The Social StructureJune 989 M.R. (1989 A.D.)This is a new column that will be used to pass information about the various districts that make up the Realms of Wonder. These districts operate at least some of their events under our system, and when doing so owe allegiance to Prince Robert II. This column will also be used as a 'who's who', where people and their titles will be listed. At a later date, we will publish the boundaries of the districts. In this issue, we are going to show you the Social Structure and its' minimum requirements. Slave/Serf - A title held only by choice. Freeman - The title held by all who have not been granted another title by the Prince. Yeoman - The title held by those who have held a small gathering where higher socials were invited. Knight - The title held by those who know all the rules of combat, follow the code of chivalry, and have had deeds of valor recognized by others, including Royalty. Lord - The title held by Knights who have two squires and have held a gathering of medium size. Baron - The title held by those who have four true supporters and hold a semi-annual gathering. Also the title of those who have successfully completed the Marshall training. Marcherlord - the title held by those who have six true supporters with registered banner and matching garb and hold a semi-annual general gathering. Count - the title held by those who have eight true supporters with registered banner and matching garb, holds an annual gathering and has a personal leech in addition to his eight troops. Counts must also carry themselves and act as a count. Marquis - the title held by those who have ten true supporters with registered banner and matching garb, holds an annual gathering and has a personal leech in addition to his ten troops. Marquises must also carry themselves and act as a marquis. Duke - the title held by those who have twelve true supporters with registered banner and matching garb, holds two annual events, retains a court sage and healer in addition to his troops, has a practicing fantasy religion, and carries themselves as a Duke much as a Count must. Prince - See Robert of Valehaven. While these are the minimum requirements, just because you meet them does not mean you automatically have the title. There are other criteria as well, among the most important of which is whether the peerage approves or not. While the Prince has the final word, he takes advice from those who are already nobles and may well disapprove of you on their word. The Royalty also reserves the right to waive any or all of the requirements for a prospective candidate, depending on the circumstances. In later issues, we'll get into more depth concerning each rank. For example, a knight of Darkvale is not the same rank, or indeed the same thing, as a Knight of the Realms. All of these things and more will be explained in later issues. I think some definitions of terms are called for here. 1) True Supporters: these are people, not just warriors, who take an oath or vow to serve a given person. They obey his orders and serve his causes in all ways. For example, if Rancid arrests Jay the Hood, his liege would collect the reward, not Rancid, because Rancid serves his Lord. His Lord would then reward him as he saw fit. As you can see, deciding to serve someone is not a matter to take lightly, for everything you do is done in the name of your Lord. On a more real-world note, a true supporter is also someone you can count on attending events in your unit. 2) Sages and Healers are not counted as part of a nobles' true supporters. They act the same but they are separate people. Rancid the warrior cannot also be Rancid the sage. Sages and Healers MUST go through the training for their respective trades or they are not sages and healers. 3) Matching banner and garb means just that. For example, the Legion banner is a yellow field with a black sun, surmounted by a white fanged skull. Their surcoats are quarterly black and yellow. They must match in this or a similar fashion. 4) Registered banner means you have a device or color design for your unit which you have put on record with us as being that group's device. No one else may use it and it is not something you may change at a whim, so choose carefully. Unit awards will sometimes have this registered design printed upon them. Also, if your group is operating under a design other than its registered one, then no recognition is given to the group in its' registered form, but instead treated as a completely new outfit in ALL ways. - Tristan. |
Created by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee at 11-05-20 10:36 PM
Last Modified by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee at 11-05-20 10:36 PM