it most. Why? Because the people who deserve it most are generally the people who ask for rewards the least, and try to stay within the backgrounds of things. These are the people who stray away from “frontline” leadership positions (Consul, Quaestor, etc.), and utilize their skills, experience, and motivation to better serve the goals and objectives of those frontline leaders.

Oberst is often one such person within the Brotherhood. He is constantly working to provide Tarentum with the best fictional background, and the best fictional elements we can possibly have. Some examples of this would be the Keepers project, which is continually revamped or expanded upon as we create more through Clan fiction, and as Oberst and I come up with new ideas that bring the Keepers as a project more into the light that we envisioned them in originally. Another example would be the Clan military, comprising the fleet and armies of Tarentum. Oberst has worked on this faithfully with myself, and his two accomplices, Kessian Armus and Doni Tzu, though the majority of the work is done between our military genius trio (Oberst, Armus and Donitz). Though my input is taken, and I have the opportunity to discuss the military issues with these fine gentlemen, it is most always Oberst who both leads the discussions, and helps me to make final decisions as far as the fleet and army possessions of Tarentum are concerned.

In addition to these fictional benefits that Oberst brings to Tarentum, there is a great deal that both Tarentum and non-Tarentum members gain from Oberst. In the past, we all saw Oberst rebirth the Dark Voice. Under his direction as Editor-in-Chief of the Dark Voice, the newsletter of the Brotherhood became the fictional powerhouse that it is. It has gained in both consistency and potential, as it now serves to be more of a fictional anchor, and the teller of the Brotherhood’s ongoing tale. Oberst has also worked to create and run a “writing class,” which has been opened to Tarentum members in the first series, but has also been renewed in unison with Fiction Tribune KPN Erinyes, and has been opened to members of Naga Sadow, as well. Oberst has worked to provide his skills as a writer and editor on a larger scale with this course, but he has also offered his services on more personal levels, too. In these last two Great Jedi Wars, Oberst offered to assist writing members of the Clan by editing their pieces (for those who required help), and also worked to edited and formally submit Tarentum’s run-on in this Sixth Great Jedi War.

Oberst has often worked as an editor for the Clan in other competitions. When competitions have asked for battleplan submissions, Oberst has worked as the project lead and main editor on those battleplan submissions, and in the recent four-way Feud between Tarentum, Naga Sadow, Plagueis and Scholae Palatinae, Oberst worked as the project lead for the Tarentum/Naga Sadow combined battleplan submission, an amazing concept that was inspired completely by the creative mind of General Donitz.

Oberst was named as the Marshal of the Armies of Tarentum for a very specific reason. When competitions come upon us, Oberst is a highly-organized individual who has the ability to assist on a director’s level to ensure that Tarentum is both active and organized, moving forward towards a common, unified goal. Even when Oberst does not support or believe in the competition, he may voice his dislike, but still works to assist the Clan members participate and achieve greatness.

In addition to Tarentum and the Dark Voice, there are other facets of the Brotherhood that bear Oberst’s mark upon them. One such facet is the “Hall of Immortals,” and the newly-made, completely fictional Dark Side Compendium. The biography of Grand Master Khyron was penned by Oberst, and was a piece of fiction that was not only interesting to read, but was entirely appreciated by Khyron, who praised Oberst’s efforts with it. Oberst has also sought to continue relations between Tarentum and other Clans, and makes an effort to be both present in other allied Clans’ channels, and to engage them on social levels to perpetuate and enhance the friendships there. Oberst has provided himself as a friend, a writing editor, and a creative mind to those allies. He has also assisted those members as a defender, much as he is known for doing in Tarentum. Of particular note in this last Great Jedi War, Xayun of Naga Sadow was feeling mistreated and in distress from particular comments made by the coordinator of the Sixth Great Jedi War, and Oberst acted to inform Grand Master Jac Cotelin of the event, and worked to support Xayun and help resolve the issue with the utmost respect to Xayun, and interest shown in keeping the event within the appropriate context and manners.

Oberst has worked in the past to reinvent the Tarentum Master/Apprentice program, and even worked to help motivate and direct it until the project was turned over to the capable and willing hands of the former Proconsul of Tarentum, Telona Murrage. Oberst’s ideas and efforts continue to affect the Clan to this day, as his initial work on the Trials of Knighthood continue on, with the most recent successful candidate being Scorpion of House Gladius. All members who undergo these Trials have the mark of Oberst upon them in some fashion, as they partake of those Trials that he helped to restore to Tarentum, and perfected with their first participant, Spears Tarentae.

Oberst is constantly active on IRC as a social friend to all there, as well as a mentor to members, and an advisor to all, including myself. Oberst’s thoughts and opinions affect nearly every decision made by the Clan Summit, due to his wealth of experience and insight, and due to his unique abilities. As the discussion was happening among the Council and Consuls regarding the rewards for the Sixth Great Jedi War, Oberst was involved with feedback and input both in regards to Tarentum, and into the possible rewards for the other Clans. He voiced opinions and concerns about the scope of the rewards that were felt by the entire Clan, and spoke of the future impact of every choice the Council and Consuls were debating.

Oberst is a leader in Tarentum, and he is one of the more-valued leaders because he does not require, or ask for a position from which to lead. Tarentum has some of the best leaders available in the Summits of both Houses, and Oberst is more than willing to assist those leaders in whatever ways they desire. He is an aide to them, and an aide to myself.

As I have worked to update and renew the Land Grants and Titles projects within Tarentum, Oberst has been able to recall my initial ideas and help me to understand my original vision, but has also worked with me to update the project, and to assist in bringing it into the current era. He has provided ideas and feedback for me, and as an advisor in this project, just as with every other project, he is beyond compare. Oberst is a member that I can truly say, is priceless.

He has also helped by offering his services as an assistant to the upcoming Tarentum ACC Team. He has been involved in discussion regarding the team, and has volunteered his services as an editor, but also as one with whom team members might discuss ideas and scenarios.

Oberst has worked as a recruiter, and has helped to bring some very talented individuals into the Clan. He has used his ability to befriend and contact individuals, and has helped them to find a new home in Tarentum, when no other Clan could seemingly benefit them, or fit their needs and personality.

I have to admit, my memory is not perfect. I know that there are things that I fail to recall, and I apologize to Oberst for not being able to state them here for everyone to see. It is perhaps an injustice that everyone is not able to understand and be informed about Oberst’s many accomplishments to Tarentum and the Brotherhood, but those who are willing to look, and those who have taken the opportunity to know Oberst recognize his contributions. There are people who do not wish to see anything more than arrogance and contempt, but those are the few people who have no respect for anyones’ vision of the Brotherhood except their own. The people who accept that the Brotherhood is a Club and a refuge for everyone AND their own desires are the people who call Oberst a friend, associate, and mentor.

Oberst has been in the Brotherhood for over a decade, and in the time previous, was one of the more-influential people of this Club, and of the Emperor’s Hammer, as well. He is numbered among the peers of persons past; like Grand Masters Havok, Khyron and Chi Long, Master Zero, General Donitz; as well as those members of the present, who have affected the Brotherhood deeply, such as Korras, Spears Tarentae, Trevarus Caerick, and others. The impact of this man will never disappear from the Brotherhood, and the ancient and honored Clan of Tarentum will always hail him as a friend, a brother, and a leader of us all.

Oberst, since your return to the Brotherhood, I have called you a teacher, an ally, a friend, and in many ways, a brother. You are an asset to the Clan as a source of knowledge and a mentor, and as one of the truest of members. I thank you for all that you have done, and add my own sentiments to those members who have chosen to honor you with their words of appreciation and support for your elevation to the status of Elder, and into the rank of Adept.

Congratulations, Marshal.

-DJM Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae Consul, Clan Tarentum

From Kromtal:

BOW

Greetings,

Today I come to you with a request, something that in my eyes has been overlooked for far too long. It is my firm belief that Maximillian von Oberst Tarentae is more than worthy for elevation into the Elder ranks of our esteemed Brethren. Oberst has been in integral part of Clan Tarentum for as far back as anyone currently in the Clan can remember. There are many who don't even know of a time before Oberst was a major part of the Clan.

Over the last decade Oberst has served with distinction in the Brotherhood. He's held many positions and titles, I won't even begin to start listing them because I know that I'll leave something out. Oberst currently serves as the military commander of our Clan and does so with a tireless zeal and intense desire to continue this Clan's great traditions.

When a new member joins the Clan the first person they usually meet on IRC is Oberst, and while he can be a bit rough around the edges at times he's always willing to help a new member, be it a fresh Apprentice or a random DJK who wandered into the Clan from another Clan. I know from my own experience, as when I first joined Tarentum I was a little lost, I had no idea what the Clan was about or what was expected of me. Oberst took me under his wing a bit and helped to guide me on my first steps in Tarentum to make sure that I started out on the right foot with my new Clan.

Over the last 6 months that I've been in Tarentum I've come to regard Oberst not only as a capable leader of men, but also as a friend. I value his opinions and input on new projects I might be working on and always seek his council when I have something on my mind. But, enough about that. What Oberst has done for a single member of the Clan doesn't really do any justice to the greater works he's accomplished.

Since his return to Tarentum Oberst has been instrumental in the creation of a more coherent and detailed Clan history. He single-handedly rewrote the entire Clan history making it much more detailed. The history now provides a deep fictional background for Clan Tarentum and gives the members a vast wealth of things to draw from in their own fictions. 

Oberst has also spent a great deal of time revamping and restarting the Master/Student Program as well as working on the creation of a new writing course to help enhance the skills of the members of Tarentum in their fiction and article writing. He's also helped to create and maintain the Keepers, a very important piece of our Clan history which details the Clan powers of Tarentum and how the members of Tarentum came to unlock and use the secrets of Necromancy.

It is my deepest and firm belief that Oberst is more than worthy of this momentous elevation. He has served the Brotherhood for nearly a decade and has never once slowed down. He is a highly motivated and capable member who has the best interests of the Brotherhood in general and Tarentum at heart. He has worked tirelessly to advance both our Clan and the Brotherhood at large and shows now signs of letting up any time soon.

Thank you for your time, I hope you will give this request some consideration. I know that I'm not the only one who believes that Oberst should be an Elder, I just thought I'd be the one to get the ball rolling.

~KS

Krath Priest Kromtal Stormfyld Commanding Officer of the CRV Cerberus, Battlegroup Mako Aedile of House Gladius, Clan Tarentum Praetor to the Headmaster Eclectic Pedagogue: AIM Messenger, Pre-Republic History #6687

From Korras:

Oberst is one of the people around who you can always ask for advice, and get a straight answer, without any bullshitting around it. Many people do not appreciate such bluntness, but I do. I won't go bullshitting around it myself, either. He has been heavily involved with creating various pieces of lore for Tarentum, keeping the Tarentum Order of Battle up to date, and on top of that he is handling a writing course, improving the quality of work in the Brotherhood by improving others. I do think Oberst deserved this promotion. He has done the work to merit it.

From Spears:

Loyalty this is a word that is personified by Oberst. He takes his loyalty to his Clan beyond anything I have seen by anyone else in my time in the DB. All of his actions in the DB are performed with the goal of improving his Clan. I can say without any hesitation that had it not been for Oberst I would have left the Brotherhood long ago. Oberst was among the first to welcome me to the Brotherhood and has been a mentor, advisor and friend since then. There are few within the Brotherhood that can claim to have given as much as Oberst and fewer still that can claim to have done so much for so long. I will avoid listing his contributions to Tarentum or to the DB as a whole as the list is far to long and I simply don't have the time to list them all. I find myself having great difficulty writing a suitable recommendation for the elevation of Oberst to the ranks of the Elders because I have considered him an Elder of the DB for as long as I can remember. This promotion has been a long time coming and is most deserved.

From Anshar:

Oberst, despite his often abrasive personality, is actually quite willing to lend a helping hand, and even to do things on his own volition that will improve the clan and the Brotherhood. A few things jump immediately to mind. During my time as Consul, Oberst willingly stepped forward to make crucial, strategic decisions during a Rite of Supremacy (the event with the hexagonal map). Oberst acted on the clan's behalf and not only did he make excellent choices for our moves, but he was able to respond far faster to movement requests than I was, ensuring that Tarentum stayed on top of the competition, and that the moves were beneficial to the overall strategy.

Oberst also teaches a voluntary writing course. He goes into great detail with the course, and takes it very seriously. This is done on his own time, and he has never asked for anything in return. Oberst wants to see an imporvement in writing. And, during the most recent writing course, he extended the offer to Clan Naga Sadow, as well as Tarentum. He spoke with me and mentioned that he would be willing to do the course once a year through the Shadow Academy if I wanted him to.

Finally, I have talked from time to time with Oberst to get his imput on some ideas for competition events. His candid opinion helped me make my decision, and gave me another viewpoint. The particular event we talked about hasn't been used yet, but it will be in the future, and Oberst helped shape it.

From Jac:

If there is anyone left who does not believe that Oberst’s elevation to Dark Adept is warranted, I do hope that my addition here will put your concerns to rest. I do not hesitate now to put my name behind this promotion, whereas a year ago, I would have outright refused. Oberst and I rarely got along since the end of the Fifth Great Jedi War, but in the past year I have noticed a change for the better. Whether it was me opening my eyes, Oberst changing his ways, or a little of both does not matter. What matters to me is that he has proved his worth.

As one of the few elite members who has been with the Brotherhood since the beginning, Oberst has an insight into the club that is invaluable. The advice he gives is wise and influential. Though I might not always agree with the course of action, the end result we both desire is the same. Over time that Oberst has become much more constructive with his advice, a change that I welcome. He has helped to shape many opinions on matters and always provokes thought on the subjects he cares for. Though his exterior may seem coarse at times, it is self-evident that he cares a great deal for his clan and the DB. Oberst has the intangible qualities of a great member.

For his extraordinary time in service, his constant attention to issues that matter, his work in the clan and DB at large, his assistance to younger members, and his advice and counsel, I support this promotion. Oberst is and has been right about a great many things, and I strongly believe I am right in allowing his elevation.

Maxamillian von Oberst, 2006-10-12 22:00:00 UTC