Ranks

Introduction

Ambition is one of the defining characteristics of those who walk the Dark Path. Through their own desire, and lust for power, they have succeeded in throwing off the values of their cultural backgrounds, and accepting the goals and discipline of the Brotherhood. The problems within an organization as diverse as the Brotherhood, must be overcome with some form of stratification Those in power, the Grand Masters and Elders of the Dark Side carefully instruct their students, using their drive to success as a means of maintaining control over the masses of Journeymen and Equites. This creates an intensely contentious political atmosphere within the Brotherhood.

The most obvious of the political controls, is the Hierarchy of Classes and Ranks. Every Dark Jedi who seeks, and gains admission to the Brotherhood begins on the bottom of the ladder. The Grand Masters disregard all prior training in the Jedi Arts, and may even suppress the power of an unusual applicant. This ensures that all applicants may begin training according to the strict procedures of the Shadow Academy. The Dark Side of the Force is tempting in its allure to quick power, and will draw the attentions of the ambitious. Many Apprentices literally burn themselves out on emotional fuel as they seek power beyond what they are capable of understanding. The Brotherhood stresses the need for gradual development.

Most political positions, such as Summit status, and Dark Councilor are also dependent on a certain rank. As a Brethren progresses, and develops understanding, they are rewarded with positions of greater prestige. It is almost unheard of for a Protector to command a Phyle or Squadron, much less a House, whereas a Knight of reasonable influence could expect to achieve a command position within a House. Elders are almost universally on the Dark Council or seated upon a Clan Summit. Those who are not positioned are usually Rogue Jedi, though a significant number are still active within the Clans.

Rank Chart

Grand Master (GM)
SITH	OBELISK	KRATH	CLASS
Dark Prophet (DP)	Dark Prophet (DP)	Dark Prophet (DP)	Elders
Dark Jedi Master (DJM)	Dark Jedi Master (DJM)	Dark Jedi Master (DJM)
Dark Side Adept (DA)	Dark Side Adept (DA)	Dark Side Adept (DA)
Sith Warlord (SWL)	Obelisk Primarch (OPM)	Krath Pontifex (KPN)	Equites
Sith Battlelord (SBL)	Obelisk Exarch (OE)	Krath Epis (KE)
Sith Battlemaster (SBM)	Obelisk Prelate (OP)	Krath Archpriest (KAP)
Sith Warrior (SW)	Obelisk Templar (OT)	Krath Priest (KP)
Dark Jedi Knight (DJK)	Dark Jedi Knight (DJK)	Dark Jedi Knight (DJK)	Journeymen
Jedi Hunter (JH)	Jedi Hunter (JH)	Jedi Hunter (JH)
Guardian (GRD)	Guardian (GRD)	Guardian (GRD)
Protector (PRT)	Protector (PRT)	Protector (PRT)
Acolyte (ACO)	Acolyte (ACO)	Acolyte (ACO)
Novice (NOV)	Novice (NOV)	Novice (NOV)
Apprentice (APP)	Apprentice (APP)	Apprentice (APP)
Initiate (INI)	Initiate (INI)	Initiate (INI)

Rank Elevations

It is a great honour when any Dark Jedi receives a rank elevation. When a Dark Jedi advances, it is because a mentor has determined that the Dark Jedi has surpassed the abilities of his current rank. Only certain Jedi can give rank elevations to others. However, anyone may recommend someone for advancement. The Grand Master and the Master at Arms have final jurisdiction over all advancements. If they do not find that the candidate is worthy, then no elevation is given. All advancements must be approved by the Master At Arms prior to the announcement of the new rank, with the sole exception of the Headmaster of the Shadow Academy, who is able to directly confer elevations through the Journeymen ranks in the course of a Dark Jedi's training. The Master At Arms will generally approve promotions according to the following table. Should a person reccomend another for a promotion past what their position normally entails, the MAA will get DGM or GM approval before proceding.