Count/Countess

Below the Duke or Duchess in rank, Counts and Countesses run counties that occupy significant portions of cities or smaller swathes of rural areas. They hold the fealty of one or two barons or baronesses and up to five knights. Holding the middle ground among the nobility, they have a difficult position. Some work for stability while others are schemers and manipulators jealous of those above them and ever reaching for more power. Dukes and Duchesses usually keep a close watch on their counties. In wartime counts and countesses act as subcommanders, regiment organizers, and coordinators of support activities. They usually do not take the field of battle themselves unless they are known for their martial prowess.

The proper term of address for the head of a county is "Your Excellency" or "Your Lordship/Ladyship."
A Count may occasionally be called an Earl but their is no similar female equivalent.

County Treasures - These nobles possess pennons that identify their county. Their rule is superseded only by ducal powers or kings and queens. They have potent hearths and can demand a tithe of dross from their vassals to help feed the hearth. Each count or countess carries a weapon in service to his or her superiors.

Titled Counts/Countesses

Kingdom of Apples

Kingdom of Burning Sands

Kingdom of Grass

Kingdom of Pacifica

Kingdom of Willows

Countess Marie-Elise Delancey ni Eiluned, Ruler of the County of Forbidden Secrets (NOLA and Baton Rouge LA)
Countess Helene Adrinea ni Eiluned, Ruler of the County of Steamwheel (Monroe, LA)
Count Kilvan deAres  ap Leanhaun, Ruler of LeFleur County (Jackson MS)

Type

Nobility, Honorific / Ceremonial