Dukes
The title of Duke, one of the most powerful positions that resides outside Exelnar. They lead a Duchy, which contains between three and six Counties, which in turn contain between 9 and 36 Baronies, making it a truly vast area of influence. A Duke is the most capable oldest male in the most powerful noble family in a duchy, therefore making his political power uncontested in his large court. A duke also is in charge of the most important city within the duchy, though such regulatory duties are often passed down to advisors and right-hand-men. The total number of Dukes has remained relatively steady, as it is not within any Dukes interest to have more Dukes taking up the time of the High Lords.
The cities Dukes reside in are always large walled settlements, always in a key strategic position and with large amounts of natural resources pooled in from the surrounding areas. They are bastions of prosperity, trade, safety and growth that the rest of the towns and cities aspire to be. The main power of Dukes that sets them far above the power of counts, is that they can have long term command of Imperial Army formations which they can then use to assist Counts and Barons. This along with their political power is why their courts are full of nobles seeking favors and plotting. Dukes have the power to wage wars, destroy hordes of enemies and siege bastions. However, the enemies of the Empire are many, and hide well, so it is the duty of a Duke to find ways to maximize his armies effectiveness, without spreading his forces too thin and answering every call for help.
That being said, there are very few Dukes who spend all their time thinking, improving their political moves and ensuring that their strategy is flawless. Most times they answer to whichever Count calls the loudest, and devote most of their time to getting more power for themselves in court, as well as enjoying the endless gold and pleasure that can come from having such vast powers. An aloof and careless duke, is also a dangerous one, and millions of lives are constantly at risk, at the hands of incapable fools.
The cities Dukes reside in are always large walled settlements, always in a key strategic position and with large amounts of natural resources pooled in from the surrounding areas. They are bastions of prosperity, trade, safety and growth that the rest of the towns and cities aspire to be. The main power of Dukes that sets them far above the power of counts, is that they can have long term command of Imperial Army formations which they can then use to assist Counts and Barons. This along with their political power is why their courts are full of nobles seeking favors and plotting. Dukes have the power to wage wars, destroy hordes of enemies and siege bastions. However, the enemies of the Empire are many, and hide well, so it is the duty of a Duke to find ways to maximize his armies effectiveness, without spreading his forces too thin and answering every call for help.
That being said, there are very few Dukes who spend all their time thinking, improving their political moves and ensuring that their strategy is flawless. Most times they answer to whichever Count calls the loudest, and devote most of their time to getting more power for themselves in court, as well as enjoying the endless gold and pleasure that can come from having such vast powers. An aloof and careless duke, is also a dangerous one, and millions of lives are constantly at risk, at the hands of incapable fools.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
Your Grace / Duke
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
