Tier (rank)

A tier is a term attributed to the threat and power ranking system related to entities and individuals that can utilize Shade, such as Shadows and Remnants. Tiers can range from five to one, with an additional grade to refer to immensely powerful beings or anomalies whose power can't be measured through conventional means. Tiers are slightly different between Remnants and Shadows.
== Remnant Ranking ==
Tier 4: A Tier 4 Remnant is considered a new recruit. As such, most do not bear this rank for very long. Aside from that, there is nothing really noteworthy about this rank.
Tier 3: Tier 3 is acquired immediately upon being considered an official member. It is one of two basic ranks. They usually have a higher ranked Remnant to supervise them on missions.
Tier 2: Tier 2 is the other basic rank, meant to distinguish a Remnant with above average skill level. They are typically trusted to carry out missions alone or with another Tier 2. Under special circumstances, a Remnant may be inducted as a Tier 2 if they show promising potential. As of now, this has only been the case for a few Remnants.
Tier 1: A Tier 1 is considered an elite among Remnants, trusted to mentor new recruits and deal with dangerous Shadows singlehandedly. 
Exorcist: An Exorcist is an elite Remnant specifically skilled and knowledgeable in the field of Shadows and putting them to rest. They usually report directly to the higher-ups and through special recommendations, may act as a personal mentor to promising Remnants undergoing education. Their power was considered unmatched until the emergence of Repressors. 
Repressor Tier: As Repressors have power and Shade Energy far above average standards, they are listed in their own unique Tier to differentiate them from the rest. When being referred to, they are simply called Repressors. Repressor can referred to both registered and unregistered Remnants of this classification, unless they manage to become an Exorcist or a special member of one of the major groups. A Repressors power is almost absolute, easily dwarfing most Tiers in terms of strength, resilience, and versatility. It's been said that a Repressor could potentially wipe out a whole city or GRIDLOCK singlehandedly from the immense reserves of Shade Energy alone.
== Shadow/Shinigami Ranking ==
Tier 5: Tier 5 is considered far below average, and is used to categorize small or extremely docile minor Shadows that don't even pose enough of a threat to justify taking out. They often just float around in any location, and while startling when coming out of nowhere, will not attack. Most won't even acknowledge the presence of others, and are either quiet, or will quietly wail to themselves. 
Tier 4: Tier 4 are considerably weak, but a little more hostile and stronger than the previous rank. They are typically more around the size of a regular human or at least close to one.
Tier 3: Tier 3 is considered the average rank. Despite their ranking, Tier 4 Remnants can take care of them alone most of the time.
Tier 2: Tier 2 is considered above average, possessing more unique characteristics. The elimination of a Tier 2 is required for a Tier 2 Remnant to be promoted to Tier 1.
Tier 1: A Tier 1 describes those with unique characteristics and immense levels of Shade Energy and power. Many Tier 1's are formed from the souls of humans who have undergone extreme trauma or grief and have not moved on from their pain before death.