The Nordish Gravlaw

[Narthok 10416]

The Nordish Gravlaw

Issued Winter 1744

---

Indices 

I. The Gravs

II. The Hierarchy of Gravs and Oathmen

III. The Aristocratic Obligation

IV. Grav Privilege

V. Grav Obligation

VI. Grav Restriction

 

---

The Gravs

 

The Highland Grav is henceforth held to be, amongst the Highland reaches to be the collection of land holders in possession of a Burgh. A Burgh in Highland parlance being held as a fortified settlement with the purpose of protecting the local serfs from raiders. Developed as a response to a consistent environ of warfare and raiding wherein the bondsmen needed a safe position to which to retreat and from which to project power.

 

The Burgh serves as the fundamental landed Unit of the Highland realm. With the family bound to the Burgh taking on the surname of the region from whence they hail. ‘Av land’ generally being the legal reference they take from the point of their ennoblement. This is to acknowledge the family’s bond to their lands and their subsequent obligation to it. The Grav and his issue are the human manifestation of their lands and peoples. It is to them to represent and defend both to the best of their abilities. Hence the regional affection is given to those freshly ennobled with the intention of ensuring their constant awareness of the fact. 

Gravs by and large are subservient to an overlord, having been granted lands by a lord of standing. Gravs may in turn further divide their lands amongst their thanes or bondsmen for purposes of fealty or for exploitation. It is from these still lower bondsmen that the Grav may draw tithe or call fyrd. However, it must be noted that the Thanes issuing out from the various clan halls of a reach cannot themselves be held as Gravs. Their halls not having the necessary scale to render them the overlord of a reach. In that sense they are generally classified as bondsmen, oathmen or gentry.

 

---

The Hierarchy of Gravs and Oathmen

 

To minimize confusion on the feudal hierarchy of the Nordish realms a public record will be inscribed herein to serve as official reference. The Nordish hierarchy is as follows. With each respective title being attached to the corresponding demesne. Grand demesne shall be held as princely titles distinguishing them as demesne held by members of the royal family. Demense held by clerical overlords shall be fitted with the prefix ‘Holy’ to denote their sacred status. Otherwise they shall conform to all other rules governing the Nordish hierarchy. 

 

Formal Aristocratic Hiearchy of the Nordish Realm

I. High-king ~ High Kingdom

 

II. King ~ Kingdom

 

III. Grand Margrave / Homargh / Granmargh ~ Grandmarch / Homarch

 

IV. Margrave / Margh ~ March 

 

V. Earl ~ Earldom

 

VI. Grand  / Holy Burgrave ~ Grandburgh / Hoburgh

 

VII.Burgrave ~ Burgh 

 

VIII.Chieftain or Thane ~ Fortified Holdfast or Great Hall within a Burgh

 

IX. Clanned ~ Homestead, Farm, Burghall

 

X. Freemen ~ Residence within a Burgh, Holdfast or Hall

 

---

The Aristocratic Oblige

 

The Highland principle of noble obligation to the ruled. The overlord exists as an extension of the divine will. Ruling the people of his demesne in the interest of promoting the moral good, the enduring honour and the lasting existence of his subjects. Rather than a mere secular obligation the Nordish realm holds that this is a DIVINELY APPOINTED OBLIGATION. The overlord is the servant of his people, directing each subject in a manner that best promotes the health of the whole. Spending blood frugally, where it need be spent. That the land and the people may persevere without fear of oppression of vagrancy.

 

In that spirit it is expected that any Grav hold themselves to the highest standard of honour and conduct. Serving not only as the directing force of their people’s energies towards a better future, but as a constant example of piety and honour in a decaying world. In that sense every Grav holds their position by the providence of the Divine. Therefore those who abuse their authority or fail to uphold their oblige will be treated as offences to the Divine itself. 

 

---

Grav Privilege

 

In addition to the general privileges extended to the Nordish citizen, the Grav of the Nordish realm are entitled to the following privileges extended from the Throne. The Nordish Grav are privileged to

 

I. Hold Armed Retinue

II. Call Fyrd

III. Tithe their bondsmen

IV. Bear arms in the presence of the Throne

V. Attend a Warmoot

VI. Bear title and landed surname

VII. Distribute holds to Chieftains or Thanes

VIII. To take ash wives

 

---

Grav Obligation

 

In addition to the general obligations expected of a Nordish citizen, the Grav of the Nordish realm are obliged to the following duties and services provided to the Throne. The Nordish Grav are obliged to

 

I. Defend the Faith within the confines of their realm

II. Uphold the tenets of the Faith

III. Furnish their levy to the Throne when called

IV. Host a Hearth Temple

a. Provide allowance for the needs of the local Keeper

V. Fortify their lands and protect their citizens in the name of the Throne

VI. Uphold the Nordlaw

VII. Uphold the judicial rulings of their Keeper

VIII. Obey the Marchlaw in matters of Grav conflict

 

---

Grav Restriction

 

The Nordish Grav are restricted in the following capacities. 

 

I. Gravs must marry within the landed class

II. Gravs may not marry outside of the Nordish realm

III. Gravs may not hold judicial court over criminal proceedings, that is the exclusive realm of the clergy

IV. Gravs may not call on extra-national factions for internal feuds

V. Gravs may not hold property beyond the confines of the Nordish realm

VI. Gravs may not participate in or contribute to foreign wars

VII. Gravs may not make war on foreign powers or raid them independent of the Throne’s assent

 

---

Writ en Namen de

-Godric,

[rukio 8924]

”Are you returning to the titles and ways of a Kingdom, then?” Edyth would ask her older brother. ”I thought father hated the notion of a Nordish kingdom...so why return to it?” Her tone was of genuine curiosity. 

[Narthok 10416]

14 minutes ago, rukio said:

”Are you returning to the titles and ways of a Kingdom, then?” Edyth would ask her older brother. ”I thought father hated the notion of a Nordish kingdom...so why return to it?” Her tone was of genuine curiosity. 

“I am not a King and Morsgrad is not a Kingdom” Godric would reply “I am merely Godric, and the forests, the rivers, the fields and mountains of my land shall serve as a place for all Highland folk to be truly free. To preserve their culture and their people from repeating a history we all know so well. I have penned these laws to keep conflicts to a minimum and remind the nobility that theirs is a holy duty. The noble is meant to serve man, not enslave him”