Lord

The Kingdom of Althusar comprises eleven provinces, each governed by its own Lord. The Lordship is usually hereditary, though in certain cases it can be bestowed at the discretion of the King of Althusar with the agreement of the other Lords or vice versa. All adult members of the Lord's household are granted the title of Sir or Lady in the manner of nobility, even if the Lord himself was not a nobleman before his appointment. Lords may recruit and maintain a force guards for their personal protection and that of their household. Lords are also permitted to recruit and maintain a garrison for protection and peacekeeping of their province, though all soldiers are to be under the authority and direction of the King. Lords are also responsible to levy and collect taxes from the people of their province to be delivered to the king, as well as taxes for the use of the province. 
In addition to the governance of their provinces, each Lord is also a member of The Council of Lords. The Council meets regularly to discuss the state of the kingdom, request aid, review economic concerns, propose changes in policy, etc. The Council will also meet whenever summoned by the king. The Lords rule their provinces under the rule of the King, but the King takes counsel in all matters from the Council of Lords. Within the Council of Lords, one Lord is appointed by his fellows the title and position of High Lord and he serves as the head of the Council for ten years, at which point a new High Lord may be chosen or he may be re-appointed to the position. The lordship of some provinces carry more status and authority than others based on their size and their military and economic strength. The ranking among the Lords is a shifting balance of power, generally changing in order approximately every ten years with the appointment of a new High Lord.

Type

Civic, Political

Form of Address

My Lord; Lord —, Overlord of — (formal Lord — (among equals His Lordship (formal, within the Council)

Reports directly to

King of Althusar

Related Organizations

• The Council of Lords