Marick Arconae. Wally to his friends. Now, Elder to everyone else.

I have known Wally for several years now. In that time I have watched him move from Proconsul to Consul of Arcona, join the Voice team, and greatly aid our Combat Master in building a brand-new Antei Combat Center. Meanwhile, no big deal for Wally, he led his unit to excellence in the Horizons Vendetta and a close-second placing in the Dark Crusade.

Those are great things, but where Wally really stands out is fostering a sense of family and community in his unit and the Dark Brotherhood at large. We have tried, and sometimes failed, to choose leaders who will help us realize the vision of a true Brotherhood. Yes, we fight and squabble as units, leaders, and individuals, but at the end of the day, we're all Star Wars fans, obviously enjoy ourselves here, and are ultimately all striving for the same thing: A fun place to share imagination and good times with our friends.

Wally really lives this notion. Friend, "foe," boss, subordinate, Wally always remembers at the end of the day that we are all here for the same reason and, regardless of differences, should treat each other with respect. So this is what I think of with Wally around. This is what I am reminded of.

I remember the sea change he helped effect in Arcona that really brought that unit into the modern Brotherhood. I remember his passion for issues large and small. I remember his ability to take hard knocks from his peers and leaders and always move forward. Wally does not quit. A trait I greatly admire and a rare one in today's world.

I will let others say more, but for me, these are the things I most value in a member of the club. These traits, and those who embody them, will be remembered. Not just by me, but by those who will come after us and wonder who we were.

No one will wonder who Wally was.

Welcome to Elder, Wally. Well earned.

-Raken, Deputy Grand Master

Raken, 2014-08-20 10:19:05 UTC

As a member of Arcona's leadership team for over 2 years now, I have worked very closely with Wally during his time as Proconsul and now as Consul. In that time I have found him to be one of the most approachable Consuls I have ever had the chance to work with. Some would keep themselves distant from the clan, but not Wally. He manages to pull off being friends with virtually every single one of us, making him both an excellent colleague and one the best friends I have in the Brotherhood.

His endless drive to help people has gone so far above and beyond his role as Consul, that he has also taken to working in the Antei Combat Centre as a Judge. Many a time do I see that it is him who has judged a battle, approved a character sheet, or given advice to someone on how they can improve him.

Arise, Dark Adept Marick Arconæ!

Clan Rollmaster, Arcona

, 2014-08-06 19:16:28 UTC

I like writing recommendations. It's the best part of being a leader in the Brotherhood, because you get to recognize the contributions of a member who gives freely of their time to a club that we all love, and in the process, you get to bring them great joy. I think that this recommendation has the potential to bring more joy to a member than any I’ve ever written, and yet, I am struggling to find the language to accurately express Wally’s significance to Arcona and to the Brotherhood.

I mean, come on. The guy’s been in active leadership for nearly five years -- since January 2010, when he became a BTL in Arcona. He’s since risen all the way to Consul, and his ascent has been marked by some of the greatest milestones in Arconan history. He has given more of himself to this club than any other member that I know of in that timespan, and he has had a more profound impact on Arcona in his time as a leader than could ever be measured.

Wally will be the first to tell you that he’s not the greatest technical writer in the club, he’s not the best administrator, his vision for Arcona isn’t necessarily any better than those of our past Consuls (most of whom have attained this same rank). But he more than makes up for all of that with his incredible passion, his inventiveness and constant innovation, and his charismatic nature. That passion is evident in all that he does, whether it’s a competition that he’s running, a report he’s writing, or a project he’s spearheading.

But let’s talk about his innovation. There are quite a few components of today’s Brotherhood that Wally can claim responsibility for, things that weren’t a part of our landscape when he first became a leader in early 2010. For instance, WhatsApp groups -- we use several of them in Arcona, and we communicate regularly with members of multiple units and the Dark Council on it. In fact, in our main public WhatsApp group, I believe we currently have five units represented. We talk about cooperation between the units a lot, usually in the context of grand schemes and policy changes, but really, one of the biggest steps toward inter-unit cooperation has been getting guys in the same room to chat casually, around-the-clock.

If you’re looking for another example of Wally’s innovation, look no further than the Antei Contract Bureau. This is an initiative that he began years ago in Arcona with the hope of taking it to a bigger stage for the entire Brotherhood, and we’re finally on the cusp of realizing that goal. Wally is currently overseeing monthly pilot programs that even include some non-Arconans (that cooperation we were talking about?) with the help of a team of younger leaders, and the contracts have been massively popular so far.

Now, I want to say a few words about what I believe makes Wally unique and truly special in this club. Arcona has always had some talent, traditionally some good writers and some good gamers, but it takes more than talent to win a vendetta in today’s Brotherhood. I played a big part in Arcona’s Great Jedi War IX victory in 2009, and was around again for the win in Great Jedi War X. While the outcome was the same, the second time around, the team was much stronger. Why? Because of a system that had its roots in 2009, but was not fully realized until Wally was a driving force on the Summit. When people ask us what the key to Arcona’s success is, we talk about our community and our friendly atmosphere. Previously, we could (and did) win with a core of talented competitors; in GJW X and in Horizons, we won with a large, cohesive team. Member retention is something that Muz has hammered into our skulls for years, and Arcona’s system (which Wally has perfected and personified) is responsible for greater retention than any other unit in the same timespan. Wally treats every member, young or old, with respect and courtesy, bringing them into the fold, engaging them on IRC, getting to know who they really are beneath their gruff, Dark Jedi exteriors.

He does it better than anyone else in this club. It’s not close. Without the community that Wally creates, where everyone is welcome, whether you’re a young mom that likes writing poetry and passing the time on IRC at odd hours or a young teenager in southeast Asia with a penchant for Shadow Academy exams. Wally is a master connector, and without the bonds that he helps forge between members, our ragtag little band of Star Wars fans would be much littler. He’s the face of the Arconan way, and is a living testament to its success -- after all, he came up in it, stretching all the way back to his time as an insufferable teenager in the BHG.

Wally has the hardware -- five straight Seals of Loyalty, is that a record? -- with an Amethyst Kukri and a Ruby Scepter since his last promotion. His contributions far exceed the boundaries of Clan Arcona, as well; he’s been instrumental in the changeover to ACC 2.0, and has worked with the VOICE and FIST offices as well. And while we’re throwing out resume bullet points, it bears reminding that Wally was the Third Hero of the Dark Crusade, while transitioning to Consul. Leadership by example is one of the most powerful forms of leadership in the Brotherhood, and Wally’s nailed it.

As I wind this down, by this point conceding that my recommendation will fall woefully short of capturing Wally’s essence, I want to emphasize how fantastic Wally is to work with. As his Proconsul, we’re in touch by mobile every day, at all hours of the day. I’m there beside him for his triumphs and his setbacks, listening to his frustrations and sharing in his excitement. I’ve learned more about leadership from him than I ever thought I could, and I am eternally grateful to him for what he’s done for me and for Arcona. But most of all, I’m grateful to him for his friendship. And really, that’s what this is all about.

Wally, we don’t leave anyone behind. The other day, you told me that we’d finally gotten the whole Summit sorted awards-wise for a bit. I’m tremendously honored to be able to make that statement true today.

Congratulations, Wally -- here’s the big one.

Legorii, Proconsul of Arcona

Legorii Arconae, 2014-08-07 13:20:58 UTC

Wally and I began working together on the Character Sheet Systems, sitting up at 3 AM creating Feats and writing Skills. During that time we established a strong friendship and working relationship. We learned how to play off each other and how to drive the best out of each other. This alone is not the mark of a good leader and the transcendence of simple membership. The reason this proves that he should be an Elder is what happened earlier in the year. Despite that he and I were on opposing sides of a very ugly and bloody CoJ case that caused significant rifts in the Brotherhood, he forgave. He threw out Clan pride and Clan nationalism and worked with me for hours and hours and together, we were a major part of developing the new Character Sheet system for the Brotherhood.

This is the mark of a man who should be an Elder and sets him apart from Equites. A member who strives to better the Brotherhood and not just one Clan. He could have ignored me, he could have shunned me, and he could have sat quietly and done his work, but he didn't. Especially when so many others would have, it shows the kind of leader that Wally is. Those are the kinds of people who should be granted the tier of Elder, the kinds of people who are remembered for years in the Brotherhood: not the ones who cause trouble, but the ones who extend hands and work together, regardless of what Clan they're from.

Congratulations, Wally. You win. Jerk.

Alaris Jinn

Adept Alaris Jinn, 2014-08-08 03:27:58 UTC

I am honoured to be recommending Marick for his elevation to the rank of Dark Side Adapt. He is constantly working for the betterment of not only the Clan but the Brotherhood as a singular entity. This can be threw his determination as Consul of Arcona or his work inside of the ACC, we always find he is trying to improve things for the club.

Since working with his inside the Clan Wally is always putting members first, making sure that they are ok and resolving their issues without a moments hesitation. Staying up late or waking up early he puts time and effort into this club and shows that he cares about everything that he does. He has constantly watched and helped myself and anyone else inside the Clan grow as a Leader. Teaching us and constantly mentoring us to not only improve us as leaders but improve the core leadership of Clan Arcona. Keeping it active and driven, leading us through countless parts of the Dark Crusade under one flag. Without want or demand for anything, Wally is one of those rare guys inside the club that continues to prove that we are here all in the same boat. His devotion is truly something spectacular.

Congratulations on your Elevation to the rank of DA Wally. You deserve this man and I am glad to see all of your hard work has been rewarded. Keep up the hard work in the future, and I look forward to continue to work closely with you.

Quaestor of House Galeres

Cethgus Tiberius Entar, 2014-08-08 15:44:31 UTC

My first exposure to Marick was when he was still a fresh-faced young member, fighting in the ACC all the way back in 2010. Soon thereafter, he was appointed leader of Oblivion Brigade, surviving the reduction of Clans to Houses. He immediately set out to take a formerly faceless Battleteam and turn it into something special. Within months, Oblivion was an iconic team, rivaling Soulfire in prominence largely thanks to Wally’s tireless drive. He took something relatively small and powerless and added a flavorful backstory, inspiring its members to likewise become something greater.

When Arcona was once again made a Clan, Wally responded accordingly, and Oblivion Brigade was reluctantly consigned to its namesake. He immediately took up House leadership, playing an instrumental part Arcona’s re-establishment as a Clan and our eventual victory in the last Great Jedi War. From there, only Clan leadership would satisfy him, and he has done so with aplomb, taking with him the lessons learned over years of continuous, unbroken Clan leadership.

It is this tendency towards improvement, I think, that continues to set Wally apart from the vast majority of the Brotherhood’s modern leadership. Too many people get caught up in the minutiae of things, setting themselves into patterns and grinding away at administrative duties. While Wally still does all of that, and does it well, his most important contributions to the Clan and the Brotherhood stem from his drive towards making things better, rather than just managing them. It is little surprise, then, that he’s been at the forefront of so many improvements to the Brotherhood. Much of the new ACC has sprung from his mind. Likewise the Arcona Contract Bureau. These are things that will last for years. Things that have made the Brotherhood a materially better place for its members. That, on its own, already merits Elder status.

There are many other things I could list here. His unfailing kindness towards fellow members. His willingness to actually believe the best of others. The fact that he has continuously held leadership positions for half a decade, without it once growing stale and the same. His skills as an artist, an inspirator, a writer and a designer. But, in the end, I think it simply comes down to this: In a Brotherhood where most people seem content to take, Wally is someone who has consistently chosen to give.

Timeros Caesus Entar Arconae, 2014-08-10 11:08:33 UTC

Wally is the one of the new age of leaders, a man who has his hands in many pies and always seems to do everything at top speed. He is always there for people, no matter the reason and no matter what he's doing, if he can make the time to help someone out then he will. Honestly, I could spend a lot of time extolling his virtues, but I know that other people will have already done that, so instead I'll just say a little something different.

Wally has been in leadership within Arcona for a long time, and I genuinely can't remember the last time he was overwhelmed. It seems that with every new responsibility and every new task, he grows stronger. Not only that, but he looks outside of the Clan often, trying to find new ways to help the Brotherhood as a whole, to make activity better or to simply help someone out. He doesn't know how to say no to doing what he feels is right or for the best, and that is a quality which is hard to find and impossible to teach; it is simply who he is. A leader. A friend. A damn good person.

Congratulations dude, it might not mean much to you, but we're all proud of you. That said, you'll always be that dweeb from Phoenix to me (in the nicest possible way of course).

SWL Nadrin Erinos Arconae

Nadrin Erinos Arconae, 2014-08-11 13:01:52 UTC

Its hard to know where to start when writing a recommendation for Wally to take his step into the Elder ranks, the amount of activities he's been involved in is nearly unrivaled. His friendly demeanor and courtesy to members of the club is something that every leader within the club should endeavor to reach. Being active and social alone aren't what get people promoted to Elder though, hard work and accomplishments do and Marick has plenty of those as well.

Wally was one of the core members working on the newly reborn ACC. A look at any of the guides associated with Character sheets and you can find his work. Through the stormy times as our club adjusted to a new system Wally assisted by offering feedback on why certain choices were made with the Character Sheets, and offered advice on how to best bring each members character to life through the use of them.

As Proconsul and Consul Wally worked tirelessly to bring members of not only Arcona, but all of the Club together in new and inventive ways. Google+ Hangouts let many new members put faces to the individuals behind the names and IRC text. As individuals got to know each other on a more personal level old Clan rivalries and stereotypes faded often replaced by new friendships, or at the very least a healthy respect for each other.

Beyond Google+ the introduction of WhatsApp revolutionized the way members communicate. Offering an on the go alternative to IRC for many, and allowing leadership teams, from House Summits to the Dark Council, to quickly bounce ideas off one another.

When I think of an Elder I think of someone who has made this Club better for all its members, with no agenda or expectation of reward. Wally fits that description very well. I couldn't be happier to add a small writeup to his promotion. So congratulations Wally! And thank you for everything you've done, from a newbie journeyman in House Galeres who only knew you as a mighty Proconsul once upon a time.

-Valhavoc, Fist of the Brotherhood

Valhavoc, 2014-08-12 00:18:05 UTC

There are a lot of places I could start with this, a lot of things I could say, and a lot of verbose ways I could say it. Too many. Not enough. Even I don’t have enough words.

I still remember one of the very first things Wally ever said to me when I joined the Brotherhood. You know what it was? A simple hello? Some extravagant encouragement or grand welcome? A little friendly instruction for the newbie? I’m sure he did say all those things, but I don’t remember any of them specifically. No, what I remember is him asking me if I’d ever read The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss (I hadn’t, and didn’t for awhile, despite his nagging. Totally worth it though).

I offer this little anecdote to exemplify something: Wally cares. He cares like no one else. He welcomed me to the Clan, engaged me, noticed my writing and complimented it. He figured out from that writing that I probably liked reading, and recommended a book to me. He talked to me, paid attention, taught me, and quickly became one of my dearest friends. But the thing about Wally is that he will do that to everyone, to anyone. No one gets excluded and no one is beyond his compassion. Even when he doesn’t like people, he makes an effort not to disrespect them or to see them disrespected. He reaches out to everyone, all while keeping Arcona at its best to the absolute best of his ability.

The thing is, every single person in this club is someone to him. Yes, it’s just an online volunteer club and it’s only a small part of each of our lives. But it’s also not. Me, I found home here--friends, family, love and belonging, laughs. And it’s not this superficial thing. It’s not some tiny interest I have now that I’ll forget in a couple more months. It’s really home, and Wally makes it home. Maybe he cares too much sometimes, and maybe that’s a bad thing.

But maybe it isn’t.

Everyone else can give you more detailed examples. He’s done all the events, he’s got all the skills, or learns if he doesn’t. He writes, games, and ACCs. He’s been a BTL, a Quaestor, a Proconsul, and a Consul. He’s been on the Voice and Combat Master’s staff, he’s run projects, he’s proposed ideas. He has sacramentals, competition titles, and Seals of Loyalty. All the members and other leaders know him. He’s here, he’s loud, he’s proud. All of it, whatever. I submit, in my humble opinion, that while he’s got all that...it’s the beating heart he gives this place that counts for something. That’s what deserves this.

Congratulations, Wally. You don’t dream of a lot of things, even though you try to make the rest of us happy. I’m glad to see you get one of yours. You earned this.

And, just so you know: thank you for everything.

Aedile of House Galeres

Master Ruka Tenbriss Ya-ir, 2014-08-12 04:27:07 UTC

Others have mentioned Wally's many accomplishments: helping to grow Arcona, creating the Arcona Contract Bureau, Revamping the Character Sheets and the ACC, Magistrate to the Voice and so on. It truly is a repertoire that defies listing. Instead, I thought I'd offer my observations on him as a person, as a role model - as an example towards which anyone interested in leadership within the Brotherhood should strive. For the past three years, I've had the honor of knowing Wally. And it has been precisely that: an honor.

I knew him first as a competitor, vying against one another in the Independence Games. I believe I was lucky to have met him under those circumstances. I would never have believed that anyone with his record of victories could have been so humble and friendly towards an opponent. It was, in large part, his unique mixture of abashed talent, effort, and genuinely cheerful enthusiasm that drew me to Arcona. It's a decision I've never regretted. And that, too, is in large part due to him.

When I first transferred to Arcona, I had come off of a two year stint in the Rogues. I knew nothing of Arcona and felt a great deal of trepidation at the thought of serving as Aedile in Qel-Droma. As the largest single unit in the Brotherhood at the time, the House was an eclectic mix of personalities rife with chasmic differences. The idea of wading into that was daunting to say the least. Alone, I would have floundered. Yet Wally deftly navigated the riptide of flared tempers and bruised egos with ease. A few words kind words here, a stern chastising there, and people that had been at each others' throats would suddenly be working together, channeling their combative pride into making the House and Clan a better place. That's when I first saw exactly what makes Wally the successful leader that he is.

Throughout my time working under Wally, as his Aedile, then as Quaestor to his Proconsul, then on his extended Summit, this is what I've seen time and time again: he loves people. He wants the best for them. And he makes them want it as well. He has a lion's share of pride. But it is a pride in seeing those for whom he is responsible succeed. This is true in the Brotherhood, and in his personal life as well. If Arcona is a more open, welcoming unit than it was three years ago, it is due primarily to his influence. He makes everyone around him want to excel.

I've had the privilege of seeing him grow in other areas as well. He's gone from a young man, deft with people but easily mired in logistics, to a thoughtful planner, quick to paint broad strokes and wise enough to know when to delegate. When I first met him, he was more apt to spend eighteen hours a day for two weeks straight working on a project than he was to burden anyone around him with additional responsibilities. Over the past three years, he's learned to find people with a passion for a project - or cultivate that passion in them - and give them just enough direction to accomplish his vision. Yet, for all that, he always has a kind word and a quick smile for everyone around him.

I've known Wally as a competitor, a leader, a peer. I've never been prouder to call anyone a friend, or a brother.

Congratulations, Wally. You've earned this.

SBL Invictus

Terran Koul, 2014-08-12 04:27:10 UTC

There’s a lot I could say about Wally, and a lot of it would center on how good a guy he is and how great a friend he is. But ultimately, even the best of friendships do not warrant a promotion. Yet Wally, in only a little bit over a year since he reached EQ4, has demonstrated the sort of broader thinking and leadership qualities needed by Elders within the Brotherhood.

Wally has been the Proconsul and then Consul of the largest body of active members in the Brotherhood for almost three years now, and has never ceased to maintain the highest level of activity in himself while doing so. Never has that been so apparent than since his last promotion. Leading by example, Wally earned 3rd Hero honors in the Crusades while leading Arcona to second place overall, earning more than a half dozen gold novae and many more silver and bronze along the way.

What really sets Wally apart, though, is his willingness to offer help and work on projects that encompass more than just Arcona. Wally has recognized that it is only through a strong Brotherhood that Arcona, or any unit, can thrive, and it is that idea which seems to drive him forward as a member of the Voice Staff and as an ACC Judge.

As a member of the Voice Staff, Wally has approved 32% of all character sheets used at one point or another in the Brotherhood. His proficiency in this area was so remarkable that he was awarded a Ruby Scepter (along with his work on ACC exams). Even before there even was a character sheet to approve, Wally was working on the project. His footprints are all over the system, and he named huge numbers of feats, wrote multiple descriptions for various parts of the system, and ultimately earned himself an Amethyst Kukri for that effort. Wally has worked tirelessly on character sheet projects for the last year, and has been the primary driver behind the addition of dozens of new species for membership usage, an updated Character Creation Guide, and he wrote the original Character Sheet Approval Guidelines. To say that Wally was among the most important team members during the system’s development is no understatement and he followed that tremendous effort by helping to fine tune and add to a system he helped create.

In addition to his activity on character sheets, Wally works hard to keep the ACC exams well-tuned. He is the most active grader of the ACC Fundamentals exams (which he has wrote and revised), and is also one of the judges for ACC Qualifications exams. He remains an active participant on all ACC related matters, ranging from rules decisions and judgments discussions. Overall, he has an invaluable staff member as a Judge, and this is true of his place on the Voice Staff, as well.

While 16 months traditionally seems a little quick for a promotion to Elder from EQ4, Wally deserves it. He has been Consul for more than a year in that time period, and before that, he was Proconsul. In that same time period, he lead his clan to an impressive second place in the Crusades, took personal honors as 3rd Hero of the Crusades, and helped complete the character sheet system (launched in a “beta” stage last August), and the ACC (launched in May after a lengthy beta in which Wally was deeply involved). Of all the active Equites that have contributed so much to the club over the last year, Wally stands out as the most deserving of elevation to Elder. His activity and his dedication demand recognition, and for that reason, I firmly believe Wally deserves to join the Elders of this organization.

-Telaris "Mav" Taldrya Cantor, Combat Master

Telaris "Mav" Cantor, 2014-08-12 17:58:02 UTC

I get asked rather often: what makes one an elder?

I get asked this often enough that it seems to feature semi-regularly in my reports. What it means, what it takes, what a person has to do to reach past the equites and cement themselves as an elder of the brotherhood. There's been too many things written about them.

Today, I am going to talk about one of them. One of them who some will say is not ready. One of them who many will say hasn't yet earned his stripes. One who many will scratch their heads and wonder why he's getting this honor. And yet, one who has left an indelible mark on his clan, on the Antei Combat Center, on the character sheets, and as a result on the brotherhood.

Marick "Wally" Arconae.

To most people who come to the Brotherhood, we are a pastime. We are something that you do when you're bored. Between semesters at college, on a few hours on the weekend. For most, the Brotherhood is a Hobby. On the other side of that, there are those who make it their job. Dedicating as much, if not more, time to the brotherhood than they do a real job, they are always reachable, always working on something, always trying to refine some element of the very club that so many of our members enjoy.

It doesn't take much to see what side of that equation that Wally falls on. Beyond an admirable term as Consul of the Brotherhood's largest, and arguably most active Clan, he has found the time to serve as a formidable right hand to the Combat Master, digging deep into new systems and producing with the team there an entirely new character sheet system. This was not a retread, as had been done countless times before. It took research, it took construction, not remodeling to bring this to fruition. It was a lot of work. And afterwards, it took some lumps. Releasing your baby into the wild of the Brotherhood, no matter how much work or research that's been done, can be a painful process. Everyone is a critic. It is entirely too easy to critique, and it's hard to put yourself out there and do the actual work. This concept, this very rule of life is why people say things like 'fortune favors the bold'. It's also why we have such awesome shiny things that are dedicated to those upper echelons of rank... to drive people to those pinnacles of achievement.

Yet to say that this is why Marick's done the work would be farcical, and doing the man a disservice. Marick has continually been trying to get things better in the brotherhood. There are few who put in the same kind of hours as I do, and he's one of them. He's been a forerunner in trying to build bridges between the clans and houses. He's helped us turn the real-life internecine drama and conflicts away from the domain of the real world and drive them into mostly fictional issues. He's blazed the trails of bringing the DB's communications into the twenty first century with Google hangouts and what'sapp, two major technologies that even the Dark Council employs. He's used these forms of communication to reach more and more of his members, increasing dramatically the speed of communication beyond the twenty year old IRC programs we all know, love, get disconnected from, and hate. He's used these new technologies to help build up a solid core of new members, turning green acolytes into equites capable of leading, and too many of them have we stolen from him for duties elsewhere.

It's not all swine and roses. Wally and I do not always get along. We've butted heads on more than several occasions. The beauty of it is that it rarely spills out into public. He's been savvy and sane enough to keep arguments behind closed doors, to come and try to be heard and try in earnest to understand why things are not the way that he believes they should be. That's a measure of self-awareness that many so-called leaders do not have in this age of hyper-critique and grandstanding politicks. He understands that there is a time and a place for everything, and the denigrating consequences of not paying that concept its proper due. It's a thought process that even some who have been with the club for decades sometimes struggle with.

The critics will say he's just been a consul. He's been the best consul I have seen in my 8 years on the dark council. To those who will say that he's done it all for Arcona, I will point to his ideas being tested in his backyard first, then spreading like wildfire to the club, from Promotheus to What'sapp. There will be those who say that he hasn't been involved in any major works outside of his clan, and that is simply dispelled when you look at the great relations he has had with all but a few summits, the great work on the Character sheet team, on the ACC restructure. To those who will say 'he's not going to last', I'll just wait and let him prove you wrong.

Today, Marick Arconae is hereby named an Elder of the Dark Brotherhood.

Wallard, welcome to the adult table. You've earned it. From a grateful brotherhood, and an impressed Council, thanks for everything you've done and everything that I know you're going to keep doing.

Don't fail me now. ;)

~Muz Ashen, the Lion of Tarthos

Lord Muz Ashen Keibatsu, 2014-08-13 04:45:53 UTC

Wally has been around for my entire time in the Brotherhood. Since my beginning, he has been leading form the front, pushing, innovating, motivating. The leadership of the Brotherhood, like to talk of 'producers' and 'consumers'. Wally is definitely the former.

Not only has Wally produced content in the form of competitions and events, he has helped to produce the new members of Arcona, thrilled to be active, taking part for the fun. Whenever there's a problem, Wally is the one there to help and illuminate, no matter the time or place. It seems he somehow operates without sleep, considering he piles two jobs on top of this Sisyphean task.

Stepping up to leadership of the Clan has only fired Wally up to do more rather than rest on his laurels. It's the kind of leadership that people should try to emulate. Not to be content where you are, but reach for the next task with the same joy as your first. So keep pushing, buddy.

Nikola Valtiere Erinos, 2014-08-13 06:42:27 UTC

Marick Arconae aka Wally, has had the incredibly difficult job of running one of the clubs most powerhouse units, a unit that historically has had many issues playing well with others. There was a long period of time where I myself would avoid anything to do with Arcona like a plague, due to their enthusiastic drives to show they were the best. That coupled with HSPs and ARCs long history of rivalry, made places like #arcona and the members of it, something many were afraid to deal with. This antagonistic culture that years ago was so predominate there, is now largely gone. This is largely thanks to Wally's level headed leadership and work ethic in turning even the most stringent of old members into realizing we are all part of the same club. Arcona has become something more then a winning unit to be fear in vendettas and avoided the rest of the year, it has truly become a unit worth admiring, and this massive change of perception is one I've seen other members remark on as well. It is not something I could see having been so massively accomplished without Wally's efforts and leadership. Arcona's change has been affected by many people, and it continues to strengthen due to Wally's unending efforts.

Of all unit leaders, Wally is the one who I see making the biggest effort to be involved with everyone, even working with people who he personally does not care for. I can say without a doubt that he is the clouse leader I myself am most close to and comfortable working with. I see him regularly interacting with HSP members in #scholae. I've seen him take the time to specifically help newer members of HSP with questions and efforts in the club, even though he had no need to. He has offered encouragement to those who deserve it, help to those who need it, and a great deal of friendly genuinely down to earth interactions to any who would have it.

On a personal level, Wally has been there to listen to me rant and complain. He has been there to offer new suggestions and advice for ideas to make HSP stronger and better. He has offered feedback on many ideas we've tried. If there is one person in this club who cares for the well being of everyone and the betterment of the club as a whole, that person is Wally. He has opinions and new outlooks on virtually everything that happens in this club. I know for a fact he goes out of his way to look up what is happening in every unit. He gives 110% every day to everyone he meets. Whether that be as ARC CON, a member of the ACC Staff, or just as a friend and member of the club, Wally is the kind of member who makes the DJB a much better place. He his a fantastic leader and an even better friend. I am very glad to have the chance to throw in my own recommendation for this promotion. Congratulations Wally, thank you for your continued efforts to make everything 1000% more awesome.

-Xen'Mordin Vismorsus, Quaestor, Scholae Palatinae

Lord Idris Adenn, 2014-08-18 19:11:56 UTC

There are two kinds of members in the Dark Jedi Brotherhood - those loyal to their Clan or House, and those loyal to the Brotherhood itself. Marick, for all his work in Arcona, is the latter. Throughout the time I've known him, he has defied convention by reaching not only upward, but outward, reaching past his Clan and into each and every unit of this club. Some would do this to sabotage or destroy, or at best, to gauge the intent of other units; Marick does this to build them up.

Marick's help to me began a long time ago, when I served as Aedile of House Plagueis and he worked with me to help break down PLA-ARC barriers, which at the time were quite thick and hostile. He worked with me throughout that time, and afterward, and when I departed the House under less than ideal circumstances he was quick to offer me refuge in ARC, if I wanted it. What surprised me, though, was his next advice - that I could do better elsewhere, that I could help more in other places, and most surprisingly, that he and Arcona had my back either way. For a guy from a Clan with a seriously bad rap at the time, it was, needless to say, a flooring experience.

Wally has consistently been there to help out HOU, both directly and indirectly. When a member of his, Kaayn Salis, needed a position - he told him to talk with me, in case there was work he could do. When members of mine, more than one, have moved to depart, Wally would turn them back and instead address their concerns; in so doing, he strengthened not only Odan-Urr but also that member's experience in the DJB. When my members would step up, he was not only appreciative, but actively worked to make sure both my Summit and the Brotherhood proper recognized their contributions.

Speaking with Marick, you get a sense of why he does this, and of the scope of it. It is not just Odan-Urr - he does this with Taldryan, Tarentum, Scholae Palatine, Plagueis, and Naga Sadow in kind. He works with Dark Councillors to help move plans forward; he works with Summits and member bases to strengthen each unit from the ground up. All the while, he keeps his own Clan ready, willing, and able to take the fight to all comers. In this, we see his grand vision: A Dark Jedi Brotherhood that will last another ten, if not twenty, years at least. He isn't here to be Consul to Arcona; he is here to be the defender of our entire club.

And that, Dark Lords of the Council, is what makes an Elder. I humbly recommend that he be promoted to Dark Side Adept.

• Liam Torun, Quaestor of Odan-Urr

Liam Torun-Urr, 2014-08-19 12:34:27 UTC