Nobility in the Empire
“I simply cannot decide dearest: Do we want to vacation along the Northern Peaks of Reinhardt Pass in the luxury of the majestic mountains, or would we prefer to spend time along the shores?” - Lady Isabella Deveren, Matriarch of the Deveren House
I. Introduction
To say that there is no class system in the Empire would be an outright lie. While courage and honor are a form of currency all their own, an empire cannot function without some kind of capital. That capital is the power of the almighty Dera. A Dera equates to the value of 2 gold pieces. The wealthy as in any typical society, are the ones in power and thus, there is a way to differentiate between the wealthy and the poor and the people in between. There is a class system. This system breaks down into three classes and they break down as follows:
Nobility in the Empire is not something that is taken lightly. To be among the rich and powerful, the strong and the Elite of Imperial Society is also to be subject to the problems of life that come with it: Backstabbing, rumor mills, gossip, marriages of convenience, spying on one another and of course trying to vie for the favor of the Royal Family. The Life of the nobility is a life of Intrigue and Duty, but it is also a life of fulfillment as well as a life of pleasure. One does not always have to worry about a knife in their back. There are those amongst the nobility who wish to do nothing more than help their fellow man, help defend the Empire, and live an otherwise privileged, but quiet life. Nobility, in any nation will always be just as diverse as the people that are less wealthy than they are, and this is reflected in Meztrailov.
However, in the Empire the term ‘Nobility’ means something more than just money. To be a Noble, one must actually embody the term nobility. Despite their wealth, the Emperor’s economic investigators actually do perform routine investigation of the nobility of the Empire. This is done to ensure that they are kept honest and that they are performing their duties. While the Nobility does enjoy a life of luxury, they also maintain a duty to protect their fellow neighbor and work for the better of the Empire. And in that regard, there are two categories of nobility in the Empire:
II. Nobility Titles and Packages
Throughout time different civilizations have referred to their leaders by different titles. In Meztrailov, these titles have a meaning other than just nobility. These titles are a symbol of power and prestige and rank. Briefly described in the following is a list of the titles of Royalty in the Empire.
Now, the Royalty is considered different from the rest of the nobility because the Royalty is what runs the Empire. The royalty, specifically, the Emperor, is the one who maintains the sole power of the Country. However, that does not mean that nobility does not have power or benefit all of its own. In the Empire there are any numbers of ways to become part of the Nobility. One could save their Deras, and squirrel them away. Another way would be to begin their own business, or perhaps learn a trade. In other special cases, circumstances have shown that the Emperor has taken note of those rare individuals who have proven that they can lead and have been granted the privilege to lead a region in the Empire’s name.
In Meztrailov, there are two types of Nobility Packages. They are described below:
Lesser Nobility Package
This nobility package allows the character to become a part of the upper echelon of Imperial society.
Requirements: Trade or Enrollment in Division with Average or Higher Rank.
Cost: 250,000 Deras
Perks: Noble receives one per-approved plot of land. Noble receives status of lesser nobility, gaining 2 NPC body guards. Any businesses owned increase their base weekly pay by 2,000 Deras. Noble is presented with their own House Crest, as well as their own carriage bearing their personal seal. The Noble also receives one free Master Quality Weapon or Set of Armor from the Marketplace bearing the Noble’s Crest. Additionally, the Noble will have access to 2 NPC Informants, who can supply them with information that is rated as Uncommon Knowledge, in the Empire of Meztrailov (The DM will provide information as needed).
Greater Nobility Package
This nobility package allows the character to lead a nation or region, and to be placed among the Elite of the Elite in the Empire’s societal hierarchy.
Requirements: Special
Cost: Special. Only awarded by the DM.
Special: Greater Nobility receives ruling power in a Region in the Empire. The following are the perks and responsibilities that come with the position.
Responsibilities: As the Acting Nobility of the region of Empire, its protection of its people falls on the Noble. The Noble must also pay for any additions, such as more housing, additional buildings. The Noble is also responsible for hiring their own regional law enforcement. Any damage that the region incurs falls on the Noble to pay to fix. The Noble is required to act on the War Council that meets with the Emperor.
Perks: The Noble is granted a personal Retinue of 4 NPCs with per-generated statistics. The Noble is granted their own home that represents their status and station. The Noble’s pay increases based on the population size of the region (See Below for further details on pay scale for Nobility). Additionally, the Noble will receive one pair of horses and one carriage. Additionally, they are granted their own Crest as well as one Legendary Crafted Weapon or Set of Armor.
To say that there is no class system in the Empire would be an outright lie. While courage and honor are a form of currency all their own, an empire cannot function without some kind of capital. That capital is the power of the almighty Dera. A Dera equates to the value of 2 gold pieces. The wealthy as in any typical society, are the ones in power and thus, there is a way to differentiate between the wealthy and the poor and the people in between. There is a class system. This system breaks down into three classes and they break down as follows:
- The Lower Class: The Lower class is at the end of the day, the poor class. They work and toil to make ends meet. These citizens can range anywhere from servants in the employ to the Royal Family or Noble Families, to dock hands, or the more seedy jobs such as prostitution. However, it is still possible to earn a decent living, and while the poor may be such; their options for ingenuity have seen them rise above their station due to their profound skill.
- Middle Class: The Middle Class is the working class. These people are not poor, but neither are they part of the wealthy elite either. They have managed to create a decent income for themselves, whether they are street vendors, soldiers in the Imperial Army, or they have earned experience in a trade such as blacksmiths or earned a name as a Beastmaster of the Empire. These individuals are able to make a name for themselves through experience and careful guidance. Though there are those who have lived recklessly and managed to find luck in the world.
- The Upper Class: The Upper Class is the rich and powerful of the Empire. Through any variety of means (not limited to backstabbing, stealing, and conniving their way into their fortunes), the rich and powerful have influence in the nation that few others can truly say they have. Whether it was through honest means or not, the Upper Class worked hard to establish itself. These people can be anywhere from simple politicians-among which are the Emperor’s own advisers-, to wealthy Merchant Families, wealthy farmers, and even high ranking military officials. However, there are those few whose families are powerful enough in the Empire to even have a say in the matters of Imperial Law.
Nobility in the Empire is not something that is taken lightly. To be among the rich and powerful, the strong and the Elite of Imperial Society is also to be subject to the problems of life that come with it: Backstabbing, rumor mills, gossip, marriages of convenience, spying on one another and of course trying to vie for the favor of the Royal Family. The Life of the nobility is a life of Intrigue and Duty, but it is also a life of fulfillment as well as a life of pleasure. One does not always have to worry about a knife in their back. There are those amongst the nobility who wish to do nothing more than help their fellow man, help defend the Empire, and live an otherwise privileged, but quiet life. Nobility, in any nation will always be just as diverse as the people that are less wealthy than they are, and this is reflected in Meztrailov.
However, in the Empire the term ‘Nobility’ means something more than just money. To be a Noble, one must actually embody the term nobility. Despite their wealth, the Emperor’s economic investigators actually do perform routine investigation of the nobility of the Empire. This is done to ensure that they are kept honest and that they are performing their duties. While the Nobility does enjoy a life of luxury, they also maintain a duty to protect their fellow neighbor and work for the better of the Empire. And in that regard, there are two categories of nobility in the Empire:
- Lesser Nobility: The Lesser Nobility is powerful nobles, and by no means do their titles do them justice. They are wealthy and have established themselves through marriage or action as wealthy and respected (if not only occasionally feared and hated) individuals or families. These individuals are also some of the greatest individuals the Empire has to produce.
- Greater Nobility: The Greater Nobility has demonstrated time and again that they have what it takes to bear the responsibility and the weight of leadership. These individuals have thrown themselves into countless trials by fire, and have demonstrated an incredible feat of bravery and loyalty. The Greater Nobility are individuals chosen to lead cities and towns, whole regions of the Empire, and are known to have a seat among the Emperor’s Council.
II. Nobility Titles and Packages
Throughout time different civilizations have referred to their leaders by different titles. In Meztrailov, these titles have a meaning other than just nobility. These titles are a symbol of power and prestige and rank. Briefly described in the following is a list of the titles of Royalty in the Empire.
- Emperor: Emperor means the King of Kings. An Emperor is a King who rules over three or more kingdoms.
- Empress: A Female that leads an Empire. A Queen of Kings and Queens, who rules over three or more kingdoms.
- King: A King is the leader of 1-2 two nations. The King is male.
- Queen: The Leader of a single nation. The Queen is Female.
- Prince: A Prince is a male heir to the throne, for either a Kingdom or Empire.
- Princess: A Princess is the female heir to the throne, for either a Kingdom or Empire.
Now, the Royalty is considered different from the rest of the nobility because the Royalty is what runs the Empire. The royalty, specifically, the Emperor, is the one who maintains the sole power of the Country. However, that does not mean that nobility does not have power or benefit all of its own. In the Empire there are any numbers of ways to become part of the Nobility. One could save their Deras, and squirrel them away. Another way would be to begin their own business, or perhaps learn a trade. In other special cases, circumstances have shown that the Emperor has taken note of those rare individuals who have proven that they can lead and have been granted the privilege to lead a region in the Empire’s name.
In Meztrailov, there are two types of Nobility Packages. They are described below:
Lesser Nobility Package
This nobility package allows the character to become a part of the upper echelon of Imperial society.
Requirements: Trade or Enrollment in Division with Average or Higher Rank.
Cost: 250,000 Deras
Perks: Noble receives one per-approved plot of land. Noble receives status of lesser nobility, gaining 2 NPC body guards. Any businesses owned increase their base weekly pay by 2,000 Deras. Noble is presented with their own House Crest, as well as their own carriage bearing their personal seal. The Noble also receives one free Master Quality Weapon or Set of Armor from the Marketplace bearing the Noble’s Crest. Additionally, the Noble will have access to 2 NPC Informants, who can supply them with information that is rated as Uncommon Knowledge, in the Empire of Meztrailov (The DM will provide information as needed).
Greater Nobility Package
This nobility package allows the character to lead a nation or region, and to be placed among the Elite of the Elite in the Empire’s societal hierarchy.
Requirements: Special
Cost: Special. Only awarded by the DM.
Special: Greater Nobility receives ruling power in a Region in the Empire. The following are the perks and responsibilities that come with the position.
Responsibilities: As the Acting Nobility of the region of Empire, its protection of its people falls on the Noble. The Noble must also pay for any additions, such as more housing, additional buildings. The Noble is also responsible for hiring their own regional law enforcement. Any damage that the region incurs falls on the Noble to pay to fix. The Noble is required to act on the War Council that meets with the Emperor.
Perks: The Noble is granted a personal Retinue of 4 NPCs with per-generated statistics. The Noble is granted their own home that represents their status and station. The Noble’s pay increases based on the population size of the region (See Below for further details on pay scale for Nobility). Additionally, the Noble will receive one pair of horses and one carriage. Additionally, they are granted their own Crest as well as one Legendary Crafted Weapon or Set of Armor.
Title & LocationCount or Countess of Delphi
Baron or Baroness of Rosemerrow Duke or Duchess of Impathica Earl or Earlessa of Alteria Village Regent of the Empire King or Queen of Xaranth King or Queen of Celesthem King or Queen of Amirhan King or Queen of Agrin King or Queen of Labrynthene King or Queen of Tristalos Chieftan of Thedas |
PopulationPopulation of 2,000
Population of 12,500 Population of 20,000 Population of 500 Population of 5,000 Population of 10,000 Population of 55,000 Population of 30,000 Population of 30,000 Population of 7,000 Population of 30,000 |
Deras per Citizen100 Deras per Citizen
100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen 100 Deras per Citizen |
*** Please make note that with these pays, only 25% goes into each Nobles pocket while the rest (75%) goes into city coffers for incidentals such as repair after a natural disaster, war or for any expansion of land the Noble might want to make. The exception to this is the Regent who shall retain 50% of their Nobility Pay. ***