The Nobility

The Role of the Nobility in Ardrigh

The King

The King reigns supreme over all of Ardrigh. The King commands ultimate authority, constrained only by the laws of the Lem Charta, Decrees Absolute, and Solemn Decrees of the Reigning King.

Titles

While the only true ruling titles are those of the King, the Barons, and the Lords; other titles exist, and each has its own privileges' and responsibilities.

All titled nobility hold a fief, generally comensurate with their title. Not all Barons are actually Titled Barons, and although they collect the rents of their county, much of it must be paid in tribute, with only a portion being retained for basic maintenance of the town & county and noble upkeep.

Some noble Proctors are allowed to retain their Title (and a portion of rents from their fief). These proctors may not hold authority over their lands, although they commonly have at least some voice in the appointment of presiding ruler.

Regional Rulers

Ardrigh is divided into four regions by the White and Rose roads. These regions are named the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast Regions. Each region is presided over by an Archduke. The Baron of Croshother (generally referred to as the Mayor) has the title of Duke, and holds a Duchy comprised of the four counties surrounding the Capitol. Two Dukes preside over the Grandocene (the cereal belt, located south of the Capitol.

Regional rulers are generally tasked with the training and maintenance of the Kings armies within their regions. The King delegates his authority for maintenance of his military to the Archdukes, who act under his direction,

Provincial Rulers

Provincial rulers hold fief over several counties or a special unit. Sometimes, a provincial ruler is a person who is appointed as a Field Marshal over one of the Archdukes armies. One of the special units is the cereal train, which is presided over by a landless Count, whose "fief" consists largely from the profits from the cereal train.

These nobles are paid tribute from the Barons within their province, and are required to pay a portion as tribute to their regional ruler.

Marquess

Count/Earl

Viscount

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Barons

A Baron (regardless of specific title) is the person responsible for the proper and efficient operation of a county. Barons fulfill several important roles as the local personification of the King. Barons are responsible for:

Collection of all rents, scutage, taxes and fees; and disbursing same.

Protecting the various towns, villages, and other settlements throughout the county.

Raising, training, equipping (and occasionally leading) an army when so commanded by the King.

Maintaining local order.

Viscount/Arch Baron

Baron

High Lord

Duty

The total of all goods and coin collected by a Baron is called duty. Duty includes rents, scutage, taxes and fees. Not all duty is the same, and must be distributed to their rightful owners. A portion of the total duty collected must be paid to the provincial ruler, if one exists.

Rents are paid to the fief-holder (with a set portion retained for maintenance of the fief and royal estate).

Scutage is paid to the Crown, through the military. Scutage is always paid in (or converted to) cash. Generally, a portion of the scutage tax is deeded to Barons for the training of reserve armies and guards.

Taxes are owed to the ruler.

Fees normally are owed to the ruler, but may include monies or goods owed to another in restitution.

Protection

The Baron is responsible for protecting the citizens of the county against threats and violence from external forces. Whether those external forces are foreign militaries, bandits, beasts, or monsters; the Baron is responsible for seeing that a defensive force is equipped and trained to deal with such; or that subordinate Lords are maintaining such a force. The obligation of protection often includes the construction and maintenance of a city wall or defensive palisades.

Armies

While Barons are not permitted to maintain a standing army or naval force without permission of the Crown, they are allowed (and even encouraged) to train reserve troops. They are often required to train a specified number of vintain every year for the King's personal troops. Upon notice from the King, Barons are required to raise, equip, and lead armies on behalf of the Crown. The number of troops any particular Baron must be able to ready march varies, but is generally one company for every 2,500 people.

Civil Order

Barons are expected to maintain civil order within their territories. Often, a portion of the town watch is tasked with ensuring the local populace is kept in line. Civil order also includes the maintenance of fire brigades, and adherence to established laws and customs.

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Lords

The appointed leaders of settlements and villages are Lords. Lords are in general responsible for the same things as Barons, although Lords commonly are not directly responsible for raising or equipping an army, they are commonly called upon to lead troops under their Barons. While a Lord is considered a member of the nobility, they are excluded from holding a fief (except in exceptional circumstances).

Lords are the only level of nobility that are by law allowed to practice magic.

Knights are generally considered landless, although they are often allowed some control of manorial vassels (for knights with an established manor).

Lord

Knight