Clan Arcona Report: October-- Fading Light - Part 3
Hey guys,
This might be one of my shorter reports, since, as you are all aware, we are currently knee deep in the last round of the Fading Light Vendetta that's been ongoing for the better part of this year. Like each of you, Legz and I will be fighting from the trenches. That means you'll see both of us in "war mode". Legz sent out an e-mail the other night from both of us that conveys everything I wanted to say in regards to what that entails. Make sure you're checking your inboxes for that, and if you haven't seen it or are not receiving Arcona mailing list emails, make sure you contact Sight, our Rollmaster at ([Log in to view e-mail addresses]).
For those that missed it, I will lead off with a few of my own words:
Fading Light - Part II: Conclusion
The last year has seen us face two unique trials in the wake of the Dark Crusade. Fading Light: Part I saw us field two Run-On teams that managed to place in the top 5--the only unit to do so. For Part II, we saw Arcona again overwhelm with the most signups by any unit in the first inaugural Tournament of the new ACC. The Championship came down to one of our own versus the reigning Beta Champion, Aidan Kincaid (formerly known as Shadow Taldrya).
Shad managed to pull out a very narrow victory. If you haven’t gotten a chance to read the fight, go do so. If you want to see writing at its very best in this club...go read it. It’s inspiring on both sides. Be sure to congratulate Tim when you see him. He's proved once again why he is one of Arcona's best and because in Arcona we trust.
So where does that leave us? As far as the standings currently go:
Taldryan: 110 Points (Runon: 90, ACC: 20) Plagueis: 50 (Runon: 50) Arcona: 40 (Runon: 30, ACC: 10)
Including the Dark Crusade, this will mark the third failure to lock down first place for Arcona in a year. Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve had enough of that feeling. I’m sick of it, to be frank.
What are we going to do about it? Well, glad you asked.
Fading Light - Part III: Game Time
Alright guys, Legz here. Let’s talk about how we’re going to win FL3.
There are five events this phase, and we’re hitting all five of them -- hard. It is important that, even if you don’t think you can win an event, you at least attempt it, because your participation helps Arcona. And besides, you may surprise yourself. You’ll never know if you could have placed in a competition if you don’t first submit to it!
When you do submit to a competition, be sure to update your activity with our tracker. If you don’t, it’ll be harder for us to keep track of unit performance, and we won’t be able to reward you as quickly and accurately as we otherwise would.
The first event is the classic fiction. You’ll need to write at least 1,000 words here, and you’re tasked with writing about a traitor who has been discovered on the Dark Council. Discover the traitor’s identity and then capture and interrogate one of their staff members. Help each other out here -- if someone needs a proof read, or is looking for information on a Dark Councillor’s character, help them out. This is probably the most time-consuming event, which means there’ll be the fewest entries, giving you the best chance of placing.
The next event is graphics. Here, you’re tasked with creating a visual representation of a hexagonal fortress. You can draw it by hand, use Photoshop, Microsoft Paint, whatever. Don’t worry if you aren’t much of an artist (few of us are) -- a little creativity and a sprinkle of effort can be just the recipe for a Novae-winning graphic!
The third event is gaming. You guys know the drill here. It’s Tier I platforms, which essentially means JA and Pazaak, and Star Craft! If you’re not much of a gamer, don’t worry -- Pazaak is free and web-based, and it’s the Star Wars version of blackjack. Pop your head into #dbgaming and see if any non-Arconans want to play basic cards Pazaak with you (or full decks, if you’re feeling fancy).
Next up, the puzzle competition. I’ll warn you that it’s a doozy, but it’s not so difficult that it can’t be cracked. The only advice I can give you is to have pen and paper ready. Be sure not to share tips with one another on this or the next event, trivia. It’s time-based, with the timer beginning as soon as you subscribe.
Finally, we have a timed trivia competition. Here, the timer does not start as soon as you subscribe, as you have to click a link first. The trivia will focus on Brotherhood knowledge, so you can put away your Encylopedia Britannica, and exchange it for the DB Wiki.
Help each other out. Push each other. If you see someone on IRC with a question about an event, help them out (but don’t share tips on the puzzle or trivia). Together, we can do this. Your unit leaders will be in touch throughout the next three weeks, and we’ll keep you updated as the competition develops.
Let’s all 5/5 this for Arcona!
Recognition
Promotions
- Turel Sorenn promoted to Obelisk Templar (EQ1)!
- Meleu promoted to Sith Warrior (EQ1)!
- Draith Dreadsoul promoted to Guardian!
Awards
- Ernordeth awarded Grand Cross
- Ernordeth awarded Anteian Cross
- Timeros awarded Silver Nova
- Kooki awarded Steel Cross
- Riverche awarded Anteian Cross
- Antar Locke awarded Steel Cross
- K'tana awarded Anteian Cross
- Rrogon Skar awarded Steel Cross
- Nath Voth was awarded Anteian Cross
- Revs awarded Anteian Cross
- Adam Bolera Anteian Cross
- Draith Dreadsoul awarded Dark Cross
- Nadrin Erinos Arconae awarded Dark Cross
GMRG
I wanted to also take a second to highlight a huge achievement for Clan Arcona. As of the 3rd Quarter of the Grand Master Royal Guard, our very own Turel Sorenn and Sight Nortorshin managed a landslide 1st/2nd place finish, respectively. I make note of this because Sight and Turel took Valhavocs advice to heart: they teamed up and managed to increase their daily-CF turnout significantly.
That's something that should be in everyone's minds. Team up with others and game your hearts out. Anything is possible.
- XII Turel Sorenn representing Clan Arcona 1997 CFs
- XI Sight Nortorshin representing Clan Arcona 1696 CFs
- XI Mirus Hi'ija representing Dark Council Staff Assistants 829 CFs
- XI Valhavoc representing Dark Council Main Body 468 CFs
- XI Teylas Ramar representing Clan Plagueis 387 CFs
- XI Darth Pravus representing Dark Council Main Body 364 CFs
- XI Selika Roh representing Clan Taldryan 337 CFs
- XI Kell Palpatine Dante representing House Scholae Palatinae 245 CFs
- XI Montresor representing Dark Council Staff Assistants 203 CFs
The ACB Pilot Continues ... Next Month!
We are putting the October pilot on a pass, as we will be focused heavily on FL3. However, I'd like to congratulate Nadrin, Andrelious, and Kordath in a three-way (heh) tie for First Blades of Arcona! The title will again be up for grabs when the pilot resumes in November. Look for details in my next report following the conclusion of FL3.
Let's take a look at the All-Time leaderboard so far.
Expect the Pilot to come back strong in November, with some new options available as well!
Ask The Wally (Live Q&A)
Follow the link in the image to see this month’s Ask The Wally.
Oh and following up on one of my comments: HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS WOO!!! (It's an american football thing, just nod your head and go with it.)
Wally's Suggested Reading List
So, on Friday I was able to meet, in person, one of my favorite authors: Patrick Rothfuss. It was one of the happier moments of my life in the past few years. Maybe it's because I work in the Film/TV Industry, but meeting him meant more to me than meeting one of my favorite directors or actors (I mean, unless we're talking Samuel L. Jackson...which is a horse of a different color).
(To be fair, I was pretty toasted, combined with my excitement = goofy grin)
As I mentioned in the Q&A, here is my suggested reading list if you want to expand your science fiction/fantasy writing by seeing some of the best working writers today. They have served as inspiration for myself and others, and I think reading them will not only help your writing, but give you a similar joy that they have given me.
Star Wars
Timothy Zahn- Thrawn Trilogy -- Zahn is regarded as one of the most respected Expanded Universe writer. Most writers mention him in their forwards, and he really was the first author to breath life into post RotJ-Luke-Skywalker and touch on just how hopeless rebuilding an ancient order by yourself could be...especailly when one of the Empires biggest threats appears to basically poke a hole in the New Republics best laid plans. If you want to get a feel for the language, syntax, and overall feel of Star Wars writing, start here.
Michael Stackdapole - I, Jedi -- A first person perspective of a former Cor-Sec officer becoming a Jedi. Insightful, engaging, and exciting, it gives a unique insight into the world of Star Wars from a first-person perspective.
Fantasy/Sci Fi
Patrick Rothfus
(The Kingkiller Chronicles)
Discover a new fantasy world that is all about the power of stories. A living legend tells the story of how he gained his reputation and got to where he stands today, a shadow of himself and prepared to set the record straight. I have read each book three times and if anyone asks me, I will tell you this is my favorite book series. He is currently writing the 3rd book that will complete the trilogy.
- Book 1 - Name of The Wind
- Book 2 - The Wise Man's Fear
Jim Butcher
(The Dresden Files)
Start here with the first book, Storm Front and follow the adventures of Chicago's only practicing Wizard.
I've recently read all 15 novels in the past mew months. Be warned, they are highly addictive.
Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson has some of my favorite combat writing in Mistborn. Alloys give certain unique humans the ability to augment their physical abilities (not unlike the Force!) through the use of "burning" different kinds of metal like pewter or copper. Watch as a band of outcasts band together and try and overthrow the oppressive Lord Ruler.
(Stormlight Archives)
Not even sure where to begin here. Way of Kings has a lot of stories all intertwining and the book serves as a large set up for what will come. Military strategy, politics, and the imminent arrival of armageddon create a thrilling new world that is easy to get sucked into.
I'll try and feature more books going forward, but these are probably the books that I can go on and on about for hours if you start a conversation with me.
Latest House Reports:
Latest Battleteam Updates:
Latest from the DC
{Compliments of Skar!}
One More Thing!
Local News
All around me are familiar faces, worn out places--Oh, wait, sorry, this isn't the end of Donnie Darko. Or a trailer for Gears of War. Oh, Tears For Fears covers. Anyway
Recently we've seen a few members return to us, and a few depart.
Welcome Back
Uji, Blarex, Anigrel, Aiorus and Seren have all come back to kick butt with us. There was also a very rare Mejas Doto spotting in #arcona! Exciting times!
On a side note: Seren specifically has re-joined us for a pretty cool reason. Which leads me to my next bit...
Legen--wait for it--Daddy! Legend-Daddy
That's right. In what apparently seems to be trend (following up on Trouty's amazing news last report), Ernordeth and Seren have brought their first kid into the world! As is tradition, Ernordeth of course wasted no time in making sure the world understands that she will be the one to bring balance to the force
Remember that at the end of the day, we're more than just an online Star Wars club. We're a community of friends, and are much, much, more than our IRC Nicknames or DJB Dossier/Pins. I'm going to try and feature at least one section like this going forward to highlight cool things going on in real life with our members.
In closing, I'd like to remind everyone I'm open to feedback on how things are going with Arcona. If you like these reports, and those of your respective houses and leaders, make sure you comment and let them know. As leaders, it makes us smile knowing that the work we put in reaches you guys.
That's all for now. It's time to focus, Arconans. Work together, get your events done. Do it right, and let's win this one for the Shadow Clan. Together.
Arcona Invicta.
Twitter: @MarickArconae
Email/GChat: [Log in to view e-mail addresses]
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#Tigerblood
TRUEST FAX
Have to agree about the combat writing in the Mistborn series. The descriptions about pushing and pulling on metals changed the way I write telekinetic force powers.
BANG BANG.
5/5 for Arcona.
That video is better than the majority of ACC matches Ive read. :P
Also Dresden = Pimp.
I agree with Solari, the Mistborn trilogy for me has been an epic journey I cannot keep my eyes off. Also did anyone manage to make a fool out of Wally this Q&A? :P
ArcOWNa Invicta!
I'm still pretending Turel's win is also HOU's win.
Even if it shows as Arcona's :p
Nice to see a member I introduced hitting the EQ ranks :) Go Meleu!