Magnagora is a nation that has bred many notable and accomplished
citizens, reknowned the world over in many fields. It has produced
mighty warriors, fearless explorers, brilliant scholars, sage priests,
ingenious artists and all manner in between and combined. Many
Ascendants have risen from Magnagora, both Vernal and True, and many
have stood triumphant as sealbearers - in some cases, repeatedly. It is
one of these people I honour today, a mortal man of countless
achievements recognised basin-wide who stands as one of Magnagoras most
decorated and admired citizens. That mortal is Kalas Zagreus, formerly
known as Kalas Ixion.

Older than dirt - if the stories are to be believed - Kalas Ixion has
lived in and served Magnagora for essentially his entire life. Founder
of House Kalas which has since risen to stand among the other Great
Houses in the city, his existance has ever been devoted to serving and
furthering the engine of transformation. In the time before, he was a
member of the ur'Guard, rising to lead the guild in different
capacities, including sitting on the Iron Council. Aside from his
dedication to his guild, his devotion to Lord Morgfyre, is well-known,
and recognised in his position as the Devouring Blade, avatar of He Who
Is Legion. There is little he has not done in practical terms within the
city, from working in ministries to ensuring local security, from
supporting the arts to educating the young. His impeccable record speaks
of a model citizen, who is unwaveringly loyal and committed.

It is more than these run-of-the-mill acts of service that set Kalas
Ixion apart, and for the sake of being concise I shall list some of his
famous achievements. As an explorer, he has for a long time been the
undisputed leader in the field, as well as the first person to be
recognised for traversing the entire basin, leaving no corner
undiscovered. A remarkable feat, I am sure you will agree! In matters of
experience and divine essence, again he has risen above all others,
boasting the greatest pool of personal essence among all the explorers
in the basin of life. In other manners less easy to quantify, he has
proven himself time and time again to be an astute puzzler and
philanthropist, helping no small number of denizens within Lusternia
with tasks and intrigues, or uncovering secrets and foiling plots. So
much so, that rumour has it he is the most lauded mortal for his
selfless efforts.

When most people think of Ixion, or as he is now, Zagreus, they think of
a formidable warrior. Stepping foot on the battlefield, terror fills the
hearts of his enemies, while his allies stand with renewed confidence.
His prowess with a blade - or chain - is undisputed, the piles of bodies
and numerous heads adorning his trophy bearing witness to his success.
Further proving his mastery over death is the medallion he bears,
marking him as a sealbearer, triumphing in the challenge of death. And
this is merely one of the medallions he has won! Always rising to the
challenge when a threat to the seals arises, he has also won the seal of
War, the seal of harmony, the seal of justice, and twice the seal of
chaos, the final time seeing him rise to become True Asendant Zagreus
and restore the seals that protect us all.

It's easy to list off the many accomplishments of Kalas Zagreus, and
paint a picture of a merciless over-achiever, who dominates and excells
at everything he puts his hand to, but it is the heart and soul of the
Devouring Blade that sets him apart. To his core, he is Magnagoran,
exemplifying the ideals that have led our nation to prominance. Strength
and fortitude colour his actions, ever fighting to overcome, to improve,
to not just rest in content mediocrity but instead adapting and changing
and thus becoming ever greater. And yet he is still a single cog in a
mighty machine, turning in concert with his peers - encouraging and
supporting his city mates, teaching and guiding the young and old alike,
never turning away from responsibilities or a genuine need, that the
wheels of progress might ever keep turning. Kalas Zagreus stands as the
shining example of Magnagora's success - it matters not how other
nations might despair or envy, still he continues on his path, reaching
new heights, expanding his influence. He is deserving of respect and
admiration, from citizens and foreigners alike. Indeed, if all we
Magnagorans followed his example, the glory of our nation would outshine
the very sun, with all others falling to our influence. I recognise your
service, Kalas Zagreus, and I am grateful for all you have done to shape
us, and keep doing to propel us into the future.