This is how awesome Edgar is: he earned two sacramental awards in as many weeks, one for service to his clan and general activity, and the other for his role as P:Fist. I don’t know if that, or really anything, is truly unprecedented in the twenty year history of the club, but it’s certainly a rare and monumental achievement. So how did he do it?

First, raw, borderline frantic activity. Edgar has done 234 competitions in the last year. He’s taken home 46 crescents, all the way from topaz up to diamond. More recently he managed to win himself five novae in the Great Jedi War. He did all but one of the 28 competitions during the war, one of which was the ACC bracket that he could not participate in. He’s earned 25 Pendants of Blood, 2802 Clusters of Fire, and 2646 Clusters of Earth. As a guy who claims he’s not a writer or an artist, he’s taken home 39 Clusters of Ice and 46 Clusters of Graphite. He’s also taken 16 SA exams and earned himself 5 degrees, including the Sage degree in Warfare.

Second, leadership and service. Ed’s organized a staggering 85 competitions and co-organized another 20. This includes both his work as P:Fist and his time as the Quaestor of House Hoth; in the latter capacity he ran the Blooming of Solyiat and Suspicion on Solyiat events.

In addition to all of this, I’ll let Blade detail his project work on our new Praxeum, and Drac outline his year of exemplary service as P:Fist.

Ed, I truly cannot think of a more deserving member. Congratulations on EQ4.

Alethia Archenksova
Consul, Odan-Urr

Headmistress Alethia Archenksova, 2018-01-24 23:22:50 UTC

Edgar Drachen was with the Jedi Praxeum wiki project the entire time and played a crucial part in the completion of its Layout and Design section, which was a cornerstone of the Jedi Praxeum effort. The completion of these 1,560 words formed a base that would inform a good number of other sections in the wiki article; it included the Training Exercises, Trials, and Dress Code. Moreover, its creation required teamwork with his partner and a good deal of discussion up front, requiring Edgar to sacrifice several hours of his own time in team meetings and small group discussions with myself to prep our section for team meetings. This often involved 1-3 hours on a meeting day and we had at least 5-7 of them, some of them just between myself and Edgar and a few with the larger group. Additionally, he volunteered to do an in-depth review of the layout and design sections as they changed over time. The end result was a great section of the page that I could not have completed as well without him.

In addition, Edgar went beyond by volunteering to review the training exercises section of the Jedi Praxeum. He took time to review it, coming in at 716 words, providing great feedback that would result in restructuring some of the section’s content. This prompted several edits that made it a much better section overall.

In summary, he helped me really kick this project off in a strong fashion and provided support throughout when asked to help make an excellent product, something I greatly appreciated. He did a great job and was a great teammate. It is my pleasure to recommend that Edgar Drachen be promoted to Equite 4. Congratz and awesome work!!!

Aura Ta'var
Rollmistress, Odan-Urr

Aurora "Aura" Ta'var, 2017-12-11 05:08:29 UTC

I try not to write many of these things because I think they are silly. A member’s worth is not measured by the pretty things we have to say about them, or their achievements. Their worth is only dictated by how they feel at the end of the day. Edgar is one of those members that is always on top of his game. Sure, he always feels like there’s more that he COULD have done, but that’s all of us. Edgar has become someone that I personally can talk to about anything. When I’m having difficulties, both online and off, he is someone that I can talk to because we share a bond of friendship. To me, Edgar is more than just a leader or a friend. He is someone that can be depended on regardless of circumstance.

When I first came across Edgar, he had just become the Aedile of Hoth. In standard Jack fashion, I immediately started to challenge him. Force him to open up and be someone who would lead from the front. After four months of badgering, he finally showed me what he was able to do in the realm of fiction. To say that the commas were everywhere is an understatement. But, with a bit of guidance (and a lot of swearing), Edgar has moved away from JUST being an idea factory and can put the words to paper, as it were. During that time, neither one of us are such exactly when it happened, we became friends. He quickly(ish) learned to accept the help he was being offered and in turn became someone who can compete in theaters that he himself thought unattainable. Edgar is still more than just that.

When I served as his Aedile, he was patient with me knowing what my situation is like at home and at work. He continues to be patient with his current Aedile and with the Battleteam Leader of Wildcards. Edgar is a man that stands out above the rest, someone who not only knows what he’s doing, but also has the drive to get it done. I’ve long held the belief that leaders are not made, but born. We can learn how to be good leaders, but Edgar was born to be exactly that. He has the skills that can’t be taught, the raw talent to inspire and lead. I can spin tales about how Edgar has surpassed everything set in front of him, but you only need to look at his history to find that. He brought our current Consul out of apprenticeship when he was still learning the ropes himself. He has continued this stream of excellence well into the high Equite ranks.

Of all the people in this club, there are very few that I have willingly extended the hand of friendship to and Edgar stands as one of those. He has fought hard for his people, for his Clan and will advocate for everyone but himself. I would not say he is self-effacing, but he kind of is. He is someone who constantly questions his own worth. Someone who doesn’t act high and mighty because he is a leader or even a Praetor. He is down to earth, kind and compassionate. These are qualities that are required, not only for higher leadership, but also to stand as a benchmark for others to reach for. This is what the Equite ranks stand as and, as such, Edgar is more than ready to take his place at the highest of the Equites. Edgar is still more than just that.

The measure of awards, apprentices and achievements are all well and good, but other people will offer those up as examples. Me? I’m going to offer up exactly what he is. Edgar is more than a friend. More than a leader. More than someone who has learned how to be more than he was. He is someone who can and will pass that knowledge on to those who need help with a moment’s notice. When he is stuck, he knows that it is more than okay to reach out and ask for help. Edgar is, was and will be someone that can be counted on, a trusted friend and companion. Without him, I can honestly say that I would have left the club a while ago. But, I’m glad I stuck around. Especially for this.

Welcome to the club, Ed. Well earned and well met.

Also, you’ve come a long way since I first started badgering you to be better. Good on ya, bud.

Reaver Yuki Suoh

Primarch Yuki Suoh, 2017-12-11 18:21:20 UTC

I first met Edgar Drachen when I saw that applications for my current position and contacted him on Telegram. I truly think he was surprised that my first questions involved details on the House that weren't on the wiki or could be found via the site before I started my application. In this short time that he and I have worked together, I've been stunned by the amount of work he puts into every single task Edgar sets out to do despite his extremely laid back attitude.

My first day as Aedile, I was creating a spreadsheet and must have stopped to stare for a good five minutes when I pulled up his activity records. I asked Edgar how he managed to accomplish everything and still have time to eat or sleep, yet he was very humble in his response of 'I just do what I can'. It was then followed by him telling me to not worry about him, since he wanted all of the other members' accomplishments recognized before Edgar was considered.

This is just the kind of man that Edgar Drachen is. Selfless, driven, hard-working, easy-going and one of the most active leaders I've ever seen. He does not care for recognition of his own accomplishments; every thought is dedicated toward the members of House Hoth and Clan Odan-Urr as a whole and ensuring that they have the best experience possible.

As much as it was a pleasure to aid in the recommendation for Edgar Drachen's second Sapphire Blade only weeks after the first, it is truly an honor to be recommending that he be elevated to the rank of Equite IV.

Congratulations, my friend. You've more than earned this and you're going to leave a pair of colossal boots to fill for whomever takes over in your stead... And that's if you decide to step down, you workaholic.

Celevon Edraven Erinos
Aedile, House Hoth of Clan Odan-Urr

Adept Celevon Werd'a, 2017-12-12 13:32:55 UTC

I have had the honor of knowing Edgar since before I joined the Brotherhood. In fact, it's partially his fault that I am here now writing this recommendation. I became friends with Ed through an outside group, we both enjoyed gaming (especially Star Conflict and old Battlefront II at the time) and he thought I might like the Brotherhood. After a few more slight nudges, I finally caved and not only joined, but selected him as my master. Even after I became Captain (Knight), Ed continued to help and push me to be the best member I could be. When it came time for me to have my first student, I tried my best to replicate what Ed had done for me.

Eventually, a leadership opportunity in the Disciples of Baas opened up and Edgar suggested that I should take the position. His example of how to be a leader is one of the examples I try to follow. He places others before himself, not just subordinates, but superiors too. He also does his best not to toot his own horn, letting his actions speak for themselves.

Ed my friend, you are one of the ones who has been there for me since I started here. It is my pleasure to recommend you for this well deserved promotion. Congratulations Ed!

Colonel Len Iode, 2017-12-12 15:51:17 UTC

Ugh, that Edgar guy. He's just so annoying with his competition announcements, his gaming with members, his incessant badgering of superiors to make sure his people are recognized before him. Who does this kind of thing?

Thats sarcasm, but is full of truth. When someone says something about leading from the front, I would immediately point to Edgar Drachen. He practices what he preaches and always strives to do better. This is evident by him receiving two sacramental awards in just a few days. In 16 years, I have always heard that the step between the Equite ranks is filled by a transition from being a consumer to a producer, a follower to a leader. This is always the case, and Edgar has completed this transition flawlessly.

This transition is proven by his work as Praetor, Quaestor, and Title Holder. All you need to do is look at his activity history on his dossier, or even pick a semi-active member in ANY clan and they will tell you they have heard of the guy.

Congratulations my friend. I would say welcome to the "glass ceiling" of ranks, but Im certain you will be one of COU's first Elders!

General Takota Okami, 2017-12-12 22:14:57 UTC

I will try not to repeat everything I said in Ed's 2nd Sapphire Blade recommendation. Simply put, Edgar is the finest leader I've had the honor of working with in the Brotherhood. He sets a high bar for himself then vaults over it. Even in a time where COU revels in the fresh victory of achieving First Clan and all the titans who helped make that possible, Edgar stands out. His activity and dedication to his positions are second to none.

I often tell the story of us joining the club on the same day (our PINs are one number apart) but he's been at my side for every step of my journey as a Clan leader in COU, challenging me, supporting me, and from time to time, holding me accountable. The proverb of iron sharpening iron is so true when it comes to Edgar and I, he literally makes me a better leader. I could not ask for a better partner in building up COU.

In all that he does, the members are always first in his heart. For all his accomplishments there is no hubris, he is humble and encouraging always lifting up others and shunning the spotlight himself. He puts his people before himself in all things. Well, today the spotlight shines on you and there's no escaping it. On behalf of all the friends, members and colleagues you've impacted, thank you for all that you. Few have done more to deserve the pinnacle Equite rank. Be proud of what you've accomplished my friend.

Now, the first one to elder buys the other one a beer in their home city :P

Turel Sorenn
Consul Emeritus and Councilor of Urr

Champion Rajhin Cindertail, 2017-12-13 00:31:28 UTC

Edgar has been an indispensable member of my staff for over a year. During that time, he has run well over 50 distinct competitions (most notably the Heroes of the Storm 1v1 Tournament), processed over 651 PvE/PvO gaming submissions, 658 PvP submissions, and tracked staff actions including wiki updates, RoC refinements, and other day to day actions.

Edgar's efforts as P:Fist earned him a Sapphire Blade, which truly highlights how much he does as a key member of my staff. Notably, his greatest efforts were in preparing Heroes of the Storm for DB-wide support.

I am extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated member of my staff, and am honored to join his clan mates in recommending him for promotion.

Master Dracaryis, 2018-01-23 03:37:33 UTC