Baron of albion

The lowest common land holding title in the gentry, a baron is still a relativly major player on the whole, and a powerful or wealthy baron could have dealings with their dukes. Holding anywhere from 10 to 20 Manors, including one that has more heavily fortified to the point that it could be called a castle, they control anywhere from 5-10k people. The absolute minimum is 12 manors, and most hold that or close to it, but a few have held onto the titles with less, typically when their holdings are particularily wealthy. They must provide 12 or more Knights to their lord, along with taxes and such. Typically their holdings are geographically close, almost always within a single county and in most cases internally connected.
Below them are only Baronets.
Most are, along with 3-4 other barons, under a Count, though a certain proportion are under a Marcher Lord of Albion, along with 5-6 other barons on average. In addition of course, some baronies are held by higher ranks.

Requirements

Being the heir by Spark augmented male preference primogeniture, though at this very low level the spark augmented portion is often ommited, and non sparked people are allowed to hold the office, though a sparked child, even female, will be the first option.

Appointment

Generally just given the title on the previous barons death

Duties

Typically to manage their barony, from their castle, occasionally travelling out, perhaps once every few months, to their held manors, and travelling to their lords castle on occasion. They will also of course accept their lords retinue when they visit every couple of months or years.

Responsibilities

Must bring with them to war at least 12 knights, along with those knights retinues, and their own retinue. This totals to around 120 people.
Their primary responsiblity though is to protect their charges and serve their lord, as normal.

Benefits

Riches and control over 5-10 thousand people. Also a lot of prestige, and the ability to influnce politics pretty majorly at a county level, and with some influence at the ducal level.
Almost all barons will have their home or capital in a crenelated stone castle, though some will only have a wooden castle, or a wooden castle with a stone keep. The supermajority of buildings that might be described as castles are held by barons, but most are one or two room affairs.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Armour of a knight, all barons are also knights

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Form of Address

Sir/Lady

Source of Authority

The gods

Length of Term

Life

Reports directly to

Earlmen of Albion