Jarl
Qualifications
It is very rare that anyone outside of a notable family line is appointed the title of jarl, but it can happen if it is a person who has done a great service to the king, and proven their absolute loyalty to the royal house. It would be beneficial if the person considered for such a title had (besides a good lineage) a few score of warriors and followers, a good reputation in the region they would rule, and some land and wealth to their name.
Requirements
In Ukan realms, you often became of age between 16-18 depending on region, and that was the minimum age requirement. However, most kings would not give their trust to a welp who was barely dry behind the ears. So jarls was often around 35-50 years of age around their appointment.
In Ukan cultures, the linage of your family is what determines if you are worthy of higher ranks, and lacking that made it very hard to rise to a position of leadership and higher ranks.
Appointment
The only person who may bestow the title of jarl is the reigning king or queen of the realm.
Duties
It is the duty of the jarl to maintain peace in his land, to act as judge in disputes, and protect it from invaders. It's his duty to maintain three score of men (60) ready to defend the realm at the order of the reigning king or queen.
Responsibilities
The jarls responsibilities are to rule, take responsibility for, and manage the region they have been bestowed upon in the name of the king. He is effectively the voice of the king, and acts as high judge in his region.
Benefits
The jarl earns a certain amount from tax revenue and holds some political power within the realm of their king, and especially in the region which they rule in the kings name. They are effectively the highest authority in their region, whenever the king (or queen), or grand jarl isn't there.
Accoutrements & Equipment
A jarl is allowed and expected to have certain armour for him and his hird. Often in the form of metal ornate helmets, hauberks (a sort of chain mail shirt), and the latest in weaponry. Their weapon and armor of real metal is a sign of their higher rank, while regular soldiers would only have simpler wooly shirts, longpants, hat and a cape. These common soldiers wield spears, axes, bows, and shields, while the jarl and his hird has metal swords.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A jarl and even a grand jarl can be removed from their title, lands and position of power by the king (or reigning queen). This can be done by execution or banishment. Some sentences of banishments were for a certain amount of years, others were for life.
The jarl would be summoned to the king for trial, upon which the king would question the jarl in front of his court for treasonous behaviour. If the jarl would have some chance to defend themselves, and the king might choose one out of three outcomes. The first, would be that the king might see it all as a big misunderstanding, and the jarl would remain in his position. The second would be that the king would strip the jarl of all their titles, and banish him from the kings land with the threat of death or captivity if the jarl was ever seen there again. The third option would be execution, a sentence which the king would carry out himself.
Type
Nobility, Non-hereditary
Form of Address
His (or her) greatness
Alternative Naming
A female jarl may be given the femenine title equivalent jarla.
Equates to
The title jarl can said be the same as the title earl.
Source of Authority
The jarl is appointed by the king (or queen) and rules in his (or her) name.
Length of Term
The jarl serves for the remainder of their life.
Reports directly to
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