Hierarchy of the Sith Order

[Meira]

Hierarchy of the Sith Order

Acolyte (rank 1 equivalent)
A Sith acolyte is an initiate to the Sith Order. They can be any age, but all are inexperienced. Upon acceptance, an acolyte is expected to reside at one of the Sith Temples, where they will train in hopes of gaining the favor of a Sith Knight or Sith Lord. Through training, their skills will be assessed in order to determine which Cult might suit them best. There is no set period of time an individual might spend as an Acolyte. Promotion beyond this level is determined according to the individual’s skill and ambition. An Acolyte must prove their worth to the Order. A formal apprenticeship is not required, but most Acolytes who are promoted work closely with a mentor of some kind. Acolytes are addressed by their birth names and are not considered full members of the Sith Order. Example: As an Acolyte, Renata would have been addressed as “Phoenix D’graal” or by her first or last name alone.

Sith Knight (rank 2 equivalent)
A Sith Knight is a full member of the Sith Order, but of the lowest rank. Knights are the most common rank of the Sith Order and are equivalent to Jedi Knights. They have proven themselves as worthy and receive their Sith name upon being knighted, at which point they are also inducted into one of the four Sith Cults. Anyone within the Sith Order (Knight level or higher) may induct an Acolyte into full membership. Sith Knights are expected to be self reliant, but also obedient of orders handed down from the higher ranks. They are expected to be able to command military forces if needed and may be addressed as Commander by non-Order troops. Within the Order, a Sith Knight is addressed by their Sith name. Example: As a Knight, Renata would be addressed as “Renata”.

The Convocation of Sith Lords (rank 3 equivalent)
Unlike Knights, a Sith can only be granted the title of Lord/Lady by the Darth who leads their particular Cult. Because of this, Sith Lords and Ladies usually have a close connection with their mentor. Sith Lords/Ladies are raised due to their demonstrated power and leadership abilities. They are expected to take on great responsibility within their respective Cults and to maintain command and authority over any number of Sith Knights. Sith Lords and Ladies are members of the Convocation, which is an advisory council that unites the four Cults for coordination and cooperation. Members of the Convocation are expected to maintain standards of decorum. Pointless displays of power are considered below their station. Members of this rank are considered Generals in military matters and command large numbers of Order and non-Order troops alike. Sith Lords and Ladies are addressed by their title and Sith name. Example: Renata would be addressed as “Lady Renata”, or more formally as “Renata, Dark Lady of the Sith”.

The Inner Sanctum (rank 3 equivalent)
Only Empress Renata may promote a Sith to the Inner Sanctum. This position, of which there are only four, comes with the title Darth. Each member of the Inner Sanctum is the head of their respective Cult and is considered second only to the Empress in matters within their sphere of influence. The Inner Sanctum are the Empress’ most trusted advisors and are revered by all subjects of the Empire. They are the Empress’ eyes, hands, and voice, and are assumed to act under her authority. With no need for additional military titles, a member of the Inner Sanctum outranks any Order or non-Order ranked individual. Because of their dedication and commitment, the four members of the Inner Sanctum are known as Pillars of the Empire, which each having their own specific descriptor. In the least formal sense, a member of the Inner Sanctum is addressed by their rank of Darth and their Sith name, with their Convocation title added to more formal address. Example: Renata would be addressed as “”Darth Renata, or more formally as “Darth Renata, Dark Lady of the Sith”. An Inner Sanctum member may also be addressed by their Cult title, which is included in the descriptions of the Cults. Lastly, honorifics which reference specific events and deeds may be used when addressing an Inner Sanctum member. Such honorifics vary by individual and are granted to them by the Empress.

Empress (rank 3 equivalent)
Empress Renata is the supreme authority in all things within the realm of the Empire. She is the culmination of all four Cults of the Sith Order, holds the highest office of each system the Empire controls, and holds the highest military rank. The Empire is, in essence, subject to her whim. She maintains council within the Order through her Inner Sanctum, and among the aristocrats through the Advisory Council. She also privately selects the most elite of the military for her personal protection in an outfit known as the Adamant Guard. She may be referred to indirectly as “Empress Renata”, in her presence as “Her Radiance”, and formally as “Her Imperial Radiance, Darth Renata”. Her full title is: Her Imperial Radiance, Darth Renata, Supreme Dark Lady of the Sith, Pristine Heart of the Four Cults, Sovereign Queen of Dromund Kaas, Warden of Korriban, Caretaker of the Tombs, Unifying Light of the Empire, Liberator of the Outer Rim, and Champion of the Force.

The Four Cults of the Sith Order

Each of the four Cults corresponds to certain duties within the Order and the Empire as a whole. No one Cult stands above the others. They are all considered equal and members of each cult are peers within their respective ranks. While each Cult is deferred to in matters that fall within their sphere, any member of the Sith Order may act with appropriate authority to their rank if need be. The Four Cults are as follows:

The Cult of Ascension (Gold)
The Cult of Ascension concerns itself with the structure, discipline, and training of the Order itself. Members of this Cult are tasked with the operations, maintenance, and proliferation of the Sith Temples. Most Acolyte instructors are members of this Cult. The Cult of Ascension also has the authority to police the Order itself, and is tasked with dealing with deserters and traitors. Members of the Cult of Ascension can be distinguished by their golden, upward pointing chevron emblem.
Titles by rank are:
Knight of Ascension, (knight level characters)
Archon, (lord level characters)
High Archon, Golden Pillar of the Empire (Position held by Darth Aurelius)

The Cult of Mysteries (____)
The Cult of Mysteries recruits those with strong affinities to the raw power of the Force. These individuals are concerned primarily in the study and manipulation of the Force, always searching for deeper understanding and new techniques. Cultists of this group spend much of their time pouring over ancient texts and pushing the boundaries of what was once considered impossible. Members of the Cult of Mysteries can be distinguished by ____.
Titles by rank are:
Knight of Mysteries
Prophet
Grand Prophet, ____ Pillar of the Empire (Position currently vacant)

The Cult of Strife (Bronze)
The Cult of Strife places might above all else. These powerful Sith are thusly liaisons with the Imperial military forces. Most often found on the front lines or commanding fleets, the Cult of Strife take initiative in all things combat. Even in the uneasy peace of the Armistice, the Cult of Strife maintains their readiness to lead the Order and the military if and when war should resume. Members of the Cult of Strife can be distinguished by a downward pointing sword.
Titles by rank are:
Knight of Strife
Praetor
Praetor Magnus, Bronze Pillar of the Empire (Position held by Darth Viren)

The Cult of Truth (Jade)
The Cult of Truth selects those with the ability to understand and manipulate other beings. They take chief responsibility in matters concerning the non-Order factions of the Empire, including the Sith Aristocracy and the Imperial economy. Cultists of Truth require skill in diplomacy, a discerning mind, and the wherewithal to ferret out trouble. They are the spymasters of the Order. Members of the Cult of Truth can be distinguished by their Jade Eye emblem.
Titles by rank are:
Knight of Truth
Inquisitor
Lord Inquisitor, Jade Pillar of the Empire (Position held by Darth Imago)

The Pristine Heart (Ruby)
Empress Renata holds the title of Pristine Heart of the Four Cults, signifying her dominion over them all. Her symbol is six straight lines radiating outward from a central point, all red.

Out of Character Requirements

There are currently no restrictions on making characters of the following ranks: Acolyte, Knight, Lord. However, characters should fit the parameters for each rank and each Cult. Cults do not grant special powers, but characters belonging to a specific cult are likely to gravitate toward certain specialties.

If you would like to create one of the available Darth level positions, please read the following thread, which details the requirements: CLICK

NOTE: Some aspects in the information above were left blank. These aspects will be completed as the remaining Darth ranked characters are claimed.