Lordship of the Kingdom of Norland

[Qaz_The_Great 1189]

LORDSHIP OF THE

 KINGDOM OF NORLAND

First Issued in the Eleventh of the First Seed, Ninth Year of the Second Age

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Contents:

   I. ROLE OF LORDS

   II. HIERARCHY

   III. LORDSHIP

 

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ARTICLE I: ROLE OF LORDS

The Norlandic people have never truly segregated their societies on the basis of class, as so many Southern kingdoms do, as it is generally understood that all men are equal in the eyes of the Allfather and the laws which guide the Kingdom. Though the need to recognize those men of merit and those who tend to the land outside the capital produced the titles of recognition listed here. Lordship is maintaining a demesne, having the capability to defend said demesne with a rally of soldiery, and taxing those which dwell within that demesne. To be a Lord is to display Norlandic values to all and to garner the respect of both the King and the people by being the epitome of a dutiful leader and a key driving force within the Kingdom. With the prominence of the Kingdom of Norland, as one of the greatest nations of Man, to become a Lord is to be entrusted with a great deal of authority which should be used to achieve each responsibility the King tasks you with. It is a timeless opportunity that gives one the ability to not only better themselves and their demesne, but allow their followers to be enriched and prosper for all the Kingdom and, by extension, the world to witness. 

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ARTICLE II: HIERARCHY

There are many different types of Lords, each beholden to the King. Each title has different prestige and expectations attributed. Below is the definitive list of each recognized Lordships in the Kingdom of Norland:

King - The King of Norland is the absolute monarch of the Kingdom of Norland. He maintains the Northguard and owns all lands within the Kingdom of Norland, granting it to his subjects as he sees fit.

 

Duke - A Duke is an extremely respected and able Lord who practices the Faith of the All-Father. Granted a large swath of land called a Duchy and is expected to maintain a rally of five or more loyal swords at any given time and collect taxes from their subjects. Their service as well as their Clan’s service to the King is expected to be until the end of time.

 

Jarl - A Jarl is a well respected landed Lord who practices the Faith of the All-Father. Granted a sizable plot of land called a Jarldom they are expected to maintain a rally of three or more swords at any given time and collect taxes from their subjects. Their service as well as their Clan’s service to the King is expected to be until the end of time.

 

Burgrave - A Burgrave is the lowest ranking recognized landed Lord. They are only required to meet the base requirements. Granted a sizable plot of land called a Burgh they are expected to maintain their lands and collect taxes from their subjects.

 

Heisir - A Heisir is the only unrecognized landed Lord who has either not met the requirements for a prospective lord but have been issued a section of land or the leader of a displaced group who have been accepted by the King to settle a section of land. Granted a small section of land often called a village they are expected to maintain their lands and collect taxes from their subjects.

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ARTICLE III: LORDSHIP
All Lords maintain a baseline of responsibility and authority, however it may be altered at the King’s discretion. All Lordships are held by the Chieftain of a Clan and will be passed on in accordance with each respective Clan’s inheritance laws, be it hereditary or through democratic means; though the King of Norland has the right to select the bearer of a title, if he so chooses.

 

DUTIES OF LORDS

A Lord is charged with the responsibilities of governing and maintaining their demesne as well as supporting the Kingdom of Norland as a whole as directed by the King.

Their responsibilities are as follows:

     -Ensuring the proper function of their held lands and their levy.

     -Supporting the Kingdom of Norland with their levy, produce or any other good the Throne calls upon them to supply.

     -Issuance of any public decrees to the residents of their lands.

Their authorities are as follows:

     -The authority to impose a tax upon the residents of their lands, if the King has not made any declarations which would revoke taxes to a specific person or entity.

     -The authority to draft freemen into a militia to aid the military in the defense of the Kingdom of Norland.

     -The authority to issue decrees and orders to their levy.

 

PROSPECTIVE LORDS

To be chosen and recognized as a Lord of the Kingdom of Norland is to have the prestige and honor of calling a great rally of swords to your side, plows to your fields, and scribes to your libraries. Lords are expected to be the example to all men of the Norlandic ideals of honor, strength of will, duty to the King. Those men who strive for status must first be recognized by the Kingdom of Norland as a Clan Chieftain and maintain a small group of men loyal to their Chieftain and King, as well as a history of service, dedication and investment into the Kingdom of Norland.

Prospects must meet the requirements below:

     -Prospects must have a minimum of 12 years of service - military, civil or religious - to the King. 

     -Must be recommended by three members of the King’s Council. Must maintain a Clan recognized by the Kingdom of Norland, have at least five bloodborne or bannermen loyal to them, and have a succession system in place where a single chieftain is selected for leadership of the Clan and inheritance of any titles.

     -The Clan must also maintain a culture which includes a Coat of Arms and Colors, a Clan motto or phrase and a detailed history of the clan.

 

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In the name of,

Halvar Edvardsson, King of Norland, Duke of Varhelm, Protector of Highlanders

 

Edited January 31, 2021 by Qaz_The_Great