Commander of the Black Sentinels

The Commander of the Black Sentinels is the overall commander of the Black Discipline of Sentinels, responsible for their training, selection, missions, and the Discipline's contracts. Given the Black Discipline's unique service to the Crown of Weldmere, there are fewer relations to manage than usual - with the Black Commander operating primarily between Calthor and Sentelthor. If rumours are to be believed, the Commander also occasionally partakes in Black Sentinel operations. 
Since most Black Sentinels are not pledged Knights, they alone among the Disciplines are not styled 'Knight-Commander'

Requirements

Since the Black Sentinels constitutions are not published, no formal knowledge of the requirements for election is possible.
However, in common with other disciplines, it is known that candidates must be of a minimum age, and have a minimum number of years service in the Sentinels, and in the Black Discipline. Unlike other Disciplines, it is known that they are not required to be a pledged Knight.

Appointment

As with other Disciplines, appointment is by election among the Black Sentinels. It is known that there is a division in voting power - but this is thought to be flatter than other Disciplines (with trainees and those before their 4th assignment getting a single vote, and all others getting two). 
Given the diverse tasks Black Sentinels are engaged in, it can take several months for votes to be collected - for this reason, a Vice-Commander is always elected alongside the Commander, to serve when necessary.

Responsibilities

Although the Commander serves a very similar role as in other Disciplines, the decentralised and independent-minded nature of the Black Sentinels makes their role distinct. Instead of heading a large bureaucracy, they are a travelling advocate, advisor, and liaison officer for the Black Sentinels. 
Additionally, given the exclusive contract between the Black Sentinels and the Weldic Crown, the Commander has an (albeit unofficial) role in the court at Calthor, as the King's effective spymaster.

Status

Extant

Form of Address

Commander

Alternative Naming

The Black Commander

Source of Authority

Military hierarchy

Length of Term

Until 65

Current Holders

• Iaric

Reports directly to

Lord Commander of the Sentinel Order

Related Organizations

• Black Sentinels