Kingdom of Pendar - Politics (Noble Ranks)
The lowest of the low, yet still noble by blood, title, or
Grant-of-Arms, are the Varinos, the landless gentry. These folk
rarely have lands of their own and are usually be found in service
to more powerful nobles. Having the prefix "Var" added to their
family or gens name recognizes these families: Var'Iruki. Generally
nobility of this rank can be passed on to one's heirs. If such rank
cannot be passed on, for whatever reason, the individual in question
is permitted to add the prefix "Vu" to their surname: as in Vu'Poesi.
Next in rank are the Talinos, the most minor of the landed nobility
and gentry. Generally these are folk with hereditary lands: usually
no more than a single manor and small estate. Talinos families are
recognized with the prefix "Tal". "Tal" is the most common
appellation among the chivalric class and is equivalent to a landed
knight. This honorific is hereditary, but generally only passed on
to a designated heir. An individual that is anticipated to be "heir
designate" is given the appellation "Tas". Those offspring not
designated to inherit are recognized with the appellation "Tu". The
"Tu" rank is not passed on to further offspring—who will instead
hold the ranking of Varinos.
Above the Talinos are the Dalinos, landed nobility of rank usually
holding larger fiefs with tenants of their own. Dalinos are
equivalent to Bannerettes. The Dalinos are distinguished with the
prefix "Dal" added to the family or gens name: Dal'Rosha. The
Heir-Designate is given the appellation "Das", and all
non-designated offspring carry the appellation "Du". If these
offspring are granted smaller holdings they may be recognized as
Talinos and allowed to carry the prefix "Tal" before their family
name or keep the more distinguished "Du" prefix. Their offspring
will either be Talinos or Varinos. Members of the Dalinos are
permitted to marshal their own fighting force and command them in
battle under their own personal banner.
The Sininos are the next highest-ranking nobility. They are
recognized with the appellation "Sin" as a prefix to their gens
name: Sin'Lithor. These are generally the barons and baronets of the
realm. They have multiple holdings and may perhaps even hold an
exalted noble office. The Heir-Designate of a Sininos is given the
appellation "Sil". All other offspring bear the appellation "Su". It
is rare for members of this class not to inherit a holding of some
sort. But most offspring will devolve to the Dalinos or Talinos
ranking.
The Barinos are the lesser lords of the Realm. They have large
prestigious holdings and are may hold them directly from the King or
from one of the greater lords. Barinos are equivalent to counts,
earl, and minor dukes. They are recognized with the appellation
"Bar" added to the front of their family or gens name: Lord Theron
Bar'Voldar. The Heir-Designate of a Barinos is given the appellation
"Bal"; all other offspring are permitted to use the prefix "Bu". Few
members of this class do not inherit holdings.
The greater lords of the Realm are known as the Karinos. These are
the greater dukes and princes of the land with vast holdings; they
are nearly kings in their own right and many are the descendants of
kings. Karinos are recognized with the appellation "Kar" prefixed to
their family or gens name. Heir-Designates are recognized with the
appellation "Kal"; all other offspring use the prefix "Ku". This is
the highest noble rank in the Kingdom.
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