I was talking to Tarax the other night, and he pointed out something to me: The Dark Crusades have been the most active he's been since he was last Quaestor of House Dinaari. That's a long time ago, and while many of his colleagues in the Old Folks' Home tend to wander in and out of activity, there's almost always sustained bursts during a period of inactivity. Tarax is different, he was out. He had nothing left that he desired from Taldryan and the Dark Brotherhood, and only came around every so often to chat with his friends… until Taldryan needed him.

And Taldryan did need him in the Dark Crusades. Tarax is an engine, there's no way around it. For the unfamiliar, an engine is a sports term describing someone who simply puts his head down, and keeps running, no matter how tired he gets. Tarax is our engine. He would cry and moan like the world was ending, about how tired he was, and how he didn't want to do anything, but despite all his bitching, he still participated in four fifths of every competition in the Crusades, and managed to place in one fifth of the events that he entered, winning three of them.

Most recently, Tarax competed in every event in the last round, helping spur Taldryan to victory on Dromund Kaas, placing in two events in the final round, and being a constant driving force within Taldryan, by being an ever constant presence encouraging our members to go forth, and do more. Given his already extreme commitment to Taldryan during the Dark Crusades, one might have forgiven him for letting up when the race was done, but Tarax did no such thing. Instead, he proved to all and sundry his value and dedication to Taldryan. In recognition of Tarax's efforts in the name of Taldryan during the Dark Crusades are the reason I am proud to award him this Grand Cross of the Dark Side.

Aedile of Taldryan,

Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor, 2013-12-02 15:07:42 UTC

Aabsdu is Plagueis. One of this House’s most beloved and successful members, he returned to the fold shortly before the final round of the Dark Crusade reenergized and ready to do his part. His service to the House during the past few weeks has been nothing short of exemplary. As a key member of the Special Forces team, Aabs participated in all four events. His three-man advertising team won the gold nova on Ziost and he personally out-pazaaked the competition, scoring an impressive silver novae in gaming despite computer troubles in the middle of the round. More critically, Aabs served as a lifeline to the Summit, proofreading fiction submissions and giving fantastic advice to anyone who sought it out. In his short time back, Aabs has made a substantial impact on the House and will help form the foundation upon which Plagueis’ future success will be built.

Lord Dacien Victae, 2013-11-29 19:28:35 UTC

Tra’an Reith began the Dark Crusade as the Quaestor of House Plagueis and worked tirelessly prepared the House to conquer all opposition. Even after stepping down from Quaestor, he continued to fight for his House, competing all 31 events, 10 of them as a member of Plagueis’ elite Special Forces team. He snagged an amazing 6 gold novae and 1 bronze, including a gold for his truly impressive effort in the team-based Battle Plan event on Kalsunor.

If anyone deserves a sacramental award, it is Tra’an.

Montresor, 2013-11-29 19:46:08 UTC

Brimstone is perhaps the most vocal and eager member of House Plagueis. Though his hard work for the House is not necessarily reflected in an absurdly-high novae count or a leadership tenure, Brimstone has become well known within the House for consistently doing more with less and always striving to bring victory to Plagueis. During the Dark Crusade, Brimstone participated in 18 out of 31 events, bringing home 3 gold novae and 1 silver. What’s more impressive is that he completed 14 of those events, winning 2 golds and 1 silver, without the use of a computer. For the first five rounds of the Crusade, Brimstone participated in every event that he could possibly complete using no more than a cellphone, an unprecedented feat.

Moreover, Brim’s constant, encouraging, and inquisitive communication with the House Summit and over the Plagueis googlegroup has helped to rally our membership. Brimstone helps keep people informed of deadlines, starts often-sprawling conversations that draw out members who otherwise might remain silent, and just generally does whatever he can to improve the House. Brimstone deserves recognition for his achievements, and this Sapphire Blade could not go to a more deserving Plagueian.

Montresor, 2013-11-29 19:44:38 UTC

Benedict Williams has participated thoroughly in the Dark Crusade's final chapter, showing his commitment to his new home and his desire to see it succeed. Because of him, we saw two more entries add to our final standings and our fleet points. I recommend the Dark Cross for such valiant service; well done!

Liam Torun-Urr, 2013-12-01 18:26:39 UTC

JScumm has participated for Odan-Urr in the final Crusade Chapter, and has contributed two entries to our cause. Because of this, we are that much closer to a strong fleet, and we placed higher in the final standings. I recommend the Dark Cross be awarded for his valiant efforts; great work!

Liam Torun-Urr, 2013-12-01 18:26:41 UTC

For achieving 1st place in the Weekly Sadow Trivia - Week I competition.

Battlelord Mateus Kelborn, 2013-12-02 05:30:53 UTC

Recruiting Masika Oshairana (#11718) to the Brotherhood. Your service to the Brotherhood is noted. Thank you.

Master Windos, 2013-12-01 23:26:42 UTC