Nobility of Liang

The nobility of Liang is complex, as it has been deeply interwoven with the bureacratic, religious, economic and military institutions of the nation. Liang has had many complex systems of nobility throughout its history. Today, the Toburo numi system dominates, following re-organization under the House Liu dynasty.

History

The Toburo numi replaced a much more archaic system, a remnant of feudal Liang. Most of its families were folded into this system, but their status changed, and their role was codified into law from mere tradition. A number of the elder feudal families had gone extinct and not been replaced, and the power of the high nobility had been monopolised by just five houses.
The nobility was deeply unpopular with the citizenry following the collapse of Yahui dynasty in the close of the 29th century. They had flaunted their excessive wealth to the detriment of the poor, hosting hedonistic parties in their palaces, funded by control of important industries. The decline of traditional industry, and the Shen's control of golems in the 30th century gave him an opportunity to change the system for the better, and Shen Kusha took the opportunity.

Royal titles

Shen

The Shen is the ruling monarch of Liang, and the head of the Angjao religion.

Aji

The title of Aji is awarded to any direct family member of the Shen. It is comparable to Prince or Princess in other nations.

The Taiyo

The Taiyo court serves as the council of the nobility. The head of each family of the high nobility has a vote within the Taiyo court. Primarily, may vote upon amendments to laws proposed by the Shen, decide the distribution of state property, and declare war.

Titles

Under the numi system, a number of titles can be awarded by the Shen or inherited. Not all titles granted by the Shen are hereditary; some are tied to positions, others are awarded for life only.

High nobility

The high nobility of the numi system are families with direct leadership of a province. The five families of the feudal system remain among the high nobility, with an addition fifteen who were ascended by Kusha, from among the wealthy non-titled families of the nation at the time. This restored the traditional twenty provinces of Liang, taking back the provinces that had been collected by the five families as their competitor dynasties went extinct.

Sekke

Sekke is the highest title of Liang's nobility. It is held by the five original houses of Kawozu, Hinozu, Kufusai, Sutoku and Yume, and by the houses of Inseki and Ahiro - the parent house of the Shen's own house of Liu.

Seigake

The Seigake are equivalent to Sekke in all except for respect. The title is held by the leaders of the other thirteen provincial governing families, as well as by the descendants of military leaders of great respect - four Seigake have been bestowed upon military families at the present time. The non-direct family members of Seigake are known by the title of Yaiku.

Daijnka

The Daijinka form the last of the High nobility. The number of Daijinka families varies over time. They are primarily cadet houses of Sekke or Seigake families, with no direct claim to a province. Further Daijinka come from among the merchant class, military families or the family caretakers of respected Angjao shrines.

Low nobility

Meike

The Meike families are the rank and file of the nobility. Minor descendants of high nobility families, or influential but not renowned merchant families primarily compose the Meike's number.

Urinke

The Urinke are formed entirely of military families. They are usually awarded this title due to consistent service over generations. Some members of the Urinke count among the eldest noble families, having served the Shen for centuries. Some mage families are also Urinke.

Court nobility

The court nobility are primarily titles related to officials who work within the government of the Shen. They are tied to specific positions, either ceremonial or practical, and the number and titles often varies Shen to Shen.