Sang is like a boomerang. No matter how hard or far you throw him, he always comes back.

Joking aside, I’m going to take this back a little bit. The Sapphire Blade is reserved for members who have shown consistent and long-term service to their Clan or Brotherhood position. Cethgus will touch on everything Sang has done as not just a member of Clan Arcona, but as a leader. In a Clan as large as Arcona, our Quaestors do just as much work as the Quaestors of Independent Houses and rarely get the recognition they should.

Sang had originally been a Quaestor for 3 Months before having to step down due to real life issues. Most members, when coming back from something like what he dealt with are content to sit in the wings and follow others. Then Quaestor of House Qel-Droma, I personally asked Sang to step in as a BTL. I knew it was a risk, but it was one that panned out in the end as he would go on to serve as a BTL for 6 months, headlong into Great Jedi War X. His team was integral in our efforts to win that war, Shadow Gate possessing Arcona’s top scorers. After the war, changes were made all around. Sang was made Aedile at the same time I was moved up to take on Proconsul. It was a growing experience for both of us, but a few months later, Sang was given the chance to truly shine as Quaestor. For 17 months, Sang carried on the duty of Quaestor, mentoring new leaders, working on developmental projects, and acting as a consistent presence for the Arcona Summit. That’s 26 months of leadership in this club. Can we give him the Sac now? No, not enough?

Sang has never stood out as someone flashy. I think that is where his true appeal in. He doesn't have to be the top scorer or leading the charges with a roar. He is a support pillar that the members can lean on, and his resourcefulness with the Shadow Academy as well as the wiki and his proof reading abilities make him an invaluable member of Clan Arcona.

In his time in Arcona, Sang has accumulated 53 seals from Brotherhood competitions over the past 4 years. He has received every merit medal from DC to GC, as well as 12 LoS, 6 SoF, and 2 SoI’s. In the Dark Crusade he sits at 10th overall on the Arcona Novae Leaderboard with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. This does not account for the 3 other gold and silver novae he has earned in prior service to Arcona.

There are few members I’m willing to stay up until 5am writing recommendations for. Sang is one of them. Thank you, Alex, for being a dedicated member of Arcona, and for everything you've given back to the Clan. We can now put our Sapphire Blades between our legs and play tummy sticks properly.

Consul Of Clan Arcona

Legend Wally, 2013-08-16 09:34:19 UTC

I'm not going to lie... If someone told me Kalon would win the Tenth Anniversary Independence Games, I would've laughed. It's a terrible thing to admit, I know. It's a terrible thing to DO. But, inevitably, it would have happened. Still, I love to be proved wrong (at least, in circumstances like this I do). Kalon has proven himself beyond being just an 'asset' to Arcona. He has proven himself unequivocally as a necessary part of the Clan, one of the main cogs that keeps us moving and working. What is more, this newfound role Kalon has acquired within the Shadow Clan is not just as a result of his dominant success in the Independence Games. No, Kalon has been growing in the background, steadily but surely, for a number of months. He has progress as a leader, as a member, and as a mentor to the younger generation who are now coming through the Clan.

In addressing each of these individual parts and consolidating them in one, full recommendation, along with addressing his successes in the recent Independence Games that I hope to truly demonstrate his worth to the unit by way of his first sacramental honour - a Sapphire Blade.

Initially we must start at the amalgam which is Kalon's leadership and mentoring ability. Since rejoining the Arconan summit a short while ago, Kalon has been a bastion of activity within the unit. He has set about resculpting and reforming Dark Forge in an attempt to provide the kind of direction it had with Valhavoc at the helm. In many ways he has succeeded in this goal; Troutrooper has been heavily involved in clan direction and ensuring that Arcona continues to develop and thrive, along with also being a freight train of activity; Legorii has responded extremely well to Kalon's motivations and machinations, coming back to leave his mark on the Independence Games and, more recently, the third and final Chapter of the Dark Crusade; Inarya has taken time out of her busy schedule to answer Kalon's call-to-arms; K'tana has shown her worth thrice over in her activity over the last Phase of the Crusade, and finally, Kyrun has demonstrated that he is unequivocally one of the most talented new members in the Brotherhood, and, with Kalon's help, he has been married up as a member of the Seneschal staff, and has recently been participating wholly within the Dark Crusade. All of these individuals have responded positively to Kalon's leadership. Each one has been driving and pushing as a result of his work, and the fact that he continues to lead from the front is only serving to reify his authority at Dark Forge's helm. However, there is one individual I have missed from this list. One individual who is perhaps the personification of Kalon's labour. Atyiru. Kalon has been sublime in training her up and ensuring that she receives the best possible service as an up-and-coming member of the Clan. He has strived to ensure that she has the help and support she needs, and she has, as a result, gone from being a 'consumer' of leadership, to being a 'producer', regularly pumping out reports and motivational emails to keep their team active and engaged. It is this kind of fervour and this kind of ability that sets Kalon above the mark. He is able to train, lead and assist, and all in equal yet copious amounts.

Indeed, the Sapphire Blade can be awarded simply for: "... consistent and long-term service to [an individual's] Clan or Brotherhood position. Such services however cannot be seen until taken on a hold, each individual part seen as one." In this regard, I feel Kalon is already deserving of this reward. However, another possible reason a Sapphire Blade can be awarded is for: "... extraordinary amounts of activity in a large-scale competition such as the Great Jedi War, where the very best are rewarded for their efforts." Well, Kalon has done this. He has done more than this. He has TOPPED all other competitors, all other members. He has proven himself Champion of the Independence Games, the one true combatant of the Brotherhood. In the following categories, Kalon placed: 2nd, Why So Serious?; 2nd, Defining Moments and 1st in The Games have begun! (by a staggering 44 points!). Added to that was his ability to transcend the endurance and ability of all other members of the Clan, submitting in over 40 events, and eventually placing FIRST in the Brotherhood's Independence Games. As Grand Champion with a total of 295 points, Kalon cemented his capacity as a significant addition to the Clan and to the Arconan summit.

You have thus seen both sides of the same coin, two reasons, each independent of one another, as to why Kalon is twice-deserving the reward that I bestow upon him today.

Thank you, Kalon. Your work will never be forgotten.

Congratulations,

~Wuntila Arconae. Consul. Clan Arcona.

---

Kalon is a little legend, as some would say. I will admit, when he first got here, we just teased him for his somewhat unhealthy obsession with KFC. And if you had told me back then that fast forward to know, he'd be leading the entire Brotherhood in the Independence Games, and serving as a Battleteam Leader and active participant in the Dark Crusade? I'd have laughed. Kalon, though, showed perseverance, dedication to his Clan. He stepped up when we needed him as a BTL, and stepped down when he had to deal with real life issues. When we needed him again, his name rose to the top of our list, and everything just seemed to make sense.

Earning a Cythraul is no small deed. To get one, it takes an extreme feat, combined with continued dedication and loyalty. Kalon has shown that, and for that I commend him with something that's eluded even some of the more senior members of this club.

Keep up the hard work, Kally.

Marick Arconae, Proconsul

---

I am honoured to be recommending Kalon Dane for his first ever Sacramental Award for all of his hard work inside and outside of the Independence Games. He has been a dedicated and devoted member of this club, striving to achieve the very best of his abilities with everything that he partakes in.

Kalon has not only smashed the Independence Games 2013 but also managed to take Grand Champion of these games, taking countless placements in events, as well as trying to do as many as possible. Putting himself out there and leading the Arcona members by example with his hard work. Though that is impressive enough on its own, Kalon has recently stepped back up into the mantle of Battleteam Leader of Dark Forge. He has taken on the role, instantly releasing his first report in the position and stepping up to the plate, proving himself worthy of being a leader of Arcona. He has managed to in the time in position create a driven and motivated team, giving them focus in the Independence Games and drove his team to achieve the best they could. He has also given them a sense of teamwork and spirit, something that we pride ourselves in this club on achieving.

Congratulations on this Sapphire Blade Kalon, you have truly earned it and you are a credit to Clan Arcona. Keep up the hard work you do and I know that you will continue to make all of us proud in the future.

Cethgus Tiberius Entar Arconae Aedile of House Galeres

---

Kalon, Kalon, Kalon....It wasn’t so long ago that I was reccing him for a promotion to Obelisk Templar. Now I’m sat here writing a recommendation for a Sapphire Blade. In the few short months since joining the ranks of the Equites, Kalon has churned out an amazing amount of activity. Kalon suffered from the curse of being associated with me and often being the butt of jokes from members because of his age. I think that his recent exploits have silenced those naysayers and finally gained their respect. Kalon emerged as Champion in the 10th anniversary since the Exodus, submitting to 40 events! He placed in 22 of them, which is a heady feat. Kalon lead the way during the Games, representing not only himself, but Galeres and Arcona.

His performance during his time as a Templar also netted him the role of BTL of Dark Forge, where he has started work on bringing his team together with a sense of community and belonging. He is also teaching Atyiru, one of our budding Journeymen, the ropes of leadership, working in combination with Cethgus and myself. I am immensely proud of Kalon, it feels like yesterday that he joined us as an Apprentice and became my student. Kalon has shown time and time ago why he is one of my stalwart Galereans and why he loves his Clan and this Club so much, giving up his time and energy to better the experience for others.

Congratulations on your Sapphire Blade, Kalon.

Sanguinius Tsucyra Entar Quaestor of House Galeres

---

At first I was a bit afraid of hiring Kalon as a BTL in HQD, because he was fairly inexperienced and wildly eccentric, but he gallantly rose to the challenge. He was a beast of activity, pushing his members and himself during all of the Clan's events. He was active, intelligent, excited, and had regular communications with myself and the rest of the HQD Summit. Quick email turnaround and a constant presence on IRC, he was always in touch with the members. Though he went inactive for quite some time, he came back reinvigorated and relentlessly requested work and activities to do, until finally the opportunity came again for him to once again rise up as BTL, this time under Sang and Ceth's watch. I'm thrilled to see him take it to the next level, in fact, in his domination of the IGs. I dare say it's a proud moment when someone you took a chance on succeeds so well in return, and I can't wait to see where he takes it next!

-Socorra Erinos. Quaestor of House Qel-Droma.

---

Through my time in the Brotherhood it has often been said that our leaders set the example and lead from the front. I can think of no better depiction of this than Kalon Dane Beviin. Kalon recently stepped into the role of Dark Forge Battle Team Leader, took aim at the Independence Games, and tore them up. While Andrelious gave him a close call, coming in 2nd only 23 points behind him, Kalon left the third place competitor in the dust. He had well over a 100 point lead on them, with a grand total of 295 points. To put that number in perspective, only six members in the entire club (including Kalon) accumulated more than 100 points in the Independence Games.

Kalon's drive for excellence has, and will continue to, suit him well. He has been a great addition to the Arconan Summit, and has set a grand standard for us all to live up to in future Club Competitions. Well done Kalon! Congratulations on your Sapphire Blade!

Valhavoc

Aedile, House Qel-Droma

---

Kalon was set a challenge when the IGs started: get to 40 events, and he’d earn a Cythraul for himself. He took to said challenge like a duck to water, and then some. Representing what even the junior Arconans can do when they set their mind to it, he won the entire DB-wide event with astonishing activity. On top of this, he’s not a total jackass; this is rare for Arcona, even the fluffy, new politically correct Clan. He’s a good lad to be around, a hard worker, and I see great things for him if he keeps going along like he has been recently. Well earned, mate. - Dash

Wuntila Zratis Entar Arconae, 2013-06-02 06:40:13 UTC

Most people come up with something meaningful and maybe a little trite for a recommendation in their opening section, and I'd like to avoid that. So. Here is a list of reasons why Atra Ventus has earned this Sapphire Blade and also why he is a top bloke.

Atra is easily the consummate leader in a social club. His leadership and organisational skills are impeccable; he takes on his massive workload and handles it without complaining or any fuss. He is always professional even when he has no need to be due to personal involvement and never lets his feelings get in the way of his work. He knows the ins and outs of the DJB and always puts his Clan before his personal wants. He tirelessly works for the betterment of the club as a whole as best he can, volunteering for a number of different positions just to make sure the job is done correctly. He is knowledgeable and friendly, highly approachable and personable at all times.

More importantly, on a personal level, he has been one of the four people that has shaped my career in the DJB directly thanks to his example. He has always provided me the best possible advice that he can give. Whenever I have silly ideas or something I want to present to my Clan Summit, he is my constantly available point of contact. Whatever means I require to get in touch with him, he willingly provided to make sure I could be more efficient and have my voice heard. He made sure my ideas maximised their potential and eliminated anything erroneous or extraneous. He helped me with my Tenebrae proposal and made sure my concepts were sound. He sat me down and taught me the ACC - heck, he did an entire battle with me in one night just to make sure I got qualified. He taught me a lot about TOR and Jedi Academy and how to improve my skills. He offered me feedback on writing. He helped with my graphics skills. Who else but someone who actually cared about his member base would do these innumerable things and more? These are signs of a man with limitless patience to put up with a total newbie, to make sure that they feel like they're getting involved and improve his Clan to its utmost. All of these sound like little things, but why else do we document these so that people can see the image of the person in their day-to-day work and each of their aspects?

If anyone in the DJB ever wants to be a leader, Atra Ventus is the person to admire. It is with great honour I write this recommendation for a Sapphire Blade for someone who has given me the support to come as far as I have. I hope that these words, Atra, are enough of a thank-you for everything you have ever done for me. I would not be here without you.

--Mirus Pepoi Cavataio, Battleteam Leader of Tenebrae

Ever since I rejoined the DJB and Naga Sadow, Atra has been one of the most communicative and open people I have encountered. Always open for new ideas and always ready to hop in and help with issues or questions I had. In my eyes he has been a proper Proconsul in everything he did, from encouraging the membership to join in the Crusade, to opening Clan projects to me and including me in Summit talks about them.

So far what I've seen from him is commendable and I have seen him included in every major current or past Clan or House project. He is giving his all to this Clan and more importantly, to this Club. I would, humbly, like to insert my footnote in the long list of recommendations for this award. I don't know anyone more worthy of it. Congrats my friend, and I hope you keep Naga Sadow on it's feet for a long time to come.

• Tyren Atema

Proconsul Atra Ventus is one of those leaders that make the Brotherhood what it truly is, an enjoyable and social diversion from real life. To accomplish this, one must dedicate a lot of spare time and effort, which he always has and continues to do. His has always led Clan Naga Sadow by example, pushing every member to their potential. A perfect testament to that claim is his recent performance in the Dark Crusade, going 11/11 in all of the offered events. Another aspect of Atra that has always stuck out amongst others is his commitment to the development of CNS lore. While he has spearheaded a lot of Summit projects in his tenure, one recent project stands out amongst the lot. Along with Consul Locke Sonjie, he has been able to hammer out the details and guidelines and reintroduce Naga Sadow’s Black Guard. Using the Dark Crusade to gauge activity, he rewarded our highest participants with commissions to the new Black Guard, who once again defend the Summit of Naga Sadow. The transition from Quaestor to Proconsul has not once slowed Atra’s stride or performance. Since his last promotion he has been the recipient of many awards, both competition and merit, including a collection of Novae and Dark Crosses. Atra continues to bring initiative and leadership that Clan Naga Sadow ultimately benefits from. It is without hesitation that I request that Proconsul Atra Ventus be rewarded a Sapphire Blade for his leadership and contributions to CNS.

OT Kairus Quaestor of House Shar Dakhan

Atra is one of the few members of Naga Sadow who I can honestly say is working for the benefit of the Clan and Club before all else. His work has largely been behind the scenes working alongside both DC and senior members of the Clan alike to get things in place which will benefit his membership and make them want to participate. Throughout the first two chapters of the first phase of the Crusade he has been a constant voice on the mailer offering support and direction for people who are unsure of how to proceed. All while doing this, maintaining a flawless 100% completion of these events on his own, he has been working on projects such as restoring Naga Sadow's Battleteams, the Order of the Black Guard and an internal ACC Dojo to improve members combat writing as they've requested. Atra's work has succeeded in bringing quite a few of our younger members to the forefront and rewarding them for their efforts by bringing them into projects alongside the summit. While these efforts are seen by our increased presence in events like the Crusade and the mailer or are even applauded by the masses; it is often simply a pat on the back saying "Good Job." It is for this lack of a proper response in the face of a man who has done so much for our Clan and the Brotherhood at large that I lend my recommendation with the others gathered here in awarding Atra for his efforts. Congratulations, my friend, you've earned it.

Exarch Methyas Pepoi L'eonheart Consul Emeritus, Naga Sadow

As of writing, Atra Ventus, or Snowy as he has now renamed himself, has been a member of the Dark Brotherhood for 2 years, 8 months, and 18 days. I'll say that again: 2 years, 8 months. While to the average teenager that probably sounds an astronomically long period of time, to the rest of us two and a half years is short enough that we can count it on our fingers (assuming we have any left). Why do I dwell on this? Simple: because despite having only been a member, and now leader, of Clan Naga Sadow for a comparatively short period of the Clan's total history, given that the Clan dates back more than 14 years to the late 1990s, Atra has very rapidly risen through the ranks and established himself as one of the foremost figures in the Clan, a quality that has been most valuable to Clan Naga Sadow during a period when it - as well as the Dark Brotherhood as a whole and even the Star Wars brand itself as it now moves into new ownership and into new waters with products such as The Old Republic - have together all been moving very fast, changing and evolving into something that could only have been dreamed of back in those early years when Tron first founded the Clan. To be able to weather this change, to adapt with it, to constantly be at the front of things, is a difficult thing to do, but one that Atra has succeeded at with much gusto.

Whether it has been Atra's successful leadership as a Quaestor, and now Proconsul, of the Clan, or his personal activity during the Dark Crusade, or in the Clan's extended activities and internal storytelling, or his forward thinking and ingenuity in assisting in projects such as the run-on guidelines he drafted for the whole club, or his enthusiasm and setting the example in his delving into the world of video games or the regular competitions and run-ons from the VOICE's office. Whatever it is, Atra has jumped in, and, much more significantly, Atra has taken others with him on the ride, his appetite consequently rubbing off on them, bringing them into the world that is the Dark Brotherhood. These are all the qualities of a person who has readily established himself as a successful and efficient leader and as a role model that can, and indeed should, be held up for others to take inspiration from.

For all these things, and the many more that cannot be covered comprehensively, I extend my personal recommendation to this award and look forward to seeing what more is in store for Atra Ventus.

Congratulations, Snowy, you deserve it!

Darth Vexatus Son of Sadow

There are only a few that climb the ladder of ranks very fast; Atra - Xue Long - is one of them. Not only he is a member for "just" 2 years and 8 months, he is furthermore already in the leadership position of a Proconsul. This is quite a straight forward career. He listens to people and considers their opinions - even if they oppose his. He is able to see what is best for the clan - and puts the needs of the clan above all. This is showing a huge devotion and loyalty. A trait to make people respect and look up at him.

On top he is an excellent writer - a fact he proved/proves by very often winning medals in writing competitions. He is no lazy Proconsul - he actively promotes activities and takes part himself. Whenever he takes part in a runon, he is thoughtful of getting people involved - often pushing his own character development aside - giving people the freedom to use e.g. the development runon as a playground for their own characters. He knows when there is the need to involves people in runons, walking the fine line of your own character development and helping others to do so.

I am also jealous of his numerous medals for playing ToR! Xue helped me in ToR for a bit with my own character.

Now to a side I never had suspected on him: Graphics. He has a knack for vectorising pictures and made even a version of Sildrin (I still need to put that one up on my Wiki :) ). He teached me how to do that. He has helped opening a door to a new area: the digital art - (even though I still feel way more comfortable with a pen and a sheet of paper).

You really deserve this Sapphire Letter Opener....errr... Sapphire Blade, Xue. I am proud of you! Keep up with that work.

Congratulations, Xia Long (Sildrin).

Atra is the epitome of the word 'dedicated'. He is my right hand in Naga Sadow, and sometimes my left as well. Atra is the purveyor of many advancements and ideas in the Clan. He is always around and helps anyone he comes into contact with wherever he can. This is not limited to only Clan members; I have witnessed him helping others on IRC as well. In addition, Atra is highly active, setting a great example for regular members.

As Proconsul, Atra meets the requirements of his duties and more. He's come up with or made major contributions to multiple projects, which I'll mention here. First, the Black Guard: this thing has been mostly Atra and was his idea. Now, we've had projects to try to change or revitalize it before, but this is the first time that it has been seen through. We now have a new Black Guard roster, new fiction for them, and a new process in place to select new members of it, all largely thanks to Atra. There's no way we'd be near this far if not for him. Other projects include the War Report video that was released for CNS after Khar Delba. Atra headed and organized this project, which turned out to be a really cool thing for the Clan. He also led the discussion about the Clan's new motto and followed through with it to make sure it got done.

This is the thing I love most about Atra. He gets stuff done. He doesn't just talk about it. He doesn't start a project and let it slide into inactivity. Atra starts AND finishes things, most often in less time than it would take other people to brainstorm, and they're still high quality ideas. I don't know where I'd be without him. Probably still wondering how to make the Black Guard work...

Anyway, that was just a fraction of what Atra does. In order to completely realize how essential he is to the success of the Clan, I would have to cut off my hand (Proverbially, of course!), and live without it for a while. Atra has been this way for the nearly six months he's been Proconsul now, as well as before when he was Quaestor.

But that's not all. One might call someone a great leader for getting so much done. Or for having a fast turnaround time on recommendations, emails, or any other question I might pose. Or for having a solid thought on nearly everything. But Atra is more than that.

He competes, too. Atra fully completes everything that's thrown at him. Feuds with other units? Check. Crusade chapters? Check. Brotherhood-wide Runons, Clan competitions, Shadow Academy courses, basically anything that says 'active' in the Brotherhood? Check, check, and check.

And all that is in no small part why I feel Atra deserves this Sapphire Blade. He may never wield it, but at least it will match those awful blue robes he wears all the time.

Congrats, Atra!

• KAP Locke Sonjie Consul of Clan Naga Sadow

Epis Locke Sonjie, 2013-04-12 16:04:24 UTC

As Rollmaster, Methyas has been instrumental in reacquainting me with the workings of the DJB and the Clan. I haven't been around for a while and since a lot of things have changed, I needed to be updated. Since the first moment we started communicating via IRC and e-mail he has been open and forward with me. A quality I respect greatly.

Apart from his huge contribution to the Clan in the form of many projects (Black guard revamp and fiction revamp to name a few) he has kept his open attitude and mentor-like demeanour toward our greatest asset - our newest members. Encouraging new members to participate in the Crusade while leading as an example gives him a huge plus in my book, as it should in yours.

I can only say so much since I've been around a short time but what I can say is that he has worked tirelessly to keep the Clan going, and between himself, our CON and our PCON they have worked hard to keep the Clan on its feet and the membership sharp.

I humbly recommend this award for Methyas. He deserves it and he should get it. Congrats, mentor, and may the force be with you :)

• Tyren Atema

So, I’m writing a recommendation for Methyas and immediately I go to look at his history in the DJB in order to get a good idea of what to say. What I saw was almost scary. Since 2010, this guy has been sitting on the summit of Naga Sadow with only a couple of months’ worth of breaks. It’s impressive really, that he’s been there for that long, guiding us and pretty much just being a useful, helpful dude. Also, in addition to summit, he’s been helping with the wiki for a while now too.

In addition to that, in the most recent Great Jedi War (a time when, of course, he was sitting on the summit) he put forth participation in 20 events. It’s an astounding number for a guy who was busy helping motivate people as well, and keeping his clan in order.

Speaking of clans, Methyas was one of the people instrumental in the efforts in piecing Naga Sadow back together into a clan, doing a tremendous amount of work in the re-clanning proposal, a task which shows just exactly how much he cares.

What might be the most impressive thing about Methyas is his ability to help people put together fictional things for their characters. The guy is creative, but he shares this font of creativity freely, helping anyone he sees that needs it. I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit I was one of those people, more than once in fact.

So, here I am, asking you to please award my brother a Sapphire Blade. As an award given to those who devote time, effort, and outright love to their clan and their club, I think it’s certainly warranted in Methyas’ instance. The guy is solid, and I’m honored to throw my name in the ring to see him awarded for the sheer awesome that he is.

Thank you for your consideration in awarding my older sister.

-OP Mirado Pepoi L’eonheart, Quaestor Emeritus of House Shar Dakhan.

Methyas has been invaluable performing as Clan Naga Sadow’s Rollmaster since the Aedile positions were removed. Almost every single time I’ve had a new member come to House Shar Dakhan, by the time I got the email alert, Methyas has already sent the welcome email as well. His welcome emails are packed with information for incoming Apprentices, truly an asset to our cause. He doesn’t just usher new folks in though, his steady performance and activity have been commendable lately. He went 10/11 in the Dark Crusade phases. Working with the new Battle Team Leader Mirus he has been trying to hammer out the new fictional direction of HSD. Other lore projects that he has helped the Summit with include the Fleet reset and the reintroduction of the Black Guard. Methyas has proven himself to be an active and dedicated member as he continues to decorate himself with various competition and merit awards. I believe and recommend at this time that Methyas be awarded a Sapphire Blade for his deeds thus far and his ongoing dedication to Naga Sadow.

OT Kairus Quaestor of House Shar Dakhan

There is a lot that can be said about Methyas' actions within CNS, and I hope I do him some small justice in this recommendation with but a taste of all that he has done. Since July of 2010 Methyas has never been far from the Summit, having a near constant input on choices of matter with a valued opinion, and since the days of being Consul he has taken a personal charge to assist all members of CNS' summit, and is almost single handedly responsible for training those currently in position. Methyas devotes even more of his time to furthering all of CNS fictionally, from maintaining the Naga Sadow categories for correct usage and current status to creating SHADOW and even updating/overhauling most Tarthosian cities and structures. In addition to all of the fictional work, Methyas actively takes part in all Vendetta and GJW events, spurring others to do the same. Since taking position as Rollmaster for both HMR and HSD he has reached out to help any and all members with whatever they need to see them successful in the DB.

One of the most genuine people CNS has, he gives and gives without asking anything in return. For all this, and the things unsaid here but in other recommendations, I do honestly believe that Methyas is more than deserving of a Sapphire Blade. Congrats my friend! - OP Araxis Farron, BTL of Sceptor of Ragnos

For more than three years now, Methyas has been a cornerstone of the community in Clan Naga Sadow. Already a former Aedile, Proconsul, and even once Consul, Methyas has never lost his drive and continues to serve in his role today as Rollmaster of the Clan, where he works closely with the other members of the Clan and House Summits, able to act as a mentor and help Locke and Atra through his past experience in their jobs first hand.

But providing support is only one of ongoing ways in which Methyas continues to contribute, and though much of his work today may now be behind the scenes, he serves as a close link with the developing generations, through his role as the figure who manages the Master-Student system and the apprenticeships of those still learning and needing the nurture and support to integrate fully into the Dark Brotherhood. In addition, Methyas remains a prominent public figure, and has most recently been assisting in redeveloping the Black Guard in order to better reflect the popular activities engaged in by today's generation of gamers and writers.

Beyond carrying out his assorted workload, Methyas himself leads by example, having been part of the winning team in the VOICE-led run-on competition back at the start of the year, as well as earning further accolades through his personal participation in the recent rounds of the ongoing Dark Crusade, proving that despite having been there and done it all in the past, Methyas has lost none of his enthusiasm and continues to serve as a role model.

For all this, Methyas deserves my and the whole Clan's thanks for continuing to be the kind of member that every unit wants and that the Dark Brotherhood would not exist without.

Darth Vexatus Son of Sadow

Hmm, how do I describe Methyas' service. Well, 'dedicated' is an overused word, but it certainly applies here. Methyas is a big part of our Summit projects. He is an authority on fiction, both of the Clan and otherwise. He's a close advisor to the current generation of Summit, having served as Consul before and continuing to help where needed. For example, Methyas has been our Clan Rollmaster for quite some time now.

Sometimes Rollmaster is written off as a menial position, but not in CNS. It's a valued and important job that Methyas takes seriously. He promptly greets newbies, and also keeps track of the Journeymen's progression through the early ranks. When they're ready to be promoted, Methyas makes sure they are in a timely fashion. Beyond that, he's always willing to offer advice to newer members and help them whenever they need it. And through all this, he's calm as a rock. Nothing seems to phaze this guy. When there's lots for us to do, he's always collected.

And then there's the projects. When we had the fleet reset at the end of last year, Methyas was my partner in deciding what to do with it. We had input from other people, but Methyas provided useful insight on basically everything, in addition to good ideas that we implemented. When it came time to make wiki pages for all the new stuff we got, Methyas made sure that they were made correctly and added what was missing.

That sort of brings me to my next point. Methyas always does stuff in the background and never expects recognition or award for it. He keeps up with and maintains CNS' wiki pages - when I'm not making massive changes that are impossible to track. Even then, he's pretty good at it. He's kind of like a historian, keeping a record of everything that happens in CNS over the years since he's been here. This is great for me because it means I have someone to ask if I'm wondering what a term means, or what an old wiki page is for, or if something is going to work or not with Star Wars lore and the Brotherhood's requirements.

Finally, Methyas sets the example for all those new people he helps out, and the old ones as well. He's 5 and 5 for Crusade events so far, and was also a part of the winning Prologue Runon team. Basically, Methyas is who I want to be when I grow up...err, step down from Consul, which will actually happen someday in the future! I want to be that guy who never goes away, who is always just as active or more so than the newer members of Summit, and who goes where I can help best.

...like Methyas, and this is why I feel he deserves this Sapphire Blade. Congrats, Methyas!

• KAP Locke Sonjie Consul of Clan Naga Sadow

Epis Locke Sonjie, 2013-04-12 08:29:46 UTC

A lot has happened in the year that Locke has now been Consul. Where once upon a time Clan Naga Sadow was very much the writing Clan that had always had a problem finding gamers, today Clan Naga Sadow is the writing Clan that also enjoys a huge member base of The Old Republic players. That has meant considerable change in the way of doing things, not least the fact that the Clan has become redefined by the new younger generation of TOR addicts, whose knowledge of not just the Dark Brotherhood but of the Star Wars universe is rooted less in Grand Admiral Thrawn and Naga Sadow, and more in Ahsoka Tano and Darth Malgus.

Most leaders would have balked at such a transition. Locke, however, has held fast through what have been testing times, and with his Summit has been forced to oversee the what have been difficult, but very much necessary, decisions to redesign Clan Naga Sadow for this new generation, whose idea of what it means to be a Dark Jedi, or how to spend their recreatonal time, is far removed from the days of the Emperor's Hammer back in the 1990s, or even of the first years following the Exodus during the 2000s. This has meant more than just changing the wallpaper and redesigning the Clan's fictional identity, and has meant working closely with the House Summits, the way in which the Battleteams work and operate, and how things such as the Black Guard or the Master Student Program are used to engage with what can at times be a distant, video game world oriented membership, in order to integrate them into the "game" that is the whole Dark Brotherhood experience. For a traditionally writing Clan, that has not been an easy task. But while the Clan of 2013 is a long way from the Clan of five years ago, Clan Naga Sadow remains an enthusiastic and united community in which to be a part.

Yes, there remain challenges ahead, as there always have been, and always will, but as we move forward into Locke's second year as Consul, Clan Naga Sadow continues to develop into its new identity, both fictionally and actively, and as Star Wars itself moves into a new era under Disney, it will be leaders like Locke that the Dark Brotherhood needs to shoulder the challenges ahead. For this, Locke deserves all the praises that this award represents, and I look forwad to seeing where the Clan goes in the next year.

Congratulations, Lord Consul!

Darth Vexatus, Son of Sadow

--

A while back, I picked, from a few applications, Locke Sonjie to serve as my Adelie in the newly formed House Shar Dakhan. I left the summit but he remained, and went from Proconsul, to Consul, a position he’s held for about a year straight now. A year straight, as Consul of one of two clans in the Dark Brotherhood, I’ll let that hang a moment.

Locke has been thanklessly working hard, behind the scenes, on projects all aimed at making Naga Sadow better, investing the precious time he has between a real life job and his education to see that the best can happen for his parent clan. I couldn’t possibly detail everything, but I’ve always considered that to be a side effect of being Consul. One never really knows the things they've done in detail. We can only miss them when they’re gone. I do know in recent times, he’s contributed to the Clan in the vendetta events, not content to just administrate, he still works.

Having said that, I checked out the definition of Sacrament, which roots in sanctify, which says (according to Google) “Make Legitimate”

Locke Sonjie, well, the man IS legitimate. He works hard, he listens, he helps, and he SERVES. Such contribution is exactly the criteria for the Sapphire Blade, an award I respectfully ask be bestowed upon him. Simply put, he deserves it, if for no better reason than putting up with me. Fortunately, (or not) he works with, around, and for so much more.

As a Quaestor emeritus for House Shar Dakhan of Clan Naga Sadow, his former boss, and ultimately, his friend, please consider my former Aedile for a Sapphire Blade.

OP Mirado Pepoi L’eonheart

--

Since starting with the Sadowan summit as an Aedile to House Shar Dakhan, Locke has proven his drive to ensure our members are happy. That was a fair way back now and Locke has worked his way all the way to Consul, a position he has held with honour for a year. Within that time Locke has coordinated with other units of the Brotherhood to create events for his members to take part in as well as to create a fictional arrangement between ourselves and Scholae Palatinae for continued future events. But this collaboration is not all, he has also worked tirelessly to hear his membership and ensure they are happy, going as far as personally getting in contact with members who have drifted away from the Brotherhood and implementing a suggestion box for our members to anonymously leave their opinions or (obviously) suggestions on what direction the Clan should take.

Aside from all this work, Locke still puts all his available time (as limited as it is as a University student) into making sure that his Clan succeeds and continues to make its members happy. As a member of his summit, I have seen and heard how hectic this drive can be as well as how often it succeeds. It is for that reason that I feel we truly need to honour Locke with something befitting his efforts to the Clan and the Brotherhood; to show we appreciate his monumental efforts to make this environment warm, welcoming and fun for all. With my voice counted among the others gathered here, please allow me to congratulate you, Locke. You've earned it.

Exarch Methyas Pepoi L'eonheart Consul Emeritus, Naga Sadow

--

I've known Locke for a couple of years now. If there's one thing I've got to say about it, it's this: He's what I aspire to be in a Consul someday. He's the dedicated, devoted member that balances a hectic life of work and school, to personally inspire his members to effort and participation. He's always calm and collected, never rushing to judgement, always seeking to listen and hear everyone. He's friendly, approachable, always ready to hear someone out and give them good feedback and advice. He never complains, only seeing it as a reason to work harder. He never says anything other than "Thank You", and "How can I help?".

He leads the charge for activity personally, as often as he can, always remaining in touch, always working to serve others. I've never seen or heard of him refusing to help someone, or at least helping to find someone skilled enough to do so. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about him, because there isn't anything bad to say about him. His personal efforts remain the strong backbone upon which Clan Naga Sadow continues to function smoothly.

I'm proud to be able to add my name and words to this request for his award. He is more than deserving.

Congrats Locke. You've earned it.

OE Tra'an Reith, Quaestor of House Plagueis

--

If I were allowed only one word to describe Consul Locke Sonjie, I would have to break the rules. So much goes into being an effective, exemplary leader, and he accomplishes it all. Not only does he execute his leadership well, but he has done so now for an entire year. In my time in Naga Sadow, both as a member and leadership role, Locke has performed admirably bringing activities and events broad in scope to the Clan to keep its members active and entertained. Such events include the Clan Feud (that CNS Won!) and Horizons; and not only does he encourage participation, he sets the bar by participating right along with the rest of the Clan. There aren’t a lot of things that come to his desk that he doesn’t share and ask for input from everyone. Such matters include Naga Sadow’s Fleet and details of the Black Guard, which he along with Proconsul Atra have worked tirelessly to iron out and reintroduce. It is evident by his attentiveness to the Quaestors and the development of the Houses that the present and future of Naga Sadow mean a great deal to him. We know that on top of his Consul duties, Locke has RL and an education to juggle. Despite that we have a leader that listens, leads by example, and continues to help each of us grow. It is by this recommendation that Locke be awarded a Sapphire Blade for his ongoing dedication to Naga Sadow.

OT Kairus Quaestor of House Shar Dakhan

--

Okay... Time to write a rec. I'm not really good at these things, or speeches, or much of anything for that matter. I mean, this guy wears purple as his order's color. There must be something wrong with him. And this guy is tireless! There isn't much I can say that hasn't been handled hardcore by all these great recomendations above. Locke is the definition of a work horse. This guy never rests, never sleeps. Why? Because he doesn't sleep, he merely lays down and plots out how to spend our fleet points for hours until the sun arises once more.

If you want to know what a leader looks like when they lead from the driver's seat, it is him. He is in constant contact with all of his Summit members, asking for updates and helping however he can. When Locke asks for something to get done, it is never something he isn't willing to do himself. In fact, he would do it himself if given the opportunity but then he'd be burnt out and I'd be left with more to do, so I take it off his plate. Still fights me on it.

His organizational skills are phenominal, forms and spreadsheets all over the place. He doesn't like to leave any stone unturned and is never afraid to ask more and more questions. Even though I now thoroughly despise the word "why" I am still glad he asks it without hesitation. This is what a Consul should be, someone who lives and dies for his Clan and never once asks for something more... Some recognition. All he wants is a happy Clan, and he expects only what he would expect of himself.

Having spent 1 year in the role of Consul, he is still working as fervently as the first day on the job, and that is something to be proud of. I hereby recommend him for the Sapphire Blade, and hope he doesn't get burnt out any time soon!

Congratulations, Locke

OP Atra Ventus, Proconsul of Naga Sadow

, 2013-03-29 13:24:35 UTC

The position of Wiki Tribune is one of the most demanding positions within our club and is unfortunately one of the most underrated. The T:W must track, edit, and read thousands of entries to ensure the Dark Brotherhood Wiki maintains a high level of quality absent in most Wikis across the web. Ben has performed this job with a fluid ease and continues to handle the rigors of T:W with grace and skill. It has been five years since his last sacramental award and Ben is absolutely deserving of an reward for his exceptional work and dedication. -GM Pravus, Voice

Benevolent has been working under the radar on the Wiki for a great long time now, and he's been pretty awesome as a voice of reason in our DC discussion on how and why we do what we do. Ben has been one of those guys who recognize that leadership isn't tied to a position, but instead comes from action, from demeanor. He's a calm influence, someone who is always available to weigh in on something, to help tweak things, and to share another point of view to help us temper our ideas and priojects. Add this to his work as Wiki tribune, and it's easy to see that we need to reward him with something. Please accept this as a token of our esteem, Ben. Thank you for all that you do. It means a lot to us. --Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2013-02-20 14:07:37 UTC

The position of Justicar within the Dark Jedi Brotherhood is one of the most challenging within our club. No one likes the Justicar. He is always biased, always out to get someone, and never fair. Fortunately for the Dark Brotherhood, we have Taig. Taig has found the uncanny ability to prosecute multiple individuals, but do it in a manner that has left little room to argue his decisions. Clones have been dealt with fairly, trolls have received vengeance, and those who would threaten our members were met with severe consequences. Taig has continued to protect our members and enforce our club's laws in a manner that is befitting of his position. Congrats! -GM Pravus, Voice

Justicar, like Master at Arms, can often be an unpopular, but critical role within the club. We use a unique system of justice to ensure that our members are treated fairly whether an issue arises due to their actions or another's. The man who sits on top of that delicate system has the unenviable job of dispensing this justice. People speak of "impartiality," "unbiased opinion." News flash everyone, there is no such thing. But there does exist the rare gift of being able to set aside one's personal feelings as fully as can be done and following the evidence wherever it may lead. This is what Taig has tried his best to do for us in his tenure as Justicar. And for this I am truly grateful.

-Raken, Shadow Hand

Justicars get a raw deal. They are the bogeyman that the jackholes of the club are threatened with, making him a target for the most dedicated trolls. In the past years, the amount of cases had been minimal, but there must be something in the water with the number of complaints flwoing through to him lately. Yet, Taigi has been able to keep his head clear and keep his heart out of it. He has been able to look at each case with a newcomer's eyes, and deal with them appropriately, no matter how politically charged the climate becomes. this is the mark of a Great Justicar, and I am certain that history will see him in that light. For now, I would extend my thanks, and a small token of my appreciation for him. Thank you, Taigikori.

-Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2013-02-20 14:07:36 UTC

Solari has done the near impossible by excelling in one of the most dormant and difficult positions within the Dark Brotherhood. Year after year the position of Headmaster has operated in an endless cycle of website upgrades, course openings, and course closures. Solari has changed this pattern by throwing his skill and effort in to developing a new way to conduct Shadow Academy courses and even newer ways to conduct competitions related to said courses. In a short amount of time, Solari has implemented significant change with an eye on the future and even greater changes. It is my honor to recommend this great Dark Council member this outstanding award! -GM Pravus, Voice

This is one of those times, rare they may be, where I get to go, "See? I was right!" I knew when I read Solari's application for Head Master that he was the guy to help us take the next step. From his first day to today, he has busted tail and produced on every front his office faces. Rarely does a day go by without getting an update from him on something they are hatching. His enthusiasm for the work helps to motivate me each time I see something from him in my inbox.

Thanks for everything you do, "Your Excellency."

-Raken, Shadow Hand

Solari is a renaissance man, working in the realms of fiction, coding, and rp, he understands all of the various aspects of the club, albeit some more intimately than others. Having him on the Council has been a boon, a dynamic force that helps achieve the common goal of improving the Brotherhood. He has gotten in deep witht he plannign and setup of the Crusade, casting aside the traditional 'that's not in my job description' taht many have had as Headmaster. His work in his brief tenure has been outstanding, and I look forward to seeing what he can dow ith more time. Please accept this as a token of our appreciation.

-Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2013-02-20 14:07:36 UTC

If there is one thing I will say about Marick Arconae, it is that there is no one his equal. His indomitable drive, his unfaltering dedication, his exuberant passion, his approachable nature; these qualities are on their own seldom found. But in Marick they reside. And they are evident every day he spends fighting for, and serving on behalf of, Arcona. I can say with absolute honesty that there is no one more suited or more capable than Marick in the role of Proconsul. In our fourteen months as colleagues, he has developed into a pillar of the Brotherhood, into one of the most diplomatic and successful leaders I dare say I’ve seen, and into one of the cornerstones of Arcona’s success.

Yes. I mean it. Without him, Arcona would not be where it is today. I believe this is as a result of his exceptional work as Proconsul (which cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be overlooked), his personality, and his passion for the clan. You see, whilst others demonstrate loyalty to themselves, and their own personal progression, Marick exhibits what can only be described as serial selflessness. A testament to this selflessness manifests itself in his recent selection by a clan vote as ‘Best Clanmate’ (the one individual who endeavours to help, regardless of workload). While this may seem trivial, it is a true and hard-won accolade. Perhaps one of the most difficult to attain. But, to Wally, its in his nature. He always helps anyone he can. And he always ensures he is the first port of call should they need assistance again.

It is this kind of assistance, and this kind of mentality than ensures the Brotherhood does not stagnate. We are a divisive community by our very nature. We split into groups and push each other away. We divide into units and fight amongst ourselves. This is what the Brotherhood sees as activity. Not Wally. He looks beyond the barriers, beyond the boundaries of units. He is a servant of the Brotherhood and its members.

Arcona would be a completely different place without him. A darker place. And, without the supporting work he puts in on a daily basis to ensure I am not overworked, I am certain I would not have made it to where I am today.

It states on the Brotherhood wiki that the recipient of the Sapphire Blade: “… has shown consistent and long-term service to their Clan or Brotherhood position. Such services however cannot be seen until taken on a hold, each individual part seen as one.” The following harangue will demonstrate his deservedness for this award. I will begin with an impressive awards list that speaks for itself.

Wally has acquired 24x Seals of Affliction, 2x Gold Novae, 2x Silver Novae, 1x Seal of Loyalty, 1x DC. This is on top of an innumerable amount of Clusters of Fire, and Crescents for his participation both in gaming and with Brotherhood wide- and clan-wide competitions. Similarly, Marick finished 7th Overall in Horizons, leading from the front lines by setting an example of near 100% participation, finished 4th Overall in the Horizons ACC events, achieved 2nd Overall in Horizons Run-On team, and he also took 2nd Place in the Ambitions Run-On Team Competition.

I think the most appropriate example of his activity can be found in his participation within the Beyond the Horizon inter-unit Arcona-Plagueis cooperative event. He placed THIRD overall, with only twelve points between him and second place. He placed in eight of the thirteen possible competitions, achieving a number of first-place entries. I dare say it was his work than enabled his team to secure a top three placement, having lost a couple of members to a number of different positions and projects. This is a true exhibition of leading from the trenches, and he was integral in rallying the Arconan troops and driving up participation within Arcona.

He was also invaluable in the event in helping me write up fictions and proof-reading the events. He even went as far as to help me create the feud website. All of this without want for reward. He only wanted to participate for the sake of Arcona, and to help other members achieve their potential.

So, as you can see, his award lists are expansive, and his placements are extremely impressive, but I personally feel that these do not do Wally justice. He is much, much more than a few medals and placements. His projects (which follow) truly demonstrate who Wally is, and what he has done that justifies his being rewarded for such.

Temporary Consul - In instances where I have been absent due to mitigating circumstances, Marick has stepped up into the role of Consul and helped keep the membership in-line, manage the day to day tasks of the summit, replying to emails, approving competitions, and the other responsibilities of the office. Has served officially as temporary/acting Consul for one month in wake of a leave of absence due to personal reasons.

Furthermore, Wally serves as Arcona’s PR team, handling issues that arise when dealing with problems inside and outside the clan. He helps smooth over situations that would be considered tumultuous and finds ways to resolve them. He never loses patience with any of his members and has a working knowledge of every member in his Clan - regularly communicating while boasting a near-constant 24/7 IRC presence. He was, along with myself, one of the first people to really utilize Google + Hangouts over the conventional skype- initiating greater communication between the Summit and the regular membership. Since then, events like “Drink with the GM” and “Ugly Sweater” G+ contests have spawned. Other units are starting to catch on, and the rest of the brotherhood is now taking advantage of G+. They are also taking a note out of our playbook for using WhatsApp as a means of international communication - bridging the gap conventionally drawn between members and summiteers on different time zones or countries without having to pay fees. It also bridges the ‘detached’ side of the Brotherhood. It is for this reason that the clan is so tightly-knit, and so socially developed.

He acts as a buffer between the Consul and the general membership, allowing me to focus on more pressing issues. This is invaluable. Seriously, I don’t know whether I can quite put into words how much this helps me. I mean, Wally has a 3-6 hour e-mail turnaround-time. That’s right, 3-6 hours. No e-mail goes unanswered unless there is an inability to connect to some form of internet connection, or the rare instance of sleeping. He will stay up until 5am working with a new member on a fiction that would help get him associated with having transferred into Arcona. He will jump into a Google Plus hangout when asked to hear the concerns of two Battleteam Leaders unsure of how to go about a certain task.

He went as far as to become proofreader for all Arconan ACCers, including 1-3rd place winners Timeros, Legorii, and Socorra. He helps proofread and work with Snabbie - who is learning english as well as the ACC in his qualification match. Moreover, he headlined Trials Of Loyalty, a 3-week Arcona internal-Feud. He has organized sign-ups, created teams, written the story, and co-graded events with myself, whilst helping bridge relationships with the Dark Council and Arcona Summit by heavy discussion with the Grand Master.

He also helps oversee the fictional development of Clan Arcona through the means of fiction, wiki work, and proofreading, whilst also continuing his work as Commissioner of the Arconan Contract Bureau - assigning, creating, and grading contracts for membership. Again, he is also working point on the “Shadow Chron” newsletter project for Clan Arcona - writing and adding content and testing out new technology for consumption.

All of this combines to ensure the smooth running of the Clan, and the continued ticking over of day-to-day management of the clan.

This, above all else, demonstrates unequivocally Wally’s long-term service to his position as Proconsul and Clan Arcona. I feel his projects list details in full all of his attributes being rolled into the cornerstone of Arcona that is Marick. He is absolutely qualified to receive a Sapphire Blade, and I can only thank him for all of his efforts in ensuring that Arcona remains the stalwart it has been in our fourteen month service.

Here’s to another fourteen months.

Congratulations, Marick.

~Wuntila Entar Arconae, Consul. Clan Arcona.

---

Marick, known to all of us in Arcona as Wally, is probably the Proconsul I have enjoyed working with the most in my time in the Brotherhood. Though I am only a Battleteam Leader, Wally has always been one of the first I go to if I have a problem. This is because he is always ready to listen, ready to help, ready to sort it out. His presence is second to none, in fact during Horizons he was seemingly about 24/7, motivating one last event out of even the lazier Arconans.

His limitless dedication to the clan might best be shown by the huge amount of work he put into the 'Trial of Loyalty' Operation, which he ran in tandem with Consul Wuntila. This brilliantly written storyline inspired myself, as well as others, to take part in the massively varied event, helping us all massively as we prepared for Horizons. Wally also designed the concept for the new Arconan Cythrauls, introducing the wolf-like creatures as rewards and pets for Arcona’s elite.

That is why Marick, who I consider to be one of my best friends in the Brotherhood, fully deserves this Sapphire Blade. Congrats, Wally. You've earned this.

Andrelious J. Inahj Gatewarden, Shadow Gate Qel-Droma of Arcona

---

Marick is the epitome of self sacrifice and dedication to Arcona. He is the benchmark by which any leader in the club could be measured. Despite having a pretty brutal work schedule at times, he is always available for a chat, for a word of encouragement, or just the kick in the pants that is needed to motivate the membership. He can be seen behind the scenes orchestrating competitions to improve the clan, defusing tensions...most of the time before they get out of hand, and ensuring that not only is the Clan being run smoothly by those under him, but that they are aware that he expects them to be on his level with his energy and his dedication. And he has been doing this for the entire time that he has been PCON. You can always expect to see him on IRC, and know that he will give you his full attention regardless of what else might be swirling around him. Clearly he deserves at least the Sapphire Blade for this level of service. Congratulations, sir.

Scelestus, Aedile HQD

---

It's difficult to write a recc for Wally because of the ginormous amount of things I could say. He has pretty much mentored me since my first day in the DB. He wasn't even my master at first but he took it upon himself to show me the ropes around the place.. and then kept going. You technically no longer have a master after you reach DJK, but Wally's never stopped being there. It's been a crazy journey going from BTL to AED and then QUA all in a year, the first year, and having someone there to guide or scold me through the growing pains was awesome, and for a good experience, probably necessary.

I wasn't his first student, though. He mentored one to JH before me who fell inactive shortly after. Wally saw it as a failure on his part, though there's really not much one can do if a student is whisked away in real life. But I think he's more than made up for it. I was not an easy student - I made him work for it. I was mouthy, opinionated, and extremely active, always demanding attention and answers. He put up with all of it, even during the war, and never once put me off for something else. Never a negative comment, always handfuls of praise and advice and a shoulder to cry on when real life got tough. I should be able to give him this award based on the above alone.

But if that isn't enough, Wally is the epitome of dedication to the Brotherhood. There is not a time of day or night that he is "offline" from the DB. I've seen him carry about business while on set at work, and that's no easy task. He's always staying up late either working on a competition or helping someone out, or talking to a new or old member. He forsakes video games for DB work and half the time that he's out with friends I'll still find him online in some fashion either working or discussing DB stuff. He's either run or helped run all of the major Clan events in the last year, choosing to judge them so that everyone can have fun, even though he himself can't participate. He did manage to participate in the DB-wide Ambitions RO competition and took 2nd place to my 1st. He also made it through to the second round of the DB-wide CHL, and was subsequently beaten by me, his student. I guess he taught me how to RO and ACC too well. :)

It is, of course, not just me though. Wally watches over the entire Clan. He wasn't even Proconsul yet but it simply was his style. He's helped out countless members with their competition submissions and entries, a metric asston of ACC posts, and has been the mediator of many discussions and arguments inside and outside of Arcona. Wally always tries to come to a middle ground in everything, and it may not always work, but he has the best of intensions.

His heart is here in the Brotherhood. He is extremely dedicated to Arcona's members and to making this an awesome place to play in, with no want for reward for himself. I've followed in his footsteps for the past year, but I've also mimicked them as well, showing my appreciation for all that he has done and showing by repetition that he is an exemplary leader worthy of copying. Congratulations on this award, Wally, you deserve this and more. :)

-Socks

---

Wally...I honestly don't know where to begin with this guy. Marick has been nothing short of a godsend to me, he has been consistently there for both me and the Clan. Actually, you know what. I can't write this. Wally is the man. He really is. He goes on about how he is there for the Clan first and foremost and you know what? He is. Ask around the DB, no one has a bad word to say about him. The bloke is loved by everything and for one reason. He cares....he cares about you, me and everybody else. He wants people to have a good time and enjoy themselves in the Brotherhood. He pushes you forward, encourages you, placates your fears and reminds you how you should behave. I owe so much to him that on reading back this rec so far, it makes me think I sound like I'm trying to butter him up. But that's not true at all...

Wally has been in leadership now consistently for coming up to three year, serving as BTL, AED, QUA and finally PCON. While he's been doing that, he has mentored me without realising it. He provides an example of how a leader should act. Encouraging and setting an example, pushing me to be my best. Kicking me up the backside when I'm complaining and not doing stuff and also making me feel valued as a member of the team. At the moment I'm doing a course about personal development where I'm pushed in real life to develop my skills. Only now have I realised that Wally has been doing so to me for the past 10 months without knowing.

Despite being busy with running countless events such as Trials of Loyalty and assisting in running the Family Feud and Operation Rolling Thunder. He has also participated in several ACC matches, both in the CHL and outside of it. By assisting him in proofreading his posts have I come to know Wally and the way he thinks. He selflessly gives up his own sleep by spending all day helping others and then focusing on what he needs to do for his own enjoyment within the DB. Many are the mornings when I've woken up and come online at 8 or 9am GMT and there Wally is, typing away on an ACC post or marking competition entries or writing up some projects. Wally is dedicated to the DB and to Arcona. He is an example to us all as leaders.

While Wuntila was busy with work, Marick stepped up to the plate to keep us all under control. Ever since I first met him when he was still a little Guardian, he has impressed me with his vigour, his aptitude and his sheer likeability in the face of adversity. He is the mediator of Arcona, constantly stepping in to fix things or patch up problems. Without Wally, I might have left Arcona a long time ago (I did, but he was a factor in returning from HOU), I'm sure some others would've too. But, he is one of the reasons they stay. He is an example, a compatriot and without a doubt, he is my friend.

He is one of the guys in the DB who has made me who I am today, and for that, I thank him profusely. Thank you Wally, you deserve this Sapphire Blade even though I know you'll complain at us for giving you it. So I'll say this...enjoy the nice things that people write about you and accept it, mate.

Sanguinius Tsucyra Entar Quaestor of House Galeres

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Wally is one of the nicest, most well-meanijng people I know. Whilst his naivete can often set him back, his unparalleled care is what engenders loyalty and perserverance from those serving under him. His commitment to Arcona and the DB has never been in question, and is often displayed with his complete disregard for personal reward, instead always, always working for the benefit of his members, be this through helping them with their ACC posts, running competitions rather than participating in them, or even just shooting the shit on g+. He is always, always available for his members, and despite a brutally aggressive RL schedule, finds time for Arcona. He is the personification of a member's leader, and deserves rewarding for such outstanding commitment to those under his care. - Dash

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It is my honour to be recommending Wally for a Sapphire Blade for his hard work and dedication to Clan Arcona. What can I really say about this guy that others haven’t in this recommendation, well he never stops working. He is always on IRC around helping not only members of the summit but any member if they require help. On many occasions I have seen this guy pull out all of the stops staying up till the early hours of the morning to make sure that members get the help and time that they require to resolve issues. His dedication to this Clan has been exceptional and his motivation and drive towards other members is never faltering. For all of your had work and time you have put in Wally I thank you. Congratulations and keep working hard.

Cethgus Tiberus Entar Aedile of House Galeres

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It is such an honor for me to be able to write a recommendation for the man who has done so much for me in the Brotherhood, and who has done so much for all of Arcona. In the last few months, Wally has gone above and beyond the normal call of duty for Proconsuls, juggling a dozen projects and still finding the time to help out newer members with even the simplest questions. I don’t know how he does it.

Wally is a fantastic guide for Arcona, a steady hand on the helm with a clear head on his shoulders. I have a reputation, deservedly or not (haha, okay, fine, I deserve it) for being somewhat hot-headed, and countless times Wally has been the one to defuse situations and be the voice of reason. Recently, he has given huge chunks of his free time brainstorming and running Clan competitions, painstakingly judging and scoring every entry himself. And, in a strange twist that is almost unheard of in the Brotherhood, every event was released and judged on time, with no delays.

As the day-to-day maestro of Clan Arcona, Wally has become the close confidante of every member of the Summit, and damn near every member of the Clan. I can’t imagine an Arcona without Wally, and if I could, I’m sure I’d wish otherwise. He deserves this Sapphire Blade, and I’m sure the day he gets it, he’ll challenge me to an ACC battle so that he can use it against me - congrats, Wally, and thank you.

-Legorii Kryotek Entar, Aedile of Galeres

Wuntila Zratis Entar Arconae, 2013-01-06 19:09:54 UTC

The Sapphire Blade is awarded to members of the Dark Brotherhood who have shown consistent and long term service. This award is often reserved for members of the Dark Council, Dark Summit, and those who excel during Vendettas. It is uncommon for Praetors to receive the Sapphire Blade because their work takes places behind the scenes and is only known by their specific Dark Councilor. Mirado Pepoi L'eonhear; however, is a different case. Mirado has not only served as the Praetor to the Voice, but has also served as the acting Voice for several months due to Vodo's internet woes. During this time Mirado served at a level significantly above and beyond any other Praetor within the Dark Brotherhood. Mirado published his amusing "Not the Voice" Voice reports to continue advertising Voice competitions and to announce the winners of past competitions. Additionally he created and judged monthly fiction topic competitions to include the highly popular "Load the Cannons" series.

It is an honor to recommend and award Mirado Pepoi L'eonheart the Sapphire Blade.

• Pravus, Voice of the Dark Brotherhood

I would like to express my appreciation for Mirado stepping in and doing what leaders do when action is called for. Without prompting for anyone, he took matters into his own hands to keep this very important position up and running. He did so with little to no support or guidance from Muz or myself and availed himself well of the challenges.

For his mature and unbidden efforts, I'd like to help reward Mirado with the Sapphire Blade. Congratulations and thank you for your service.

• Raken, Deputy Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood

Raken, 2012-12-07 16:38:08 UTC