Discussion: Titles Inform Rank

Given the epic levels of alleged confusion as to whether ranking in a given Dark Lords hierarchical structure informs the individual members title, or is instead based on the members title, I thought I would give a brief lecture to communicate this in a crystal clear fashion: without basing rank and hierarchy on individually earned titles, the ranking has no clear governing principle as to who is truly higher or lower, who's truly an authority in their own right versus an authority on the basis of willingness to act as mouthpieces of the current leaders.

In the simplest terms:

Titles are acquired individually. In terms of ranking and standing within the Order, in the context of the other individual members, they are the governing principle. If you hold the title of a Knight or a Lord, you do not need someone on the council or of a higher rank to endorse, approve of, or even judge your decisions, teachings, or activities, you can engage in any and all of that with the full authority and standing of your title. Ranking is more about what others perceive you to be, in relation to others; titles are more about what you've actually proven yourself to be, in relation to your own path, development, and how those mesh with the demands and connotations of the title. Your ranking and standing can fall, current administrators can dislike or disapprove of you, but your title and therefore your baseline ranking in accordance with that title will still stand. Once an individual has earned a title, it is only the individual in question who can renounce it.

Future councils and Dark Lords are not permitted to revoke the title or any of the baggage (burdens, perks) that comes with it from individuals who earned title under previous leaders merely because those leaders don't approve of past training methods or don't agree with past standards. You can correct course in the present if you feel it's needed, but not by attempting to rewrite the past. It happened, the title was earned, therefore it stays. No retroactive judgment rendered by would be "successors" that distorts or downplays the past actions or activities - or the value they brought - of members if they become inactive or disengaged for lengthy periods of time, presently or in the future, will be permitted to stand unchallenged here at this Order.

That is defined here, by me, as an over-reach of authority. And as for ranking, and hierarchy, and social status, that is all a byproduct of where and what each individual is. If your focus is locked on that, and on climbing the ladder so you can sit at the tippity top, you're missing the point. Title is more than just a rank in the pecking order, it is a testament to your own individual growth, evolution, and sovereignty as a Sith practitioner.