Royalty

Royalty includes only those who are members of the ruling family. Nobles are peers and their families. Peers are nobles of baron rank or higher. Knights are below peers but above commoners, and generally have received their titles as honors for meritous acts. Gentry refers to those who are untitled but wealthy. Baronets and squires are considered a part of the knightly class. Everyone who is a member of the gentry or higher is generally an armiger , meaning they are armigerous , or permitted to bear a coat of arms.

• In a traditional monarchy system (such as that employed in Gregora) the highest-ranking noble is, obviously, the Monarch. The king or queen is to be announced formally as "His/Her Royal Majesty, King/Queen name of wherever, any additional titles held" and formally addressed as "Your Majesty" by everyone, including all other nobles of lesser rank. Titled persons of knight rank or higher may address the king as "sire" in informal situations.

• A few nations are ruled by Emperors instead of kings. Emperors are little different than kings, save in the type of nation they rule (an empire as opposed to a mere kingdom), but consider themselves above kings; they are not technically recognized as being anything other than kings in classic orders of peerage. Announce an emperor as "His Imperial Majesty, King name, Emperor of wherever, any additional titles held." Address him as you would a king. An emperor's wife, obviously, is an empress; no empresses reign as sovereign in the known worlds of Galon or Kaerith at present, and most nations of Kaerith would not accept a female ruler in any event. The children of an emperor are all grand dukes and grand duchesses; they are treated as the equivalent of princes and princesses and are addressed in the same manner.

• Next come Princes and Princesses. The prince or princess next in line for the throne (typically the eldest child) is known as the " Crown Prince/Princess " and is announced as "His/Her Royal Highness, Prince(ss) first name of wherever." All princes and princesses not directly in line for the throne are announced as "His/Her Highness." Both are addressed directly as "Your Highness."

• Next comes the peculiar rank of Grand Duke/Duchess. Grand dukes are not part of all nobility structures and are traditionally rulers of Grand Duchies (like Hlivin on Galon), largely autonomous provinces. The heirs to an empire are also called the grand dukes/duchesses (as were the czar's children in the old Russian Empire). In Gregora, the Grand Duke is the highest-ranking noble outside the royal family and next in line to rule should the royal family be left without an eligible heir; this individual is currently the Grand Duke of Highmoon, James Simerian, younger brother of King Tylor. Announce a Grand Duke as "His/Her Grace the Grand Duke/Duchess full name of wherever, any additional titles held" and address them directly as "Your Grace." If the grand duke/duchess in question is treated as a prince or princess in an empire, address them as "Your Highness."

Peerage

Peers of the realm consist of all hereditary nobles (birth peers) between the ranks of duke and baron. These titles can only be created by the sovereign of the nation. Peers are the local governing forces of the kingdom, and are generally given rulership of a province or city, depending on the importance of their office. They enjoy wide privileges, including exemption from most taxes and crimes (except treason, murder, heresy, and espionage), the rights of rulership of their territories, the right to bear a coat of arms, an estate, and the power to collect taxes. They also have the responsibility to protect their vassals, defend their territory, and raise/lead troops for the crown if called upon to do so.

Peers are ranked in the order listed below, and must always defer to their superiors. Within a given station, the date of creation (the date when the family first received the title) determines precedence ; thus, the 1st Earl of Bluetree (title created in 123 PD) outranks the 1st Earl of Northgray (title created in 400 PD). The numbers start over if the title passes to a new family; for instance, if the 4th Earl of Bluetree dies without an heir and a new Earl of Bluetree of a different family is installed, the new earl is the 1st Earl of Bluetree. His date of creation is recent, however, and thus the new earl will be outranked by all other earls who existed before him, even though he is the 1st Earl.

Each successive noble of a given house dynasty is numbered one higher (thus, the son of the 1st Earl of Bluetree becomes the 2nd Earl of Bluetree). A lord's number has little bearing on his ranking except within his own family.

If a noble holds more than one title (which is fairly common, especially among peers who have been knighted), always determine precedence and proper address by the highest title they hold. When announcing pluralistic individuals, list all titles they hold, in descending order of precedence.

* Dukes and Duchesses are usually the highest-ranking nobles outside the royal family, aside from grand dukes and Lords Spiritual (see under "Titles and ranks of clergy" below). They usually rule large areas such as provinces, but may only control a large city and the surrounding land. Announce a duke/duchess as "His/Her Grace the Duke/Duchess of wherever, full name" and address them directly as "Your Grace." A duke's firstborn is a marquis/marchioness; his other children are "Lord/Lady first name," although they have no specific title. They are announced as "Lord/Lady first name, son/daughter of parent's title and first name of wherever." Archbishops are considered equal to dukes in most nations, and are addressed in the same manner.

* Just below a duke in rank is a Marquis , also called a marquess (pronounce it either "mar-kee" or "mar-quess," depending on how snooty you want to sound). Either way, a female is called a Marchioness ("mar-sho-ness") or, in some lands, a marquesa (mar-kay-sa). Announce a marquis (and all lesser nobles above baronet) as "His Lordship/Her Ladyship the Marquis/Marchioness (or appropriate title) of wherever," followed by their full name. A marquis' firstborn is an earl/countess; his other children are non-specific "Lord/Lady first name" as described above for the children of dukes.

Addressing nobles of rank below duke : The forms of address for nobles ranked below duke and above baronet are more or less identical. Announce them as "His Lordship/Her Ladyship the rank of wherever, full name." Commoners address all nobles of these ranks as "My Lord/Lady" or "Your Lordship/Ladyship." Technically, the epithet "Your Lordship" applies to marquis, with lesser nobles being "My lord," but a commoner who addresses any noble below marquis as "Your Lordship" will only be inflating their ego and will seldom if ever be criticized for such action, which is technically acceptable if somewhat inaccurate. If the noble in question is their immediate superior (such as a noblewoman's lady in waiting or a nobleman's squire), the commoner addresses them as "My lord/lady." Nobles address other nobles as "Lord/Lady (first name)" or title followed by name ("Baron Randolph") until permitted to address them by first name. Lesser nobles may be addressed by name without first obtaining permission to do so, but this is a blatant insult.

* An Earl is the next step down from a marquis. Earls and Counts are equal in rank, but generally both titles are not found in the same nation (earl is a British title, whereas count is Eastern European). The kingdom of Gregora on Galon is an exception, due to the fusion of nations which resulted in its creation; earls are found in most Gregoran provinces, but counts exist in Dabarnia, Sandomar, Glasia, and Krovista. Either way, a female earl is called a Countess. Address an earl/countess according to the guidelines described above. An earl's eldest child is a viscount(ess), and all of his other children are called "The Honorable full name," a sort of nontitled nobility. As a footnote, the title Thane, used by dwarves, is technically the equivalent of an earl, and dwarven thanes will be treated and addressed as earls by humans who respect their rank. Bishops are considered the equals of earls in most countries, but are addressed differently (see "Ecclesiatical Rank" below).

* One step below an earl is a Viscount (pronounced "vi-count"). The female equivalent is a Viscountess . Address a viscount using the same pattern as for an earl and marquis. All of a viscount's children are called "The Honorable full name."

* On Galon, the title below earl is Baron , females being Baronesses . Barons are the lowest title to be addressed and announced as "My Lord." Their children are all "Honorables" as described above. Note that the treatment of barons on Kaerith is considerably different; see the special explanation of Kaerithian nobility at the end of this section.

Occasionally, the crown will choose to award of title higher than knighthood to a valorous individual, but not to create a new noble house. If this is the case, the title conferred will usually be that of a life baron . Life barons receive a keep and land just as knights do, but their titles, barring rewards for future valor which sufficiently impresses the crown, expire with their deaths. While alive, however, a life baron is considered the equal of all other barons, and he and his wife and children are titled and addressed in the same manner.

* The lowest heritable title of nobility is Baronet (pronounced as it looks), which is applied to both males and females. Baronets are little more than hereditary knights, granted control of a single moderately sized town at best, and are not addresed in the same manner as higher nobles. Announce a baronet as "His/Her Honor, the Baronet of wherever, Sir/Dame first name." Baronets are addressed directly as "Sir/Dame first name" by lords and commoners alike. A baronet's spouse is a knight's lady or lord; his children are squires. A baronet may sign their name "Sir/Dame name, Bart." to distinguish themselves from knights.

Life Peers

Below the rank of baronet are the various non-heritable titles of nobility, also called life peers. Technically, any title up to the rank of baron may be conferred as a life peerage by the crown, but these lower titles are the most common. Life peerages below the rank of baronet may be conferred by a baron or higher; depending on the laws of the nation or realm, high-ranking clergy may be eligible (or required) to confer knighthoods or squireage. Heritable titles are known as birth peers and may only be conferred by the crown.

* Knights are warriors given a special life title by a higher lord (which may be a king, any birth peer ranked as baron or greater, a military commander who is himself at least a knight and is higher in rank than a lieutenant, or even certain clergymen). Knights are usually granted command of a manor and a small area of land, and are charged with serving and defending their lord (whoever knighted them or whoever they have pledged fealty to) and crown in times of need. There is a vast chivalric tradition associated with knighthood, although its significance varies from one world and realm to another. The sons of nobles are usually automatically eligible for knighthood upon coming of age, as are paladins; others wishing to attain knighthood must prove their worth through great deeds or battlefield valor. Announce or address a knight as "Sir first name of wherever" and his wife (who is technically called a "knight's lady") as "Dame first name." Female knights are styled "Dame first name." There are various orders of knights, and each may have its own requirements for membership. Not all knightly orders are recognized by all nations, and those not legitimized by the crown of any nation (like the Black Order of Grasthites of Galon) have their own internal systems for conferring knighthood. Wizards and other spellcasters (except for Knights Arcane on Kaerith; see below) may not hold titles of knighthood; a wizard or mage who has performed deeds that would normally be honored with knighthood is usually granted a squireage (see below) or life barony (see above). In some lands (such as most Kaerithian baronies), women are ineligible for knighthood (although a knight or baronet's wife still holds the title "Dame"), and ecclesiastics (except paladins and other members of holy warriors' orders) generally may not hold the title of knight.

Not all knights are equal. Within a given nation, various knightly orders may be ranked. Within an order, or in a nation where all knightly orders are equal, knights can be further subdivided. All knights, regardless of rank, are addressed in the same way.
o Knights of the garter are the highest-ranking knights, generally the members of the highest order of knights in a given nation or those knighted directly by the monarch. Certain nobles' children may also be eligible to be knights of the garter by virtue of birth. Knights of the Garter are often those who have fought in holy wars or crusades.
o Knights banneret are knights who gained their titles for battlefield valor, and are often knighted on the field by their commander if he has that authority. A knight banneret is permitted to cut the tails off his pennon, making it into a banner, and allowed/required to lead a company of his men under it. They are technically higher than knights bachelor, but are often treated with contempt by such knights if the knight bachelor is of gentle birth and the knight banneret was once a commoner.
o Knights bachelor are normal, undifferentiated knights.

The recognized orders of knighthood in Gregora are ranked as follows:
o Knights of the Sun (Knights of Ceridwah) : The highest knightly order, consisting of human Ceridwans who have served with distinction against evil in more than one major conflict and at least one war, or those who have performed great deeds for the church of Ceridwah. Many Knights of the Sun are paladins, and a majority are Ceridwan crusaders. This order tends to stand above the politics of knighthood; no one is eligible merely on the basis of birth. Branches of the Knights of the Sun exist in Gregora, Bragenmere, Hlivin, Bakra, and Calarthia. Most knights of this order are knights of the garter.
o Knights of Aeros : These knights are human devotees of the wind-god Aeros who have served with distinction aginst evil in at least one conflict and have demonstrated their faith through a quest or deed. Only males of Mealdran descent are eligible for this order, which is recognized in Gregora and Bragenmere. Kngihts of the garter and knights banneret comprise its ranks.
o Knights of Gregora : The standard order of Gregoran knighthood, into which most knights fall. No special requirements beyond those normally needed for knighthood apply to this order. The titles of these knights are recognized in most nations, but the order only accepts members from Gregora (including naturalized or honorary citizens). Knights of any rank may belong to this order.
o Wyrmslayer Knights : Technically the equals of Knights of Gregora, Wyrmslayer Knights receive their knighthoods for slaying dragons. Knights who have slain a black dragon, in addition to being made knights of the garter, are also automatically considered for membership in the Knights of the Sun if they are Ceridwans. Being a Wyrmslayer Knight is more an honorific than anything else, and as a result it is possible, and indeed common, to belong to this order and another simultaneously. Knights of this order are almost all knights banneret. Wyrmslayer Knights are recognized in all human-inhabited nations with a tradition of knighthood.
o Blue Roses : This curious order, whose members are found only in Gregora and almost entirely in Dalvenmere, is open only to humans, and has as many females as males among its ranks. The Blue Roses are knights who adhere to a mystical set of teachings which encourages meditation, self-reliance, awareness, and inner peace. They are known for their curious but graceful fighting styles (compared by some to those of elven Bladesingers), calm natures, deep wisdom, and uncanny ability to notice and remember minute but telling details. Membership in the Blue Roses is by invitation only, and most of these knights are family members of existing Blue Roses. They must prove themselves through a series of trials which challenge the body, mind, and morals, and are knighted by heads of the local Rose Lodge (an exception to the general rules of who may confer knighthood). Rumors of their involvement in magical practice and the worship of strange powers have not been confirmed. Knights of any rank may be Blue Roses.
o Knights of the Moon : These are the Knights of Selene. Selenite warriors and paladins who distinguish themselves in battle against magical opponents are eligible for membership. This order has only been recognized for about twenty years, and is still not widely respected by other orders, although their privileges and responsibilities are equal to those of other knights. Since few nobles or high-ranking military commanders are Selenites, knighthood in this order may be conferred by Selenite high priests and priestesses, as well as by senior knights who are also paladins of Selene. Technically, any type of knight may be found among their ranks, but no knight of the garter has yet been a Knight of the Moon.

Several other knightly orders exist, but are not recognized by the Gregoran crown. These knights hold titles that are conferred by their church or by local rulers who accept their traditions, but they are no accorded the same status as the recognized orders by Gregora. A few unrecognized orders in Gregora include the Knights of the Black Wing, also called Knights of Markira (the sole recognized knightly order in Zaratan, with secret branches located in every human nation); the Black Order of Grasthites, knights devoted to the lawful-good Garrite death god; and the anarchist Chaos Knights, found throughout the civilized nations of Emrock.

Recognized knightly orders in the Kaerithian nation of Ghantra are ranked as follows:
o Knights of Plon are a knightly order of warriors, rangers and paladins devoted to Plon. This highest order of knights in Ghantra accepts only men of Ghantran descent who have demonstrated not only courage and prowess, but also devotion to Plon and an ability to apply raional thought under difficult circumstances. Knights of all ranks are found here, but most are knights of the garter. Branches of this order exist in all of the Seven Baronies and several of the smaller territories to the south, but it is dominated by Ghantrans.
o Knights of the Robe are technically equal in rank to Knights of Plon, but are an order of wizards. In practical terms, however, the Knights Arcane who belong to this order are treated as being below Knights of Plon in rank. Skill and distinction in magic and devotion to Ghantra are required for membership. Only Knights Arcane are eligible for membership, and all candidates must be male humans of Ghantran descent. Parallel orders of Knights of the Robe (generally with the same name) exist in every other barony except Irelia and several of the Unorganized and Disputed Territories.
o Knights of Melurbia are the remnants of the once-proud knightly order of the Melurbian Empire. They are now a small and prestigious order whose members are accepted only by invitation or heredity, and who are more devoted to ceremony and pageantry than battle. Knights of this order are all knights of the garter or Knights Arcane. Branches of the Knights of Melurbia are found in every barony except for Irelia (which recognizes only two knightly orders) and the Whitelands, which has its own monarchy and an equivalent ceremonial knightly order, the Defenders of Berna.
o Knights of the Four Directions are the most common knights in Ghantra. They are normal knights in most respects, with typical requirements, rights, and duties associated. There are four sub-orders, all equal in rank: Knights of the North have distinguished themselves in battle with Calandians, Tarskans, Irelians, or dwarves. Knights of the East are a catch-all category for those with no specific honors, often the sons of other nobles who receive knighthood by birth alone or knighted paladins. Knights of the South have distinguished themselves in battle with humanoids or in warfare with the southern provinces and Disputed Territories. Knights of the West are generally the most respected, as they have survived deadly warfare with elves at the borders of Hlar'Vila. Knights of any rank may belong to this order.
o Knights of the Sundered Tree are a multinational order of knights banneret who have distinguished themselves in battle against faerie creatures or druids. They are found in every civilized human nation which reviles druidism.

Other Kaerithian nations have their own knightly orders:
o Estivinia, Tedrox, Ganlay, and New Braghney all have national orders which are the equivalent of Ghantra's Knights of the Four Directions (called the Knights of the Elm, Knights of the Barony, Knights of Ganlay, and Guardians of the Republic, respectively), which follow the traditional rules of knighthood and include knights of all ranks. None of these national orders is divided into suborders as the Knights of the Four Directions are.
o Estivinia has another order, the Knights of the Kingfisher, which outranks the Knights of the Elm but below ranks below the ecclesiastical orders of knighthood; its membership, primarily conferred as an honor for great deeds to Estivinia, is limited to knights of the garter.
o The highest order of knighthood in Tedrox and Ganlay, which has branches in every civilized human nation save Ghantra and Irelia, is the Order of the Silver Hammer, the knights of Sarox. Its members must be Saroxian humans in good standing who have performed valorous deeds on behalf of the church, and are all knights of the garter.
o In Estivinia, the Whitelands, and several smaller nations along the coast, the highest order of knighthood is the Sea Knights, an order of naval warriors devoted to Franaxa who have acted to avenge misdeeds to her faithful or their nation. They are all knights banneret or knights of the garter.
o In Irelia, only two knightly orders are recognized: the Knights of the Sundered Tree, and the higher-ranking Defenders of Wallethere. This national/religious order is open only to Nethenists of Irelian birth, and otherwise has the same requirements for knighthood as most national orders. It includes knights of every type, and knighthood can only be conferred by an Irelian cleric ranked as a Lorinil (bishop) or higher.

Other, smaller nations may have their own systems of knighthood. Hlar'Vila, the Dwarven Confederation, and Gagneria have no knightly orders. All knightly orders on Kaerith accept only male humans unless otherwise stated.

* Squireage is the lowest title of nobility. It is officially the term for the untitled children of higher nobles (the various "honorables," who technically outrank a squire of nongentle birth), but is most commonly applied to the personal servant (squire) of a knight who is of high enough birth to someday be eligible for knighthood. The title of squire is also conferred upon barristers, officers of the crown, royal academicians, seargents at arms, shire reeves, servants of the sovereign who have been granted arms, the children of a knight, military officers above the rank of captain, mayors of towns with one thousand or more inhabitants, guildmasters, and others who have been granted a squireage specifically as an honorific. Squires may bear arms (meaning a coat of arms) and are announced as "The Honorable name." They may sign their names with the epithet "Esq." Address an esquire directly as "Squire name."

* Not a title of nobility, but not entirely common, is the rank of Gentleman or Gentlewoman . Gentlemen are those of high (read "wealthy") birth who are armigers , those permitted to bear a coat of arms. The title applies to commissioned officers of captain rank or below, franklins (freeman landlords), and town officers such as mayors who are not squires.

Kaerith_Nobility

Kaerith's rules of peerage and nobility nobility differ from traditional peerage in several respects. Most significant of these is that in most of the Seven Baronies, Baron is the highest tile in the land; there are no kings or princes. A Baron is announced as "His Highness, Baron name, Sovereign of barony." Address him directly as "Your Highness." His wife is a baroness (no baroness is permitted to rule a barony on Kaerith), his sons and brothers are grand dukes, and his other children are nonspecific "Lord" or "Lady." Duke is the next title below baron, and the rest follow the conventional order of peerage from there, skipping directly from viscount to baronet.

The story behind the elevation of Kaerith's barons goes back to the days of King Morris of Melurbia, some 400 years ago. It was shortly after the end of a war in which much of the nobility had been destroyed. The king called a council of peers to discuss re-allocating of titled lands in the wake of so many lords' deaths. During the course of debate, an Estivinian baron, Hans Catchfire, proposed a plan for reapportionment of titled lands which was violently opposed by a Ganlian duke. The duke roundly rebuked the baron, reminding him that he was far lower in rank than himself and thus should submit to the wishes of those above him. The king, however, approved of the baron's plan and was insulted by the arrogant duke. To put him in his place, the king immediately declared all barons present (of which there were only seven, one from each of the modern baronies, then duchies) to rank above dukes, a condition which has remained since.

Ganlay, Ghantra, Tedrox, and Estivinia all structure their nobility in this way. The Whitelands, prior to orcish conquest, was slightly different: its baron declared himself king in 6 AL. Thus, the Whitelands use the traditional system of peerage, with kings, princes, dukes, and so forth, but with no barons (viscounts are directly superior to baronets). Irelia purged its nobility when the High Theocrat assumed power, and the baron was killed; previously, it had subscribed to the standard Kaerithian structure in which barons are the highest-ranking nobles. A few Irelian nobles survive in other nations, and they follow the typical Kaerithian system; currently, two of these are claiming the title of Baron-in-exile of Irelia. New Braghney's nobility has been essentially stripped of all power in the republican government, but retains titles and orders as a matter of pride, and many Calandian nobles remain active in land ownership and government. The surviving nobles of New Braghney follow the same set of orders as the other baronies, but its baronial family died in Icaurus Naderre's coup, leaving dukes as the highest nobles and no barons. The ranks matter little, however, as all of the country's nobles are now politically equal to commoners unless they carry a title of knighthood or squireage, which the Calandian government still permits. Many Calandian nobles have held onto power, however, by retaining control of their ancestral lands or being elected to the Senate.

The human nations outside the Seven Baronies subscribe to a variety of governmental structures. Most have kings, and follow the traditional system of peerage, with barons ranked below viscounts. A few have adopted the baron-highest model of the Melurbian states, but they are in the minority. Several are Grand Duchies (ruled by Grand Dukes, with a typical peerage and low-ranking barons), and a few are empires, with emperors as heads of state and traditional peerage below them.

Because of the long history of magocracy on Kaerith, a title has been created for mages which is the equivalent of a knighthood but without the duties of chivalry. Knights Arcane are equal in rank to normal knights in Ghantra, Ganlay, New Braghney, and Tedrox, and just below them (and above squires) in Estivinia and the Whitelands. Knights Arcane are not permitted to bear arms except on a lozenge and cannot be called to standard military service, although they may be called as advisors or to provide magical support to their lord. They can only be knighted by a lord of viscount rank or higher who is also a wizard. Announce and address a Knight Arcane as "Arcanus first name." The wife of a Knight Arcane is termed "Arcana" (female mages are ineligible for the title).

Some Kaerithian nations, including Estivinia and Ghanta, have adopted a title that fills the position occupied by barons in traditional peerage. Vavasours are styled and addressed just as barons are in traditional peerage, fall below viscounts, and outrank baronets. Their title is hereditary.

Titles and ranks of clergy

Priesthoods have their own sets of rankings, which in some realms are fused with those of the nobility. Some churches have rigid hierarchies with dozens of rankings; others are entirely unstructured, with all clerics being equal. There are nearly as many hierarchical systems as there are religions, and the churches of Galon and Kaerith have their own variations. Presented here is the standard Christian system of ecclesiastical rank, which is comparable to that used by the main hierarchical religions of Galon and Kaerith; Ceridwan, Aerosite, Saroxian, Plonite, and Nethenist clerics follow this model, albeit with variations in the names of titles in the Aerosite and Nethenist churches. Note that in a traditional system of peerage, cardinals outrank most nobility, archbishops are the equals of dukes, bishops are the equal of earls, and priests are generally considred to be on a level with the gentry. Several nations give their highest-ranking clergymen the special noble title of Lord Spiritual, which outranks all other nobles outside the royal family and may even be eligible for the throne if the crown has close ties with a specific church and that church permits its clerics to marry (and thus produce royal heirs). In some nations, the head of the church may actually have de facto authority over the head of state, just as the papacy did over many rulers in medieval Europe, and high-ranking clergy may hold great sway over pious nobles of any rank.

* Naturally, the leader of the religion is the High Priest(ess). This figure has authority over all other members of the clergy and is generally considered to be the chosen of the god. Such individuals are usually addressed as "Your Holiness" and announced as "His/Her Holiness, specific title and name." The method of succession and exact title of this figure vary from one religion to another.

o The high priest of the main branch of the Church of Ceridwah (sometimes called the Tichian church) is the Tichus (TIKE-us), and successors to this office are chosen by the Council of Cardinals, who supposedly receive visions from Ceridwah dictating her choice. Orthodox Ceridwans do not recognize the authority of the Tichus and choose their own leader, the Lotichel (lo-TIKE-el), through a similar process.
o The high priest of Plon is referred to as the Thelon, and is chosen by a council of cardinals following the death of the previous Thelon. The Baron of Ghantra has occasionally made his voice heard in the selection of the Thelon, citing Plon's guardianship of the barony as legitimization for his involvement, but this is not an official or ecclesiastically endorsed influence.
o The high priest of Aeros is known as the Aelar(EE-lar), and is considered to be Aeros' prophet. Each Aelar names his successor in his final prophecy; this naming is usually cryptic, however, and interpretation of the prophecy is left to the senior priests.
o The high priest of Sarox is the Grand Bishop of Ganlay, an appointed office which is selected by decision of the Council of Grand Bishops when the standing Grand Bishop of Ganlay dies or steps down.
o The high priest of Nethenism is given the title Nethenil , which is appended after his name (ie. Andarrs Nethenil). He is addressed by all as "Nethenil," not as "Your Holiness," and is announced as "The Most Blessed Servant of Wallethere, name Nethenil, Keeper of the Faith." The title of Nethenil is very new; it was only introduced by Andarrs Nethenil ten years ago, when he successfully led a coup to establish theocracy in Irelia. To date, he is the only man to have held this title; previously, the Nethenist church was led by a council of Seranils (see below).

* The next step down is Cardinal . Cardinals are the agents of the High Priest. Each religion with an equivalent office has a varying number of cardinals and assigns them various duties, although they typically oversee large geographic areas and have authority over a number of bishops and archbishops. In countries with strong ties to a specific religion, cardinals may have great power in the government; most carry the title of Lords Spiritual , which places them above all nobles outside the royal family.
o Ceridwan cardinals are called cardinals in both branches of the church, and Plonite cardinals carry this title as well; the Cardinals of Gregora and Glasia, and the Cardinal of Ghantra, are accorded the title of Lord Spiritual, but are not considered to be in line for the throne.
o Aerosite cardinals are called Laramana ; the Laramana of Glasia, Mirago, and Aeron are Lords Spiritual, and are also not eliegible for the crown.
o Saroxian cardinals are called Grand Bishops , and are Lords Spiritual in Ganlay, Tedrox, Estivinia, and the Whitelands; their place in the orders of succession varies from one nation to another.
o Nethenist cardinals are called Seranil (SARA-nil), a title which is appended after their name (ie. Galis Seranil); because Irelia has no nobility, the title Lord Spiritual does not apply to them, and no other country recognizes Nethenist priests as nobles.
All cardinal-equivalent priests are announced as "His/Her Eminence, the title of location, name," and addressed as "Your Eminence." Seranils are addressed as "Seranil."

* Next are Archbishops, who have authority over major cities and territories and are usually the superiors of a group of bishops. Many archbishops are titled as Lords Spiritual, including the Ceridwan Archbishop of Highmoon and the Plonite Archbishop of Ghantra City. The Plonite, Ceridwan, and Saroxian churches all have archbishops. The equivalent title among Aerosites is Rolisina , and the Nethenist title (as always, appended after the name) is Daranil (DARE-a-nil). Archbishops are treated as the equals of dukes in most nations. Announce an archbishop as "His/Her Grace, the Archbishop of location, name" and address them as "Your Grace." Nethenists are addressed as "Daranil."

* Bishops are the next step down from archbishops, and are the heads of dioces. They, and all clerics of lower rank, are ineligibe for the title of Lord Spiritual, but still remain powerful political forces in most areas. Ceridwan, Saroxian, and Plonite churches have bishops. The equivalent title among Aerosite clerics is Sina . Nethenist bishops are Lorinils (LOOR-i-nil). Announce and address a bishop in the same manner as an archbishop. Bishops are the equals of earls in most nations.

* Monsignors are the next step down from bishops. Monsignor is an honorific title granted for meritous service to the church; their duties differ little from those of priests in large parishes. Ceridwan, Saroxian, and Plonite churches have monsignors. Nethenists give their monsignors the equivalent title of Himanil (HI-ma-nil). Aerosites have no equivalent title. Address a monsignor as "Monsignor" and a himanil in the typical Nethenist manner. Abbots (found among any monastic order) and
Mothers Superior (over Plonite, Saroxian, and Aerosite nuns) usually have a rank equal to that of a monsignor or bishop.

* Priests are the common clerics of most religions. and carry a wide range of titles, such as pastor and parson. Address a priest as "Father" (or "Mother" for female Ceridwan priests) or "Reverend" in most churches. Nethenist priests are titled and addressed "Camanil" In less structured faiths, priests may be addressed as "father," "pastor," "parson," "reverend," or by other titles.

* Monastics rank below priests in most faiths, and include monks, nuns, and similar unordained individuals of deep faith who have given their lives to service, contemplation, and prayer. Virtually all religions have some sort of monastic orders. Monastics are addressed as "brother" or "sister." They typically live cloistered lives rather than spreading the word of the deity, and may not have the full powers and authority of clerics, depending on the religion. Because Ceridwans allow female clergy, they have no nuns, and women are eligible to join most monastic orders; a female Ceridwan monk is called a monkess.

* Deacons are not true clerics, but have some of their powers and duties. They may be permitted to perform certain sacraments, but seldom if ever gain spells and are very limited in their ecclesiastical authority. Address a deacon as "Deacon last name." All of the religions addressed here have deacons.

* Lay clerics may not be distinct from deacons in many churches. They typically assist priests in the performance of church rites. They seldom have any special titles, but may be called "Brother/Sister first name" as an honorific. All faiths with organized rites have some sort of laity.

Markiran religious hierarchy

The Markiran church has a complex system of merits and titles. Little is known about the manner in which Markiran clerics rise through the ranks, but it is assumed to involve the performance of blasphemous rites, the slaying of Ceridwans, and success at Sacred Hunts. The exact order of ranks has been discovered, however, and is listed below, beginning with the highest-ranking cleric of the church.

* Grand Mistress of the Bat : High priestess of Markira, chosen by a Markiran avatar. Supposedly, the Grand Mistress is always a werebat. The Grand Mistress of the Bat is announced as "Grand Mistress of Our Lord Markira, full name, Blessed of the Bat," and addressed as "Grand Mistress."

Below Grand Mistress of the Bat come the three orders of succession in the Markiran church:

Order of the Holy Bat : The highest-ranking Markiran clerics, approximately equal in rank to the cardinals and archbishops of other faiths. Announce all clerics in this order as "Exalted Mistress of our Lord Markira, full name, exact title." Address them as "Exalted Mistress."

* First Mistress of the Bat : The highest-ranking priestess below the rank of Grand Mistress, and the technical spiritual authority over Zaratan (although the Grand Mistress frequently eclipses her role). The equal of a cardinal with the title of Lord Spiritual.
* Second Mistress of the Bat : The highest-ranking Markirans in each country outside Zaratan. The equivalent of cardinals in other churches.
* Mistress of the Bat : The highest-ranking Markiran cleric in a large geographic regions, such as a Gregoran province. They are the equivalent of archbishops and have the power to transform into a bat at will.

Order of the Blessed Night : The middling rank of Markiran clerics, approximating the duties of bishops and monsignors. They are granted powerful cloaks of the bat , and are the driving force behind most of the routine activities of the Markiran church. All clerics of this order are announced as "Dark Mistress full name, specific rank" and addressed as "Dark Mistress."

* Mistress of the Night : The Markiran equivalent of bishops, controlling dioces throughout Zaratan and other nations.
* Mistress of the Dark : Typically the head of a large, permanent Markiran temple. Equal in rank to an abbot or monsignior.
* Mistress of Dusk : Leader of a smaller Markiran circle or a mobile band of Markiran clerics.

Order of the Sacred Hunt : These are the most common Markiran clerics, and form the foundations of the church. They are the equivalent of standard priests. They are announced as "Mistress first name, specific title," and addressed as "Mistress."

* Mistress of the Hunt : Typically the leader of a Markiran Hunting band.
* Mistress of Blood : The typical, rank-and-file Markiran cleric, performing all normal priestly duties and conducting most standard rites.
* Bat-Trainer : Not yet clerics of full privilege, Bat-Trainers have few rights and are confined to their temples, where they train the temple bats and are forced to perform many humiliating services. They are not as brutally treated as Bat-Keepers, however. Bat-Keepers must address them as "Mistress," but others, including common followers of the church, need not address them by any particular title.

* Outside of the normal orders of the church are Bat-Keepers . The lowest-ranking Markiran clerics, Bat-Keepers are still undergoing their lengthy initiation process. The initiation is brutal and dangerous, and includes degrading service as temple prostitutes, slaves to higher clerics, and food sources for the vampire bats. Bat-Keepers have no title and are never even addressed by name; they are usually called by many cruel epithets when directly addressed by their superiors, which is almost everyone.
* Laity and monastics : Lay clerics and monkesses of Markira have varying duties, usually outside the temple. They have no specific title but are usually called "brother" or "sister" as a courtesy. Markiran lay clerics actually are treated much better than Bat-Keepers and Bat-Trainers, as they are seldom abused by the clerics and have independent lives outside the church.
* Harbingers of Markira : These special individuals are males who, for meritous service to the god, are granted clerical powers in addition to whatever other abilities they possess. They are extremely rare, and none are currently known to be alive. The infamous necromancer Maximus the Black was a Harbinger of Markira. Harbingers are identified by their ivory bat pendants (giving the the nickname "The Ivory Bats") and are respected by clerics of all ranks. The are addressed as "Master name," and although they are not technically clerics, they have ecclesiastical authority equal to that of Mistresses of the Bat, and usually have the ear of any Markiran cleric up to the Grand Mistress of the Bat if they desire an audience.

Addressing spellcasters

On Galon : The traditions of the Hierarchy on Galon set down a precise code of address for wizards, but it does not apply to those without spellcasting powers; only other wizards are expected to obey it. Technical rules of etiquette in Gregora suggest that a mage should be addressed as "Sir" or "Madam," but this stricture is seldom obeyed and few spellcasters are offended by its absence.

In general, the Hierarchy demands deference to higher-ranking mages. For all those with the title "mage" (in other words, those who are not yet wizards), level difference is the key factor: mages of equal or lesser level to the speaker are addressed by name, those higher are addressed as "Sir" or "Madam." If the level of a mage is unknown, another mage may choose to address them as "Sir" or "Madam" out of politeness; to address them by name or demand that one be addressed as "Sir" is a clear demonstration of one's own confidence in superiority, and is usually a breach of etiquette. It is also appropriate to address a mage by his formal Hierarchy title, and introducing oneself by these titles to other mages avoids much possible embarassment from failure to honor the proper pecking order. No special provisons for announcing a mage exist.

A spellcaster of 8th level or higher has the title Magus (although any low-level spellcaster may be referred to as a mage) and may be announced as "Magus first or full name." Lower-level mages must address a magus as "Magus;" others with the same rank may address them by name.

The highest-ranking mages are called archmages ; these are spellcasters of 18th level or higher. They are equal in rank to Wizards of the Hierarchy and carry the same title, Doctor of Magic. They are also permitted to add an epithet following their name (as in "Maximus the Black.") Announce them as "Archmage name" or by their name and epithet. Lower-level spellcasters address archmages as "Doctor" or "Archmage." Other archmages and wizards may address them by name.

An apprentice always refers to his or her teacher as "master/mistress," even after the apprenticeship is over, regardless of level or rank differences between them. This tradition is usually even maintained between bitter enemies.

The formal titles of the Hierarchy, while seldom used, are as follows:

1st-3rd levels: Apprentice
4th-6th level: Magician 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Degree
7th-8th levels: Thaumaturgist 2nd and 1st Degree
9th-11th level: Magus Inferior
12th-15th levels: Magus Superior
16th-17th levels: Magus Supreme
18th level and above: Archmage

The title wizard has special meaning on Galon. A wizard is a mage who has been approved as such by the Hierarchy following a formal test. This test is a deep secret among mages, but is believed to include a trial-style evaluation of the mage's knowledge, character, skill, and dedication to the principles of the Hierarchy, as well as a demonstration of their power. The qualifications for wizard status are unknown; some mages are never called for the test, others are called as soon as they are eligible. The known requirements include being at least 7th level, creation of at least one magical item, and documented spell research which improves the existing body of magical knowledge. One need not be a Hierarchist to be tested, but must agree to follow Hierarchist rules after the test (which is fairly easy, since wizards have few rules to follow). A few groups known to be ineligible for wizard status include gypsies, witches, militant mages, cleric of Selene, sha'irs, ghul lords, and Garrites. A mage who passes the tests and gains the status of Wizard has all the benfits and titles of an archmage, to whom they are considered equal in rank. Address a wizard as "Sir," "Madam," or "Doctor."

Archwizards are the relatively few wizards who reach 18th level or higher. They are highly respected by all lesser-ranking mages and must be addressed as "Lord" or "Lady" by all other spellcasters except other archwizards, who may address them by name. The title Lord/Lady should not be confused with titles of nobility, as wizards and archwizards are not accorded noble status simply for their magical rank, although they are generally able to associate with those of high birth in any nation where wizardry is respected, and nobles will often address them by their titles out of courtesy.

Lichs are a special case. By ancient Hierarchist tradition, all other spellcasters, save other lichs, must address a lich as "master" or "mistress." No formal protocol for announcing the arrival of a lich exists, as it is not an occasion which often comes up. Many lichs adopt other titles, either based on their former lives or their own perceptions of self, and the wise will address the lich by whatever title it asks to be addressed by.

Witches have no formal rankings for dealing with one another, except as dictated by their covens or other groups, which are handled on a case-by-case basis. While not covered in formal etiquette, it is traditional for non-witches to announce and address a witch as "Mistress/Master last name." Witches speaking to another witch of known superiority or their coven leader will sometimes address them in like manner.

Civic Officials

Most city officials, including councilmen, secretaries, beadles, bailiffs, and others, are simply addressed as "Sir" or "Madam" as a courtesy. Individual cities may have their own special officies and titles, with local rules on how such individuals are ranked and addressed.

The highest official in most normal communities is the mayor . Announce the mayor as "The Honorable full name, Mayor of wherever," unless he holds a higher title (in general, titles of nobility, even a squireage, supersede all other titles). Address him directly as "Your Honor." A mayor is considered to be a gentleman unless he governs a town of one thousand or more citizens, in which case he is usually granted a squireage; in any event, he may bear the arms of his town. Mayors generally rule communities too small to have their own noble ruler, and are answerable to the noble who controls the land in which the town is located; they are often appointed by this lord. Some communities elect their mayors, and the protocols for who is eligible vary widely.

If a city was established by charter from the sovereign of the realm (king or baron as appropriate), its leader may be called the Lord Mayor . Lord mayors technically rank above all nobles in the city they lead, but their duties are usually ceremonial if the city has a noble ruler, and they are not eligible for succession to any higher title unless already allowed by their birth. Announce a lord mayor as "His/her Lordship/Ladyship the Mayor of wherever, full name." Everyone outside the royal family addresses Lord Mayors as "Your Lordship/Ladyship," and even the sovereign of the realm will sometimes do so as a courtesy if the city is exceptionally prestigious. A few cities in our campaigns with lord mayors include Highmoon, Northgray, Deldar, Gangrolph, Oakwall, Steepleton, Briswold, and August Star.

Burghers (sometimes called Burgomeisters) are the popularly elected mayors of halfling villages. A Burgher (who is always male) holds his office as long as he is competent to do so and desires to keep it. Address and announce him as per the guidelines for a mayor, to whom he is equal in rank. Some human communinties in Interlaken, Krovista, Dabarnia, and Sandomar also use this title for their mayors.

Judges and Justices of the Peace are usually the same type of official: low-level civic officers repsonsible for hearing criminal cases and making rulings. They seldom have the authority to marry couples in medieval societies, and their power varies with the size and legal mechanisms of their communities. In larger cities, the role of judge is often assumed by clerics of gods of justice, military officials, city guard captains, and other officials, making a judge or justice of the peace unnecessary; sometimes justices of the peace exist in larger cities to handle lesser crimes not worthy of higher attention. Announce either as "The Honorable name" and address them as "Your Honor." Judicial posts are usually appointed for life, and a judge or justice of the peace is normally granted a squireage if the appointing power has he authority to do so.

Shire Reeves (the early form of the modern sheriff) are officers of the law in isolated communities, acting as one-man police departments with the power to jail criminals and enforce justice. In most cases, such a town will also have a separate justice of the peace who passes judgment. Shire reeves act to enforce the King's justice in a community, and are usually chosen by the ruling lord. In halfling communities, the shire reeve is less an enforcer of law than a guardian of the community, patrolling to protect his people from trouble, and loved by them. Shire reeves of any race are usually male. Address them as "Your Honor"; no special provisions for announcing them exist. The office of shire reeve typically carries a grant of arms.

Speaker of the People is a special office created by the city of Highmoon in Gregora. The Speaker of the People is an elected official who presides over the Low Council and also has a voting seat on the High Council, representing the interests of the common man. The Speaker of the People may unilaterally sponsor any commoner who wishes to address the High Council, subject only to veto by the Lord Mayor. He is elected by the people for a five-year term, held only once in a lifetime; to qualify, a candidate must be a citizen of Highmoon, born in the city and of good standing, who holds no other civic office or title on ennoblement above gentleman, makes his living at an honest occupation, is a Descentist following a good or neutral deity, and owns property in the city. Unofficially, the Speaker has always been a male human Ceridwan as well. The Speaker of the People is considered a member of the gentry and granted a coat of arms and a (largely honorary) stipend of 10 crown per month. Announce him as "name, Speaker of the People," and address him as "Speaker."

Elven titles on Galon_

Elves do not recognize nobility among their own people in Tulmish, except for titles conferred in faerie circles, which are considered strictly honorary by them and do not grant the privileges of nobility found in most human nations. Tulmish is governed by a loose senatorial system, with most communities left to control their own affairs and little central authority. Senators are highly respected as the governing authorities in Tulmish, and many cities and towns have a local senate or council body to control their affairs.

Anolins are perhaps the most highly honored individuals in elven society on Galon. Elven minstrels who have mastered the ancient art of the spellsong , invoking magic through music, are granted the title Anolin. It is a lifelong title, nonheritable, and carries no privileges, but is highly respected by all elves and most others who are aware of its significance. Anolins have a reputation for wisdom, goodness, and enlightenment, and are often heroes and leaders in elven society. They never serve as official political officers, but often have great sway over the decisions of governing bodies and officials if their views become public. Anolins are extremely rare; only twelve are currently believed to be alive. Announce an Anolin as "Anolin surname of home city or town," and address them as "Anolin." Only full-blooded elves of either gender may be Anolins.

Green Emperor was the one-time title of the elven head of state during Tulmish's Imperial Period, which lasted until the Magebane Wars. The Green Emperor, who was appointed by the Senate for life, had absolute power over Tulmish and could overrule any decision of the Senate or any local governing body. The Green Emperor was addressed and announced in the same manner as a human emperor; his children (who did not inherit the title) were termed Dukes of the Forest . The office of Green Emperor has long since been abolished, but a few Dukes of the Forest still survive; they are addressed as human dukes, but are considered to rank below senators and no longer have any coercive powers.

Minstrels are the highly-regarded bards, historians, and musicians of the elves. A minstrel gains his or her office from his teacher when his training is complete; it is a life title unless he or she betrays elvenkind. The elven word for minstrel is Rhyolin , and an elven minstrel is addressed as such. Announce them as "Rhyolin surname." Only elves or half-elves may be Rhyolins.

Monks of Kanchelsis , among the most feared of living elves, are servitors of the dark vampire god Kanchelsis. The monks have committed cardinal sins against elvenkind such as necromancy or the breaking of a blood oath, sins that would normally doom them to a cursed undeath as vampires or banshees. Some such elves realize the error of their ways and agree to spend the rest of their lives in atonement by becoming monks, and striving to appease the ravenous vampire-god so that others will not be harmed by him. Monks of Kanchelsis are sacrosanct among the elves; to touch them or harm them is forbidden, and to kill them is to take their place or be damned to their curse. Monks of Kanchelsis are addressed as "Brother" or "Sister," and no provisions for announcing them exist due to their cloistered lives.

Speaker of the Forest is the highest-ranking official in the nation of Tulmish on Galon. Technically the elven head of state, the Speaker of the Forest is a senior senator appointed to his or her office by the elven Senate from among its own active ranks. The Speaker technically presides over the Senate with a tiebreaking vote and has no other official powers, but in practical terms may govern Tulmish (as much as is possible for such a loose nation) by decree so long as the Senate approves of his or her actions. The Speaker holds his seat for as long as he or she desires, or until removed by a vote of no confidence in the Senate. Announce the Speaker of the Forest as "name, Speaker of the Forest," and address them as "Speaker."

Speaker of the Village is the title given to the head of an elven community on Galon, regardless of its size. Each community in Tulmish chooses its Speaker in its own manner, and their powers and terms of office vary widely, although most have no coercive authority and act mainly as a wise decision-maker who recommends courses of action to the people. Any elf or half-elf may be a Speaker of the Village, and no Speaker of the Village may simultaneously hold another office, such as Senator. Announce a Speaker of the Village as "name, Speaker of the Village," and address them as "Speaker."

Tasin (pronounced TOSS-in) is the elven word for priest. An elven cleric who has served his god well may choose to take that god's first name as his or her surname, adding a lower-case prefix tas- to the front of it (as in Merolar tas-Corellon); such individuals are as close as elves come to high priests or monsignors. Announce an elven cleric by name (ppreceded by "Tasin" if they have not taken the god's name as theiur own). Address them as Tasin if they have not taken the god's name, or Tasa if they have.

Miscellaneous titles and honors

Ambassadors are sent by one friendly government to another to represent that country's interests. They are generally given lodging at an embassy in the host nation, accorded diplomatic immunity from most crimes (save those nobles are subject to), and respected by everyone unless the nations are on unfriendly terms. If not otherwise titled, ambassadors are considered the equals of squires and are announced as "His/Her Excellency, the Ambassador of wherever, name." Address an ambassador as "Your Excellency."

Archlibrarian is a special title found only in the city of Highmoon on Galon. Appointed for life by the Lord Mayor, the Archlibrarian is the supreme authority over the Library of Highmoon and all of its librarians, teachers, and sages. The Archlibrarian has autocratic power over the library and all of its other officers, including chancellors of the various academic departments. Announce and address the Archlibrarian as "Mr./Mrs. name, Archlibrarian of Highmoon." Address them in person as "Archlibrarian" or "Mr./Mrs. last name." Unless they hold another title, the Archlibrarian is considered the equal of a knight, and may bear the coat of arms of the Library of Highmoon.

Chancellors are the heads of institutes of higher learning which exist under warrant or charter from the sovereign. They are considered members of the gentry if not otherwise titled, and may bear the arms of their university or other institution. Announce a chancellor as "Chancellor name, institute of higher learning," and address them in person as "Chancellor" unless they hold a higher title.

Doctors are not medical professionals, but those who have received an honorary or full doctoral degree from one of the few medieval institutes of higher learning. Their degrees are usually in Magic, Divinity, Philosophy (covers most academic subjects), or Art. Announce or address as doctor as "Doctor name." Wizards and archmages are automatically considered Doctors of Magic, and monsigniors are often granted an honorary Doctorate of Divinity if an appropriate institution of higher learning exists nearby. Doctors are considered members of the gentry if they do not hold a higher title, and are armigers.

Maids of Honor for higher noblewomen (baronesses or higher) are accorded precedence, but no actual title. A maid of honor has precedence over a knight's lady, but is lower than an earl's daughter (placing her somewhere in rank between squireage and the higher "honorables"). Address her as "lady first name" as a courtesy. She may bear the arms of her mistress on a lozenge.

Lord Mage is a special title which exists only in the city of Highmoon on Galon. The title of Lord Mage was created to honor Sycron the Collector for his leadership of the Army of the Wand in defending Highmoon during the Magebane War. The title carries several privileges, including immunity from crimes as a nobleman, a parcel of land in the Mage's Eye, a coat of arms, and, most significantly, a seat on the city's High Council with authority to veto any legislation governing the affairs of magic and wizardry. As Sycron has not yet died and is the only person ever to hold the office, it is uncertain whether a new Lord Mage would be appointed if he were to die or be removed. The Lord Mage is considered to outrank all other nobles in the city save the Grand Duke. He is technically announced as "The Archwizard Sycron Avernes (or Sycron the Collector), Lord Mage of Highmoon, General of the Army of the Wand, Doctor of Magic, Councilor of the City, and Honored Servant of the Crown," but Sycron himself never waits around for the title to be finished. Address him personally as "Lord Sycron" or "Your Lordship."

Offices of Honor are ceremonial titles conferred as a means of honoring someone who has done a service to the crown or a noble family. They are usually meaningless offices, such as "Keeper of the King's Soup Spoon" or "Royal Guardian of the West Gate of Bluetree." Some minor duty may be asociated with the office (such as tasting the king's soup or inspecting the gate on a certain day each year), but most are strictly ceremonial. The office normally comes with a stipend (usually a fixed, traditional, and generally low amount), a coat of arms, and the right to be considered a part of the gentry. Titles of honor are taken very seriously in some areas, and hotly competed for; the bearer of such a title may have local privileges (like free drinks or the right to carry a sword in public), and may be accorded great respect; alternately, it may be a forgotten or laughable office. Most of these are titles appointed for life by a higher noble (baron or above), but some are actually hereditary or elected offices. Announce and address a bearer of one of these offices as a member of the gentry unless his or her office specifies another title.

Senators are representatives of the people in republican systems. Depending on the structure of the government, a senator may be elected or appointed, and usually serves a five- or ten-year term. They speak for the views of their constituencies in senatorial chambers, and are highly respected for their wisdom and virtue (overtly unqualified or corrupt senators are simply not chosen for the job in this era). Only two described nations in our campaigns have senators as their governing bodies: New Braghney on Kaerith (whose elected senators serve for a ten-year term), and Tulmish on Galon (whose elven senators serve as long as their consituencies wish them to, and are chosen in varying ways by their communities). Elven senators on Galon may also be the leaders of elven communities in other nations (such as Rallathil's Glen in Highmoon), and represent elven interests in their host nation in much the same way as an ambassador. Announce a senator, elven or human, as "Senator name of wherever," and address them as "Senator surname." Senators in New Braghney may only be human males; senators in Tulmish may be elves or (rarely) half-elves of either gender.

Viceroys are special ambassadors, acting as liasons directly from the sovereign. They are sent on many special missions, or may act as the sovereign's permanent envoy to an important nation or city. Viceroys are considered to outrank all nobles and civic officials, but do not stand in any line of succession unless they hold another title. They may bear the coat of arms of their nation. Announce a viceroy as "His/Her Excellency, Viceroy name (of nation if outside the native country'')." Address them directly as "Viceroy." Viceroys enjoy all the same privileges as ambassadors.

Warpriests of Dukagsh are special and highly respected elites in the Gagnerian Empire of Kaerith. A warpriest of Dukagsh is a highly trained officer in the Gagnerian army, a cleric/mage who has also proven his physical strnegth and prowess in battle agaisnt infidels. They are invariably intelligent, fiercly loyal to the empire, and dangerous in battle. In Gagneria's military theocracy, warpriests hold virtually all important offices, including that of emperor, and command many military units. A warpriest has no fixed title; he is addressed by his military or political ranking, but will always outrank a non-warpriest of the same clerical, military or political level. Within the church of Dukagsh, there are no offices such as bishops or cardinals; military and ecclesiastical rank are one and the same. Warpriests are accorded great honor within Gagneria (but no special privileges outside the law) and are much feared beyond its borders.