The Flaith
Like their Bediz counterparts, the Eladan of the
Fortunate Isles have their own system of peerage, known as the Flaith. This system was also in play among the Bediz on
the Armorican Peninsula until the reign of
Dug Alan "Al Louarn" II and the abolishment of the Kingdom of Letha. The "ban" prefix indicates the female version of a title. While these reflect the ceremonial power of each rank, the actual political and personal power of the lesser ranks may at times eclipse the actual power of the higher ranks.
Noble Ranks of the Flaith
Ard Banrí/Ard Rí - High King
The highest domestic authority and Sovereign over a large region and its associated population. These are usually titled around the Tuath, rather than the geographic area (E. G.: Ard Banrí of the Eladan/Ard Rí of the Lethaned, Etc.) The power is often largely ceremonial.
Prior to the
The Tear, the Ard Banrí was selected by the Lia Fáil and was the guardian and wielder of the
4 Treasures of the Tuatha De Danann. After the Calamity, there is no Ard Banrí in the Fortunate Isles. The last High King of the Lethaned was
King Salaun, whose death in 778 SI unleashed a series of civil wars and a Viking occupation. The position was formally abolished by Alan II.
Banrí Ruirech/Rí Ruirech - King of Over-Kings
A truely notable regional power, the Banrí Ruirech exert power over Banrí Buiden and Banrí Benn. On
Emain Ablach, there are only four, ruling the cities of
Falias,
Findias,
Gorias and
Murias.
This rank is symbolized by a white wand, used in the inaugural ceremonies and then held by the Sovereign during their high duties. The size and shape varies, from a staff to a scepter or a wand, so long as it is straight and pure white.
In the Gallian system, the equivalent would be Dugez/Dug/ Duc/Duchesse
Rí Buiden/Banrí Buiden - King of Bands
A regional power, commanding the nominal or actual allegiance of several Banrí Benn.
Bantiarna/Tiarna - The equivalent of a Kontez/Kont or a Comtesse/Compte.
In regions, such as Albia, where the archaic "Rí" titles are replaced by the more modern and centralized Gallian equivalents.
Banrí Benn/Rí Benn - King of Peaks
A local petty ruler, in charge of a single settlement or community, although the size and strength of that community can vary greatly between Rí Benn. Technically, all Sovereigns of higher grade are themselves Rí Benn, exerting no direct authority outside their own Sovereignty, but a system of alliances and tributes may elevate them to functionally higher power.
Other Ranks
Caballos
Continental Ranks
Noble Ranks of the Mac'htiern
Roue/Rouanez (King/Queen)
In some Korrigan Troupes, specifically the Gargantuan Kriores, this position is called Kunduer/Kunduerez
Dug/Dugez (Duke/Duchess)
Markiz/Markizez (Marquis/Marquise)
Markiz are traditionally in charge of Marches, border regions between major Sovereignties. Marches are distinguished from interior holdings and Markiz are given special privileges, extra duties and more authority than other nobility in certain circumstances.
Kont/Kontez (Count/Countess)
Biskont/Biskontez (Viscount/Viscountess)
Vidame - Ecclesiatical title, carries out will of a Kont-Archperfect. Equivalent of Biskont
Baron/Baronez (Baron/Baroness)
Ranks of the Gentry
Caballos - Knight
Skoedour(Esquire)
Aotron/Itron (Lord/Lady)
Noble Ranks of Gallian Nobilty
Roi/Reine (King/Queen)
Duc
Marquis/Marquise
Compte/Comptess
Vicompte/Vicomptess
Vidame - Ecclesiatical title, carries out will of a Kont-Archperfect
Baron/Baronesse
Ranks of the Gentry
Chevalier (Knight)
Écuyer (Esquire)
Seigneur (Lord)
Chivalric Orders
Grand-Duchy of Akitania - Ordre of the Tiercelet (Falcon)
Kingdoms of Arle - Knights of the Golden Fleece
Kingdom of Gallia - The Silverblade Company
Duchy of Letha - Order of the Ermine
County of Tolosa - Ordre de la Pomme d'Or
Seigniorial Rights and Duties
Amober - A marriage fee paid to the noble to marry within their domain. Some nobles have interpreted a jus primae noctis right as a waiver for this fee, but this is not actually an established right of a feudal lord.
Corvee - The right to conscript unpaid labour on their lands by serfs, usually for public works projects like road construction. This is generally limited to a set number of days, and has fallen out of fashion with the gradual abandonment of serfdom.
Deference - Nobles have a right to enforce proper respect for their hierarchical position, such as removing hats, politeness and following orders. The enforcement and severity of punishment of this right varies greatly from noble to noble.
Dovecoat - Nobility has an exclusive right to build dovecoats on their lands to house pigeons. This right also extends to the ownership of other birds, such as falcons as well. The nobility is frequently at odds with the Faith over this right and has thus far successfully defended against ecclesiastic usurpation in most areas. This exclusivity has been less successfully defended against the Fair Folk.
Heraldry - Nobles have the exclusive right to maintain a registered Coat of Arms
Hunting - Nobles have an exclusive right to hunt in selected domains.
Taxation - Nobles are responsible for the collection of taxes within their domain to maintain their holdings and support their liege. These come is several (independently small, but larger together) forms:
Banalities - The lord is required to maintain technical services (monopolies), such as mills, ovens, oxen and wine markets. This tax goes to the operation and upkeep, in exchange for use and benefiting from these services.
Census - A small, symbolic amount recognizing lordship.
Champart - A tithe in kind, proportional to the harvest. Generally between 16 and 1/12 (with an additional 1/9 tithe to the local cleric.)
Overcharge - Attempts to increase the census. Generally low.
Rights Casual - Irregularly paid, a transfer tax on the sale of land.
Seignorial Justice
See
Justice in Alvez
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