Cog Awards
At the end of each SCUL season we have a final mission called "Life Day", where pilots fly to a ceremonial place, make hot chocolate, eat snacks, shiver in the cold, and give each other props for being a part of the gang.
Any pilot can give any other pilot a medal, which they typically make themselves. Afterwards Skunk awards advanced medals: Century, Intergalactic, Interuniversal, and outpost. Pilots also receive medals for flying over 100 missions, 200 missions, etc., as well as for flying1000 ly, 2000 ly, etc.
Once all these medals are given, it is then time to give out the Cog Awards. A SCUL pilot can only have one cog at a time, starting with Stone Cogs, then Bronze Cogs, and then finally the Iron Cog.
The Iron Cogs of SCUL
Typically only one pilot per season is awarded the highest honor given in SCUL—the Iron Cog. The recipient is given a special trophy and is hugged by the gang as hard as possible.
Skunk
1996
In '96 Skunk started a gang, in order to get some people to hang.
Crack
1998
Then Crack came along and believed in Skunk: she actually showed up and rode all that junk.
NoWay
1999
NoWay rode with unstoppable vigor - making our numbers 50% bigger.
WalTor
2000
WalTor earned it for Y2K no doubt. He lives and dies by the Admiral's command: until it’s time to take him out.
Vomit
2001
In 2001 the honor was Vomit's: She made a home for the fort – well above and beyond it.
Diva
2002
It happened to Diva in 2002, living litmus test for the chopper groove.
Megaseth
2002
The same year, MegaSeth earned his pips - the beauty of his code rivaled only by his ships
Moose
2003
In 2003 we gave it to Moose: a pilot and a friend who helps us deduce.
Rotwang
2003
Moose was happy to share his year with Rotwang: an easy rider and a boon to the gang.
Nameless
2004
Nameless builds ships as tough as a hog: 2004 was his year for the cog.
Threespeed
2005
Threespeed saves the mission with excellent grace - we made up new medals to keep up with his pace.
Hapto
2006
Hapto shows us the meaning of Chic. Tiara! Tiara! Flight-paths unfit for the weak!
Ehawk
2008
Ehawk's award night we'll never forget: though I suspect her hangover's one she regrets.
Nosepicker
2008
Nosepicker got it by traveling through time… Shut up! (nosepicker nosepicker nosepicker)
Leotard
2009
Leotard's the one who lets the admiral know: it's time to ride – the crew wants to go.
hackworth
2010
How can you begin to measure Hack’s worth? Revolutionary master of organized work.
yt
2011
Yt is perfect at keeping the books: Jedi-level hooping with the stylish-est of looks.
Treekiller
2012
No one more stalwart than our friend Treekiller – always a hugger and never a quitter.
Bane Thunderwolf
2013
A tiger run over by a horse has his mane underhoof. Oh and by the way – 2013's iron cog belongs to: Baaaaaaaaaaane Thunderwolf!!
Dr.Claw
2014
Computio audio photeo geek: demoscener Dr.Claw does it all for his friends in the fleet.
Civitron
2015
Skin tight spandex of incredible dayglow, Civitron is the very essence of hero.
eXceSs
2016
Excess never stops, he's an unstoppable force: the right attitude and strong as a horse!
Dead Bride
2017
One thing that can be said 'bout Dead Bride: The harder the mission, the better the ride!
Pastry Queen
2017
A ball of pure energy – a full-on fun mission leader. None take on Pastry Queen 'cause none could defeat her!
Lord McFuzz
2018
The point of McFuzz is to always do better: his bunny tail acts as the gang's pace setter.
Red Squirrel
2019
Seeing the bright side, no matter how dark it gets, Red Squirrel's prepared for whatever – you bet!
Wombat
2021
If it wasn't for Wombat we couldn't evolve - he teaches Skunk when there are code problems to solve.
The Bronze Cogs of SCUL
Typically three pilots may receive this award per season. These pilots have gone well above the call of 'dootie'.
The Stone Cogs of SCUL
Typically five of these honors go to pilots who have the spirit of SCUL coursing through their veins, and the song of SCUL beating in their heart. We use a stethoscope to find out.