I'm back from the hospital now, thanks everyone for their well wishes for my and my family.

Halcyon's retirement came as a surprise to us all, and probably for good reason. I've had a habit of talking him into coming back and taking positions in the past. Had I the chance to talk him out of retiring, I would have done it. ;)

His retirement leaves me with two quandries: 1.) how to reward a long-standing elder who has earned almost everything already and 2.) how to find someone who has the skill and nerve to try to follow him in his position.

There are a couple medals that are ultra rare that Halcyon has not yet earned.

Halcyon has been a great motivating force, an organizational mastermind, and a creative monster in his terms in various positions on the Dark Council. Overcoming the cries of Bias and showing his chops as a Leader of the club, he would have made a great Grand Master. We could not have run this last Vendetta or the GJW as well or as seamlessly without him. Halc has been one of the finest people that I have had the pleasure of working with on the Dark Council, and he's been a solid friend.

While we will feel the loss of his guidance, we all wish him the best in his engagement and marriage, his real life career.

As a token of my appreciation, I have felt it necessary to break tradition and award him with the Silver Sash. We normally only award this on Exodus Day, but this situation warrants the exception.

Thank you, Halc.

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Sadly, his retirement brings up the next issue. The Brotherhood needs a Deputy Grand Master. If you think that you have what it takes, if you think you have the nerve to try and follow Halcyon, please get together an application and get it to me before the end of the week. If you're serious about the position, you don't need me to list out what I'll be looking for in your application.

Thanks again.

--Muz