The Shadow Knights ranking structure was originally developed by MarkXT in 2001 and refined by Remium for Jedi Knight 2 : Jedi Outcast in April 2002 to better incorporate the Jedi style of tuition between experienced and inexperienced members while maintaining the basic principle that more experience or higher level didn't necessarily coincide with a higher rank - participation, adherence to the rules, mastery of the Shadow Code and above all, being socially active were all traits that were viewed as highly as raw skill.

Since 2003, the guild ranking system has changed several times to better reflect the games we've played, including a 11 tier multi-dimensional tree system that permitted progression for raw skill players without the necessity for other requirements, or raw community orientated players who could never match the talents of those with exceptional skills. Today, the Shadow Knights ranking system goes back to it's roots as part of our way of honoring those who helped found the guild structure over a decade ago.

The Recruit:

New members to the guild are immediately ranked as "Recruits". Originally called Acolytes, the term Recruit better identifies those non-force sensitive players joining the guild.
Recruits are the first step into the guild. We expect nothing of Recruits. They may be as active or inactive as they wish.
Recruit status lasts between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the following criteria:
Acceptance of personal tuition from a Master. Proof of advanced guild knowledge. Primary character level at least 75% or higher than the guild average. High social participation.
Recruits will be automatically removed from the guild due to high inactivity, poor behavior or lack of adherence to the Shadow Code.

The Apprentice

New Recruits may occasionally be accepted by a Master for personal tuition. This often occurs when a Master takes a particular shine to a specific Recruit, or the Master is instructed to take an apprentice by the Shadow Council.
Being an Apprentice is considered a fast-track approach to advancing the guild ranking structure, with some Apprentices having advanced to Knight in as little as 5 days. Occasionally, a Master may request the Shadow Council maintain the Apprentice status beyond the standard maximum of 4 weeks if an Apprentice is considered unfit for promotion.
Apprentices will be automatically removed from the guild due to high inactivity unless the Master specifically states otherwise. Prolonged inactivity (eg, >2months) without reason will result in removal from the guild regardless of the Master's wishes.

The Knight

The Knight, or the Shadow Knight by it's full title, is the most common and most accepted rank in the guild. Rightly so, all those honored with the Knight rank have not only proven themselves active in the guild but also capable in-game. This rank isn't handed out lightly and is often subject to a 3-part test prior to being granted. Only granted by the Shadow Council, all members should strive to achieve this rank and do their best to maintain it.

Examples of the tests which the Shadow Council may request of a member as part of a member's promotion:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the chosen advanced class
• Demonstrate PvP abilities in 1-on-1 combat
• Demonstrate the location of  Datacrons.
• Take the lead of three guild-mates in a PvE environment acceptable for their level (e.g. Black Talon).

In addition to the testing process, a good level of social activity and adherence to the Shadow Code are expected to ensure a candidate is fit for the role as a Knight.
Once passed, Knights are expected to be active both in-game and on the forums. They must adhere strictly to the Shadow Code and maintain a desire to better themselves and the guild.

The Master

Shadow Masters are often the greatest names in the guild, having served the Shadow Knights for many months - sometimes years - before being promoted to the title. Their knowledge of the guild and the games we play are often second to none. Masters often stand in positions of power, either on the Shadow Council or as administrators of justice and directors of the Council's will. Masters hold such a title for their ability to crush opponents as much as their ability to rally the guild behind them.

Only the Shadow Council may promote a Knight to the rank of Master, and they may do so at their discretion. High social participation, high in-game skill and a sound knowledge of the Shadow Knights are all aids in achieving this near unattainable rank.

The Shadow Council.

Initially defined by the Shadow Lords, the Shadow Council make up the governing body of the Shadow Knights. Chosen for their problem solving, leadership, knowledge of the guild and their desire to make the guild the best of the best.
Members of the Shadow Council are most commonly ranked as Master, though this is not explicit. Any Knight may also stand on the Shadow Council should the Council permit it.

Post-fixed by the characters *C in game, Council members are easily identifiable and will always be on-hand to fix any problems or handle any situation that is considered to break the Shadow Code.

As the leading body of the guild, the Shadow Council collectively hold the right to chose how the guild should grow and progress. They hold the power to remove players from the guild, promote players ahead of schedule, test players for their rank advancements, establish alliances and enemies as well as a multitude of other rights.

At the time of the Council member standing down from their position, or collectively being voted off the Council, the Shadow Council reserve the sole right to select new candidates to fill the vacancy. This may result in a public poll for the guild as a whole to select who they want to see on the Council.

The Shadow Lords

The rule of two is enforced only on the rank of the Lords. Only a Shadow Lord may demote himself - he cannot demote the other, and only a Shadow Lord can fill a vacancy.

The purpose of the Shadow Lords is to oversee the guild as a whole, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently under the instruction of the Shadow Council.

The Shadow Lords reserve the right to enact Emergency Powers - revoking guild leadership from the Shadow Council and taking the task upon themselves. In order to enact Emergency Powers, either BOTH Shadow lords must believe it necessary and voice this in unison, or should one Shadow Lord be inactive, a single Shadow Lord can enact the Emergency Powers on his own after 30days of inactivity, or 10 days earlier for each Shadow Council member who sides with his decision to revoke guild leadership from the Shadow Council. This right is to ensure troublesome members who find their way into the Shadow Council cannot run wild, deliberately destroying the guild from the inside. Once Emergency Powers have been enacted, only the Shadow Lords can pass leadership back to the Shadow Council, which is done in a similar manor as to how Emergency Powers are enacted.

There should never be a requirement for the Emergency Powers act to be enforced after the establishment of a sound Shadow Council. Without the Emergency Powers, the Lords are simply glorified members who boast little other than their four-letter title.