Good Evening Folks, We return today in the midst of a war. None of you need me to explain just how important the current competition is. We have done ourselves proud with the competition in the first round, and we have surely carried the torch for the forces of right who have flocked with us to Jac's banner. However, we can't slow down right now. We need to continue moving forward. We need to ensure that the mad Grand Master's plan cannot come to fruition. We must do what Taldryan has always done: protect the Brotherhood from any and all who would seek to destroy it, whether they like it or not.

The War

Yes, the war is going on. Yes, we're tired. Yes, we've been fighting for over two years. We have members who have never known the DB without being in a Vendetta. But the end is in sight. During the Crusades, and then Fading Light... Taldryan was transformed. We rose from our lowest hour, and we rebuilt. We fought, we dug deep, and we rose to the occassion. We became once more a Clan. We suffered defeat in the Dark Crusades, and we rose once again to become First Clan of the Brotherhood.

The fight is not over. Grand Master Ashen has vowed to destroy us all in an insane rage. We must join with our erstwhile allies in Scholae Palatinae and Odan-Urr, and fight for the freedom of all the Clans. Even those who have fallen under the sway of madmen and liars.

Make sure you are up to date with the whole story so far.

The Events

The Path to Victory

There has been a lot said lately through-out the Brotherhood on the significance of fair play. There has been a lot of pressure and desire on all of our parts to win. We all want to win, and we all want to do our best. But the way you win is just as important as winning itself. Taldryan has been the home to multiple Justicars. We have led the charge for years to ensure fair play and ensure that people have the best opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

As you proceed throughout competing in this GJW, just remember this simple fact: The way you win matters. Don't cheapen your victory by cheapening yourself.

Oh, also, go buy XvT and XWA. They're awesome and if you ever need a match or training, I'm around. I feel like a part of me has been made whole after all these years without it.

The Distraction

I'm going to share with you now one of the best pieces of advice that I ever got in university. When you've been working on a project for a long time, and you feel as though you've been pounding your head against a wall for hours you need to take a break. What my prof told me was to go to the pub, and drink a beer. Just one beer. Then come back and keep working.

Well, we've been pounding our heads against a mountain, so I'm going to give you two bits of fun to distract yourselves for a bit before you continue on with fighting in the War.

Epic Sword Fight Mashup

That's it guys. Go out there and kick some ass for Jac.. for Taldryan... and for yourselves. Just remember: how you win matters.