Jester

Jester are a part of many noble houses deigned to entertain, make jests, and even to point out & ridicule those of upper class while making light of certain statutes & laws enacted by the court. Two kinds were in service depending on the nature of the individual. One is those deemed "mentally defective or uneducated" (the natural fool), or the one who is generally of sharp wit & tongue (the artificial fool). Both were widely tolerated, and even the natural fool are generally well respected as they can earn good coin at a profession of sorts, and have some standing in society that they otherwise wouldn't have.

Qualifications

Some, the natural fools, have sadly deficits either through circumstance and/or disability. Though they are usually unable to find gainful employment and rejected by society at large, this is a position where they can be gainfully employed & cared for.
Others, the artificial fools, are professionals who are almost akin to Bards & Troubadours, though usually train in jokes, and witty retorts.

Appointment

Only the Noble they serve may be able to request their service, and this can be done through an appointed individual from the court itself.

Duties

In near every case, the Jester has to entertain the court and any person present. They are generally free to speak their mind and even contradict anyone present, or any law or ruling by the court.

Responsibilities

Entertainment is the main task of the Jester, though a few can or try to sing, dance, tell stories, or try to act out a play at a moment's notice. To a lesser degree they act as Devil's Advocate when any law or ruling is being discussed. This helps the court or Noble to view such from a different angle where they then might be able to adjust it accordingly.

Benefits

The Jester will have their own quarters, and usually a servant (or worse, a slave). They have a steady income as well, usually enough that they can put a little aside if not more, and food & drink are regularly seen to as well. They can marry and have children too in many instances. They are allowed to talk any time and openly mock others, though they have symbols denoting their status and exemption from punishment under the law.

Accoutrements & Equipment

The Jester will regularly be fitted out with a set of symbols so they are identified as such. The most common items are a crown (cap & bells), and a sceptre called a Marotte. These are mirrored as parodies of the Noble's or crown and sceptre.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

In many cases, the death of the Noble leads to the Jester being let go. This can lead to no Jester in court, or another Jester taking their place. Any crime such as adultery, murder, or outright treason can also see them "removed" so to speak. A few cases are caused by the Noble getting bored of the Jester who promptly gets let go.

"I don't know about that Fool, there's just something so creepy about him. Or the whole idea of it for that matter. The only thing is that he can call out rubbish when he hears it, and put some of these others in line quicker that the Emperor himself."
Count de Ath at the Palace of Aachen.

Type

Nobility, Non-hereditary

Alternative Naming

Court Jester, Fool or Joker

Source of Authority

From a Noble

Length of Term

Usually for life, or at least the life of the Noble