THE WESTERGRENZ GENTRY DECREE

[Narthok 10416]

THE WESTERGRENZ GENTRY DECREE

Spoiler

 

 

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PREAMBLE

Arichsdorf, and by extension the various frontier settlements that fall under the dominion of the Westergrenz were founded on an explicit rejection of the cancerous title addiction that has plagued and weakened so much of modern humanity. 

 

We few who are fond of history will on occasion invoke the age of Heroes when we inform the younger generations of better days. There is much discussion around these better days, but rarely around the crucibles that produced the greatest generation. 

 

It is the ardent hope not only of the Von Arichsdorf family but of the various peoples who have settled the Westergrenz that our humble frontier home never become infected with the plague of titles. However, it is still critical that we as a community recognize the best and brightest of our community and reward them accordingly.

 

In that light it does us glad to finally issue rewards to those critical pillars of the Westergrenz

 

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INDEX

I. ELEVATING THE DESERVING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY
II. DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE GENTRY

III. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF THE GENTRY

VI. LIMITATIONS AND PARTICULARITIES OF THE GENTRY

 

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ELEVATING THE DESERVING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY
 

By the grace of the Lord of the Westergrenz, the Margrave Von Arichsdorf has elected to dignify the following.

 

I. Captain Winchester and his wife Taryn of the Baker family are recognized as a genteel family of the Westergrenz. To that end the Bakers and their legitimate offspring are hereby granted the following privileges by the grace of the Margrave.

-The Genteel Bakers may hereby bear their last name in recognition of their elevation from commons to gentry.

-The Genteel Bakers may hereby identify themselves with a coat of arms approved by the office of the Castellan.

-The Genteel Bakers may freely seek an audience with the Lord of the Westergrenz and may retain arms while in his presence.

 

II. Taryn of the Bakers is formally invited to assume the office of Seneschal of the Westergrenz, serving the Von Arichsdorfs as the senior steward of the demesne.

-Taryn of the Bakers is by virtue of her service exempt from taxes so long as she retains her office

-Taryn of the Bakers is granted the Edelweiss badge of the Westergrenz as proof of her office and of her authority, exercised on behalf of the Margrave. She is to retain the badge so long as she maintains her office.

 

III. Cynefrith of the Easworth is formally invited to assume the office of Castellan of the Westergrenz, serving as the right hand of the Margrave and his personal agent in all affairs both foreign and domestic. Furthermore, the Easworth family is recognized as a genteel family of the Westergrenz. To that end the Easworths and their legitimate offspring are hereby granted the following privileges by the grace of the Margrave.

-The Genteel Easworths may hereby bear their last name in recognition of their elevation from commons to gentry.

-The Genteel Easworths may hereby identify themselves with a coat of arms approved by the office of the Castellan.

-The Genteel Easworths may freely seek an audience with the Lord of the Westergrenz and may retain arms while in his presence.

-Cynefrith of the Easworths is by virtue of his service exempt from taxes so long as he retains his office

-Cynefrith of the Easworths is granted the Culverin badge of the Westergrenz as proof of his office and of his authority, exercised on behalf of the Margrave. He is to retain the badge so long as he maintains his office.

 

IV. Atticus and his kin of the Nightingale family are recognized as a genteel family of the Westergrenz. To that end the Nightingales and their legitimate offspring are hereby granted the following privileges by the grace of the Margrave.

-The Genteel Nightingales may hereby bear their last name in recognition of their elevation from commons to gentry.

-The Genteel Nightingales may hereby identify themselves with a coat of arms approved by the office of the Castellan.

-The Genteel Nightingales may freely seek an audience with the Lord of the Westergrenz and may retain arms while in his presence.

 

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DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE GENTRY

 

Each member of the gentry of the March of Westergrenz is, by virtue of their genteel station expected to uphold the following duties and obligations.

 

I. The Genteel families of the Frontier are obliged to fight for the Westergrenz,

II. The Genteel families of the Frontier are expected to put the greater good of the realm before petty personal ambition.

 

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RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF THE GENTRY

 

Each member of the gentry of the March of Westergrenz is endowed with the following privileges by the grace of the Margrave

 

I. The Genteel families of the Frontier are privileged to bear arms in the presence of the Margrave.

II. The Genteel families of the Frontier are privileged to seek audience with the Margrave at their discretion.

III. The Genteel familles of the Frontier are privileged to represent themselves with a coat of arms approved by the Castellan.

IV. The Genteel families of the Frontier are privileged to a last name

 

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LIMITATIONS AND PARTICULARITIES OF THE GENTRY

 

While the Gentry of the Frontier are notable members of our community there are a number of important distinctions that distinguish them from nobility proper. The Gentry of the Frontier are not privileged to the following and are therefore not noble.

 

I. The Genteel families of the Frontier may not keep personal retinues or levies

II. The Genteel families of the Frontier do not possess hereditary lands wherein they may pass laws, levy tax and levy services at their discretion

 

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Manfred