Barons
The title of Baron, and all higher titles of nobility come with the responsibility of managing an Empire settlement and territory around it. A baron is usually the oldest capable male of the most powerful noble family in a town, although a Baroness in charge isn't completely unheard of. The title is usually carried down the generations, from the first Baron sent to the town from another larger nearby city, or a hero whose deeds led to the founding of the settlement.
All settlements in the Empire have a Baron, Count, Duke or High Lord by law, and they all have the same legal powers, being complete legal power in their city and territory. They can judge, imprison, punish or kill anyone who resides within their territory, however notable individuals such as Inquisitors or folk heroes cannot be killed, not without risking a revolt from the populace at least.
The legal powers of a Baron can only be overridden by the overseeing Count, Duke, or High Lord, however it is very rare that a matter such as that would even reach someone as important as a count without being pushed down the priority list by the Baron.
In military matters, Barons have the ability to raise guard for their town to defend it and their territory. They do not have any direct control over the Imperial Army with a few exceptions, and to gain military support they need to request aid from a Count, pushing their request up the chain of command.
Their political power depends on the city they are assigned to. Rich cities with mines and valuable trade routes are reserved for Dukes and Counts, so a town with a Baron will usually be farming, fishing, hunting or lumber focused, and depending on the demand for these items, a Baron will have more power within the court of the Count, as he controls the production, and he has some control over where those resources go, and where supply lines are more efficient.
All settlements in the Empire have a Baron, Count, Duke or High Lord by law, and they all have the same legal powers, being complete legal power in their city and territory. They can judge, imprison, punish or kill anyone who resides within their territory, however notable individuals such as Inquisitors or folk heroes cannot be killed, not without risking a revolt from the populace at least.
The legal powers of a Baron can only be overridden by the overseeing Count, Duke, or High Lord, however it is very rare that a matter such as that would even reach someone as important as a count without being pushed down the priority list by the Baron.
In military matters, Barons have the ability to raise guard for their town to defend it and their territory. They do not have any direct control over the Imperial Army with a few exceptions, and to gain military support they need to request aid from a Count, pushing their request up the chain of command.
Their political power depends on the city they are assigned to. Rich cities with mines and valuable trade routes are reserved for Dukes and Counts, so a town with a Baron will usually be farming, fishing, hunting or lumber focused, and depending on the demand for these items, a Baron will have more power within the court of the Count, as he controls the production, and he has some control over where those resources go, and where supply lines are more efficient.
Appointment
Becoming a baron is mostly hereditary, such as being born into a town's noble family. However, it is also possible to marry into the noble line. Apart from blood and marriage, one can also, if rarely, become a Baron by appointment. If a small town does not yet have one, a trusted noble under a Count might be awarded the position, or someone might be given the position from the local Count if a noble family has died. A possibility that some daring lesser nobles have tried to exploit.
However, all upstarts looking for a way into the nobility should be careful, as the already existing nobles do not wish to dilute their power. It is not uncommon for those demanding titles to be found dead in their beds, the first and only victim of a mysterious illness, right after signing a paper giving all their possessions to an already existing noble.
However, all upstarts looking for a way into the nobility should be careful, as the already existing nobles do not wish to dilute their power. It is not uncommon for those demanding titles to be found dead in their beds, the first and only victim of a mysterious illness, right after signing a paper giving all their possessions to an already existing noble.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
My Lord / Your Lordship
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
