Royalty And Nobility Of The Kingdom of Charlyon

In Charlyon, the hierarchy of nobility is organized into various ranks and titles, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. The monarchy, consisting of the Grand Duke and Duchess, occupies the highest position in this noble hierarchy. Below the monarchy, the nobility is categorized into several key ranks:
Grand Duke and Duchess: The rulers of Charlyon, they hold the highest authority in the kingdom and oversee all matters of governance and diplomacy. Their word is law, and they preside over important court functions and state affairs.
Dukes and Duchesses: Dukes and Duchesses are powerful rulers of individual regions within Charlyon. They are responsible for managing the affairs of their respective duchies, including taxation, law enforcement, and regional governance. They swear fealty to the Grand Duke and Duchess.
Marquises and Marchionesses: Marquises and Marchionesses are noble titles just below the dukes and duchesses. They typically govern important border regions or cities, acting as administrators and military commanders in times of conflict. They may also oversee large estates and maintain the royal authority within their territories.
Counts and Countesses: Counts and Countesses are local rulers who preside over counties or smaller regions within Charlyon. They are responsible for the day-to-day management of their territories, including the enforcement of laws, collection of taxes, and maintenance of order.
Barons and Baronesses: Barons and Baronesses hold authority over individual baronies, which are smaller subdivisions of counties. They manage smaller land holdings, oversee local villages, and are responsible for ensuring the welfare of the people within their jurisdiction.
Viscounts and Viscountesses: Viscounts and Viscountesses may hold titles that grant them authority over specific resources or areas of expertise within Charlyon. They often serve in advisory roles to higher-ranking nobles and provide specialized knowledge or skills.
Landed Gentry: Landed gentry are minor nobles who own significant estates or lands but do not hold formal titles such as baron or viscount. They may be wealthy landowners, respected scholars, or influential members of the court, and they contribute to the kingdom's prosperity and culture.
Gendarme: Gendarme are knights recognized for their valor and service to the realm. While not necessarily born into nobility, they are granted knighthood by the monarchy or higher-ranking nobles in recognition of their exceptional deeds. Gendarme often serve as military officers or personal protectors to nobles. 
Courtiers: Courtiers are members of the court who hold various positions and titles, such as advisors, diplomats, and ambassadors. They may come from noble families or serve based on their expertise and skills. Courtiers play a vital role in the administration and diplomacy of Charlyon.
Commoners: The majority of Charlyon's population consists of commoners who are not part of the nobility. They include farmers, artisans, merchants, and laborers, contributing to the kingdom's economy and society. While they do not hold noble titles, commoners are an integral part of the kingdom's success.
This hierarchy of nobles in Charlyon forms the backbone of the kingdom's social and political structure, with each rank serving a specific role in the governance and well-being of the realm.