Vind

A Vind is a rank in the Mregian empire. The highest rank/title achievable by a non royal.
People who reach this rank are given the right of conquest, to own land and raise an army to protect it. They are allowed near complete freedom of movement in the empire, and are even able to give their vote in matters that require it.
The only way to become a lord is to arrive at the rank through exemplary military service. Or to do something especially beneficial to the empire.
Lords are like guardians of Royal territory, forming their own lesser territories within them. The politics between Lords of a royal territory can get quite heated as they struggle to gain more territory or undermine each other. It's a great motivator for them to go fourth and grab foreign lands to grow their own. Lords mainly just defend their territory though. But if their Hyavind calls upon them to go to war they must gather what troops they can spare, and follow him.
A lord has nearly full rights within the empire, one of these is the right to full freedom. They can declare themselves independent of their Hyavind, taking their territory with them, and forming a new royal house. These are usually thwarted by a very wrathful Hyavind though. If somehow the lord can fend off the assault of several other lords, and an elite army of royal troops, they can eventually be recognised as a new royal house. After several years the Monarch may decide to officialise this, giving the new House legitimacy and immunity.

Qualifications

None needed, any Hyavind has the authority to promote someone to this rank.

Requirements

At one time in history only Leromirs could become lords. but now anyone can, even Kalgits.
Must be over 18 years old.
Must be a citizen of the Mregian Empire.

Appointment

A royal will award them the title if they see fit. Usually due to exemplary service to the empire, or to a royal, but sometimes a royal might just need a new lord to look after their territory.

Duties

Protect your lands. Raise a capable army. Do as the monarch commands. Do as your Hyavind commands. Give a portion of the coin generated on your land to your Hyavind.

Responsibilities

Oversee your lands to the best of your abilities. Protect your people. Act as judge for your people if the need arises.

Benefits

Able to own and take land. Able to raise an army. Freedom of movement within the empire, aside from the Monarchs private dwellings.

Accoutrements & Equipment

A custom made sword from the master swordsmith. These swords are made from the finest materials and are designed to suit their user. These "Vindapgretis" use Lera metal to give them an extra edge in combat.
Other than an excellent sword, which is mostly just a badge of office in the modern age, a lord has full freedom to wear whatever they please. They may purchase armour or clothing of the finest quality. The Lord may wish to have a personal crest to identify his troops and himself. It's not a must, but the lord often wears colours matching the Royal that appointed them, only during battle.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A lord can only be removed by a royal or the monarch. This often leads to a duel between the 2 using the aforementioned swords.

Type

Civic, Military, Not Commissioned

Equates to

Lord

Source of Authority

Monarch, Hyavind

Length of Term

Until death or being dishonourably stripped of rank.

Related Military Formations

• Kinyar