Nobility

Ennoblement

In the major realms of the Helerin Archipelago, nobility is a function of membership in a noble or knightly order. This membership is in the gift of the ruling monarch, and confers a title indicating precedence and prestige. Many noble titles are inherited from generation to generation.
Ennoblement is generally conferred for services to the realm, or to the monarch personally, although political manoeuvrings often play a role. The gifting of noble titles is a useful tool of patronage.

Noble titles

Remon, Forbin, and Teros

Noble titles in Teros and the Kingdom of Remon follow the pattern set in the days of early monarchs of Forbin, when both these realms were parts of the same kingdom.

Sind | Sindatt

The highest rank of nobility, the titles of Sind (male) and Sindatt (female) are typically reserved for relatives of the monarch, Lords Guardian (in Forbin), and powerful local rulers. Sinds and Sindatts are accorded the highest honours.
See also: Sind and Sindatt

Tol | Tolann

Ranking below the Sinds and Sindatts are the Tols (male) and Tolanns (female). Typically the heads of powerful dynasties, they often wield significant regional power (for example, as master of a large town). The title is also frequently granted to the most senior military leaders.
See also: Tol and Tolann

Decha | Dena

The largest group of nobles are the Dechas (male) and Denas (female). They frequently wield local influence (often as merchants or landowners), but their power at regional or national level is generally limited.
See also: Decha and Dena

Cheeda | Charann

The lowest rank of nobility, the title of Cheeda (for males) or Charann (for females) is awarded for the lifetime of an individual and therefore cannot be inherited. Recipients are typically military leaders or heroes, senior administrative functionaries, and successful merchants.
See also: Cheeda and Charann

Mar Miskun and Mar Mabon

Noble titles in the League of Mar Miskun and the Mar Mabon Townships are largely relics from the ancient Thalissian Empire.

Sindir | Sindatt

The highest rank of nobility, the titles of Sindir (male) and Sindatt (female) are accorded the highest honours. As no monarch exists, the title is no longer conferred, and so remains only in the very oldest and most powerful families.
See also: Sindir and Sindatt

Alden | Aldann

Ranking below the Sindirs and Sindatts are the Aldens (male) and Aldanns (female). With no extant monarch, the title is no longer granted; holders are typically heads of ancient dynasties. These individuals continue to wield significant regional power (for example, as master of a large town).
High priests of Helerin's major cults, and the most senior military leaders are customarily considered equal in rank to Aldens and Aldanns if no superior title is already held.
It is customary for city rulers to be accorded the title of Alden or Aldann if no equal or superior title is already held.
See also: Alden and Aldann

Bara | Barda

The lowest rank of nobility, the title of Bara (male) or Barda (female) is awarded by city rulers, and is therefore the only title that may be newly awarded.
The title is granted for the lifetime of an individual and therefore cannot be inherited. Recipients are typically military leaders or heroes, senior administrative functionaries, and successful merchants.
See also: Bara and Barda

Seynan Islands

In the (relatively) egalitarian Seynan Islands, no monarch exists to confer titles. Instead, membership of noble orders is in the gift of the Island Council.
All past and present Council members adopt the title Rassal.
Other noble orders do not confer a title or form of address.
See also: Rassal

Other cultures

Norran nobility

The Norran of Remon and Forbin have rigid caste systems. The superior caste, Goldfolk, is analogous to nobbility elsewhere in the realms of Helerin. Within the Goldfolk there are many nuanced layers of prestige and standing, and these may shift over time.

Bulgiss tribes

While noble orders do not exist within the tribes of the Festermere, the Bulgiss treat chieftains and their immediate families as nobility; tribal leaders are accorded much deference and honour.
Chieftains take the title Gola (males) and Golafel (females).
See also: Gola and Golafel