Event History

Troutrooper has nothing left to prove at this point in his DB career. He honestly should be off on an island somewhere sipping fishy-collada’s and gettin caught in the rain. Still, before the start of the Dark Crusade, he joined up with Clan Arcona and right off the bat became a part of the family. Looking back at this past year, It would be hard for me to think that Trouty had been in any other unit besides Arcona. His loyalty and dedication to the Clan and it’s member shine as he has been friendly, supportive, and a fierce competitor to boot. As I got to know him more and more, I found it invaluable to get his opinion on certain matters. His fishy-sage-powers and ability to always (somehow) make light of a situation has been a huge part of my development as a leader and member of this club. While the recipients of a Sapphire Blade typically have shown consistent and long-term service to their Clan or Brotherhood position, Trouty has functioned as an unofficial Summit member in Arcona, offering advice and wisdom wherever he could. He has had a slew of young BTL’s (and often jokes about it) who he has helped with his presence and easy going attitude, and never lets anything drag him down. It is contagious, and the proper attitude of a member of the Brotherhood.

The Sapphire Blade also can also be rewarded for extraordinary amounts of activity in a large scale event. No competition to date has matched the Dark Crusade- and Trouty really showed why he has made it so far in this club with his efforts. Trouty bats a 28 / 31, 90% participation rate for the Dark Crusade, 5th overall in Arcona. On top of that, he was a member of Arcona’s Special Forces team for all 3 chapters of Phase 2. Over the course of the Crusade, Trouty has scored 11 total novae: 6 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze. His efforts have been nothing short of heroic, and Arcona would not have finished as strongly as it did without his help. I don’t want to count the pages of fiction he’s written, let alone ponder the word count he’s accumulated. It takes a special type of dedication to put out that level of work when you’ve already earned most of the clubs highest honors.

Thank you Trouty for rocking out with us this year. I can’t thank you enough for the help you’ve been as a friend and fellow member. Here’s to more and better times ahead.

Consul of Clan Arcona

Legend Wally, 2013-12-03 09:01:21 UTC

Dacien, Aedile of House Plagueis, and critical component to the very foundation of the Team Plagueis. It is with great honor that I recommend him for a Sapphire Blade, a recommendation that I do not take lightly and have given careful consideration. When looking at the awarding of a sacramental I look at three distinct areas of participation/contribution/impact on a personal, house, and DJB level. It is to Dacien’s hard work and dedication to these three areas to which I will speak.

After the tumultuous events that transpired during the second to last round of the Dark Crusade Dacien rose from the ranks to assume the mantle of leadership as the Aedile of House Plagueis. I could never truly articulate that he was the right man for the right job at the right time. House Plagueis needed a competent and capable leader who had the historical expertise and drive to propel the House through this time of crisis. Dacien raised his hand with complete understanding of the complexities of the situation and committed to giving a 100% of his time and effort to the cause. Preventing what many hypothesized would be the further degradation of House Plagueis. To complicate matters, as a veteran member of the DJB he was paired with a relative rookie to the organization to lead this effort.

With the odds seemingly stacked against the House and the new leadership Dacien led by example from day one. He immediately posted a report highlighting his intentions and expectations and from that point never looked back. Almost daily interaction on the Google Groups and IRC Dacien was a recruitment and mentorship powerhouse. He clearly understood the intent and guidance from higher and executed flawlessly. His contributions can be directly reflected in when looking at flow of members into the House. Following the aforementioned events 16 members left House Plagueis either through transfer or AWOL status. Following Dacien’s impressive recruitment efforts 15 active members transitioned in to House Plagueis. 15 active members who were and integral part of the stunning 2.93 participation ration that Plagueis earned the final round of the Dark Crusade. Furthermore, in the midst of numerous leadership initiatives Dacien completed 7 Crusade events, earning a Gold Nova in the final round when the team needed him the most. In addition, Dacien initiated, processed, and tracked, through approval, 9 Battlefield promotions and a combination of 11 merit/sacramental medals. To that end, Dacien is more than deserving.

However, recruitment alone, although impressive, is only the start. Dacien was a constant mentor to members both new and old. Always available to answer questions and address concerns, Dacien was a staple to the Google Group, sending timely and accurate responses on a near daily basis. This was a quality and accomplishment that I can state directly impacted and assisted the members of House Plagueis. Members were never left wondering what if he did not know the example he exhausted his resources to garner that answer. I have heard numerous accolades from the members of the House trumpeting the approachability and reliability when dealing with Dacien. In an all volunteer club, where numerous members are in different time zones and drastically differing real life constraints to have a staple of reliability and expertise is priceless. To that end, Dacien is more than deserving.

More so, Dacien was able to transition the integral support he provided into a motivational resolve that was contagious. He was a ever present voice of a can do attitude from participation to support at all levels. There was never a question if Dacien believed that House Plagueis would win the Dark Crusade, his every action reflected it. Every email, every update, and every message on IRC his expectations were clear. As a team, doing it the right way, driven by a spirit of healthy competition we would win the Dark Crusade. His brazen dedication the cause caught on quickly and the House Plagueis of old was reborn, stronger and with a Warrior’s resolve to the cause. To that end, Dacien is more than deserving.

When you view the performance of Dacien through the lens of DJB wide contribution his impact is readily apparent. At the end of the day a shared love of star wars, camaraderie, and healthy competition brought us to the DJB. That is in fact, the strength of the organization. Dacien understands this and executes his duty accordingly. Above the politics, he would just as readily reach out to or assist members of another House/Clan as he would his own in an effort to build the depth of the DJB team as a whole. In addition, Dacien was instrumental in the creation of a new House Plagueis website, ultimately constructing a helpful venue for not just our immediate members but prospective members to the organization. This effort is directly in line with recent/ongoing initiatives DJB wide for recruitment and advertising to build the team. To this end, Dacien is more than deserving

As Quaestor of House Plagueis I can without a doubt state the success of the House is a direct reflection of the selfless service and relentless effort of Dacien. He is a humble servant to each and every member and attributes all of his success, rightly so, to their efforts. However, a strong guiding hand during a time of need was just what House Plagueis needed. The right guy, for the right job, at the right time. To that end, Dacien is more than deserving of a Sapphire Blade. It is with great honor that I wholeheartedly make this recommendation and stand side by side with him in service of House Plagueis. Congratulations Dacien, I could not ask for a more competent, capable battle buddy and friend.

Montresor, 2013-12-02 19:03:30 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

Slagar is House Plagueis’ MVP for the Dark Crusade. His impact on the House’s overall performance was profound, from his unrivaled 16 novae (9 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze!) to his tremendous effort organizing teams, encouraging participation, providing advice, and proof-reading entries, no one else has done so much to bring House Plagueis is first-ever Vendetta win.

This Sapphire Blade has been earned several times over.

Montresor, 2013-11-29 19:42:26 UTC

Archangel succeeded in being the the biggest and baddest of the Scholae Palatinae efforts in the Dark Crusade. He participated in 27 events, the greatest amounts of any one in the house, beating the next closest by 5 events. He also had one of the highest totals of Nova earned in Scholae Palatinae with 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze.

Outside of his own ambitious efforts, Archangel also was a leader among the Scholae Palatinae efforts. He was a consistent member of the Special Forces team. He kept a watchful eye on the Wikipedia Event as the resident wiki know it all. He made sure our Battleplan submissions were in line and of the best quality possible. He led and focused our Alien Swarm team making sure we knew what we were doing (leading to a first place win for our team). He offered his proofreading skills to anyone who needed them in the house. When ever anyone, HSPer or not, needed help with gaming he was there to give advice.

Pretty much, Arch has been boss throughout this entire year long Vendetta. Scholae Palatinae would most definitely never have done as well as it did without him. By way of thanks for his above and beyond efforts in the crusade, I recommend he be awarded this Sapphire Blade. Thank you so much Arch.

Lord Idris Adenn, 2013-11-27 16:36:44 UTC

Xen'Mordin has been an impressive leader on many fronts as Quaestor of Scholae Palatinae. Speaking of fronts, how about leading from the front? This is a man who has garnered seven Novae during the Dark Crusade, three of which are Gold from the latest round, and is continually setting the standard of competitiveness for his members.

Vendetta performance aside, I have been even more impressed with Xen's easy-going nature that only enhances my ability to work with him. The two of us have dialogued quite a bit over the last year and while Xen is passionate regarding his House and the issues, he is always professional. Moreover, he is helpful and courteous to members outside his unit, highly responsive to items Muz or I need from Scholae Palatinae, and all-around just a really mature individual who is a pleasure to work with.

Xen doesn't yet have a Sacramental award. I'm proud and honored to be among the fine members to recommend his first one.

Well done, Xen. Thank you for everything you do on behalf of the Brotherhood.

Raken, Deputy Grand Master

It's the work. Putting our heads down, sweating the details, getting work done is what makes the difference. While others stop after every achievement and spend more energy trying to make sure people see that they did something, the best of us channel that energy into something else. Something that means more. Something that will outlast them. Xenmordin has been that way. He pushes hard, fights for his people. He leads from trenches that he had to dig himself. And he does that without disenfranchising anyone. New members seeking answers find words of advice coming from him easily.

People who need help find him volunteering. Not only the people he is responsible for, but anyone who he crosses paths with. And he doesn't grandstand about it. He doesn't draw attention to it, doesn't make a big deal out of it. It's all about the work. And sometimes that can mean that he gets overlooked. It is beyond time that Xen be rewarded for his work, for his dedication, for his attitude. It is just a token of our gratitude, Xen. Thank you, for all that you do.

~Muz Ashen, Dark Lord of the Sith

Xen’mordin is an awesome leader and may definitely be set as an example for all current and future members of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood, who are willing to become excellent leaders. He has been leading our House with extremely high dedication and devotion for almost 1,000 days at this point. There is merely nothing, which Xen would not do to improve our House in all aspects of its functioning and to create the most member friendly and activity boosting environment, with sole exception for immoral actions and unfair decision. He works hard on various projects, which are aimed to increase the activity of our comrades.

More importantly, Xen is always there, willing to provide me advice on various matters related to effective, efficient and members-oriented leadership. I can always approach him and ask him about something or ask him to review my ideas for the House. I am sure that he will never say “No” for the sake of just doing so, but he will provide constructive criticism and advice on what to improve in a given idea or solution, in order to make it suit the needs of our unit the best. I know that Xen has the same attitude towards every single member of our small community. Everyone may approach him and speak with him about various matters, both important for the House or a given member and small talk topics.

However, the praises above do not exhaust the awesomeness of Xen’Mordin. Above all his works for our House, he leads us by his own example. I would like to stress that his example is among the best in the history of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. Xen has participated in numerous competitions, including the HSP Summer Games, Independence Games and all Chapters of the Dark Crusade, which have taken place so far. He has been found among top 3 participants in many of these competitions. He has organized our work and pointed out important events during every Chapter of the Dark Crusade. His attitude and example have increased our own motivation to do our best to submit our own entries.

Certainly, you do not have to believe me on word. However, the record of Xen’s service, which is available on his dossier speaks for itself. Xen’Mordin has earned 4 merit awards ( 1 Seal of Loyalty, 2 Anteian Crosses and 1 Dark Cross ), 13 Seals of Reminiscence, 8 Novae ( 3 Gold Novae and 5 Silver Novae ), 6 Crescents ( 1 Crescent with Amethyst Star, 2 Crescents with Sapphire Star and 3 Crescents with Topaz Star ) and 2 Clusters of Ice. All these medals have been earned by Xen since his promotion to the rank of Sith Warlord on the 5th of March 2013. What is more, he has hosted five competitions – one for the Independence Games and four on House level.

I believe that all these merits make Xen one of the best leaders in the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. His zeal, dedication and never-ending energy, which are clearly visible in all he does for our club, ranging from casual activity through participation in various projects to fulfilling his leadership duties as the Quaestor of House Scholae Palatinae, make one of the most shining stars on the sky of the Brotherhood. That is why I am deeply convinced that Xen’mordin Vismorsus has more than earned his very first Sacramental Award. I am honored to be allowed to give my supportive voice to the recommendation for one of the most brilliant members and leaders of Dark Jedi Brotherhood.

Respectfully, KP Xantros HSP Aedile.

Raken, 2013-09-26 18:12:36 UTC

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