Dragonlords

Ever found a noble within a group of filthy, mangy mercenaries? There is a high chance that is a Dragonlord, or at least one of their squires! You ought to respect them; because of them, the heavens have yet to meet Talamh!

A Dragonlord was a title given to the senior-most male descendants of dragon slayers during the reign of Queen Dariah. They had become a noble, ruling class in the land of Lysandus. They are well known for their adventurous habits and connection to the storied history of Lysandus and it's many world-ending conflicts.

Qualifications

Hopefully, the next in line for a Dragonlord position would have proper squire training in order to defend their homestead. They would need extensive education in order to rule as well, with literacy being a priority in order to read the King's/Queen's charters. Knowledge of the family's history must also be preserved.

Requirements

Usually, it is the senior-most male son in a family that takes up this role and the inheritance, though they must also have extensive military training if they wish to become a general. If there is no senior-most male son, often a daughter will be placed instead, and be deemed a "Dragonlady".

Appointment

Usually if the previous Dragonlord dies, the next in line will be immediately appointed unless deemed unqualified. Very rarily, a Dragonlord will retire as the head of the house and give the position to someone in their family. An inheritance towards the house needs to be in order.

Duties

Dragonlords overlook the laws being enforced in their villages and cities they rule over. They will support local businesses and trade in order to both help themselves get wealthier but also keep the working serf class busy and alive. Enforcement of taxes is primarily held upon them as well.
Occasionally, a Dragonlord will set out with their mercenary family history and desire to become an adventurer, exploring the world of Talamh with other people, like wizards, clerics, and other adventurers. In fact, many in history have helped stop powerful threats by teaming with these strange people.

Responsibilities

The Dragonlords report of the Court of Ebenwald in order to help the reigning monarch of Lysandus in deciding charters. This process is held under the House of Chiefs. Often times they will help fund the military and provide materials to the central parts of the government.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Treason, mostly, or breaking of laws created by the crown of Lysandus could lead a Dragonlord to be stripped of their titles. More recently in the Second Age, Dragonlords can be stripped of their titles simply for the practice of magic unauthorized by the Church of the All-Divine.

History

Under the reign of Queen Dariah in 5590, several towns in the nation of Lysandus came under attack from dragons. Upon the crisis, the queen started to hire mercenaries to help deal with the problem, creating the Mercenary Clause charter in 1A 5595. As a reward for the bravery of these mercenaries, many of them were given land and riches. They grew in aristocratic power, taking up the name "dragonlords" for their heritage. They influenced the future governments of Lysandus, but began to dwindle in power until becoming nothing but powerful families around the 65th century.

Cultural Significance

Though the original Dragonlords are long dead, the families of these individuals still hold a major amount of influence in the nation. In particular, many of the Dragonlords still serve as military generals and knights in the regiments of Lysandus.

Ailfir Von Donnerbach by Gerry Arthur

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Status

Ceremonial

Creation

5595's "Mercenary Clause"

Alternative Naming

Dragonladies, if female.

Equates to

An aristocrat, essentially, though also very influential in the armies.

Source of Authority

The Dragonlords have been given power by the crown of Lysandus and their charters.

Length of Term

Life long

Related Military Formations

• The Knights of Dragonbane