For defeating three bosses in the operation "Terror From Beyond" on Story Mode. Well done!

(Converted from Cluster of Earth)

Archangel Palpatine, 2012-11-23 23:13:24 UTC

completing SM Eternity Vault in TOR

(Converted from Cluster of Earth)

Kelvis Xavier, 2012-11-23 20:32:07 UTC

completing SM Eternity Vault in TOR

(Converted from Cluster of Earth)

Kelvis Xavier, 2012-11-23 20:32:07 UTC

completing SM Eternity Vault in TOR

(Converted from Cluster of Earth)

Kelvis Xavier, 2012-11-23 20:32:07 UTC

completing SM Eternity Vault in TOR

(Converted from Cluster of Earth)

Kelvis Xavier, 2012-11-23 20:32:07 UTC

completing SM Eternity Vault in TOR

(Converted from Cluster of Earth)

Kelvis Xavier, 2012-11-23 20:32:06 UTC

There are few who entirely embody the term: activity. There are fewer who can amalgamate such activity with leadership. And there are yet fewer who can do both, and still remain a humble, back-room worker. Scelestus is a shining example of that. This man has been a veritable force since his ascension to the Arconan summit, striving only for the very best for Qel-Droma.

Scelestus has, throughout his tenure as Aedile, ensure that all members are awarded on time, and in an appropriate manner, that reports are released regularly, that members are kept in check and informed should they require help, and, most importantly, served as an invaluable supporting body for Socorra. You see, a significant amount of what Scelestus does is behind the scenes work. Whether it is writing up individual emails to the membership to try and spur on activity (whether for a particular event or not) or whether it is him writing out detailed expositions into the future of Qel-Droma and planning the next stages of development, Scelestus is always on time, and always on the ball with regard to what needs to be done.

On top of that sits his activity record. As an independent - but not exhaustive - example of his activity we can look at his record in Horizons. He participated in a total number of 10 events, for which he was awarded a Bronze Nova in one. This is the same amount of events as his Quaestor, both of whom made it their goals to put the house before their own personal progression and success. This is the mark of a true leader. Of a true Arconan.

It states on the wikipedia that: "The Steel Cross is awarded for extended service to one's House or Clan, such as duties that aid a Quaestor or Aedile as well as being a mentor to others. Activity over a period of some time that goes above and beyond what is considered normal can also be rewarded with this award."

Well, Scelestus has done more than 'aid' his Quaestor and Aedile. He has been the very foundation upon which his and his Quaestor's success rests. I dare say, without his administration work, Qel-Droma wouldn't be soaring ahead of Galeres as the top performing House in the Clan. Similarly, Scelestus has done more than 'been active over a period of some time that goes above and beyond what is considered normal'. He has devoted himself to the smooth running of Qel-Droma on a daily basis, without want for reward or progression.

Today he said to me: "I am yours to serve, and I only want the best for Qel-Droma and Arcona as a whole." I feel this sums up more than anything else the amount of absolute, unfaltering devotion Scelestus has displayed for Qel-Droma and the Clan as a whole.

It is for these feats, among many others, that I request Scelestus be awarded with a Steel Cross.

Congratulations, Ben. You've earned it.

~Wuntila Entar Arconae, Consul of Clan Arcona.

Wuntila Zratis Entar Arconae, 2012-11-23 16:44:44 UTC

People often speak of legends. They are seldom correct in their choice of words. The Dark Brotherhood is replete with outstanding members of great skill and achievement and though they are honored as such, few—very few—are indeed...Legendary.

In my time with the Brotherhood I have known but one.

When I first met him he was known as Sarin. Now he is known as Pravus. By either name he is a man who has served the Brotherhood with every action of his career. He has led. He has followed. He has guided. Sarin has always done so by setting the example both members and leaders should strive to emulate. And what better example to follow in one who has reached not only the summit of leadership within the club, but that of membership as well.

For my friend Sarin is not only a gifted leader, but a fierce and talented competitor. Most recently he has again set the standard for myself and many others in Clan Arcona. During the Arcona event Trials of Loyalty Sarin finished second overall in a Clan as rich in talented, competitive members as any in the Brotherhood. Through his efforts—efforts which forced me to significantly raise my own standards to even be competitive with him—Sarin single-handedly led our team to victory.

Now, on a club-wide scale, Sarin has once again led Arcona to an impressive victory in the Horizons Rite of Supremacy. His outstanding personal commitment to this event again inspired not only myself, but many other members to push themselves to their utmost. For the majority of us, this type of effort must be brought out. For Sarin, this is where he begins.

As a competitor, Sarin is effectively a one-man army. His personal scores often appearing more like a collective unit's effort rather than that of one man. But his competitive prowess is not what makes him what he is. It is more than that. It is by challenging us to match his impressive efforts in both quantity and quality of work that Sarin the member sets a standard as high as Sarin the leader.

Raising one's self alone to greatness does not a legend make. Anyone can do this. However, inspiring others by one's example and deeds, now that is truly Legendary.

– Raken, Deputy Grand Master.

I don’t feel I can follow truly Raken’s extremely well-written and inspirational exposition into Sarin’s efforts as a member of the Brotherhood. Instead, I will attempt to display how much Sarin means to Clan Arcona, the Arconan membership and the Arconan Summit.

Since Sarin joined Arcona in May 2011, he has been a bastion of activity. Most people think that Grand Masters sit back, relax, have a nice cocktail and watch as everyone else scurries around trying to achieve half of what they have in their long, fruitful careers. Who could blame them if they did? And some, quite rightly, do. Sarin, however, does not fall into that category. He is, for all intents and purposes, one of the most active individuals in Clan Arcona. And I’m not just saying that. Since joining Arcona, Sarin has contributed just over 2000 Clusters of Fire to Arcona’s total. This is a staggering figure. And what is more, he has done all this without being a primary gamer. No, he is still one of the most active all-round participants Arcona has to offer. Raken has already described his work in the previous recommendation, but suffice it to say that, whenever Sarin decides he wants to win, its almost a certainty that he will. And that victory is always for Arcona, not for himself. I could jabber on for hours about the minutiae of his success as an individual member, however, I feel it would not be conducive to his efforts as a whole.

Indeed, Sarin has stepped up to the plate to represent Arcona and even taken a position as an advisor on the summit. He has shrugged off any adversity, and has stepped up as one of the fundamental arbiters of Arcona’s continued success in leadership. Whenever anyone needs any help, any proof-reading, any guidance, Sarin is always the first to offer his services. Seldom do you find someone so willing and so patient than Sarin. Especially considering his previous accolades within the club. Still, he steps up, guiding the younger members, even at times when he himself is under pressure.

It states on the wikipedia that: “The recipient of a Sapphire Blade has shown consistent and long-term service to their Clan or Brotherhood position.” Sarin has done more than that. Sarin has contributed so significantly to Arcona that I feel the term ‘service’ doesn’t do him justice. He has provided more than a ‘service’ to Arcona. He has become part of the family. And I feel the only way we can truly award him for being so integral to Arcona’s success is by way of recognition and reward.

Thank you for doing what you do Sarin. You have no idea how much we appreciate it.

~Wuntila Entar Arconae, Consul of Clan Arcona.

There really isn’t anyone like Sarin. When he first came over to Arcona, after the closing of IHR, we were of course honored to have one of his esteemed reputation among our ranks. For a lot of the time he was here, from me being a simple Quaestor to then becoming a Proconsul, he was always there, looming like a dark protector. It seemed to happen over night, something strange and magical. This legendary Grand Master suddenly popped up on the radar. I watched him slowly step back into the spotlight, as if he had never left. It’s hard not to be intimidated by one of Sarin’s reputation. The first time he messaged me on IRC, I almost crapped my pants. Once you get past that perceived shroud of terror that seems to surround his name, he is actually one of the coolest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with in the DB. He is thoughtful, respectful, is not afraid of anyone or anything and will always stand up for something he believes in. It’s truly inspirational seeing someone speak their mind so openly, but with poise and precision not just raw emotion. I’ve been fortunate to get to game, write, and work more closely with Sarin over the past few months, and I can say without doubt his influence on Arcona’s attitude in general has been monumental. He inspires those around him to arms, leading not just by example but by simple words. He has been invaluable to the development of Arcona by bringing in talent like Raken and Troutrooper, both dragged in from retirement. He has gifted us with Valhavoc, who has now been appointed a part of our Summit and one of Arcona’s brightest young stars. He has also brought in Montesor, another promising gamer who is helping aid in Arcona’s dominance. Sarin has become as much a part of Arcona as any of the other household names.

For this, and everything he has done and continues to do for the sake of others and for Clan Arcona, I honor him with my voice of support for a Sapphire Blade.

-Marick Arconae Proconsul, Clan Arcona

Wuntila Zratis Entar Arconae, 2012-11-22 10:28:14 UTC