bickando

IMPERIAL LETTERS FOR THE DUCHY OF AENUS, 1721 Issued and confirmed by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of the Imperium Renatus, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, 18th of Owyn’s Flame, 1721  TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It has pleased the Imperial Throne to reward the service of Our loyal subject, with a tenure in fealty to Our Imperial Crown, beneath His Imperial Majesty, Godfrey III Horen. Accordingly, with this grace of God and the counsel of Our court, We do enfeoff ACHILIUS HOREN to the DUCHY OF AENUS as Duke, a role they and their legitimate issue shall hold in trust to Our throne for the duration of their loyal service. They are enjoined to maintain the law of Our realm, to abide peacefully by Our rule, and to rise to Our defense when necessary. In return, and as a sign of Our august graciousness, We do privilege their head to levy law and taxes upon their vassals. IN NOMINE DEI HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, Emperor of the Imperium Renatum, King of Renatus, Marna, Mardon, Salvus, Seventis, Savoy, Courland and Santegia, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, and Frederica, Count of Helena, Alamar, Frederica, Thesmer, Thelen, Lorath, and Cantal, Baron of Darkwood, Gravelhold, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Heartlanders, Highlanders, Farfolk, etcetera.

IMPERIAL LETTERS FOR THE DUCHY OF WESTMARCH, 1721 Issued and confirmed by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of the Imperium Renatus, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, 18th of Owyn’s Flame, 1721  TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It has pleased the Imperial Throne to reward the service of Our loyal subject, with a tenure in fealty to Our Imperial Crown, beneath His Imperial Majesty, Godfrey III Horen. Accordingly, with this grace of God and the counsel of Our court, We do enfeoff STANNIS STAUNTON to the DUCHY OF WESTMARCH as Duke, a role they and their legitimate issue shall hold in trust to Our throne for the duration of their loyal service. They are enjoined to maintain the law of Our realm, to abide peacefully by Our rule, and to rise to Our defense when necessary. In return, and as a sign of Our august graciousness, We do privilege their head to levy law and taxes upon their vassals. IN NOMINE DEI HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, Emperor of the Imperium Renatum, King of Renatus, Marna, Mardon, Salvus, Seventis, Savoy, Courland and Santegia, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, and Frederica, Count of Helena, Alamar, Frederica, Thesmer, Thelen, Lorath, and Cantal, Baron of Darkwood, Gravelhold, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Heartlanders, Highlanders, Farfolk, etcetera.

William stands over Nikoletta’s shoulder, patting it softly. Against the fading candlelight, he leans forward to whisper, “I am sorry, my love. May they rest in the Seven Skies.”

@JuliusAakerlund [!] A letter, signed and sealed by William, is sent to the wayward elf-scholar. “In High Imperial and in Flexio, Hominum means man. Let us speak on this matter and the further investigation of these ruins – all possible Horenic artefacts and hidden information, true or false interests me. You may find me in the City of Helena. -William, Lord Justiciar of Renatus”

The Lord Justiciar of Renatus offers the Prince Regent a prayer as he snuffs the light from his dull eyes with a torch. “I hope you find the Seven Skies. It is unfortunate your family had not your mind.”

William smiles!

“Again with this ‘equality of all men’ business,” mutters William Jrent. “What’s next? Equality for the Elves? Equality for the dogs?”

William Jrent would hope Ser Darius Ault understands resigning from his post doesn’t disqualify him from being able to call himself a Dragon Knight, as they don’t lose their titles or privileges when honorably discharged – which is why Darius Ault is still called Ser Darius Ault.

Grand Empire Deep troubles had caught the Empress off-guard, and now her resources had to be split between three causes at once. To the West, the Resurgent Er rebels had spread from Pollon Tri, and in a measure rarely seen the Grand Empire has deployed a full army unit to the area. The First Foundation Regulars march on the city, even as the slaughter of Imperial citizens is broadcast daily. It is said most militia forces in the city’s region have, however, joined with the rebel cause, and the ensuing battle expected to take thousands of lives. Further west, the Edict Military Project continues, launching supplies back and forth over the war-torn Ers in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. To the North, though, lays news that worries the Empress far more. The existence of non-Da’nor life had become obvious, and so measures must be taken to protect the homelands. In Ium, like Ers, are hundreds of bunkers and other sector defenses built, aimed towards the rest of the galaxy. The Second Foundation Regulars is raised in its capital, prepared to defend it with their lives. It is inevitable that dangers come with colonization, but the initiatives of the Empire cannot be stopped. The colony ship is sent out, and with it, full military groups to immediately build a set of fortification in the area. On Lev’arum, a fleet is built. The first of its kind, the frigate Time of Av is crewed by officer-tier Resistance Psionics, and within it kept a Rosetta stone of the Levite language. To accompany it, two corvettes are also built and staffed by similar crews. Summary of the Collective Da’nor Peoples Rulership: One Attitude: Tradition Rights: Restricted Faith: Atheist Society Economy: Free Foreign Policy: Isolated Mentality: Balance Actions of the State Population: 5,347,210,695 [1.015x – Foreign: Isolated, Attitude: Tradition, Base: Regular] Resources Generated: 15000C [Base] 5000C [Rulership – One] 15000C [Population] 10000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Capital Sector] 10000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Ers (West of Capital)] 4000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Ium (North of Capital)] 2M 5M [Rulership – One] 3M [Business Infrastructure – Edict (Two West of Capital)] -3000C [Business Infrastructure – Edict] 2S 2R Static Resources: 20T 2L [Base] 15L [Mentality, Rights, Pop] -3L [BI] Prior Stockpile: 3000C 20S Allocation-Ready Resources: 62000C 14L 10M 22S 2R 20T [10000C] – Sector Fortifications, Ium [40,000C] – 4 BI, Edict [7 Total] [10000C] – Sector Fortifications, West of Ium 4M – 2 Corvettes [Deployed in Capital] 4M – 1 Frigate [Deployed in Capital] 1M, 1S – Land Forces, Regulars [Deployed in Ers] 1M, 1S – Land Forces, Regulars [Deployed in Ium] [0] – Colony, West of Ium [2R] – Civilian Infrastructure. [12 Total] End of Year Stockpile: 2000C 20S End of Year Map: [[Colonize Left north, 1 SF both northern sectors, +4 BI Far Left sector]]

Delos wonders how this little’un didn’t know High Elves have always been genocide enthusiasts.

“This is backwards and misogynistic and you shouldn’t hurt women’s rights like this,” says William Jrent, infamous civil rights activist.

The full poem The Dragon’s Throne, as written by William Jrent on the eve of the Siege of Helena. Released from the Imperial Archives in celebration of the passing of the Treaty of Ves. Woe to ye who wakes the dragon, Woe to ye who seeks its throne. For in your quest to find it, You’ll find yourself alone. The drakeling wields both fire and flame, Enough to chill the crow, But compared to dragons true and great, It is as a candle low. Lit are the embers of patrician homes, While the drakeling crows and crows. Golden is his dragon crest, Though he a wide-eyed doe. Two times the size his army is, Three times the size his land. Four times he lost in burning fields, And still the murder grows. Now he seeks his cousin’s throne, Guarded by dragons three. And should he pass through all their gates, Craven as can be, Watch his men die in the roads, And dying in the streets, He’d see the seat of wing-ed flame, And he’d proclaim to thee; Woe to ye who wakes the dragon, Woe to ye who seeks its throne. For in your quest to find it, You’ll find yourself alone.

Delos Telperion is shared this mental image, and shivers.

Grand Empire They say that far from the capital world of Lev’arum, the Grand Empire’s new colony undertakes a massive new project, wholly dissimilar from that of their sister colonies of Ium and Ers. “A military undertaking never before seen,” whispers the undercurrents of the Imperial Heart in their back rooms and shadowed councils. “To finally wipe out the insurgent rebels once and for all.” Perhaps those insurgent rebels had caught wind of such an event, for even as Ers’ infrastructure project is completed and Ium’s goes underway, the city of Pollon Tri on Ers is overtaken by cult forces at the end of the 9th rotation. An ancient enemy of the Empire, potentially reborn, and the Empress keen to end it before the situation spirals out of control. Frantically, the Foundation Militant builds dozens, nay, hundreds of fortifications across the sector, locking the planet down, even as the cultists declare their Resurgent Er Empire. A true war has broken out once more in the fragmented states of the Da’nor. Summary of the Collective Da’nor Peoples Rulership: One [INACTIVE] Attitude: Tradition Rights: Restricted Faith: Atheist Society [INACTIVE] Economy: Free Foreign Policy: Isolated [INACTIVE] Mentality: Balance Actions of the State Population 5,268,187,877 Resources Generated: 15000C [Base] 15000C [Population] 10000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Capital Sector] 7000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Ers (Left of Capital)] 2L 2M 2S 2R Prior Stockpile: 64000C 16S 6M 10T Allocation-Ready Resources: 111000C 2L 8M 20S 2R 10T 30,000C – CI Left Sector (Ers) [10 Total] 40,000C – CI North Sector (Ium) [4 Total] 10,000C – Sector Fortification – Ers. 30,000C – BI Far West Sector (Edict) [3 Total] 8M – Colony Ship. 2R – Civilian Infrastructure. [10 Total] End of Year Stockpile: 3,000C 20S

Kristoff Stafyr welcomes his grandson to the Seven Skies, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. “Did you cross before your father, even after so many years?” he might have asked, had he not been watching for so long, seen the rise and fall of his son. “Did you do well?” he might have asked, had he not seen Leopold bring so much honor to his name. Instead, all he says is, “Welcome home.”

The Grand Empire 1259 AE, 8 Ro. 21 [2205 Sol Calendar Date] Imperial News Network Public Broadcasts Reportedly, the Sons of Allin Li’ko has been found and executed in a Foundation Enforcer raid on Ers. The 14th Ta Empire has been defeated once more at Iria, and negotiations are now underway with the 32nd Ta Empire. The city of Opar has come under siege, with Ta’iun mustering its forces for a final battle. Empress Kells’av’s marriage to Prince Miran’av, her Davorian third cousin and a Tier 8 Fury psionic, is announced. The people rejoice! Actions of the State Population 5.20302005 billion Resources Generated: 15000C [Base] 10000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Capital Sector] 4000C [Civilian Infrastructure – Ers (Left of Capital)] 2L 2M 2S 2R Prior Stockpile: 5000C 12S 2M 10T Allocation-Ready Resources: 34000C 2L 4M 14S 2R 10T 30,000C – CI Left Sector (Ers) 2R – Civilian Infrastructure. [8 Total] End of Year Stockpile: 4000C 16S 6M

LINE OF SUCCESSION OF THE IMPERIUM RENATUM “In Nomine Dei.”` Issued and confirmed by His Imperial Majesty, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, 7th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1718 -=- The Imperium Renatum adheres to absolute lateral succession, wherein the crowned monarch has the right to name his heir, whether it be the eldest or youngest, from brother to uncle. This prevents the problematic clog of devious would-be monarchs attempting to take the throne by long-forgotten and tenuous blood rights, and ensures that it is a strong, pious Prince that ascends the throne, governing both their Horen lineage and Crown alike through a golden succession. Provided one is from the lineage of the Exalted Godfrey and the Crowned Pertinax Horen of yore and derives from the blood of one Antonius Horen, Fidei Defensor, then one may potentially have a claim upon the throne, but only he who has been named Crown Prince to the Crown, may supplement their true claimant to the throne. The current Imperial dynasty to reign over the Imperium Renatum is the House of Horen, with its current succession limited to only those of pure Horen descent, ergo relinquishing any claim held by the various branches of the House of Horen. Such examples of invalid branches include that of Horen-Preussen, Horen-Cantal, Jrent, etc. Those who are of pure Horen, or legitimised into the pure-blooded succession of Horen, may pose a claim to the Empire of Man and a claimant to the Dual Monarchy of Renatus-Marna. Such legitimization applies to both bastards and those within Horen branches, though the claim of legitimized bastards falls last upon the generation in which they were born (after any born-legitimate brothers and their offspring and lines). In the event of the Monarch passing before he can name a claimant to the throne, a succession crisis occurs, and it falls to the Privy Council of the Imperium to implement agnatic primogeniture. Therefore the throne is never vacant, and absolute coronation isn’t a necessity for one to take the Crown of the Imperium. -=- INCUMBENT MONARCH: Godfrey III Horen HEIR APPARENT: Achilius Horen, second son of Romulus Horen. In the event of both the Monarch and the Heir Apparent’s death, then the line of succession is as followed, personally selected in the event of an absolute crisis by the crowned Monarch of the Imperium. Likewise, in the case of a female heir apparent, her Highness shall retain inheritance until the next male in succession is of 16 years of age. His Imperial Highness, John Alexander, first son of Alexander Frederick Horen. His Imperial Highness, Persus Horen, second son of Antonius I Horen. His Imperial Highness, Romulus Horen, second son of Augustus I Horen His Imperial Highness, Thomas Elliot Horen, second son of Charles Elliot Horen. His Imperial Highness, Tiberius Horen, third son of Aurelius I Horen.

I want downvote back please

Had he sent that petition, transcripts would have been provided – Renatus was, after all, a land governed by law.

CONGREGATION OF THE COURTS OF THE DRAGON, 1718 “IN NOMINE DEI” Issued and confirmed by His Imperial Majesty, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, 15th Horen’s Calling, 1718 The advent of 1718 has brought claims before the Courts of the Dragon, and by His Imperial Majesty’s will the proceedings of the 1718 Congregation of the Courts of the Dragon are to be recorded for public viewing. On the case of Adrian ‘IV’, claimed Horen-Rothesay On the 8th of Sun’s Smile, granted hearing before the Courts of the Dragon. On the 12th of Harren’s Folly, hearing begun at midday. Present members of the Courts were John Alexander Horen, son of Alexander Frederick Horen, Adeline Margaret Horen, daughter of John Alexander Horen, and William Jrent, illegitimate son of Charles Elliot Horen. Present auxiliary members of the Courts were Aleksandr Renault, son of Ophelia Horen, and Janos Jrent, illegitimate son of Martius Horen. Claim brought before the Courts as being the child of Warwick II Horen-Rothesay and grandson of Warwick I Horen-Rothesay, Duke of Leone. Information retained by Vivienne of the Ardennes, approved bookkeeper of Horenic ledgers, confirmed Warwick II Horen-Rothesay’s death in the Year of our Lord, 1660. Age of claimant confirmed to be mid-teens. Adrian ‘IV’ declared 15, birth year 1702. No legal documentation of Warwick II’s marriage found by the Courts of the Dragon. No legal documentation of issue of Warwick II found by the Courts of the Dragon. Adrian ‘IV’ was unable to provide name of mother. Adrian ‘IV’ provided letter signed by one Warwick II confirming issue. Adrian ‘IV’ claimed the title Count of Salus. Adrian ‘IV’ provided signed but unsealed document by Godfrey III confirming the granting of the lands of the County of Salus. Contradictory Letters Patent for the County of Salus found, granting the title to John Stefan of the House of Avreux-Staunton. Adrian ‘IV’ claimed that the previous Count had passed on and that the titles had then been inherited by him. No letters patent found save Godfrey’s document of confirmation. Named Ser Rodrik as witness and regent of the County of Salus, and as the knight that had squired him. Provided signed document confirming regency and squiring. Adrian ‘IV’ provided no further statements, testimony, or documents. No member of the Courts of the Dragon wished to speak further. On the 13th of Horen’s Calling, the membership of the Courts of the Dragon was called upon for Congregation. In attendance was Godfrey III, son of Romulus Horen, Romulus, son of Augustus I Horen, John Alexander, son of Alexander Frederick Horen, Thomas Elliot, son of Charles Elliot Horen, Adeline Margaret, daughter of John Alexander Horen, and William Jrent, illegitimate son of Charles Elliot Horen. Not in attendance was Vitus, son of Tiberius Horen. Quorum reached for decision. The case of Adrian ‘IV’, claimed Horen-Rothesay, was brought to the floor. Copies of the documents, and analyses of the information therein, was handed out to the members in attendance. No new evidence brought to the floor. Of the votes; Four members of the Courts of the Dragon voted ‘nay’ on the matter of Adrian ‘IV’. One member of the Courts of the Dragon abstained from the vote. One member of the Courts of the Dragon voted that Adrian ‘IV’, claimed Horen-Rothesay, should take the name Adrian IV Rothesay, forgoing claims to the original Horen line. Adrian ‘IV’ is to immediately rescind his false claims to the names and titles of Horen, Horen-Rothesay, or Rothesay, lest he be branded criminal. Adrian ‘IV’, is to explain to Ser Rodrik of House Kortrevich his illegal claims, and offer him at will the rescinding of his squiring. The matter of the County of Salus is to be addressed at a later date, but is at current considered a ‘de facto, not de jure’ held territory. On Theodosia Horen On the 8th of Horen’s Calling, 1718, the return of Theodosia, daughter of Tiberius, was confirmed by John Alexander, son of Alexander Frederick Horen, Adeline Margaret, daughter of John Alexander Horen, and William Jrent, illegitimate son of Charles Elliot Horen. She was similarly confirmed to be unwed and a maiden still, having spent the time learning to sail on the edges of the world. On Martinus Horen On the 13th of Horen’s Calling, 1718, the membership of the Courts of the Dragon was called upon for Congregation. Martinus Horen, son of Martius Horen, was confirmed deceased in the eyes of the Courts.

Updates to the Ledgers of the Courts of the Dragon, 15th Horen’s Calling, 1718 Firstly, The death of Martinus Horen, son of Martius Horen, as recorded 5th Sigismund’s End, 1717. Secondly, The return of Theodosia Horen, daughter of Tiberius Horen, as recorded 19th Sigismund’s End, 1717. Thirdly, The confirmation of Hannibal Horen, legitimized bastard of Antonius Horen, as recorded 2nd Horen’s Calling, 1718.

PRECEPTS OF NOBILITY AND TITLEAGE IN THE EMPIRE OF RENATUS “IN NOMINE DEI” Issued and confirmed by His Imperial Majesty, Godfrey III of the House of Horen, 14th Horen’s Calling, 1718 For too long have the dark-age procedures of Aegisian nobility been thrown upon an advancing society; for too long has mankind found itself without the instruments to encourage and regulate the betterment of the empire through its subordinates. It is the opinion of the Imperial Crown that such a state shall continue no longer; by His Imperial Majesty’s will, the reformation that began with the House of Horen shall bleed through to the greater Nobility of the Empire. -=- On the Age of Houses; On Regimes Past In the early iterations of Empires of All Mankind, various forms of regulating the power structure while accounting for resurgent and aspiring houses were tried, and various forms failed. Even now, the classes of nobility border on defunct; the difference between old and new, once compared to fine wine, now believed by many a signal of skeletons. To reinforce the importance of lineage and of the good rule of patriarchs past, noble houses will be classified in one aspect by age. This is to be called the Heritage System, and shall help to usher in a golden era in the keeping of ledgers and records, and in the long-term security of the Empire. Ancient Houses Houses born and landholding from at least the time of and, at one point, under the First Empire, oft with legendary origin, sainted and blessed ancestry, and multiple storied figures. With such a lengthy heritage, these hold the highest prestige under the Heritage System. Houses considered Ancient and landed within the Imperium Renatum or its vassals; The House of Horen Ennobled the Year of Our Lord, 1 as Lords of Jrent Considered August under the Empowerment System The House of Stafyr Ennobled the Year of Our Lord, 1382 under the House of Horen Considered Noble under the Empowerment System Elder Houses Houses born and landholding from at least the time of the Descendants’ reign on Athera. Within those on the same titled level, there are rarely those considered more prestigious under the Heritage System. Houses considered Elder and landed within the Imperium Renatum or its vassals; The House of Ruric Ennobled the Year of Our Lord, 1465 as Lords of Norland Considered Royal under the Empowerment System The House of Staunton Ennobled the Year of Our Lord, 1476 as Lords of Courland Considered Royal under the Empowerment System The House of Barbanov Ennobled the Year of Our Lord, 1481 under the House of Carrion Considered Royal under the Empowerment System The House of Kovachev Ennobled the Year of Our Lord, 1483 as Lords of Akovia Considered Noble under the Empowerment System Middling Houses Houses born and landholding from 100 years in the past and before. At any given time, ducal and above houses should come from at least this class under the Heritage System. Young Houses Houses born and landholding for under 100 years. The vast majority of nobility in modern systems, especially those of the baronial level. Oft known for overeagerness, ambition and as upstarts, many more fall than succeed in surviving to greater status. -=- On the Titleage of Houses The Empire has been found wanting of official prescription of territory and title; in lieu of such, barbaric slights, causing in turn coups and rebellions, have been found altogether too often enabled. Thus, the birth of the Empowerment System has been necessarily instituted, and with it all rules found herein. On the Imperial Level Within the Imperial Level, all such Houses are considered August, and their title in common equivocated to ‘Empire’. Qualification for the level, in the belief of the Imperial Crown, is that of the subjugation or vassalization of at least two other kingdoms; for in years past, two crowns alone have been kingdoms always; three, and Empires have been formed. They are by title considered Imperial Royalty, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to such a position. In the holding of Imperial Court, those of such houses are afforded the seats and placements closest to the Emperor, and are to be announced firstly when such official occasions are held. Imperial Titles can be created by holders of three Kingdoms, though Empires of All Mankind require the conquest or holding of the titles of the Kingdom of Renatus or Oren (whichever at the time exists), the Kingdom of Salvus, the Kingdom of Hanseti (in modernity the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, or colloquially Haense), and the Kingdom of Seventis, the four constituent realms of the original Holy Orenian Empire. In addition to subordination requirements, an Imperial title requires at the very least a declared capital city. In Common referencing, the holder of such titles is an Emperor or Empress, and his or her subordinated gentry Imperial Knights. Their spouse is referenced an Emperor-Consort or Empress, holding none of their powers unless granted regency or by the reigning Emperor or Empress, and their children Imperial Princes and Imperial Princesses. The heir of an Emperor is a Crown Prince of the Empire or Crown Princess of the Empire. The children of a Crown Prince or Crown Princess, similarly, are Imperial Princes and Imperial Princesses. The title of Imperial Prince or Imperial Princess is not revoked upon the passing of the Imperial Crown. On the Royal Level Within the Empowerment System, all such Houses are considered Great, and their title in Common equivocated to ‘Kingdom(s)’. Qualification for the level, in the belief of the Imperial Crown, is the control of vast swathes of territory under a lord with either Imperial Immediacy or no liege whatsoever. They are by title considered Royalty, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to the position. Sovereign kingdoms can be created on the acquisition of large enough territories to subordinate multiple duchies, or in the past territories of another, conquered Kingdom. Kingdoms can otherwise be created by those of the Imperial rank when their Imperial title prior held the kingdom in subordination, or when their Imperial title is considered the Empire of All Mankind. A landed title of the Royal level requires therefore at the very least a city with a keep subordinated and the land for another keep, and most often a city with a large town or four keeps subordinated. In Common referencing, the holder of such titles is considered a King or Queen-Regnant, his or her subordinated gentry Royal Knights, and his or her lands a Kingdom. Their spouse is referenced a King-Consort or Queen respectively, holding none of their powers unless granted regency or by the reigning King or Queen, and their children Princes-Royal and Princesses-Royal. A non-hereditary holder of such a level is considered a Viceroy, and their lands a Viceroyalty, even should that title have previously been a Kingdom. Their spouse is referenced a Consort. If noble, their children are Masters and Ladies. If not noble, their children and spouse, like they, are not considered noble. On the Princely Level Within the Empowerment System, Princely Houses’ titles in Common equivocated to ‘Principality’. Princely Houses with both land and Imperial Immediacy are considered Great. Princely Houses that enjoy Imperial Immediacy, but are titular, are considered Noblesse. Princely Houses that are landed but do not enjoy Imperial Immediacy are considered Noblesse. Princely Houses that are neither landed nor immediate are considered Noble. They are by title considered Princely, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to the position. Princely Houses can be created only by those of the Royal or Imperial rank, or as sovereign by the will of the High Pontiff. Other Houses cannot themselves create Principalities. In Common referencing, a holder of such titles with both land and Imperial Immediacy is considered a Prince-Palatine or Princess-Palatine, and his or her subordinated gentry Princely Knights. A prince with Imperial Immediacy but no land is a Prince of the Empire, and a prince without Imperial Immediacy is simply a Prince. Finally, a prince ruling a sovereign state is referenced Prince Sovereign. In any such case, associated lands are considered a Principality, their spouse a Prince-Consort or Princess, and their children Lords and Ladies. On the Ducal Level Within the Empowerment System, Ducal Houses with territories equivalent to a Kingdom, Imperial Immediacy, and two Ducal titles are considered Great. Below them, Ducal Houses with territories equivalent to a Kingdom or enjoy Imperial Immediacy are considered Noblesse. Finally, other Ducal houses are considered Noble. They are by title considered Ducal, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to the position. Duchies can be created by those holders of the Imperial or Royal rank, or as sovereign less legitimately by a noble with no liege and two subordinate counties. A landed duchy therefore requires at the very least a keep with a village and a keep with a stable, and most often a city or large town and a keep with a village. In Common referencing, a holder of such titles is considered a Duke or Duchess, their spouse a Duke-Consort or Duchess (though with no inherent powers to the title), and their children Lords and Ladies. Their title is called a Duchy. A holder of two such titles and with Imperial Immediacy is referenced a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess of [Primary Title], thereafter referred to as a Grand Duchy, and a holder of three with Imperial Immediacy an Archduke or Archduchess of [Primary Title], thereafter referred to as an Archduchy.A holder of three such titles without Imperial Immediacy is referenced a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess of [Primary Title], thereafter referred to as a Grand Duchy. A holder of such a title with Imperial Immediacy is a Duke-Palatine or Duchess-Palatine, referred to as a Duchy Palatinate so long as its Imperial Immediacy exists. On the Comital Level Within the Empowerment System, Comital Houses that enjoy Imperial Immediacy are considered Noblesse, while all others are considered Noble. They are by title considered Comital, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to the position. Counties can be created by those of the Imperial, Royal, or landed Princely title, and by proxy and with permission of a holder of Imperial or Royal title by one of Ducal rank. A landed title of the Comital level requires at the very least a keep and a stable, and most often a keep and a village. In Common referencing, a holder of such titles is considered a Count or Countess, their spouse a Count or Countess (though with no inherent powers to the title), and their children Masters and Ladies. The land encompassing the title is called a County. A holder of such a title with Imperial Immediacy is considered a Count Palatine or Countess Palatine, and their title a County Palatinate. A holder of such a title granted court distinctions is titled Landgrave or Landgravine, and their title a Landgraviate. A holder of such a title tasked with defending a border is considered a Margrave or Margravine, and their title a Margraviate. On the Viscomital Level Within the Empowerment System, hereditary Viscomital Houses are considered Noble, while nonhereditary Viscomital Houses are considered Gentry for the duration of their rule. They are by title considered Viscomital, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to the position. Viscomital positions can be created by those of Imperial, Royal, or landed Princely title. A landed viscounty or burgraviate requires at the very least a keep, and most often a keep and a stable. In Common referencing, a hereditary holder of such titles is considered a Burgrave or Burgravine, their spouse a Burgrave or Burgravine (though with no inherent powers to the title), their children Masters and Ladies, and their title a Burgraviate. A non-hereditary holder, importantly, is considered a Viscount or Viscountess, their spouse a Viscount or Viscountess (with similarly non-inherent powers), and their title a Viscounty. Their children, like they, are not considered noble. On the Baronial Level Within the Empowerment System, hereditary Baronial Houses are considered Noble, while nonhereditary Baronial Houses are considered Gentry for the duration of their rule. They are by title considered Baronial, and gain all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities inherent to the position. Baronies can be created by those of Imperial, Royal, Princely, or by proxy and with permission of one of the prior three those of the Ducal or Comital rank. A landed barony requires at the very least a fortified manor and a village, and most often a keep. In Common referencing, a holder of such a title is considered a Baron or Baroness, their spouse a Baron or Baroness, their children Masters and Ladies, and their title a Barony. A non-hereditary holder is considered a Baronet, but their title a Barony. Their children and spouse, like they, are not considered noble. On the Disinherited Level Those noble houses disgraced or otherwise removed from power are considered Disinherited, and without the official recognition of the Crown in some capacity are removed similarly from the rights of the positions they held in years prior. They are not listed herein, as far more have been disinherited than not; over the centuries many Great Houses fallen by the wayside, and many are sure to follow. Even so, a man or woman of an Elder or Ancient Disinherited House is sure to enjoy more familial prestige than many more modern Houses. Their patriarchs and spouses are considered Lords and Ladies, and their children Masters and Ladies. On the Knightly Level Within the Empowerment system, knights are arranged firstly by their liege and secondly by their order. A knight serving the Emperor directly, for instance, has far more prestige than a knight serving a baron after his release from original vows of fealty; this is reflected in future procedure. Furthermore, an older, Imperial Order will take precedence over a younger Royal Order. Knights are by default sworn to he or she that raised them to gentry; upon their liege’s death, they may be released from their vows by the incumbent lord or lady of the title, and so may take a new liege of any level Noble and above, including the spouses or children of the holders of such titles. -=- On the Translation of Current Titleage The old system, with failures in systemic naming and other circular references, holds many titles in incorrect naming. Therefore, all titles granted before the date of 14th of Horen’s Calling, 1718 are to be altered as follows; Earldoms are hereafter translated to Landgraviates, with the styles and addresses therein. Marches are hereafter translated to Margraviates, with the styles and addresses therein. Hereditary Viscounties are hereafter translated to Burgraviates, with the styles and addresses therein. -=- On the Natural Passage of Titles Titles of Nobility and their associated lands are by right passed from holder to heir and future legitimate issue so long as they remain loyal. In the case of the death or vacancy of a holder, however, the title reverts to the Crown, to be held as its title until duly issued in letters patent once more. The absence of letters patent or otherwise signed-and-sealed approval of the Crown means that the House occupying the aforementioned territories illegitimately holds them, or in more legal terms considered ‘de facto’ rather than ‘de jure’. At the first possible time, they are to be removed from said illegal territory by treatise or by force. -=- On the Holding of Imperial Court In the proceedings of Imperial Court, the entrance and seating of each member of nobility is to be arranged and announced by those of the Ministry of the Interior and by the personal heralds of the nobles respectively. In the holding of Imperial Court, those firstly seated by the side of His or Her Imperial Majesty are those of their House and therefore of August power. To their right is to sit the Crown Prince(ss), and to their left the Empress-Consort. In the absence of either, their seats are to remain vacated. In the absence of the Emperor, the arranging member of the Imperial Court is to stand before His throne but not to sit. Allowed on the dais are those of the Privy Council, the Grandmasters of the Imperial Orders of the Red Dragon and of Pertinax if separate from the Grand Knight, and the immediate and prior approved family of His Imperial Majesty. Below sit the Kings, Queens, and Viceroys of the Realm, followed by the Princes and above by court procedure. Following sit the Dukes and Counts Palatine, including Archdukes and Grand Dukes, and below them sit those of the Ducal and Comital ranks, then nobility of the Viscomital and Baronial ranks. Those not noble are not, unless by the Emperor’s release, allowed to sit in his presence. By herald, the nobility of the Empire are to be announced as; [Style] [Name] of the [Heritage] and [Empowerment] House of [House], [Titles] They are, by court procedure, arranged in full (with consorts to be sat next to and males title holders firstly); Imperial Prerogative Emperor Style: His Imperial Majesty Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Majesty Oral Address: Your Imperial Majesty, and thereafter as Majesty or Sire. Empress Style: Her Imperial Majesty Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Majesty Oral Address: Your Imperial Majesty, and thereafter as Majesty or Ma’am Emperor-Consort Style: His Imperial Highness Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Highness Oral Address: Your Imperial Highness, and thereafter as Sire. Crown Prince of the Empire Style: His Imperial Highness, the Crown-Prince Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Highness Oral Address: Your Imperial Highness, and thereafter as Sire. Crown Princess of the Empire Style: Her Imperial Highness, the Crown-Princess Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Highness Oral Address: Your Imperial Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Royal Prerogative King Style: His Majesty Letter Salutation: Your Majesty Oral Address: Your Majesty, and thereafter as Sire. Queen or Queen-Regnant Style: Her Majesty Letter Salutation: Your Majesty Oral Address: Your Majesty, and thereafter as Ma’am. King-Consort Style: His Highness Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as Sire. Viceroy, if Noble and Male Style: His Excellency, the Viceroy Letter Salutation: Your Excellency Oral Address: Viceroy, and thereafter as My lord. Viceroy, if Noble and Female Style: Her Excellency, the Viceroy Letter Salutation: Your Excellency Oral Address: Viceroy, and thereafter as My lady. Imperial Prince Style: His Imperial Highness, the Prince Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Highness Oral Address: Your Imperial Highness, and thereafter as My lord or Sir. Imperial Princess Style: Her Imperial Highness, the Princess Letter Salutation: Your Imperial Highness Oral Address: Your Imperial Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Princely Prerogative Prince Sovereign Style: His Serenity, the Sovereign Prince Letter Salutation: Your Serenity Oral Address: Your Serenity, and thereafter as My lord. Princess-Sovereign Style: Her Serenity, the Sovereign Princess Letter Salutation: Your Serenity Oral Address: Your Serenity, and thereafter as Ma’am. Prince-Palatine Style: His Highness, the Prince-Palatine Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as My lord. Princess-Palatine Style: Her Highness, the Prince-Palatine Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Prince of the Empire Style: His Highness, the Prince of [Principality] Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as My lord. Princess of the Empire Style: Her Highness, the Princess of [Principality] Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Prince-Royal Style: His Highness, the Prince of [Kingdom] Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as My lord. Princess-Royal Style: Her Highness, the Princess of [Kingdom] Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Palatial Prerogative Imperial Privy Councillor [Male] Style: His Imperial Excellency, the [Office] Letter Salutation: Your Excellency Oral Address: Your Excellency, and thereafter as My lord or Sir. Imperial Privy Councillor [Female] Style: His Imperial Excellency, the [Office] Letter Salutation: Your Excellency Oral Address: Your Excellency, and thereafter as Ma’am. Archduke Style: His Highness, the Archduke of [Archduchy] Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as My lord. Archduchess Style: Her Highness, the Archduchess of [Archduchy] Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Grand Duke Style: His Grace, the Grand Duke of [Grand Duchy] Letter Salutation: My Lord Duke Oral Address: Your Grace or My lord. Grand Duchess Style: Her Grace, the Grand Duchess [Grand Duchy] Letter Salutation: My Lady Duchess Oral Address: Your Grace or Ma’am. Prince Style: His Highness, the Prince Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as My lord. Princess Style: Her Highness, the Princess Letter Salutation: Your Highness Oral Address: Your Highness, and thereafter as Ma’am. Duke-Palatine Style: His Grace, the Duke-Palatine of [Duchy Palatinate] Letter Salutation: My Lord Duke Oral Address: Your Grace or My lord. Duchess-Palatine Style: Her Grace, the Duchess-Palatine of [Duchy Palatinate] Letter Salutation: My Lady Duchess-Palatine Oral Address: Your Grace or Ma’am. Count-Palatine Style: The Right Honorable Count-Palatine of [County Palatinate] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral Address: My lord Countess-Palatine Style: The Right Honorable Countess-Palatine of [County Palatinate] Letter Salutation: Madam Oral Address: My lady Ducal Prerogative Duke Style: His Grace, the Duke of [Duchy] Letter Salutation: My Lord Duke Oral Address: Your Grace or My lord. Duchess Style: Her Grace, the Duchess of [Duchy] Letter Salutation: Madam Duchess Oral Address: Your Grace or Ma’am. Comital Prerogative Landgrave Style: The Right Honorable Landgrave of [Landgraviate] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral Address: My lord Landgravine Style: The Right Honorable Landgravine of [Landgraviate] Letter Salutation: Madam Oral Address: My lady Margrave Style: The Right Honorable Margrave of [Margraviate] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral Address: My lord Margravine Style: The Right Honorable Margravine of [Margraviate] Letter Salutation: Madam Oral Address: My lady Count Style: The Right Honorable Count of [County] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral Address: My lord Countess Style: The Right Honorable Countess of [County] Letter Salutation: Madam Oral Address: My lady Viscomital Prerogative Burgrave Style: The Right Honorable Margrave of [Margraviate] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral Address: My lord Burgravine Style: The Right Honorable Margravine of [Margraviate] Letter Salutation: Madam Oral Address: My lady Viscount, if Noble Style: The Honorable Viscount of [Location] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral Address: My lord Viscountess, if Noble Style: The Honorable Viscountess of [Location] Letter Salutation: Madam Oral Address: My lady Baronial Prerogative Baron Style: His Lordship the Baron of [Location] Letter Salutation: My lord Oral address: My lord Baroness Style: Her Ladyship the Baroness of [Location] Letter Salutation: My lady Oral address: My lady Those not Noble Viceroy [IF IGNOBLE] Viscount [IF IGNOBLE] Baronet Dragon Knight Red Knight Imperial Knight Royal Knight Princely Knight Ducal Knight Comital Knight Baronial Knight Hedge Knight Knight Errant -=- [OOC]

William Jrent frowns, staring at the family tree. “Who’s Gordon?”

“Think of it like a moving, iron Throne, that can be used to push children that fell off towers around,” says mediocre historian Comm Itsudoku.