Inheritance Law and Profession
Common law
Inheritance law in the Halruaalan Empire usually - but not always - is classified by Primogeniture. The spouse of the decedent (especially if they are male) can claim lands and rule until such a time as their firstborn reaches the age of majority (which is typically 17 - at least for humans). If the decent's spouse is dead or if the firstborn child is at the age of 17, they inherit any estate and titles. The rule typically favours the sons, but not always. If there are no children, then estates and titles transfer to the decedent's parents. If the parents are dead, then it transfers to the decedents siblings and through their line. In the event that all familial connections are dead, the estate goes to the local government.
Granted, probate in the Empire can all be avoided by a will properly enacted and authenticated by a official of the Magisterium, the Church of the Seven, or the local government of regional villages.
In lands controlled by House Romanos, firstborn daughters inherit estates and titles before sons. If there are no daughters, estates will pass through the above mentioned familial line but only to females. If there is no women family members, the majority (especially titles and large plots of land) will return to the state. A small stipend will transfer to the male line - enough to support them in a moderate manner. Males in lands controlled by House Romanos are never taught magic and can never hold noble titles.
For House Aetius and Udaku, children inherit in order of birth regardless of sex or gender.
Professions in Nobility
Inheritances works similarly to common law. However, title and power is bound by arcane expectation—only a proven spellcaster may inherit noble titles or governorships. The reigning Count, Duke, or matriarch/patriarch may name an alternate heir if the firstborn lacks sufficient magical skill or stability. Thus, noble families must educate, test, and affirm their heirs magically before succession is recognized. the expectations and training of noble are highly structured to appease social customs. Given that nobles will marry other nobles of good standing, given the availability within families, some houses will marry members from other regions. Because of this, it might be possible to have a spouse with a different specialization in magical field. I.e. a male noble from lands controlled by House Odinson (evocation specialist) might marry a noble from lands controlled by House Aetius (abjuration sepcialist).
Due to the law that nobility rest with Wizards of the Magisterium, it is an unspoken rule that the inheriting child must be knowledgeable in classical Arcane magic. This usually means that they are trained as a wizard. To this point, while certain exceptions exist, it is customary that the inheriting child learn and specialize in the magic of home land. Following the example above: if the noble from House Aetius moves to and lives in the home of the noble from House Odinson, then the inheriting child will be expected to learn and specialize in evocation magic over abjuration magic. Subsequent children could learn and specialize in the magic of the entering noble's family.
Consequentially, the typical noble family will follow the below customs in their childrearing:
| Noble Training Customs by Birth Order | |
|---|---|
| Inheriting Firstborn | Will always be trained as a wizard following the main family's arcane traditions to secure their place as heir. They are expected to assume the titles and rule of the family's land. |
| Non-inheriting firstborn | Will be trained as wizards following either the main family or the moving family's arcane tradition. If they somehow become the inheriting child, they will be expected to assume a specialization in the family's magic. Otherwise, they are expected to hold a high-ranking position within the Magisterium. |
| Second-born | Will usually be trained as a wizard; however, they may also be raised as a fighter (under the expectation of becoming an eldritch knight) and a deulist. They are expected to become a house protector or member of the Knights Magi. |
| Third-born | Often, they are trained as merchants, diplomats, or bureaucrats. They're not expected to be wizards, but can be if they have the talent for it. Most will join the Magisterium or the Congregation of Merchants. |
| Fourth-born | Given the increasing unlikeliness of adopting title, the fourth-born are frequently dedicated to the Church of the Seven or as Academics. Some might also join libraries or monestaries as scribes and academics to solidify the house's arcane knowledge. |
| Fifth-born and beyond | Most high-ranking nobles will not put much effort into their kids beyond the fourth-born. These individuals will frequently be given to the Nauts or to the Order of the White Oak. A few will become adventurers as they don't have much familial expectations. |
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