Jarl
Great Lords of the Volsungr
Great Lords of the Volsungr
The rank of Jarl is a hereditary title bestowed upon worthy individuals in Volsung society by the King. In the kingdom of Torness, for example, there are five great jarldoms, one of which is often ruled by the king himself.
While the Volsungr rarely stand on ceremony and are not sticklers for symbols of office, it is traditional for jarls to wear a dragon’s-head circlet to signify they are performing their official duty. Like kings, jarls are permitted to distribute arm-rings (provided they incorporate their sigil) to trusted warriors and persons of wise counsel. Most jarls maintain a household guard and a warband to fulfill their military obligations to the crown.
Appointment
There are two common routes to becoming a Jarl: one is being selected as heir by a ruling jarl, the other is being selected by the King. In the first case, one must be of noble blood, usually a child of the selecting jarl. In the second case, one is ennobled by being so appointed; it is therefore a rarity.
Duties
The jarl serves as the chief judicial, administrative and military leader in her province. If preferable, she may assign any of these roles to subordinate thanes; however, the responsibility lies on her alone. All jarls are accountable to the thanes below them and king above.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
Your Lordship/Ladyship
Source of Authority
King and heritage
Length of Term
Lifetime
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations