Count/Countess

This is the point of nobility at which the noble actually matters to people outside their own kingdoms. Counts usually rule over a city or sect as well as the surrounding regions. They will often administer to several additional villages or even another smaller city, and as a result are generally fairly wealthy.
The average count can afford two or three regiments and as such is a fairly important part of their kingdom's military force.

Qualifications

Must be a grandmaster or at least close to it.

Appointment

A count must give an oath of loyalty to their liege.

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Form of Address

Lord/Lady

Equates to

Prince/Princess/Sect Master/Mayor are all equivalent titles given to grandmasters who rule their own fiefs, but don't owe fealty to anyone.

Source of Authority

Liege Lord/Personal Power

Reports directly to

Duke/Duchess