Do you really want Odan-Urr run by a man from Tennessee?

“Greetings my fellow Odanites, allies of the Lotus, and dark side spies.”

Well, this is weird. I joined the Brotherhood a whopping two days before Turel’s first proconsular report, and he’s been on my clan summit for my entire career. To say that he’ll be missed is the mother of all understatements. (In case anyone’s curious, I give it one month until he’s doing project work and three until he’s back on the summit.)

For my part, I’ve been in COU since August ‘15 and on the summit in various positions since February ‘16. Most of you probably already know me, if only from being obnoxious in chat and spamming your inbox with war propaganda. If we haven’t met yet, please hit me up on Telegram (@Archenksov) and I’ll be happy to pass along some Grade A, finest quality bird gifs.

This will be a fairly light report, since Turel just covered war results a few days ago. I’d just like to say that I and the summit will continue to work hard to provide you all with the best experience we can. You should all feel free to approach me with ideas, questions, or anything else you need. The one major policy change is that reports will now include lyrics from Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson because hey, at least it’s not Hamilton (God I hope you’re satisfied). Aside from that, I’ll be following Turel’s example.

Next month you should expect a full report with some fleshed out plans and a tasty, tasty post-war faction. But for now, you’ll have to content yourselves with a mini-report and a continuing stream of award and promotion announcements in Telegram.

This month’s featured art is by gold nova-winning artist Maximus Alvinius.

Applications Open for Proconsul

Alexis de Toqueville says something in French that none of us can translate.

The position of Proconsul is vacant, and that just won’t do. If you think you’ve got the right stuff, please submit an application to [Log in to view e-mail addresses] by the end of server day (that’s midnight GMT) on December 18. That’s just barely over a week, so don’t delay! Here are the following things to keep in mind:

• I’ll be accepting applications from members of Odan-Urr only.
• Detail what you’ve learned in previous leadership positions, DB or otherwise. Emphasis on ‘what you learned;’ I can read your dossier, so just telling me you held a position isn’t contributing much.
• This is a Dark Summit position. You will have to be confirmed by the GM and DGM, and you will have the privilege of weighing in on issues that affect the entire club. Take it seriously.
• Have plans. I’ve got a pretty good idea where I’m going to take the clan, but I don’t have a monopoly on good ideas.
• If there’s something you think I suck at, tell me how you’ll help me be better.

AskArch

James Madison said something prescient about this but he was kind of a dick.

Turel asks:

How do you view COU's place in the Brotherhood lore post-war? We still on for clan-marrying Arcona?

Now that the CONs aren’t Sistas, we can proceed with the non-incestuous wedding planning. As for the first half: we’ll continue to gradually evolve, but I don’t see major changes. Our core role as the resistance against Pravus will seem some tweaking as the club moves on from the Undesirables plotline and Sarin himself steps down, but we’ll keep fighting the good fight against the dark side. The Collective is bloodied but not beaten, and there will be plenty happening on that front as well. We will continue to be the home of the Jedi order within the club, so in case two wars wasn’t enough, we have that avenue to explore. And, of course, there’s all the internal things in the Kiast system and with the houses that won’t have a Bortherhood-wide impact on lore.

Old Man Jack asks:

What sort of plans do you see going into the new year? Will we see a turn for the FUs in the Clan in the aftermath of the Collective's raid and their beliefs?

Plans are still up in the air to some extent. We built up some FU/NFU tension as we entered the war, and we’ll definitely be exploring that, but I want to strike a balance between providing people with story hooks and lore updates and beating a dead horse. I know a few people (hi Esca) have a lot to work with here, but it won’t be the sole focus of the clan.

Jack also asks:

How will things sit for the FUs now that we have a fictional leader who sees them as a possible threat?

Lexic asks:

Taking into account with your character’s trials and convictions against Vorsa, is her summit going to struggle?

People write their own stories, so it’s hard to say for sure. There certainly won’t be any FU purge. Alethia’s focus is on winning the wars, not scoring points against the Jedi in a philosophy debate. There will be tensions between Alethia and other member characters, including the summit, but that’ll be something the evolves as people write.

Droveth asks:

how do you see COU moving forward clubwise (not fictionally but the actual members) with you as Consul? Do you have any plans to boost the already phenomenal growth and development if COU?

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” sounds like a really bad leadership strategy, but…

Realistically, I attribute our growth primarily to our culture, particularly among leadership. This is something that’s been an immense strength for us as long as I’ve been around, and I’ve gotten to see it grow and evolve under Moro and Turel. Put people first, assume good faith, and always be excellent to each other. It’s very easy in a club like this for relationships to shower and entire groups to become toxic and off-putting to both new and established members. My #1 priority is to prevent that from happening to us. Be excellent to each other.

Closing

I’m sure Michel Foucault would have an opinion, but he hasn’t been born yet.

Remember New Tython!

No, wait, there was something else I had to remember. Oh, right! Turel, a little while back Atty approached me with an idea. And, well, it’s probably just easier to show you. I present: An Incomplete List of Things Odanites Past and Present Have to Say About Turel:

Mako says:

Turel,

I have known you since before you were a Knight, hard to believe we are both EQ4s together now. From the long hours and nights we have spent together gaming and rising through the gmrg ranks together, to working together as leaders in two Clans it is hard to narrow down but one thing or even several good things you have done to better not just your own clan at the time but the DB as a whole. It has been a pleasure working with you, seeing your work from a normal members stand point, and being your friend. Enjoy your retirement, no matter how short lived it will be. Always remember you are a sip of clean water in a salty sea.

Esca says:

When I first met Turel, he was just a confident JM4 that threw down with one of Arcona’s Elder veterans in the ACC as part of Fading Light. It was a remarkable sight to see his level of enthusiasm and once he moved to Arcona, I got the chance to get to know him even more. Turel is one of those guys that will do whatever he can to make sure people are having fun. Working with him as a leader is very easy and rewarding, as he offers much and is willing to learn. When he finally returned to COU and took over Proconsul, I didn’t hear much about him due to my lack of contact with COU, but then the time came where I decided to move to COU myself and I was welcomed with open arms. Being on a Summit where all of your opinions carry and you know that you are free of any judgement is something that is rewarding by itself. It is something that Turel has made sure his subordinates know: if you have an opinion, it is welcome. When I heard that he would be stepping down at long last sometime after the war, I had a sad face. Now we are at wars end, and I’m sure the time will be coming quickly.

Turel, thank you for everything you have done and thank you for giving me the chance to help create something unique for the Clan. Though you will not lead this mighty unit any longer, you will still be a mentor to many and a dear friend to others. Through long nights of gaming, countless hours of reading and writing and proofing and everything in between, I consider you a friend that I can rely on. Keep up the great work that you do and if you ever need anything at all, I’m here to help where I can.

Also, the STO Inspection Team is overdue for a station visit.

Len says:

If there's one thing I know after working with Turel on and off for two years, it's that he hates me.

Just kidding.

Turel you have been a great example for me and the Clan as to how a leader should act and what he or she should do. Thank you for all your hard work and your friendship!

Droveth says:

My favorite quality that Turel exhibits is the amount he engages with those he leads. In my time here he has been one of the most vocal speakers on any subject and is always willing to help all of us within the clan(or anyone really), plus he shitposts like the best of us ;p

Tisto/Alifal/Azha/Vadin say:

Turel was a supportive lead while I was leader of the Knights and offered help when he could. He also had left big shoes to fill in that position. He also was leading the active leader idea when I had just become BTL and he made me want to take that as far as I could. He is what I aspired too back then and still is. Granted I also need to beat him in the ACC still so he is always going to be a goal to strive too

Tarvitz says:

Turel, thank you for your long service to this Clan. There have been few others capable of matching your level of dedication or focus as leaders since I have been here. To juggle both your abilities as an overall leader alongside constant competitions and remain open to others is truly inspirational. I appreciate all you have done, and hope you enjoy your long earned retirement from directing Odan-Urr. Turel, thank you for your long service to this Clan. There have been few others capable of matching your level of dedication or focus as leaders since I have been here. To juggle both your abilities as an overall leader alongside constant competitions and remain open to others is truly inspirational. I appreciate all you have done, and hope you enjoy your long earned retirement from directing Odan-Urr.

Ethan says:

Turel is a fun kind of person. From at first I met him he just gave me minor help here and there, but once he joined me and the others in regards to playing D&D together, he showed me that he can be a good friend and a great leader at the same time. Not shy about what he is and what he isn't, Turel has certainly made my time here in the DJB colorful to say the least.

Celevon says:

Since the moment I met him, Turel has always been dedicated toward serving our members and giving them the most enjoyable experience possible, no matter where it was. The first time I worked with him, I was a Battleteam Leader in Arcona and he was the newly hired Aedile of House Qel-Droma. Everything he touched blossomed and brought new life into projects that had long since been deemed a lost hope. During these actions, he also inspired me to be a better leader and showed me where that particular bar should be set. Friend, mentor, boss... No matter what position he's in, even as a regular member, Turel is always a consummate leader.

Thank you for being such an inspiration to all, and especially the new generation, my friend.

Aaleeshah says:

Anytime I have needed assistance he has been there, from advice when I was in leadership to anytime I need info or help with something. It's also a pleasure to game with him because he's chill. He just wants to have fun. He's one of the few i actually do like to game with. He's a nice person and i hope to be able to interact with him more.

V’yr says:

He's an annoying pain in the ass but I love him anyway. I must have Stockholm.

Arch says:

Hoo boy. I literally don’t remember a time when Turel wasn’t at the very heart of Odan-Urr. I joined up just a few days after his return to the light, and he immediately made an impression as the polar opposite of all the so-called leaders of That Other Club. Mature, attentive, genuine, kind, active, he’s provided true leadership every day for over two years now, and I’m sure that’ll continue whether he’s in a formal position or not.

I think I’ve done a pretty crappy job hiding my man-crush, so it probably goes without saying that I’ve modeled my entire DJB career on his. His matches from the Rivalries event are what got me interested in the ACC. He’s walked me through everything from the first award recommendations I wrote with Mako, to standing on the member’s rights soapbox, from developing COU’s possessions military to running an inter-clan event and working with the Dark Summit on a near-daily basis. COU would not be what it is today without him, and neither would I.

Now get out of my chair, Turel.

Xantros says:

It is an honour to serve under a good leader, but it is a great honour is to serve under an excellent leader. You definitely fall into the second category. I have enjoyed every word that we exchanged with each other. Many of them resulted into fruitful discussions and plans. You haven't been afraid to let me give it a try to the wildest of ideas that emerged in my twisted mind. For that, I'm very grateful to you and it makes me sad to see you stepping down. You've done really great job!

Wolfe says:

He's been a good guide and someone to bounce ideas off of, while showing that even living a busy life you can still find time to do what you best enjoy in life. An inspiration to someone who needed it, and a general stand-up guy.

Seraphol says:

Turel is one of those people who are an almost living embodiment of the spirit of Odan-Urr. He's a young upstart who has stepped into the light and works ceaselessly for the better of those in his unit, and the Brotherhood as a whole. He leads from the front 24/7, holding himself to a higher standard, and only asking others to do what he himself is willing to do.

He doesn't cater to the grouchy old farts who reminisce about the "Good old days", but neither does he discount their advice. He constantly praises his new people, and challenges them to do better. He is the bridge that spans the time gulf of the raw recruit and those of us who have dossiers that are about to leave the teenage digits

COU would exist even if he hadn't escaped from being a hostage in another galaxy far, far away. However it wouldn't be the powerhouse it is today. Im proud to be able to call him a Clanmate, a friend, and my Consul Emeritus. Now come on and join me in the retirement cave. I promise I won't yell at you about walking on the grass. Im also pretty sure there is a bear sleeping in the back for you.

Blade says:

Thank you for working so hard as Consul to make Odan-Urr the best place to be. I've found my forever home and I owe a good portion of that to you. I wish I could have worked with you longer in your current role but I know you'll do great things in Hoth. To the best red panda ever, thank you so very much! To a bright future!

Moro says:

One thing I can say about Turel: He did a fantastic job at keeping my seat warm for the next guy (or gal.)

Xolarin says:

While Turel and I never got to finish my char's introduction before I moved on to other areas, he was one of the most welcoming people in DJB. He was fun, encouraging, and helpful. And he made sure the members and other leaders were having fun as well. I know he will carry that awesome style with him throughout his stay in DJB

Korroth says:

Turel is a prime specimen of inspirational leader, specifically in the way he has represented the Clan across the width and breadth of Brotherhood activity. When I returned to the Club I still retained the mentality of ‘gaming for Obelisk, writing for Krath,’ but Turel’s example in gaming, fiction, ACC, art, wiki and more, showed me that we can compete, have fun and spread COU’s energy and values in any and all platforms. That, for me, is his most positive contribution to the Clan.

Jasper says:

My favorite thing about Turel (given that there are many wonderful attributes and qualities about him) would have to be that he always goes out of his way to ensure that his clanmates are comfortable and happy. I have complete faith that anyone could come to him with any discomfort and he would do everything in his power to rectify the issue. He's dedicated, funny, kind, and just laid back enough to keep things fun but still orderly. We've all be lucky to have him as our Consul and even luckier to have him as a fellow Odanite. Also he's got Grinder and that's the best ever.

Tyraal says:

He helped me figure out how to better write force power usage

Jack says:

There's a lot that can be said about Turel. He's a leader, an amazing writer, but most importantly a valued friend. It is sad to see him go, but I am looking forward to working with him on more mundane projects. Seeing him as a regular member will be different, but good. Keep on rockin' it.

Abbey says:

Sista,

Almost three years ago now, you and I had some very deep arguments. We argued about betrayal, acceptance, resentment, duty, want, being true to oneself, the definition of home... If you told an outsider all of that was over a couple positions in some online Star Wars club, they'd probably get your head checked. But we know a little better. That day, we weren't arguing as a Quaestor with aspirations for Proconsul and Consul with a need for leaders, or even as friends. We were arguing, like we still do sometimes, though we didn't know just how truly then, as family. You knew your future lied in Odan-Urr; and I knew you needed that, no matter how much it hurt at the time. And those decisions, and every choice you made after, have lead us here today. Have lead to spectacular years as Proconsul and Consul and sister-Consuls, annoying the rest of the Dark Summit and being menaces side by side. Have lead Clan Odan-Urr, to who some still liked to refer to as a House, to the overwhelming champions as First Clan. Have lead to the largest swath of happy, healthy, active members in the club, all fully equipped to go on without you because they're ready to. That is monumental. That is what you have managed to do. Don't got a second think this isn't worthwhile, that you don't deserve to take a bow and feel as proud as any parent watching their child up on stage, because with every choice you made, you made your clan your priority. You invested your love. And where you interest your love, you invest your life.

So, sister, - and how sincerely I mean that, as a girl who never had one until now - hold your head high and be proud today. Not only of what you've done, but what's been done by everyone whose lives you touched and everyone you enabled. Be proud of all your mistakes and stumbles, because they were part of that. Be proud of you.

I know I am. I know we all are.

Happy time napping under that vine and fig tree. I'll see you on the other side.

Alright, now the report is over for realsies. Get those PCON apps in, and I'll see you in January!

Alethia Archenksova
High Councilor, Odan-Urr