Expanded Noble Title
Below is a list of Noble Titles and their order of power and preference. This is based on research into the feudal systems of Europe and Russia.
High LordHighest Ranking Noble in a house, the atend the High Council meetings and form House policy. They rule the House as a whole as and serve the High Council. They are usually chosen from the most powerful Lords. |
LordThere are only a few Lords to a house (under a dozen or so) and they serve the High Lord and rule over their own portions of the House. They hold and control the vast majority of the Houses wealth, ruling over large sections of planets, industries, corporations and remote colonies. Lords oversee many Marquis, sometimes some Dukes. |
DukeDukes and Dutchesses are in direst relationship with the High Lord, but do not hold a Lordship title. If someone related to the High Lord is does not have a Lordship title, they can petition the High Lord for a Duke-title. The High-Lord can grant the title, but sometimes assign a Lord to oversee the Duke. Dukes hold and control smaller portions of a House ownings than the Lords, although many times are treated equally. However, teechnically, in Tapani, a Duke is lower than a Lord. Their ownings can include a large portion of a single world or control of a few corporations. Some Dukes are meaningless outside of the title while others have great autonomy. Some Dukes can become so powerful that they can vie for Lordship. Promotions from Duke to Lord are rare events that usually are accomapnied by a lot of overt and covert maneuvering. Once the Bid for Lordship is public, the High Council oversees the promotion.Dukes oversee one or many Marquis |
MarquisMarquis are below Dukes. The Marquis is climbing the political latter within the power structure of the aristocracy, gaining his title by honoring either a Duke or a Lord with his actions. Marquis are promoted to Dukes when they have enough power and financial backing. They control several properties on many worlds or the same world, and over see portions of a particular portion of business. Marquis oversee one or many Counts/Earls. |
Count or EarlBelow Marquis is a Earl or a Count. They oversee several Barons. They usually control a smaller portion of House ownings than the Marquis. They usually serve the Marquis in local court sessions and small events on specific worlds. Counts are commonly promoted to Marquis, as the House business grows. |
BaronThe Baron controls a single small portion of House property or business, reporting to the Count or Earl. They are the Noble connection to the commoners. They usually have a manor, and a small property holding. |
Baronet and KnightBaronet is roughly equivalent to a Knight. It is given to a commoner as an honorary title. It is herdeitary. They are referred to as Sir as are Knights. Knights are usually the warriors of a House, while the Baronet is simply a civilian with equivalent honor. |
Promotions
Promotions occur on all levels of the aristocracy at varying frequency. usually it is made by a lesser Noble when he feels he has enough power and backing to move up the ranks. The High Council oversees the promotions when they are made public.
Order of Knighthood
Within the Order of Knighthood, there is a certain level of honorary ranking, along with the military titles. Listed below is the ranking based on experience and honor within the Orders. Beneath each are the typical military ranks that hold these positons.
| Grand Master | General |
| Knight Grand Cross | Colonel, Major |
| night Commander | Captain, Lieutenant |
| Knight | Sergeant, Corporal |
| Knight Bachelor | Private |
| Squire | Initiate |
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