[ Proposal ] Additions to Ren

[Darth Metus]

These are my thoughts on additions to the Knighthood. Feedback from all members, Ren or otherwise, is vastly appreciated. I had initially begun to post these thoughts in the Backroom, but I think it would be better to have the input of all applied. Be brutal and honest in your critiques ladies and gentlemen, it's vastly appreciated!​

Article I: The Rites of Ren​

On the subject of ascending from Disciple to Knight, I would like to propose a form of semi-standardization. At the moment, the faction currently lacks a solid mentor population, so it falls upon us to ensure that our apprentices see progression. As such, I present the Rites of Ren.

The Rites are challenges that Disciples must overcome. Three in number, a Disciple must complete these challenges, exceptionally, on top of fulfilling "active" criteria.

(Active meaning the Disciple is a visibly present member of the faction, participates regularly in our threads, in addition to undergoing forms of training IC.)

The Rites are:

The Rite of Will: The Apprentice must demonstrate loyalty whilst under extreme duress. (i.e. Keeping Order information despite being physically interrogated.)

The Rite of Power: The Apprentice must demonstrate skill whilst facing extreme odds. (i.e. Facing down multiple opponents simultaneously/higher-FU ranks.)

The Rite of Command: The Apprentice must lead and complete an objective despite extreme disadvantages. (i.e. Capturing a base with only two Stormtroopers as backup.)

Once a month, we will center a thread around one, or more, of these objectives and will challenge our Disciple population to succeed. However, this will not be the only avenue, as we will be watching. If a Disciple fulfills the criteria of the Rites and meets Active status, then they will earn full-fledged Knighthood.

All Knighting Ceremonies will be conducted IC. The corresponding thread will serve as the proof of promotion for the rank title thread.

Article II: Classes of Ren​

Put simply, we have very little in the way of canon to go off of when it comes to the Knighthood. What's more, the next movie is set to come out well down the line. In light of these facts, we have the room to flesh out the Knighthood as we see fit. We have the ability to create something that will be appealing to established characters. It is with that in mind that I propose the Classes of Ren.

Each Class is a school of thought maintained by a portion of the Knighthood's population. They can be used as plot devices, as a means of directing the growth of one's character, a way of forming units, and much more. Through implementing classes, we transition away from being a gaggle of Kylo Rens to being much, much more.

The Classes are:

Takadan Knight: Name derived from Takodana, a site of a large battle between the Galactic Republic and the Resistance. Seldom "seen", frequently deployed. Emphasis on the mastery of covert powers and tactics. (Mindset: Huntsmen of the Order)

Jakkan Knight: Name derived from Jakku, where the Galactic Empire's last stand took place. The most academic of the Knighthood. Emphasis on the utilization and study of specialized/fringe powers. (Mindset: Defenders of the Order)

Praxic Knight: Name derived from Hosnian Prime, the Republic capital destroyed by Starkiller Base. By and large the must easily recognizable of the Knightood. Emphasis on the mastery of core powers and warring on the front. (Mindset: Might of the Order)

Article III: Titles​

It has been voiced that an abundance of titles will be a source of confusion for both the member base and public. Given the nature of canon sects and their numerous titles, this is a warranted concern. This has been taken into consideration as far as the Knighthood is concerned. Already, we have been described as operating on an "all are equal" system. However, I have listed below a small sum of titles for usage by the Ren. These would be roles vital to the continual operation of the sect, especially in the event that singular, PC leadership is vacant.

Archmaster of Ren: Appointed by the Supreme Leader, the Archmaster serves the role of overseeing the Knighthood. This individual is considered "first among equals" in the context of fellow Masters of Ren. (Formerly this position was titled High Lord of Ren. However, given the "first among equal" theme given by this thread, I thought that Archmaster - literally "Chief of Masters" - would be more fitting.)

Executor of Ren: Appointed by vote of the Council of Ren, the Executor is charged with a supplementary role to that of Archmaster. In the immediate absence of the aforementioned, the Executor holds authority enough to make decisions on behalf of the Knighthood. In brief, the Executor is "second" to the Archmaster. (This role would be one fulfilled by a qualified, active PC or NPC. In the event of unexpected LOAs, this mantle would see that the Knighthood is not left headless.)

Council of Ren: In matters deemed severe, the word of the Supreme Leader or his designated subordinates are taken as law. However, in day-to-day or moderate affairs, the Council of Ren convenes. This assembly of Masters, and the occasional Knight, discuss matters such as promotions, internal policies, etc. (Again, in the event of absent leadership, members of the Council can aide in keeping the Knighthood afloat.)

 

[Krayn]

I approve. Anything that keeps the Knights operating in the cases of LOA's or the like is a great addition.
[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Greifen Ren]

I like the general idea of what you have going here. My personal thoughts:

Executor of Ren:

I don't know if we need this position. In the unlikely event that the Archmaster isn't around to make decisions, then it should probably fall to the Council of Ren to make decisions in his stead. I'm not even altogether sure if we need a Council of Ren either. We only have one Master so far, and that's you.

I'm generally not a fan of adding superfluous ranks and artificially inflating our rank system without anyone to fill it. Right now the Knights are small enough that I believe they only need one leader. We have our individual masters to look up to, and everyone collectively looks to you for order. That should be all we need right now. I don't want to dilute the leadership of the Knights of Ren unless we ultimately have to.

Maybe when we get more Masters down the road, we can think about creating a Council. I'm even iffy on that idea as well... because I see how Councils operate on some of the other factions, and it's mostly just posturing and bickering. I see Councils as ultimately divisive in practice, which is the opposite of their stated intention. But we'll see.