Seneschal (SCL)—Outside of the positions of Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, Seneschal is the most overwhelming position in the Brotherhood. The primary caretaker and developer of all Brotherhood technology, this position has a list of duties that is long and a set of projects that never ends. The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that the main Brotherhood website is up and running. The Seneschal works to add new features to the site and actively strives to document and improve the code that is already used. Outside of this, the Seneschal is often called upon to assist in building websites for smaller units and for special events like Vendettas. This Councilor helps the Grand Master in the administration of access to the Brotherhood server and works to keep the files there safe and free from corruption.
The Seneschal also works to maintain the Brotherhood’s communication channels. He is charged with improving and updating the Brotherhood's IRC system and the Brotherhood message forum. The position of Seneschal can be intense and many times members will not understand the amount of effort that goes into his tasks. The position is rewarding, however, as the holder can single-handedly change the Brotherhood for the better.
The current Seneschal is James Lucius Entar Arconae.
Duties
General Duties
- Responsible for development, maintenance and improvement of the main Brotherhood website
- Assists in the development of Clan, House, Battleteam and special event websites
- Ensures access is granted to those who need to be able to get to the Brotherhood servers
- Enforces security protocols and maintains the integrity of the database
- Ensures the proper administration and maintenance of the IRC bots and message boards
Specific Duties
Main Website
- Responsible for ensuring constant runtime for the website, fixing any problems as they may arise
- Debugs problem spots and fixes errors as they are reported
- Creates new static pages for links to policies, procedures and other documents as needed
- Ensures that information pages within the website are up-to-date and match the Dark Covenant, Codex and Compendium
- Codes new features into the website that are approved by the Grand Master, e.g. link reorganization and Changes to Mailing Lists.
- Monitors website activity and gives reports to the Brotherhood on such statistics
- Ensures that files are backed up regularly
- Responsible for the layout of the website, occasionally asking for new designs or creating competitions to develop them
Special Event Websites
- Assists in the development of websites for special Dark Brotherhood events such as Vendettas and the Independence Games
- Works with the event coordinator to ensure that all coding needs are met
- After the event, assists in combining and archiving the websites so they no longer consume resources
Other Websites
- Jointly manages other websites with the Grand Master
- Develops and maintains policy on Dark Brotherhood subdomain leasing
- Takes and administers requests for subdomains
- Advises and assists in the development of all Brotherhood websites
- Provides access where needed under the FTP Policy
FTP
- Develops and maintains policy on FTP access to the Brotherhood server
- Takes and administers requests for FTP access
- Logs FTP access for potential violations
Email
- Jointly responsible with the Grand Master for the distribution of Dark Brotherhood email accounts
- Assists email account holders where necessary
IRC
- Develops and maintains Brotherhood IRC bots
- Jointly responsible with the Justicar and Grand Master for the development and maintenance of the Brotherhood Channel Operator policy
- Assists in keeping Channel Operator access updated to reflect current position holders
Message Board
- Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Brotherhood Message Board
- Creates boards as needed by the Dark Summit and Dark Council members
- Ensures that the list of moderators is updated
- Assists in policing the board for activity that falls outside of regulations
Databases
- Ensures normalization of all Brotherhood databases
- Responsible for keeping consistent backups of data
- Works against needless waste and proliferation of resources, combining data where possible and removing databases that are no longer needed
Quality Control and Documentation
- Develops and maintains coding standards for use throughout the Brotherhood
- Responsible for the quality control of code within the Brotherhood; fixes any files that are not up to standard
- Ensures that all code is thoroughly commented
- Provides documentation for all new code created
- Works to evaluate and document older code
Security
- Responsible for the security of the Brotherhood server, files and other data
- Occasionally performs audits of files on the server to get rid of unused or abusive files
- Works with the Chamber of Justice on any charge dealing with the security of the Brotherhood technology
Fictional Role
First and foremost, the Seneschal is the head of the Brotherhood's Research and Development departments. This encompasses everything from biotic, technological, and even alchemical advancements for the benefit of the Brotherhood. This often has the Senechal working with Regent on creating new material possessions for the Brotherhood's armory and inventory systems. Similarly, the advancements in Biotechnology have the Senechal working with the Headmaster to oversee medical administration and support service for the Brotherhood's medwards and infirmaries.
The Seneschal is also charged with overseeing all elements of the cyber-security for the Brotherhood: everything from encrypted transmission and system administration of databases to the securing of credit accounts and other counter-slicing measures to protect the Brotherhood’s interests.
See: Organizational Chart
Roll of Seneschals
The current Seneschal is James Lucius Entar Arconae.
| Seneschals of the Brotherhood
|
| Name
|
Service Dates
|
| Corran Force
|
March 12, 2001 - September 21, 2001
|
| Grail SoulChaser
|
September 21, 2001 - December 22, 2002
|
| CyberGuy Entar
|
December 25, 2002 - January 22, 2006
|
| Radek Iceclaw
|
March 2, 2006 - March 19, 2006
|
| Rax Von-Klug
|
June 22, 2006 - October 27, 2006
|
| Xia Long
|
October 27, 2006 - May 8, 2008
|
| Jac Cotelin
|
May 8, 2008 - December 14, 2008
|
| Orv Dessrx d'Tana
|
December 14, 2008 - June 6, 2010
|
| Arion Sunrider
|
June 6, 2010 - December 10, 2010
|
| Orv Dessrx d'Tana
|
December 11, 2010 - May 30, 2012
|
| James Lucius Entar Arconae
|
May 30, 2012 - Present
|