Hello, hello! The last week was crazy with the first of a three phase implementation of perhaps the largest shift in Brotherhood structure in years. The “Gray Jedi” order opened along with traditions for previous orders and members have been flocking to them. This short report will cover some numbers along with my staff positions.

Roll Call

I talk about how awesome my staff is and will continue to do so. The MAA office works near flawlessly because of their timeliness and dedication. They are quick on the draw but thoughtful and respectful in debates no matter how contentious (particularly when telling leaders what they do not want to hear!). Alas, the six month term of Landon and Kordath draws to a close this month. I thank them immensely and once again open up applications for Magistrate to the Master at Arms.

Minimum rank is Hunter/Padawan, no leadership experience necessary. Discuss why you’d like the position, what you hope to gain from it, and your outsider opinion of how well or poorly our office functions. Email applications to Howie and myself by 1 September 2015.

As always, I am particularly interested in newer/younger members looking to start the leadership ladder climb.

Gray is the New Purple

The big news last week was the opening of Gray Jedi as an order option and transition of Krath/Obelisk/Sentinel/Guardian as traditions. Read Mav’s report for order information and Sarin’s report for all the new ranks.

Thus far we have had near 50 path change requests and a slew of tradition changes (traditions being automatic upon selection). Most path changes were to Gray with a few to the Light Side in Gray/Dark clans. Huge thanks to my staff for nailing requests so quickly.

Remember a path change to an order not supported by your target unit must come with approval from the Deputy Grand Master and Voice. If you receive prior approval, state as much in your request. The process of allowing exceptions is being taking slowly and carefully else it turn into a slippery slope of one approval justifying multiple. Ultimately, all of us want you to play the character that most interests you, but we are balancing that with maintaining the integrity of the system put in place.

Mav and Sarin will continue releasing updates and we prepare for the neutral orders and related perks. While turnaround has been great, please be patient with any delays. We are manually checking that paths fit the unit. We also love when an Equite promotion request states, early in the writing, which tier is requested. New ranks! New names!

I’m Fluent in Basic

Landon Cruise recently assisted me in a review of the Competitions course in the Shadow Academy while Howlader assisted in reviewing the Medals course. Both have since been updated with primary focus being given to wordage and the addition of Clusters of Earth and some competition policies implemented over the past year. We continue to look into how best to utilize example recommendations in a contextual way so as to provide guidance but not suggest a template. Expect to read more on this in September.

A Night on the Town

Congratulations for Kell Dante for taking 1st in our Night on the Town competition. Quick and fun! Thank you to all participants.

TL;DR

• Apply for Magistrate positions
• Go Gray early, it’s all the rage!
• Example reccs remain contextual…guidelines, not templates

MAA Resources

• MAA Wiki Category
• Promotion Guidelines
• Medal Statistics
• Rank Statistics
• Leadership Rewards SA Course
• Leadership Competitions SA Course
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