Nobility Rankings

These are the current nobility rankings in order for the nation of Ashen and essentially what they do. There are two subgroups of the Nobility rankings one being the lower 6 which are more of the lower ranking nobility while the upper 6 are the higher ranking nobility. The higher ranking nobility typically hold some type of higher position in the noble council and are allowed to have an audience with the Empress of Ashen.

## Emperor/Empress

*Upper 1st*

The current Empress is Norxa Argenton and she is the last remaining member of the royal family. The Empress is in charge of running the Ashen Empire. Those in this position typically represent the empire as a whole which is further divided into kingdoms. The Emperor/Empress are the ones who incorporate the rules and policies of the empire.

## Kings/Queens

*Upper 2nd*

Those in this position are typically the leaders of their own kingdoms within Ashen. They are only able to set specific policies in their kingdom. They are responsible for helping implement the policies and other regulations set by the Empress across Ashen. Those in this position are typically the house leaders however in a few cases there are exceptions.

## Archduke

*Upper 3rd*

Archdukes are those with massive territories as well as helping with the King/Queen manage these territories and kingdom itself. Typically there is only one Archduke to a kingdom however relatively larger kingdoms will have two. There are some kingdoms that do not have an archduke and ignore this rank.

## Duke

*Upper 4th*

Dukes are rulers of provinces and the superiors of the counts in the cities. They typically have viscounts as their subordinates. Dukes may also lead smaller political parties within the kingdom as well.

## Margrave

*Upper 5th*

Margraves are similar to Earls but they are more important militarily than politically. They manage the militaristic forces within their kingdom and protect the people from invaders and at the same time protect the empire. Most of the current Commanders in Astren held the rank of Margrave but they also were part of the royal guard.

## Earl/Count

*Upper 6th*

Earls/Counts are those who manage provinces or sires on behalf of the Kings/Queens. They are extremely important politically then viscounts and control more prosperous realms of power.

## Viscount

*Lower 1st*

Viscounts are generally nobility who rule over a small area however in history there have been some viscounts that have actually ruled over a kingdom and one in particular that has ruled over the nation of Ashen long ago way before the current war. They have many lords, knights, and typically three mages in their ranks.

## Baron

*Lower 2nd*

Barons are those who have pledged their loyalty and services to their superior in return for land that they could pass to their heirs. They are responsible for taking care of their land and hearing reports about their kingdoms. They are also responsible for managing the finances of the state which includes taxes, rents, dues. Notably very few Barons are able to have an audience with the Empress but those that do are destined to rise through the ranks rapidly.

## Lords

*Lower 3rd*

Lords are the most well known rank, lords are tasked with accompanying barons and commanding knights on special tasks. Some may have a holding in noble court and some may even have a mage within their ranks as well.

## Knights

*Lower 4th*

Knights are equally as a common as esquires, knights either gain their crest through slaying monsters and other enemies or by being a favorite of a baron or viscount, enough to represent them in the field of battle. Their main job is to fight to protect their respective houses and the nation of Ashen. Currently many of these knights are preparing themselves to be out on the frontlines fighting against Astren in the upcoming war. It is known that very few knights are selected by the royal family to become a part of the royal guard.

## Patrician

*Lower 5th*

This rank is a step above Esquires, Patricians are typically older and more well versed into court life and Ashen politics. Patricians who curry favor with a margrave typically skip the next few ranks to become a Baron.

## Esquire

*Lower 6th*

This rank is give typically to knights in training or to commoners who curry their lord's favor, Esquires are given paltry crests and are usually tasked with representing the lord in villages.