Dark Side Degrees are a method of rewarding those who put forth extended time and effort at the Shadow Academy. Originally created by Headmaster Kaiann, the system of degrees was expanded upon under the reign of Anshar Kahn Tarentae.
Degree Levels and Types
There are four levels of Dark Side Degrees, as originally created by Headmaster Kaiann, and were adopted to fit the new system. The levels of degrees, with college level equivalents where applicable, are as follows:
- Dark Maven (Bachelors)
- The basic level, these degrees typically require only passing certain exams with certain scores. Some practical portions may be included.
- A minimum of 3-4 courses will be required for a Dark Maven Degree to be created. If only 3 courses are used, then some type of practical portion to the exam will be implemented.
- Dark Savant (Masters)
- Somewhat harder, these degrees require two Dark Maven degrees (specific to each subject area), plus a certain number of electives, and they may also include a practical portion.
- Dark Sage (PhD)
- The highest level most members can obtain, Dark Sage degrees denote great skill and hard work that goes above and beyond typical Shadow Academy work.
- Master of Dark Lore
With the exception of Master of Dark Lore, the degrees are open to the general membership and the only thing preventing a member from obtaining a degree will be the member.
Revocation
At any point deemed necessary by the Headmaster, a member's degree may be revoked and removed from his/her dossier. Cheating on any Shadow Academy exam is automatic grounds for revoking of degrees, as is any Chamber of Justice conviction. Revoking degrees is handled on a case-by-case basis by the Headmaster, however, and it is entirely up to the Headmaster rather or not to remove the degree. If a Dark Maven is removed, however, then the Dark Savant that follows, is obtained, will also be removed.
Adding/Removing Degrees and Electives
As more courses open in the Shadow Academy, more degrees may be added to the available options. However, extra “filler” courses will not be created simply to allow the creation of a degree, even if it means that a certain subject area must remain without a degree. All courses must meet certain quality standards.
As the Shadow Academy is constantly changing and adapting, there is a possibility that a course will be removed, thus negating a degree. In this event, the previously awarded degrees will still stand, and a list of no longer existing degrees will be maintained.
Any course (except Brotherhood Basics) that is not established as part of a degree will be considered an elective course. Once a course becomes part of a degree, it will no longer be considered an elective, but those who used it as such will not have to take a new course.
Note: For more information as to the specific requirements for a Dark Side Degree, please refer to the SA Degree Requirements.
Disclaimer, Conclusion, and Credits
The Headmaster reserves the right to alter degree requirements at any time, so long as they are applied equally across the Brotherhood.
It is hoped that the degree system will give the membership an additional feature that adds to their fictional and practical experience in the Brotherhood. The degree system will also allow for a reorganization of the courses under different categories, which is essentially required given the new fictional situation we find ourselves in.
This system described above resulted largely from the ideas of Dacien "BubbaX" Victae, though they were inspired by the original degree system created by Kaiann, which was further refined by Spears and Anshar Kahn Tarentae.