Count/Countess
Spouse: Count or Countess
Children: the Heir - typically the firstborn - is a Count, remaining children are Lord or Lady
Requirements
Typically a Count is a hereditary title, with the oldest child eligible to take up duties once they've reached the age of majority. Often they will spend their late teens and early 20s shadowing their parents and assisting in more minor duties while their parents are in charge. It is rare for someone to be elevated to Count or Countess before they are 30 unless there is an unexpected death or ousting.
Duties
Ruler of a heartland/Shire County. Either gender can be awarded the title and are equal in ruling
Responsibilities
Counts and Countesses are tasked with the management of shires - counties that are completely landlocked and surrounded by friendly counties. They are responsible for working with the Barons or Baronesses that govern the cities in their county, the rural communities that tend the land - either farmers, ranches, woodmen, ect .
They need to make sure these groups of civilians live in harmony with each other, and that the needs of all are met. Each shire has a unit of knights to act as both internal secutiry and first response to natural disasters.
Counts and Countesses are responsible for enforcing the laws of the land, as given to them by the governing Duke or Duchess, but in turn, are the voice of the people to said upper ranks.
They need to make sure these groups of civilians live in harmony with each other, and that the needs of all are met. Each shire has a unit of knights to act as both internal secutiry and first response to natural disasters.
Counts and Countesses are responsible for enforcing the laws of the land, as given to them by the governing Duke or Duchess, but in turn, are the voice of the people to said upper ranks.
Accoutrements & Equipment
A Count or countess is entitled to wear a coronet if they so desire. In the Eastern Gates Empire is still a common practice, while in the West Archway Kingdom it is typically only worn for the most formalist of occasions - state funerals, royal weddings, or coronations.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Count and Countess are lifetime positions, that is held until one's death. However, often times, the noble may wish to hand responsibility over to their adult children and retire. This is usually after the adult child is at least 30 years old, an the Count and Countess are over 60.
A living but retired Count would be called a Count Emeritus. A living but retired Countess would be called a Countess Dowager
A ruling Duke/Duchess or Prince/Princess could also replace a Count or Countess as they see fit if they feel the family is not upholding their duties. They must be careful in doing so, because of they don't have the support of the citizens of the Shire, their replacements may be rejected. Often with violence.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
Most Honorable
Alternative Naming
Count, Countess
Length of Term
life
Current Holders
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