Margrave
Margraves are the border-lords of the the Kingdom of Hain, who are great in both Honors and responsibilities. Margraves are unusually autonomous and prestigious. They have special tax exemptions and are exempt from most labor and military levies, allowing them to focus their entire resource base on their holdings. Despite this, they are a noble class often in debt who require the financial support of the Elector-Princes to keep afloat. This is because the lands Margraves hold are extremely unstable and constantly under influence from nearby Ederstone wastelands. Some even have Ederstone fragments still embedded in their lands, generating new magical corruption. Regardless, the nearby 'Wastelands' and their inhabitants are a constant threat to the social and military order of the Margraves. Margraves also tend to struggle enforcing Hainish Culture, Uvaran religion, and Hainish socio-political hierarchies.
The job of the Margrave is to protect the Kingdom of Hain from monsters and anomalies coming from the uncontrolled irradiated zones. It is expected that Margraves maintain a close relationship with the Autumn Court's Questing Chapels, to issue bounties and quests for Honors against those threats that the Margrave struggles to neutralize.
It is also expected that Margraves claim new lands for the Kingdom of Hain, pushing ever deeper into the wastelands to subjugate new places and peoples. This process has many components: the Margrave needs to launch expeditions to survey lands, build alliances with potential subject communities, and identify potential threats. They then need to rally warbands to conquer non-allied communities, intensify control over allies, and slay monsters. Once military control is established, there is a long process of enforcing Hainish religion, customs, and legal hierarchies - and putting down the countless rebellions that ensue. Honor-seeking adventurers are key elements in all of this. Some Margraves also bring in mercenaries with promises of wealth or land.
Margraves receive special accolades and honors in Hainish Politics, but usually lack a great deal of agency themselves - they tend to be firmly attached to their Elector-Prince patrons, who give them money in exchange for votes and prime Questing opportunities.
While the title is mostly unique to Hain, some Margraves do exist in The Kingdom of Gennorholn.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
Honorable Lord/Lady/Dame
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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