Handmaid/Houselord
Requirements
The title of Handmaiden is only granted to Dyskhari in higher positions such as generals, captains, company owners, great artists or rich investors and entrepreneurs. Generally as a rule it was only given to women, while the title of Houselord is more of a placeholder when higher status males periodically take over the position because there is no Handmaiden aviable. This rule varies from Great Household to Great Household and within some territories the titles carry equal weight.
Appointment
There are two ways to become a Handmaiden or Houselord. Either one inherits one of the family owned titels. Here it should be noted that the minor Household are granted a set of titles depending on their scale of operation and influence. At such, an entrepreneural lumber operation may have a singular title, while a military band might have a dozen titles which their can bestow on their officers.
Alternatively, to be granted these titles one have to do something specific enough that the leader of their Great House, or any of his or her closest circle take note. If the operation is of great importance or benefit of the Household, they can often be promoted to these titles as to insure their loyality and also spurr motivation for their people to do great things for great rewards.
Responsibilities
The holder of the title has a responsibility towards their High House and the entire Imperium to remain loyal and root out any corruption or rebellious individuals within their territory. It is also their job to ensure that whatever land they own is being fairly ruled over and that laws are upheld and not shirked or cheated around.
Benefits
To carry the title means a benefit of status, political weight to ones name and also monetary aid to achieve their goals. Altough the latter requires a proper reasoning as to why it should be given. The most direct benefits though is how Handmaidens or Houselords are to lead various operations which often set them in positions where they are the highest political might within a village, town or in some rare cases entire cities. Thus giving them lands to rule over.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
If someone who holds the title are found to be lacking in loyality or prone to treason, inquisitorial forces can be sent in to investigate the claims. If it's proven that they are indeed a risk for the greater household, the rank and all other titles attached to it can be fully revoked along their their operations forcefully transfered underneath anothers leadership, or in the worst case fully abolished. This removal doesn't necessarily spell the end though, as the titles can still be earned back through trials if the dismissed individual shows proper change in their attitudes which landed them penalized.
Type
Nobility, Household
Form of Address
Addressed by the title, Lady or Lord. In rare cases, Matriarch or even rarer cases Patriarch
Alternative Naming
Head of House
Source of Authority
The Handmaiden or Houselord report to the leader of the greater Household, generally known as a Headmistress or Headmarshall
Length of Term
Permanently
Related Organizations
Comments