Thane
Leaders and Lieutenants of Torness
Leaders and Lieutenants of Torness
Like a Jarl, the role of the thane is both military and political in nature. Subordinate to a Jarl (or King), a thane assumes the role of lieutenant or subordinate commander. Unlike the higher ranks, however, there are some specialized positions a thane may hold, namely:
Military
A thane is often placed in command of a unit or troop of soldiers at the pleasure of his lord. As such, his position is one strictly dealing with military command and maintenance of his soldiers. Occasionally the units may be assigned a temporary garrison, but in most cases these positions (and the units they command) are somewhat ad hoc, as Torness does not maintain a regular standing army.
Civic
Jarls command jarldoms, and often rule from their capital towns. While they have influence throughout their demesnes they obviously cannot be everywhere all at once; thus, the role of the political thane. This class is a town administrator, responsible for the defense and well-being of the town they command. Interestingly, while thanes have identical rank socially, Torvian law holds that a civic thane is the superior to a military one in the event his town is under attack.
Royal Clan Leader
In most cases, the King of Torness is the head of his or her clan. This has raised serious problems in the past, as the king has such broad power (which includes the appointment of royal officials). To circumvent this problem a decision was made a hundred years ago for the king him- or herself to be considered clanless, and the successor - normally a clan Chief – be raised to the position of thane. In return, the king's relatives are not eligible for royal appointment by law.]/p]