May the Odds Ever Be In Our Favor

Just wrapped up Mother’s Day here in the good old US of A and I must say it was a good one. It might have even involved donuts. But with that out of the way, it’s time to focus on my other, slightly more quirky, family in the DJB. It’s been another good month around the Ascendant Clan and there’s plenty of stuff in the works that will both test us and will prove to be very beneficial in the long run. The Dread Lord is compiling the results from the recent survey and the Summit will be discussing how to use that information going forward. I can’t really say much yet, but I’m confident that we’ll come up with a path that suits us as a Clan.

We’ve already begun part of this process with some recent changes to the Plagueis Wiki Page. For those who are new to the club, this page is the main hub for the high level view of how Plagueis operates. Some of the highlights include:

• More information on the Aliso system and it’s astrography
• Updates to the caste system including the newly revamped “Subjects” caste
• New military information as well as rank insignia
• Lots of pretty new pictures!

Check it out as there might be a quiz of some sort in the future...

While Selika spoke of the importance of the upcoming Great Jedi War in a recent report , I wanted to take a moment to discuss it from the perspective as a newer member. It seems like ages ago now, but I personally entered the DB roughly a month before the not-quite-a-GJW that was Horizons. I’d barely gotten my feet wet before I was hurled into the deep end that was a club wide event. As Selika said, during that sort of event the club changes into a super competitive hive of activity which can be both intimidating and exciting. If you were a new member, it’s easy to be intimidated by the large plot swings, bigger than normal competitor pool, and the sheer number and scale of the events. I’m here to tell you from experience, don’t be.

Despite my short time in the club at that point, I did very very well in Horizons. While I definitely was on some good teams, the real key to my success in that event was the fact that I did every event I possibly could. In the end, that’s all that really matters. Not everyone will place, we get that. But in these sorts of events, we as a unit are judged (and typically scored) on overall participation. So every entry counts from every member of the unit from the elders and di Plagia down to the newest journeyman. You all have a chance to succeed, you all have a chance to make the unit succeed, and we’re always around to help and give guidance.

New Arrivals and Recent Promotions

There’s been a lot of activity at the journeyman levels of late. While I’m going to let Laren talk about the goings on in the Circle, I wanted to highlight something that always makes me feel good. Since my last report, we promoted the first night of my third stint as Rollmaster. Congrats to Obsidian for joining the ranks of the knights! I look forward to your continued progress.

Now off to Laren for the Circle report.

Taskmaster’s Corner

Greetings to all, and to the Circle. In the absence of the incredible Azmodius Equesinfernum, who has undertaken the important task serving as Aedile of one of our Clan’s houses, this ‘Corner’ is a little different. Azmodius is a reliable model of positivity and activity, and a capable leader. In his stead, I find myself honoured to contribute my first report here.

I’m excited to be here, truly. The Circle is a place of growth, one in which we’re all communicating and maintaining an open dialogue. On this path to knighthood there are tons of engaging of methods to further your advance, from the Shadow Academy (which you are familiar with) to gaming and competitions. There is the development and maintenance of your character sheets, or perhaps you yourself think of a competition prompt ready for submission. Ultimately what you find of most interest is our top priority, and we’ll continue to hang out and work towards knighthood in the most engaging and positive means possible.

No better time in a first submission than to announce some of our newest members! Everyone, if you haven’t already, please give a warm welcome to Sorzak Lazarath, Sereph Buio and Tu’Quan Varick, proud new inductees of The Circle. It is always a joyous occasion when the ranks continue to grow with new faces.

You folks have been super awesome and engaging so far over Telegram, and it’s only affirming my excitement to be a part of The Circle. There’s lots to be done, and lots we can do. Until next time, farewell.

Reports and Such

I wanted to stop and give special attention to the Headmaster’s Report which, in addition to containing useful information on upcoming course changes, a Q&A with the Headmaster, and evidence at how busy he’s keeping Laren, there was also another tidbit of interest. For the second month running, one of our members, TuQ’uan Varick topped the list of exam takers! Good work! Oh, some Pollus guy also got 4th.

• The Herald is looking for some more Magistrates. If you have the graphics skills, I encourage you to go apply. If you want to know more about what you’d be in for, I hear Selika might know something.

• There was a pair of house reports; one from Ajunta Pall which discusses furnture and a gif-tacular report from Karness Muur

Closing Remarks and Moment of Zen

First off, I want to express a bit of disappointment that no one got the bonus points from my last report. The moment that gave me the raging nerdgasm comes at about 0:21 in the Battlefront 2 trailer when a particular ship appears on screen, the Raider-class Corvette. See, some of you might know I play (well I haven’t in awhile) the X-Wing miniatures game and the Raider first appeared there. I’ve always loved the design of that ship and now that it appears not just in our fleet but now also in a video game just made me nerd blush.

This month’s moment of Zen comes to us in the form of some really amazing violin work with some familiar music. This Star Wars Medley was just awesome, especially to a one time violinist like me. For a slightly easier bonus question, this medley contains part of perhaps my favorite piece of orchestral music. Which one is it?