Knight

NOBLE

Knight / Lady is the lowest noble rank. It is hereditary They are entitled to own land. They are addressed as Sir or Lady. The smallest unit of land they may own is a single manor, or perhaps none at all. Knights or Ladies without land are called Knight Bachelor or Ladies in Waiting, respectively. The more land held, the higher the status. Barons / Baronesses, Earls / Duchess, & even the King / Queen are themselves considered Knights & Ladies.

MILITARY SERVICE

All Knights and husbands of Ladies are expected to make themselves available for military service. The nobles are the officers of the military. Often the rank of the officer is determined by how many peasant soldiers they bring with them when called for war. Duty is typically for one month per year for training purposes. Knights are expected to provide their own weapons and armor.

SQUIRES

Squires pledge themselves as servants to Knights and Ladies. It is not actually a rank of nobility, but it can be a path from common beginnings to noble status. Squires can be promoted to knights and ladies by those of rank of baron / baroness. Most, but not all promotions are made by the noble they serve. One quick path to promotion is bravery and self-sacrifice during battle.

JUSTICE

Knights and ladies administer low justice in their land; which is to say that they have the authority to administer judgments and punishments for misdemeanors such as theft or disturbing the peace. Nobility themselves are not subject to low justice.

Knight is the male equivalent of the female Lady .

Type

Nobility, Hereditary