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 Iâve seen, and into one of the cornerstones of Arconaâs 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 âBest Clanmateâ (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: â⦠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.â
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 Arconaâs 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 âDrink with the GMâ and âUgly Sweaterâ 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 âdetachedâ 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 donât 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. Thatâs 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 âShadow Chronâ 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 Wallyâs 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.
Hereâs 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 Arconaâs 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
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
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 havenât 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
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 donât 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 canât imagine an Arcona without Wally, and if I could, Iâm sure Iâd wish otherwise. He deserves this Sapphire Blade, and Iâm sure the day he gets it, heâll 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