Ranks are actuall rather important in this game. Everybody starts at Rank 5 (Which is just below the Apprentice rank), or at any rank under 5. Unless you are given permission by an admin you do NOT advance past rank 5. Leaders all start at rank 21 (Master). Secondary leaders start at rank 16 (Deputies). The expection to this is the lead mage, who also starts at Rank 21.
Here's a list of the ranks and their titles:
Ranks 1-5 : Novice
Ranks 6-10 : Educated
Ranks 11-15 : Skilled
Ranks 16-20 : Deputies
Ranks 21-25 : Master
Rank 26 : Legend
RANK ADVANCEMENT
In order to advance your rank, certain requirements must be met for each rank. Each "rank level' (such as 11 to 12) must have a certain number of posts met. Novices only require 20 posts for each level, though Educated ranks require 30 posts for each level.
Posts required to gain a level:
Novice: 20 posts
Educated: 30
Skilled: 40
Deputies: 45
Masters: 50
Legends: N/A
Rank Advancements:
Novice to Educated: Minimum of 20 posts and Admin Approval.
Educated to Skilled: Minimum of 140 posts and Admin Approval.
Skilled to Deputies: Minimum of 300 posts and Admin Approval.
Deputies to Masters: Minimum of 480 posts and Admin Approval.
Masters to Legends: Minimum of 680 posts and Admin Approval.