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--- consolidated:hann_empire:noble_titles [2024/02/08 00:00] – johnb
+++ consolidated:hann_empire:noble_titles [2025/08/18 10:33] (current) – johnb
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 ==== Other Sovereigns ====
-Some sovereign states use other forms of government, and their leaders are normally accorded similar status to other Sovereign Rulers.
+Some sovereign states use other forms of government, and their leaders are normally accorded similar status to other Sovereign Rulers.  They are considered to be Sovereign, accorded the respect of minor royalty, and given a place on the Hann Council.  Some examples include ...
-  * Sovereign Lord / Lady -  The hereditary, sovereign ruler of a land with a population without a city.  There are seven Sovereign Lordships represented on the council
-  * Republic – The ruler is chosen by a small group of people.  The Lord-Mayors of independent city states are often appointed from a group of  (often self-appointed) power brokers.  This group might be wealthy merchants, successful adventurers, hereditary aristocrats, bishops of various churches, or come from a range of power groups. ++Note|(Based on the republics of medieval Italy)++  Rediton and The Farran Isles are the only current examples.
+  * Small Nations  -  The hereditary, sovereign ruler of a land with a population, but without a city.
-  * Chiefdom – Unlike other ‘sovereign’ rulers, a Chieftain rules over a large, disparate family group, rather than over a distinct area of land, and is generally a holdover from days gone by.  It stems from the times of antiquity, where a single extended family were spread across an area of land, but subsequently, lost control to outside forces.   The family then became distributed across several newer countries that dominate the political scene. A classical diaspora, but with family members still owing a duty of loyalty to the Chieftain and the family name.  Both the Chieftain and the extended family will have duties and responsibilities to other rulers, perhaps in more than one country, however this is tempered by their loyalty to their Chieftain and their name.  This long-standing relationship of command and loyalty is recognised as significant, and the heads of the Pagini, Marisi and Treverii families, within the Hann Empire, are examples of this.
+  * Republic – The ruler is chosen by a small group of people.  The Lord-Mayors of independent city states are often appointed from a group of  (often self-appointed) power brokers.  This group might be wealthy merchants, successful adventurers, hereditary aristocrats, bishops of various churches, or come from a range of power groups. ++Note|(Based on the republics of medieval Italy)++  Lord Mayors of City States are treated as Princes, others as Imperial Lords.
-  * Other rulers given this status might include …
+  * Theocracy – A sovereign state ruled by priests from a single religious organisation,  where their leade could be considered a Prince Bishop.
-    * Dwarf Minehold - This title is also used for leaders of independent racial enclaves, such as a Dwarf.
-    * Theocracy – A sovereign state ruled by priests from a single religious organisation.
+===== Palatine Nobles =====
+These nobles have a hereditary right to their lands, who pay homage and taxes to their sovereign, but they are recognised as minor royalty and given a place on the Hann council.
+Chiefdom – Unlike other ‘paltine’ rulers, a Chieftain rules over a large, disparate family group, rather than over a distinct area of land, and is generally a holdover from days gone by.  It stems from the times of antiquity, where a single extended family were spread across an area of land, but subsequently, lost control to outside forces.   The family then became distributed across several newer countries that dominate the political scene. A classical diaspora, but with family members still owing a duty of loyalty to the Chieftain and the family name.  Both the Chieftain and the extended family will have duties and responsibilities to other rulers, perhaps in more than one country, however this is tempered by their loyalty to their Chieftain and their name.  This long-standing relationship of command and loyalty is recognised as significant, and the heads of the Pagini, Marisi and Treverii families, within the Hann Empire, are examples of this.
 ===== Imperial Ranks =====
 ==== Imperial Barons ====
-Imperial Barons are not Royal but all states are required to treat them with the proper respect.   They are life awards, that cannot be passed down to heirs, however the title  recognizes work they have done on behalf of the empire.  They receive a fairly healthy pension for their efforts, and often have the right to live in a grace and favour apartment somewhere, in reasonable luxury.  Many, however, are sought after as advisors for local sovereigns or nobles.  Most recipients have been ...
+Imperial Barons are not Royal but all states are required to treat them with the proper respect.   They are life-time awards, that reflect the authority and responsibility the holder has within the Empire.  They cannot be passed down to heirs.
+Imperial Barons are recognised in three different grades.
-  * An Ambassador – who represented their Sovereign at the Imperial Council – or represented the Imperial Council in local matters.
+  * **Grand Baron** - the highest non-sovereign rank in the Empire, and reserved to those who represent one of the three Imperial Services at Council.  (Navy, Army, Administration)  These appointments are few and far between.  Once a Grand Baron retires from council, they retain the rank of Imperial Baron for the rest of their life.
-  * A Governor – who ruled an Imperial Colony, Naval Base or something similar.  They did not have a place on the Imperial Council, but report directly to it.
+  * **Baron** - Governors of Imperial Holdings. These are few and far between
-  * An Admiral - who commanded a sizeable naval fleet on behalf of the Empire.
+  * **Visbaron** - Most frequently, department heads in the various Imperial enclaves.
-  * An Agent - which is the most ill-defined of roles.  The might have negotiated a trade deal for the empire, negotiated an 'accord' between members states, or done something completely different.
-Imperial Barons are recognized in three different grades.
-  * **Grand Baron** - the highest non-sovereign rank in the Empire, and reserved to those who have performed long and important service.  These appointments are few and far between.
-  * **Baron** - Most long-term, senior officials can expect to receive this rank
-  * **Visbaron** - Junior Officials, short service terms, many negotiators are created Visbaron, the most junior of the Imperial titles.   However, it it is still one of the most respected titles in the empire.
 ==== Imperial Knights ====
-Imperial Knights are people who have performed a fairly major service for the Empire.  The Raven King of Arms rates the imperial Order of Hann, as one of the highest and most prestigious orders of knighthood, and counts them among the highest ranking of all the Knightly Orders.  It is not reserved for service in battle, and may be awarded to any character who the Imperial Court wishes to honour. However, they are mainly awarded to successful military officers on their retirement, or others who have served the empire well in a hostile environment. There are four ranks within the order.
+Imperial Knights are people who have performed a fairly major service for the Empire.  The Raven King of Arms rates the imperial Order of Hann, as one of the highest and most prestigious orders of knighthood, and counts them among the highest ranking of all the Knightly Orders.  It is not reserved for service in battle, and may be awarded to any character who the Imperial Court wishes to honour. However, they are mainly awarded to successful military officers or others who have served the empire well in a hostile environment. There are four ranks within the order.
   * **Knight Grand Commander** - often a political appointment.
-  * **Knight Commander** - awarded the commander for bravery in fleet, or large group, actions.
+  * **Knight Commander** - often awarded to the commander successful in fleet, or large group, actions.
-  * **Knight Captain** - often awarded to the inspirational leader of a team.  EG - The captain who inspired her crew to beat a small fleet, using a single vessel.
+  * **Knight Captain** - often awarded to in medium sized actions
-  * **Knight Lieutenant** - generally awarded for an individual effort of great gallantry.
+  * **Knight Lieutenant** - Often awarded for an individual effort of great gallantry, or commanders of smaller units who have a good record.
-The rank you are appointed to, when you are appointed to the order, depends on your status, the service that you have provided and, of course, on who you know.  These are lifetime appointments, that might be associated with a small (lifetime) stipend, or a land grant that may be passed down to one's heirs.  Higher ranking members are senior and more important than lower ranking members, although there are no local chapters to impose a formal hierarchy.  The Imperial Knights are so prestigious, that many members prefer to use their Imperial Title ahead of their local tiles -  even if the local titles confer great honours.
+The rank you are appointed to, when you are appointed to the order, depends on your status, the service that you have provided and, of course, on who you know.  These are lifetime appointments, that come with a small honorarium.  Higher ranking members are senior and more important than lower ranking members, although there are no local chapters to impose a formal hierarchy.  The Imperial Knights are so prestigious, that many members prefer to use their Imperial Title ahead of their local tiles -  even if the local titles confer great honours.