Graf (graa-f)
Graf (male) and grafina (common in the north) or gravin (common in the south) (female) is an older term for the noble rank of count.
As a part of his wide-ranging Imperial Reforms, Magnus the Pious enshrined in Imperial Law that only uradel counts could use the title graf, meaning that it is reserved for the oldest noble bloodlines. Because of this, most counts able to use the graf title do so. It has also become the fashion for some dukes to use the title graf as it clearly shows the age of their bloodline. This is has become popular in Reikland where there are comparatively few counties, but is frowned upon in grand provinces such as Talabecland, Stirland, or Averland where there are many counts who jealously protect their rights to use the title.
So, although he rules a duchy, Grand Duke Boris of Middenheim prefers the title graf as it shows the hoary age of his blood; he justifies this because he is also an Elector Count, although Imperial Law does not make this distinction. By comparison, Grand Countess Emmanuelle of Nuln calls herself the Countess of Nuln even though her bloodline is one of the oldest in the Empire, allowing her to use the title gravin if she so wished. It is said she prefers the sound of ‘Countess’ to ‘Gravin’ and will not be moved on the subject.
Comments