However, anyone may recommend someone for advancement by contacting a person's superior. Only certain leadership positions can give promotions to the membership. When a member advances, it is because a mentor has determined that they has surpassed the abilities of their current rank. It is a great honor when any Brotherhood member receives a rank elevation. Those who are not positioned are usually Rogue members, though a significant number are still active within the Clans.

Elders are almost universally on the Dark Council or seated upon a Clan Summit. It is almost unheard of for a Neophyte to command a Battleteam, much less a House, whereas a Knight of reasonable influence could expect to achieve a command position within a House. As a Brethren progresses, and develops understanding, they are rewarded with positions of greater prestige. Most political positions, such as Summit status, and Dark Councilor are also dependent on a certain rank. The Brotherhood stresses the need for gradual development. Many Apprentices literally burn themselves out on emotional fuel as they seek power beyond what they are capable of understanding. This ensures that all applicants may begin training according to the strict procedures of the Shadow Academy. The Grand Masters disregard all prior training, and may even suppress the power of an unusual applicant. Every member who seeks, and gains admission to the Brotherhood begins on the bottom of the ladder. The most obvious of the political controls, is the Hierarchy of Classes and Ranks.

This creates an intensely contentious political atmosphere within the Brotherhood. The problems within an organization as diverse as the Brotherhood, must be overcome with some form of stratification Those in power, the Grand Masters and Elders, carefully instruct their students, using their drive to success as a means of maintaining control over the masses of Journeymen and Equites.

Through their own desire, and lust for power, they have succeeded in throwing off the values of their cultural backgrounds, and accepting the goals and discipline of the Brotherhood. Ambition is one of the defining characteristics of those who enter the Brotherhood.

Kotor brotherhood of shadow