Duke / Duchess

Appointment

Appointment to Duke / Duchess of Bannesfield was first appointed by royal decree more than 2,500 years ago. It is a hereditary title passing to the first born of each family (regardless of sex) unless some extenuating circumstance prevents that order. If so then the title, lands, and all assets pass to the next available kin, usually a second born child.

Responsibilities

The Duke / Duchess of Bannesfield is responsible for the care and taxation of the prefecture. They also make sure the Empire is given its due in grain, gold, and horses.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Only three lords of the prefecture been removed, two were removed for treason, and the third was removed for madness: Danvir the Snake, eleventh Lord of Bannesfield. Beheaded after being caught trying to poison King Thorin I Redheart. Vaireton the Craven, twentieth Lord of Bannesfield. Beheaded after murdering his cousin, Prince Thorin IV Redheart. Cristian the Mourner, thirty-fourth Lord of Bannesfield. Declared incompetent by King Thanadir V Redheart, committed suicide five days later.

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Form of Address

Duke or Duchess

Source of Authority

Royal Decree from Thanadir III Redheart, continued Decrees issued by following kings, and most recently the Empress Katelyn Kerendas, Queen of Lete.

Length of Term

Each Duke / Lord serves for life, or until abdication. The most recent Decree issued by the Empress secured the Duchy's existence for another 1,000 years.

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