The durasteel plating of the life support pod split across its longitudinal seams with a reverberating hiss. White light flooded the pitch black chamber. Cyris Oscura took a deep breath but his one eye remained closed. He remained still. As the pressure was released from the pod, he grew aware of the throbbing stump of his right arm and the festering affliction that so claimed his frail, pathetic body. An automated metal arm moved around him, detaching circulatory tubes and injectors from the connectors grafted into his skin. Pain shot through him, but he did not wince—not once. Instead, he opened himself to it, welcomed it as one would an old friend. The metal arm moved on to his right side. Once more, a sharp pain shot through his severed limb as neural transmitters were connected and his prosthetic arm was secured in place.

He finally opened his eye to look down upon the mechanical limb. He flexed its sharp, clawed fingers. Few would have chosen such grotesque an appearance for a replacement arm. He had favored it for that reason. He knew that such an inhuman, skeletal design would make many of his subordinates uncomfortable and fearful of him, which he could use.

He sensed her presence before the door at the far end of the chamber slid open. Moff Elincia Rei stepped through and did not pause as was customary of imperial officers. Instead the Togruta scientist made her way for the life support pod. She said nothing as she tapped a command into the pod’s terminal. Indeed, neither spoke a word for some time. As she went about her business, Oscura scrutinized the scientist’s emotions by way of the Force. Little had changed, which was no surprise. Her emotions rarely fluctuated. Fear, determination and a steady oscillation between satisfaction and frustration had been a mainstay since they had begun these treatments.

“Your treatments are not sufficient, Grand Marshall, not yet at least. There is much that we do not understand about this affliction. We have devised a--”

“I care not for your plans or your means to achieve them, Moff,” interrupted her, his sharp, booming voice reverberating through the chamber, “I live by the will of the Dark Side. I still question the usefulness and purpose of these treatments.”

The scientist considered her words carefully before speaking, “Your devotion is commendable, Lord Black Hand, but these treatments serve Clan Scholae Palatinae as much as they serve you. You have benefitted from prosthetics and improved life expectancy. In turn, we learn more each day about this affliction, and by proxy, more on the world of Vanir II.”

At the mention of Vanir II, Oscura turned sharply in his seat even as pain ripped through him fueling his rage further. The Force snaked out from his finger tips and coiled around the Togruta’s neck. Yet, as quickly as it had come, his ire subsided and he released the scientist who sagged against the walls of the pod. There was no sense in killing her.

She had her uses.

This Clan had its uses.

---

Surviving June

Some might have noticed that it has already been a few months since my last report. I have been transparent about my level of activity via telegram for some time now, but I wished to touch upon this in my report.

As some of you might know, I’ve been quite busy in matters outside the Dark Brotherhood. May and June are always the busiest months of the year at my work. Indeed, I’ve been work nearly 60 hours a week for over a month now. On top of that, my spouse returned to work after a year of maternity leave. This has brought about some big changes that have shaved down my daily window for activity. This is a temporary situation as we settle in our new routine.

I ask everyone to bear with me as I thrive to survive through June. As July comes about, my activity will rise again to reach new heights. I have lots in store for our Clan, and I look forward to putting it all in effect.

As you all know, we are on the brink of war with Clan Naga Sadow. The Feud is imminent, through no small effort from our mighty Emperor. We owe him much, and the only way to repay him is to go out with strong numbers and tear those CNS nerfherders a new one!

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They Do Us Proud

Three cheers for the indomitable Blade Ta’var, who has been representing CSP with style in the ACC’s Journeyman Tournament. Our mighty Knight showed no sign of slowing down as she cut through her adversaries to reach the finals against a worthy opponent. All this without a sliver of prior experience in the Antei Combat Center. This is quite the feat, the likes of which we have rarely seen in this club.

To cement her place as a club rockstar, Blade Ta’var has also been doing exceptionally well alongside our ever-devoted Delak in the GM PvP Tournament. Despite some rather pesky bumps in the road, you guys have stayed the course and rocked the foundations of the gaming arena. Through your victories and your convictions you will help shape this club.

I also want to give a special shout out to two other fine contestants who gave their all to represent CSP in the tournament: Alara Deathbane and Arron Saylos. You went out strong and can hold your heads high. You are giants!

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Character Development Workshop #1 Results

The last days of May brought about the end of the first Character Development Workshop event. Aspects are tough nut to crack, and I was happy to see such strong submissions. Though they were fewer than I had hoped, our fine participants hit the ground running and turned in many strong entries: 19 unique aspects in total. And they made damn sure to make judging this competition as hard as can be. I would not have it any other way! This being a constructive workshop, I have taken the time to give feedback to all participants, and am available and willing to discuss this feedback further should anyone wish it.

For CDW#1: ASPECTS:

• 1st Place: Knight Kor Vaal
• 2nd Place: Mystic Dek Rott
• 3rd Place: Battlemaster Lexiconus Qor and Augur Elincia Rei

For CDW#1: ASPECTS IN WRITING:

• 1st Place: Augur Elincia Rey
• 2nd Place: Battlemaster Lexiconus Qor
• 3rd Place: Knight Blade Ta’var

I have learned much from running this competition, and am open to any and all feedback as I ready for CDW #2! Are there things you might like to see done differently? Did something keep you from participating? Any topics you might like me to explore?

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In Closing

Enjoy your DJB holiday while it lasts. Once the Feud gets started, there will be no respite. Big things are in store for Clan Scholae Palatinae. As real life loosens its grip around my leash, I will be more and more available. As always, my door remains open and I am happy to help in any way that I can.

A time will come when bonds will be tested,
when blood shall drench the charred grounds of fate,
and worlds shall crumble.

Prepare yourselves.

Dark Adept Cyris Oscura
Proconsul of Clan Scholae Palatinae
Grand Marshal of the Empire