Archduke and Archduchess
Qualifications
You must be born in wedlock of a Old Blood Houses or at least claimed by an Old Blood House, you must attain at least the title of Knight if not a Duke or Duchess, your forebear must purposely select you from among their progeny to inherit the title, and the Highlander King must approve of the selection. In the case of an heir not being chosen due to a sudden death, then the spouse of the of fallen Archduke or Archduchess must select the heir.
Requirements
In addition to those titles and qualifications, one must be trained and educated as both a warrior and scholar. They must know both the matters of the sword and the quill, it essential to know all aspects be a well rounded leader and Head of an Old Blood House.
Appointment
When the previous Head dies, the select Duke, Duchess, or Knight attends a formal ceremony and be both blessed and named as an Archduke or Archduchess by the Highlander King.
Duties
The day to day duties are handled by other members of their House, Knightly Orders, or servants. There are many days where they serve as figurehead and attending council sessions and meetings.
Responsibilities
As an Archduke or Archduchess they are directly responsible and held accountable for every decision or action within their own House and Knightly Orders. Anything dishonorable or unmentionable rest upon their shoulders until they deal with it, and once dealt with they are absolved of the crime.
Benefits
As Head of their Old Blood House they have the ear of the Highlander King himself, and have the entirety of their own House and their Knightly Orders at their disposal.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Typically title comes with the deed an ownership of an entire fief; including castles, farmlands, and control over all trade within the fief.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
There has never been a formal removal or dismissal of an Archduke or Archduchess, save the utter deposement of the monarchy during the Great Rebellion.
History
The first Archdukes and Archduchesses were the Eight Companions or the first Highlander King. once the Great Revolution was complete and the Kingdom of Man was born, his Eight Companions swore allegiance once more to him; they and their descendants became the Old Blood Houses.
Cultural Significance
It is a dead title and relic of the past, it once was a symbol of the monarchy and of the power of the Kingdom of Man. It only serves as a reminder of what once was.
Notable Holders
Save for the original Eight Companions, none today know the names of any of the Archdukes and Archduchesses of the Old Kingdom of Man
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Status
No, all noble titles are illegal and anyone who claims otherwise is a declared heretic.
Creation
The first Highlander King himself put this into effect.
Form of Address
His Lordship, Her Ladyship
Alternative Naming
Duke, Duchess, Head of Old Blood House
Equates to
The Archdukes, Archduchess, and their children whom were Dukes and Duchesses; were the Heads of the Old Blood Houses and were second to only the Highlander King. They commanded their respective Houses, their various Knightly Orders, and served as advisors and councillors to the Highlander King.
Source of Authority
The Highlander King
Length of Term
Life
Reports directly to
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