Alder Lord
The Title given to those Lords of families that were once Kings in Dekmire. Its name taken from the ceremonial Alder Tree that the similarly called Alder Houses keep to this very day. From when it was common tradition for the Kings of the Western Heartland to be given their coronation before an Alder Tree.
Qualifications
Be the oldest born or chosen legitimate child to a Noble family that had once been the royal family of its lands.
Requirements
Must be healthy, in possession of faculties, and living.
Appointment
The Lords of the Aldership will gather at night in the Alder Grove just outside the Palace, or Fortress, or Castle of the Alder House. With the King of Dekmire himself in the proceedings as well. The new Alderlar will walk down a lantern lit pathway. Leading to an Alder growing up from a central hill. The King will await the new Alderlar on this hill. Once the new Alder Lord reaches the hill. They will kneel, not to the King. But to the Alder Tree. To symbolize the Alder Lords ties to the Land. The King will stand beside them as they kneel facing the Alder Tree. Where they will administer the Oath of the Old Throne.
"Be they washed or field dirt sullied.
You will defend and ensure their lives.
Once you wore a crown.
Now you wear a mantle.
Of this land you are Guard and Shepard.
Of its people you are sword and shield.
Of this Alder Tree you are Lord.
Arise reborn.
Alder Lord of Sacred Dekmire."
Duties
Govern, defend, and lead the Aldership or Alder Realm that one is Alderlar of in the name of Dekmire.
Responsibilities
Administrating the Monarchies rule in the Aldership. Collecting Taxes in the form of coinage, goods, livestock, etc. Ensuring the food supply for both the People, and the Nobility alike. Administering the law to its appropriate extent. Furthering and maintaining the means of life and income for the Aldership. And in times of war, Defend the Realm.
Benefits
The Alderlar of an Aldership receives income from the lands enterprise. Collecting 3% of all collected taxes paid in coinage, livestock, goods, and services rendered unto the term of time befitting the equating amount. The monetary value of the taxes ranges. The Alderlar also enjoys the security provided by the civic guard as well as their own household guard. And being housed in a palace, castle, or fortress.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Family heirlooms.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Rebellion, incompetence, oppression of subjects, disfavor.
History
The First Alder Lords in Dekmire were once Kings of their own realms. After Deremere I unified and conquered the other Alder Kingdoms. The former Kings were permitted to keep their dominion of their lands. But only after swearing fealty to their true King. In later years. After the signing of the Accord of the Griffon Kings. This oath was amended to be an oath of service to the Aldership. Leaving any oaths of fealty for when new Kings are crowned. The title of Alder Lord is so named for the Alder Tree. Which has been a sacred tree in the Western Heartland for thousands of years. And a National Symbol of Dekmire since the kingdoms founding.
Cultural Significance
Permitting former kings to keep their lordship of their realms was unheard of in Deremere I's time. He considered doing so to be a gesture of respect to the former Kings. Some of whom were content to yield their crowns when Deremere I took up his own. Such was the gravity of his character.
Notable Holders
Eorman Fermont
Carson Krastmere
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Status
Active
Creation
The Accord of the Griffon Kings
Form of Address
His/Her Lordship/Ladyship
Alternative Naming
Alder King/Queen
Equates to
Lord Paramount, Lord of Lords, or Lord Over All.
Source of Authority
Anointed and endorsed as Alder Lord by the Sitting King of Dekmire.
Length of Term
For Life or until Reduced and stripped of status.
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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