Good afternoon, Sadowans. Good afternoon, Dark Council. Good afternoon, DJB (Jedi, Sith and NFU alike! As the first month of the year draws near to a close (and the currently-running clan-event nears closing), I hope that you all have been finding some fun despite the cold temperatures some are experiencing. There are a couple of things that I wanted to touch on for the Clan before letting you loose upon the coming month.

header The Story on the Refuge Continues..

Refuge

Station-City Hangar Bay

A tall thin Pau’an was first to greet the Consul. “Ahh, thank you Overlord Stahoes for gracing us with your presence. I am Tezeib Jul, curator of the auction house here on the Refuge." Tezeib greeted the Overlord with a note of aristocratic condictation.

A well built Devaronian stepped into view from behind one of the hangar’s support stanchions. Taking his place beside Tezeib the curator introduced his associate, “This is Jallok Bruel, one of the Counsel of Seven who is currently overseeing the Refuge.”

Adept Keibatsu came alongside his Proconsul, “DH, that Devaronian is one of the Warlord’s on Mustafar,” he said just above a whisper.

Jallok's gaze caught the two clanmates' exchange. Slowly, Jallok moved his hand closer towards his holstered blaster. Before he could get any closer to his weapon, Jallok felt something graze past his head. A loud THUD! followed. Jallok’s hand movement came to an abrupt stop. Immediately identifying the throwing knife lodged into the stanchion behind him.

Quickly Tezeib intervened, “Gentlemen, gentlemen. I assure you there is no need for hostilities here! You are all dignitaries and shall be treated as such,” he said, waving to his cohort to stand down. Jallok slowly did just that, crossing his hand in front of him.

“Please Overlord if I may, my sincere apologies for my associate’s behavior. Security is always, shall we say, heightened on these occasions. I have your VIP lounge in the upper level of the auction house ready for you. I am sure your delegates could use a moment to settle in after your long journey. You may indulge yourselves with drink and food until the auction begins. We will be entering Hydian’s Way momentarily”

“You mean the auction is not taking place here?” asked Bentre.

“Of course Overlord. Just not here. With the Refuge entering Hydian’s Way, this ensures our patron’s the necessary security assurances there are no disruptions from say…hostile takeovers.” Tezeib said assuredly.

“And once the auction is over?” Bentre said in a slight sarcastic tone.

“Once the auction is over and transactions are final, we will promptly return everyone to the rendezvous coordinates.” replied Tezeib.

The party followed Tezeib into a turbolift and up several levels. The doors whisked open leading into a very large, three story deep oval room. At the very bottom, a handcrafted wood stage with markings from the Wroshyr tree centered the room. On the stage was a podium and a large display case projecting holographic images within its sealed glass shell. Seats and private loge’s surrounded the room, all overlooking the stage.

The top floor in which the party just exited the turbolift from, housed a very swank cantina with viewports nearly all the way around. This seemed to be the main focal point of the room, sparing no expense to entice their patrons with the galaxy’s most exquisite of drinks and a buffet of illicit pleasures. A good marketing strategy, the more inebriated, the more zealous the bidder becomes.

Tezeib led the party around to an upper level private lodge. “I hope this accommodation suffices for you Overlord Stahoes. The rest of your party have the entire row just below. Please relax and have a drink, the auction will begin within the hour.”

“Well I damn sure could use a drink and I see a stocked bar,” exclaimed Quinten. Tezeib and his muscle left the Sadow party and returned to the turbolift. The doors whisked shut and Jallok finally spoke. “You should have let me kill them.”

“In due time…” replied Tezeib.

Bentre dispersed his entourage instructing everyone to take up posts other than in front of the assigned lodge. The room was occupied with the systems most nefarious of deviants. From smugglers to murderers, sprinkled with drug dealers and crime syndicate leaders. A bounty hunter’s dream commission, surely everyone in the room had an exorbitant bounty on their head. “Not a great place to get into a firefight,” Bentre thought.

Bentre took his seat and began to sift through the provided datapad. Locking in on item sixteen, his eyes narrowed in on the datapad’s high resolution image. It was so close, the Adept could feel his need to possess his trinquet swirling inside him, pounding at his chest like crashing waves.

The rest of the crew took up posts throughout the room. Each of the Overlord’s agents made mental notes of the occupants within the auction chamber. Sizing up their future prey, prioritizing targets when this goes awry.

Quinten was first to report in over comms, “I have eyes on two exits on the south second floor.”

The Sadowans took posts near or around exits and entrances at all three levels. Adept Keibatsu leaned up against the main bar and ordered a whiskey. A young Twi’lek waitress placed a large glass of top shelf libation in front of him as she walked by with a tray full of drinks. The Elder caught a glimpse of the Twi’lek serving a dark haired Cathar. He sat alone at the back of the room, seemingly lurking within the dim lighting. The Cathar’s eerie yellow eyes glued directly on the Keibatsu. The two momentarily studied one another, before the Cathar moved his attention to the rest of the newcomers to the room.

The auction bells began to chime, the lights went dim except for a lone spotlight planted over the podium. Tezeib appeared behind the podium, raising his arms in a welcoming gesture.

“Welcome all to another illustrious evening aboard the Refuge’s auction house. Soon you will try your luck to procure several jewels from throughout the galaxy. As a reminder, the house will start each item with an opening bid. Once bidding begins you simply have to outlast your competitors. When all items have been sold and should you be so lucky to be one of the winning bids. You will be called on by item line numbers before being escorted to our vault for item confirmation and finally payment. Once payments are verified, your winnings will be available to you. In the meantime, enjoy the auction and may luck be with you all.”

Bentre sat back in his seat, “There is no luck today, no matter what happens, that artifact belongs to CNS,” he thought to himself.

Tezeib left the stage only to be replaced by a Lasat wearing white formal attire. Announcing the first item up for bid, its image projected boldly across the display case. The auctioneer spoke in a clear distinct tone, “Opening bid will begin at one hundred and fifty thousand credits!” slamming his gavel down against its sound block.

Refuge

Curator's Office

Tezeib pressed a button activating the chiming Holonet control panel. “Yes Master,” he said bowing. A large cloaked translucent figure flickered in and out of focus, standing before the gray skinned curator. Only deep blue eyes peered back from the depths of the cloaked hood.

“Have all my parameters been established?” a silky baritone voice boomed.

“Indeed Master, the Sadowans have accepted our invitation and have arrived as you predetermined.”

“And the relic?”

“Secured in our vault. I have also established extra security protocols to ensure its safety.”

The figure responded with a slight nod. The image continued to flicker as the voice rang loud and clear. “My agents are in place and will ensure that the item goes for a premium.”

“I have personally seen to it that your representatives have been extended the highest form of customs and courtesies.”

“You would do well to do so. If this does not go as exactly as planned. I will make sure that my envoy sees to it that your little haven you are so coveted of is reduced to debris!”

The curator bowed as the Holonet image disappeared. Standing upright his eyes narrowed and a small smirk bestowed across his long face.

Tezeib then switched the comlink’s channel selector. An audible beep buzzed momentarily, then suddenly “Security, Captain Lavell.”

“Lavell, ensure our items are accounted for and secured. Report back to me immediately!”

Refuge

Vault

Captain Lavell began barking orders. Squads of men began scurrying towards the far end of the room. His minions formed two lines before snapping to attention. The Captain walked through his ranks approaching a massive open vault door. Directly behind the vault door, six large durasteel bars blocked the entrance to the vault. Lavell punched in his personal security code on the control panel and the bars began to rise upward and he entered the vault.

All auction items were nestled upon their own platform. Each item had an armed security officer standing guard. Lavell held a datapad in his hand and was checking off each item as he walked past. When he arrived at item sixteen he stopped short and faced its security officer.

“Officer, what is your name?”

The officer’s silver-blue eyes locked on to the captain’s steely frown, “Zjen Kur sir.”

“Who assigned you to this station?” Lavell sneered.

The young security officer remained stoic as he was questioned. Levell never took his eyes off the bearded sentry’s pale face. Not noticing the officer’s trigger finger circling the outline of his rifle's trigger guard.

The officer concentrated, putting the correct words together before he spoke. “Why, you did Captain. I am assigned to the additional security detail requested by curator Tezeib.”

Levell’s frown subsided, only to raise his brows in recognition, “Yes, of course. This item in particular has the curator’s utmost attention”. Pausing for a moment, the Captain seemed to be studying his previous response, "Carry on…”

The Captain turned to leave, correcting a quick stagger in his facing movement. Then continued checking off the remainder of the auction items.

Once the Captain verified his inventory, he exited the vault inputting his code once again closing the steel bars behind him, Activating his comlink, the curator answered his hail.

“Yes Captain?” Tezeib said pompously.

“All items are secured and accounted for.” Levell said.

“Excellent Captain, excellent.” Tezeib said before shutting off the comlink.

header Revitalizing an Old Institution for Naga Sadow

There is one element of Clan Naga Sadow that I for one miss, and I think that had once served to strengthen Clan Naga Sadow- giving newbies things to push for- that has fallen a bit to the side in recent years in a bit more of an “old guard” Clan like ours. I speak of the Order of the Black Guard. Now, historically the active Order of the Black Guard was decided by various standards, standards which I have seen change or even have changed during my time as a member of this club. I think that for a time, the Order of the Black Guard acted as an incentive, but as more of our members rose in rank and took on responsibilities, we saw fewer people who were both interested and eligible to compete for the position.

And for some it also might be a bit of ‘been there, done that.’

After some thought, I have decided to re-re-re-(re?)vive the Order of the Black Guard. Now, I will be transparent about one thing. In trying to build a new system, my eye was drawn to the way that Clan Odan-Urr does their own Scimitar of Lord Hoth competition series. The idea of rewarding our members for just the sort of activities they already do, of further rewarding our folks for competing together, gaming together, writing together, and more is the very sort of thing I wanted to do. To this end, the Order of the Black Guard will be moving from its previous system to a point system akin (by which I mean Consul Revak was kind enough to let me pinch their point system- no reason to reinvent the wheel when it works well already) to COU’s aforementioned competition.

Effective immediately, all activity from the month of January will determine the Black Guard who will serve in February of this month. Unlike in previous times, you don’t have to be a Journeyman or lower in order to participate.

That’s right! If you are not currently Consul, or Proconsul, you are totally eligible! All it takes is trackable (on site or on Discord in some cases) activity in order to accrue points. More competition participation, which is more credits for the Clan and you, which means more Crescents, which means more things that we can recognize members for.

This is a win win!

Now, I am sure that some folks are still asking what they can earn points for. You can earn points for:

Earning a Quartz Crescent: 1 pt
Earning a Topaz Crescent: 2 pts
Earning an Emerald Crescent: 3 pts
Earning a Sapphire Crescent: 4 pts
Earning an Amethyst Crescent: 5 pts
Earning a Ruby Crescent: 6 pts
Earning a Diamond Crescent: 7 pts
Earning a Bronze Nova: 10 pts
Earning a Silver Nova: 15 pts
Earning a Gold Nova: 20 pts
Hosting a Community event: 8 pts
Earning a Cluster of Earth: ½ pt
Earning a Cluster of Fire: ½ pt
Earning a Cluster of Graphite: 4 pts
Earning a Cluster of Ice: 6 pts
Creating a competition: 5 pts
Competition Participation (Clan lvl): 5 pts
Competition Participation (Club lvl): 5 pts
Competition Participation (Vendetta lvl): 10 pts
Earning a Pendant of Blood: 5 pts
Completing an ACC Match: 5 pts
Completing Project Work (varies): 5-15 pts
Earning a Scroll of Foundation: 5 pts
Earning a Scroll of Indoctrination: 5 pts
Winning a Monthly Blackguard Competition (1st) 5 pts
Organization/Participation in Special Competitions (tba): 6 pts
Passing a Course: 2 pts
Earning a Legion of the Scholar: 2 pts
Earning a Pundit degree: 2.5 pts
Earning a Maven degree: 5 pts
Earning a Savant degree: 10 pts
Earning a Sage degree: 20 pts

If you ever have any questions you can look here for point values.

One thing I REALLY like about the point system above is how newb-friendly it is given they of course will be doing a lot of things like Shadow Academy work and since newer members tend to earn things like Pendants of Blood and oftimes Clusters of various kinds as they like to participate!

Darkhawk and I are busy setting up a tracking sheet so we can start plugging in numbers on the close of January. We will of course let everyone know in the Clan channel once we have the month closed, the numbers tallied and all. I do have a bit to do in setting up the competition so I haven’t got a link just yet but don’t let that dissuade you- all activity will kick in for points!

Seriously, I am excited about this!

Those who win the previous months’ competition will serve as the Blackguards for the following month, and those who place in the top three of the year will serve as the next year’s Honor Guard, so there is really nothing to lose.

woohoo

header News From the Club

Justicar Atra releases a report talking about coming opportunities (both hands and Appeals panel) for members and a bit about the Chamber itself

Justicar Atra also announced that rules have been codified with reference to spoilers. Don’t use my short description as an excuse not to read it if you have not already done so!

FIST Drac first killed PVP as we knew it and then he brought it back in a new form

The Regent dropped the Premier Booster Pack for Possessions. He also talked a bit on some exciting news concerning planned features.

Quaestor Malisane released a report for House Shar Dakhan

The SWTOR Tribune released a report with some information on the new expansion and some items of interest for the community

The Exarch spoke on roleplaying activity in the club

The Evant released that report where two of our folks got Elder promotions and a lot of cool stuff went down very fast!

Ciara gave us an update on the Shadow Academy Society, now the Aurora Collegium and then the Regent gave us an update on related Possessions for the same.

Master at Arms Howlader updated the membership on a change in the club structure

A New Magistrate opening, Halo being made an official platform, Gaming with the Fist night and more announced by our very own Drac

The start of the year also saw the drop of the PulseFeed News Aggregator by the Dark Council

header Competitions of Note

there is the monthly Lorefest

there are also Regent puzzles

We are coming up on the end of the Caper on the Hydian Way of course

With the new platform, the FIST’s office is running a Halo competition

Consul Bentre is running a Cluster race so folks can toss their gaming entries in once the Caper on the Hydian is over

Shameless plug: Consul Bentre is also running a flash gaming series for all to enjoy

Sadowan Tasha’Vel will be running a Valentine’s Day poetry competition

Our own Malik will be running a puzzle competition for all interested. The fact that he is running it means that maybe I have a chance this time!

header From the Proconsul’s Corner

Just wanted to throw a few words together and remind everyone that there is plenty of action over on the comp page to jump into. There are a couple of good cluster races, graphics comps and you can even Game with the FIST! Lastly dont miss out on the Clan event. Take a crack at the Caper on Hydian Way! Plenty of action going on aboard the Refuge. Have fun Sadowans!!! DH Go get those clusters and shineys Sadowans!

header Closing Words From the Consul

I do have to mention that the things that Darkhawk and I have been cooking up are not the only things currently in the works. I hope that you will join us and the rest of the Summit in the events to come for 2022 and 40 ABY. I hope that some of you will be able to come out and game with Tasha, Darkhawk, myself and others. I hope that some of you will be able to write some fun and interesting stories.

More than that, I hope that we will have an awesome year together! Stay awesome, CNS.

In Service, In Darkness,

header

Overlord of Naga Sadow