Key Points, circa August 266
The following titles of Prestige, Peerage, and Ulven titles are not an exhaustive list of titles in Last Hope. Each and every Kingdom on Faedrun would have had an extensive and most likely complex system of titles that they used. However, most of these systems did not survive the trip over to Mardrun. With a mixing pot of kingdom backgrounds all smashed together in one small continent, the titles became obsolete.
In August of 266, Lord Baron Richards of the City-State of Newhope, as part of the infrastructure building initiative of the colonial territories, has put in motion a plan to standardize titles of prestige and peerage on Mardrun. Anyone with titles worth noting have been encouraged to come to Newhope territory and have their title “converted” to the appropriate title in this system and receive approved documentation is necessary. What this has done is streamline down the titles into an easy to handle an easy to remember system that Mardrun as a whole can recognize.
Titles of Prestige (Non-Nobility):
These are earned like service awards or recognition. They hold meaning and are important, but are not actual ranks of nobility. Recipients of titles of Prestige are recognized but do not own territories (save for a Baronet) or have responsibility to the overall nobility structure. All titles of Prestige, save for Squire/Esquire, will have official papers drawn up explaining the achievement to earn such a title.
Ranked lowest to highest.
Squire/Esquire
Pledged service and oath to a Knight, Knight-In-Training. This holds no actual prestige as there could be many squires, but shows more of an intent to earn prestige or status.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Squire to [Knight’s Name].”
Edler
Small title, recognition of some sort for almost anything (martial/political/economic service). Mainly a “This is a person of note”. There are many Edler titles awarded to individuals and this title of prestige would be the absolute minimum needed to gain influence towards a Title of Peerage.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Edler of [Noble’s Name].”
Knight
Requires martial prowess, exceptional service, training in combat. Commonly a stepping stone before earning a title of Peerage, usually awarded to army commanders, distinguished soldiers, and elite bodyguards. Knighthood is awarded to more for the sake of the realm and not the sake of the individual noble, but their papers will dictate which noble awarded them their Knight status.
Commonly addressed as “Sir” or “Dame”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Sir/Dame [Name], Knight of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Baronet
Given land or a single settlement to maintain. Commonly addressed as “Sir” or “Dame”. This prestige could be awarded for exceptional service or longstanding fealty to a noble. Baronet would be the highest esteem someone could get without true nobility and is reserved for the most trusted allies and companions. A Baronet wishing to become a Noble could “release their fealty” by purchasing it from their Noble.
Commonly addressed as “Sir” or “Dame”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Sir/Dame [Name], Baronet of [Noble’s Name].”
Titles of Peerage(Nobility):
These are earned through lineage transition or exceptional rewards for service. No individual can gain a Title of Peerage without at least first accomplishing a Title of Prestige first. They hold meaning and are important and are full ranks of nobility. Recipients of Titles of Peerage are recognized and must own or be in charge of land/territories and have responsibilities to the overall nobility structure. All Titles of Peerage, will have official papers drawn up explaining the achievement to earn such a title.
Ranked Lowest to Highest.
Baron/Baroness
A Baron/Baroness is beholden to their Kingdom/City-State and it’s rulers. A Baron/Baroness is a ruler of a single settlement/village (minimum size of a single faction). They are expected to aid the kingdom in any way they can. The title would carry a commanding weight with those of a lesser rank but their word would be given an amount of trust with those of equal or greater station. Their lands are known as a Barony.
Commonly addressed as “Lord” or “Lady”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Baron [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Count/Countess
A Count/Countess would rule over a grouping of close settlements/villages (about 3-5) which is known as a County. This would also be a larger area of land than a Baron/Baroness would be given. A Count/Countess would be in charge of protection and taxation of these lands but the extra people could be called upon to serve their County. They are beholden to a Kingdom or City-State. They would carry a commanding weight with those of a lesser station and their words would carry a bit more trust with those of equal and higher station.
Commonly addressed as “Lord” or “Lady”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Count/Countess [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Marquess/Marchioness
A Marquess/Marchioness would rule over a settlement on the border of the Kingdom/City-State and is expected to defend the Kingdom from invasion. This would be a border shared with another kingdom not just an empty border. They would rule over equal or potentially less land than a Count/Countess but because of their expected bravery and duty they are given higher station. Again they may have a commanding presence with those of a lower station and given a good deal of trust by those of equal and higher station.
Commonly addressed as “Lord” or “Lady”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Marquess/Marchioness [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Prince/Princess
Prince/Princess is the station of the children of Nobility of a rank of Duke/Duchess or higher. Heir Apparent would be the title of a Prince/Princess who is the next in line for a title and Crown Prince/Princess is the title for one in line for the title of King.
Commonly addressed as “Your Highness”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Prince [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Duke/Duchess
A Duke/Duchess is the title granted to any noble on the Council of the City-State of Newhope. Each Duke is responsible for one of the 10 districts of Newhope but may acquire additional lands outside of the city. They could claim territories made up of 5-10 settlements/villages called a Duchy. They are the highest rank in Newhope and second only to the title of King/Queen.
Commonly addressed as “Your Grace”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Duke/Duchess [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Grand Duke/Grand Duchess
This is a Duke/Duchess given a special station such as the head of the Newhope Council of Ten.
Commonly addressed as “Your Grace”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “Grand Duke/Grand Duchess [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
King/Queen/Emperor/Empress
A King/Queen rules over a Kingdom and all of its nobles. The title of Emperor/Empress is used to mean “a King of Kings” meaning one who rules over multiple kingdoms.
Commonly addressed as “Your Majesty”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “King/Queen/Emporer/Empress [Name] of [Kingdom/Territory/Realm].”
Ulven Based Titles:
Ulven do not recognize titles the same way that humans and Syndar do. There is a very defined hierarchy (pecking order) of what status has more say than another. Ulven that earn these titles are respected as leaders and expected to be leaders regardless of their history or supporting skills. Where a human noble would be scrutinized and heavily kept in check by other nobles (and up and coming nobles right behind them) the Ulven have a much more simple look at their leadership. This follows a “You have earned this title, therefore you have earned the right to lead”. All Ulven titles are sought after and earned, none are awarded as some sort of barter or worth, but the ulven do not carry papers or official documentation that proves their titles. It is highly taboo in Ulven society (and very quickly creates an honor duel) if anyone deceives others regarding their titles. The proof of a title is the ability to verbally state their title and the actions they have take to earn such a title.
Honorifics
Diplomatic, skill, or station titles recognized as honorable and important to the individuals immediate influence (like a Pack or Family). These can vary dramatically among the Ulven people but are lumped into a minor category that is given a “nod of respect/recognition” when dealing with other Ulven. Some examples are Skald, Ambassador, Truthseeker, Huntmaster, Weaponmaster, Lorespeaker, Runeseer, Ulfednar, Viknar, etc.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], [Honorific] of [Pack/Clan].”
Hersir
A distinguished person in Ulven society, usually due to some sort of recognized feat. This commonly comes from combat service but some ulven are known to have great force of will and be recognized for such skill. A Hersir’s actions reflect the honor of the awarding entity and there is a responsibility to maintain honor so to avoid tarnishing the greater honor of the group. Hersir’s are not “nobles” per se and the closest human equivalent would be an Edler or a Knight. The status of Hersir can also be combined with that of an honorific title.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Hersir of [Pack/Clan]”
or “[Name], Hersir, [Honorific] of [Pack/Clan].”
Jarl
Upgrade to Hersir as no Ulven that is not at first a Hersir would even be given a title of Jarl. A jarl is put in charge of some sort of responsibility (ships, men, land, commerce) and reports to a Chieftain or some sort of appointed leadership. Due to the number of Packs in Ulven culture and the commonality of Chieftains and Priestesses, Jarls are fairly rare and not a common practice among the Ulven. Most Chieftains would rather rule over their own territories themselves and not bring others in to share the honor and the fame. However, larger territories such as Clan Stormjarl, Clan Nightriver, and Clan Grimward have a much higher presence of Jarls due to their sheer size. Because of the expanded duties and expectations of service and honor to maintain the title of Jarl, an ulven no longer carries the title of an honorific; they are expected to be well rounded in the management of their assigned responsibilities.
Commonly addressed as “Jarl”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Jarl of [Pack/Clan].”
Priestess
Must be a Daughter of Gaia with magic. Reserved for priestess of a Pack whose sole focus is the spiritual needs, training, and magical abilities of the Pack. The “weight” of this title is based on the size of the Pack. Highly specialized Priestesses are allowed to proclaim their honorific title as well as their Priestess title. This does not follow suit to the way the rest of the Ulven address themselves and is reserved solely for the Priestess of a Pack.
Commonly addressed as “Priestess” or “[Honorific]”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Priestess of [Pack]”.
or “[Honorific] [Name, Priestess of [Pack]”.
Chieftain
Must be an ulven who is able to fight, but does not need to be focused around fighting. No Chieftain is recognized as a leader if they are unable to defend their Pack from harm. Reserved for Chieftain of a Pack whose sole focus is the management, leadership, and martial prowess of the Pack. The “weight” of this title is based on the size of the Pack.
Commonly addressed as “Chieftain”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Chieftain of [Pack]”.
Warleader
Must be an esteemer and recognized warrior. Responsible for martial prowess and honor of the entire Ulven Clan. An ulven must defeat the current warleader in a highly ceremonial and brutal honor duel and if defeated, must relinquish the title.
Commonly addressed as “Warleader”.
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Warleader of [Clan]”.
High Priestess
Reserved for High Priestess of a Clan. Oversees the spiritual needs, Daughter of Gaia training, and diplomatic negotiations of the Clan.
Commonly addressed as “High Priestess”
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], High Priestess of [Clan]”
Clanleader
Reserved for Clanleader of a Clan. Oversees the management, political structure, and diplomatic negotiations of the Clan.
Commonly addressed as “Clanleader”
Addressed in a formal capacity as “[Name], Clanleader of [Clan]”.