::bow::

Disciples of the Ascendant Clan,

Another week has blown past us. Have we capitalized on the promise it held? Did we fulfill our potential as individual segments or as a cohesive unit? Only time will tell. But I assure you that if we are to be taken seriously as a unit in the Dark Brotherhood during a major Vendetta (a Clan Feud or a Great Jedi War), we will need to up our ante. We will have to give more as individuals, leaders and role models. We cannot idly sit by and expect one or two individuals to represent us to the entire Brotherhood. This is neither a signal of strength or a position of power; we must become more active. Activity is the key to excellence; thus, we must make weekly activity a habit.

Without further adieu...

Clan News

In case you had been hidden in a deep, dark hole... we have appointed two individuals to the vacant positions of Aedile. Cipher selected DJK Syphoc Rilkel Kaeth, formerly of Scholae Palatinae, as her Aedile and Number 2 in House Exar Kun. Meanwhile, KE Alex d'Tana of Clan Arcona, was appointed as the Aedile of House Satal Keto. Be sure to give both of them a warm welcome and congratulate them on their newfound positions. We look forward to great things from both of these men.

Several other positions were filled this week. In passing, a new Battle Team Leader was appointed in House Satal Keto (HSK). Be sure to check Kal's report for more specifics on that! Speaking of members in HSK, Sith Warlord Vessicant has volunteered to serve as the Clan's Antei Combat Center (ACC) Trainer. Vessicant is a highly qualified, and skilled, member of the ACC and previously served as a Trainer for Dalthid. Should you wish to start the path towards qualification, be sure to contact him. One last special mention: Jedi Hunter Alaris was appointed as the Consul's Aide/Bodyman. Basically, he works with me on a wide variety of projects so he can accrue experience to help himself (and our Clan) down the line. In short, he is my Administrative Assistant.

Last bit of news... I swear... I revealed our new direction this week. I did my best to take the culmination of everyone's desires and construct it into a working, fictional piece of groundwork that will help give us a frame and shape our future. We will see the emergence of a Clan Army, some restructuring in our Navy and the development of an Intelligence Division. In addition, we will continue to develop Sistros Acquisitions & Holdings... giving us power over our foes through economics. Last, but not least, we will continue to pursue our teachings in the Force... acting as Scouts/Assassins within the Dark Brotherhood. It is all very cool in concept, but will be ACE (really cool) once we start throwing some of this information up for you online.

Brotherhood News

Justicar Report: Kir Katarn elaborates on his first year as our club's Justicar. He outlines some of the things he has done as well as some of the things he hopes to accomplish in the next year. Be sure to read his report thoroughly and acquaint yourself with the documents/links/articles he provides.

Link: http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/comments.asp?ID=R:11010

Shadow Academy Announcement: Aabsdu discusses some of the new developments in the Shadow Academy and announces a new degree. He also has retired a multitude of courses, making them reference documents. How it all plays out, we shall see... for now, read the tidbits and let it soak in.

Link: http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/comments.asp?ID=N:5179

Grand Master Announcement: The position of Combat Master is now open to applications. Be sure to read Sarin's post (see below for link) for the requirements. If you wish to apply, please submit an application before the 21st of February.

Link: http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/comments.asp?ID=N:5177

The Message

Promotions and Awards. Our Grand Master penned a course during his tenure as Plagueis Consul known as Leadership Fundamentals. In his notes, he denoted that every member entrusts their leadership - be it Clan leaders or the Dark Council - with their time. It is a valuable resource and a commodity that, often, can never be reclaimed. As your Consul, I value every second of every minute that you donate in the pursuit of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood; however, I can only award you for your efforts, not good intentions.

If you feel slighted for an award or elevation... let me be the first to assure you it has nothing to do with any personal disagreements you may, or may not, have with me. I will be the first person to step up to bat for you in an effort to ensure you get your due reward. But I must present the Master At Arms with valid, viable points of reference for such accolades. Every Cluster of Fire earned, each Shadow Academy course passed, all of your competition submissions... these are the building blocks towards future promotions and merit awards within the Dark Brotherhood. The more you do, the more I can give you for your efforts. If you put in nothing... I can give you nothing. If you sweat and bleed for Plagueis... I - your Consul - will go to the ends of the earth to reward your appropriately.

And the Consul said, "Let their be activity." Then the Clan was active and he rewarded them for their activity. And all was good and as it should be.

THE FIN

The Clan AWOL is over. Our roster was dramatically thinned to a total of 52 individuals, but, hopefully, they are all people that want to be here and be active. So let the era of prosperity and goodwill begin. Speaking of prosperity, I am still taking entries for my competitions "Mark of Death" & "Current Events." At this time, right now, I have only received one entry... this means there are five more crescents up for grabs, folks. Do not be lazy... pump out an entry and get a Crescent. Half the battle is just trying.

As always, if you wish to serve your Clan, but cannot maintain the rigorous schedule set forth by our Clan Leadership to hold a position such as Quaestor or Aedile... get in contact with me. I can always use willing individuals to accomplish single segments of larger, massive projects.

Have a great week, folks. Until another week passes us by...

I am, your servant,

Braecen Kaeth

_Consul of Clan Plagueis

Safeguarder of Sheep_

Braecen Kaeth (Krath Pontifex) / CON-EP / Clan Plagueis

[GMRG: RG3-G] [KSoE:FE] [ACC: CE:3]

RS / AK / SB / GC-PoDP / SC-SoA / AC-RoF / DC-GP / GN-BL / SN-BL / BN-BL / Cr-3D-12R-24A-32S-15E-11T-6Q / PoB-AgL / CF-PlF / DSS-PL / SI-AuL / SoF-AgL / SoL-BE / LS-GL / S:-2R-18Al-19D-7Dk-9P

{SA: MVN - DML - DMW - DMP - SVT}

You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be...