Lords, Ladies & Duty

## **Tapestries of Power: Lords, Ladies, and the Intricacies of Westerosi Allegiance"**

In the complex tapestry of the Seven Kingdoms' socio-political structure, the role of a Lord or Lady is pivotal. These figures hold significant authority, governing their territories, upholding the peace, and ensuring that the will of the king is enforced.

A ***Lord or Lady*** in Westeros controls authority and holds a hereditary title of nobility. The title is most commonly associated with nobility in the Seven Kingdoms but can also be given as a courtesy to members of the small council and those in positions of influence. This title can be granted alongside lands or a castle, but it can also be conferred without such holdings, rendering it a ceremonial honor.

### Responsibilities

* **Governance:** It falls upon the Lord or Lady to govern their lands effectively.
* **Law Enforcement:** They ensure the king's peace, enforce local laws, and deliver justice.
* **Taxation:** Lords are responsible for ensuring timely collection of taxes owed to the king.
* **Defense:** In times of war or conflict, Lords are expected to "call the banners," summoning their bannermen to rally to their cause.

**Allegiance upon Ascension**

* **For Lord Paramount:** Upon coming into power, a Lord Paramount must announce their new status sending ravens to all lords and ladies and pledge their allegiance to the King by raven or in person.
* **For Heads of Houses:** When assuming leadership of their house, the head must declare this transition sending ravens to all lords and ladies. They are then required to pledge their allegiance to both their Lord Paramount and the King by raven or in person.

**Announcement of Major Events**

Lords and Ladies are entrusted with the duty of maintaining active communication about significant occurrences within their domain. Such events include but are not limited to:

* **House Events and Happenings:** Announce significant happenings like a new player joining, a character's death, achievements, naming an heir, and other major events in the *roleplay chat* channel.
* **Marriages and Betrothals:** Declare engagements, weddings, and related festivities, which can alter the political landscape.
* **Births:** Announce the birth of children, especially direct heirs.
* **Feasts and Tournaments:** Publicize any large event hosted by your House, be it for celebration, commemoration, or competition.
* **Treaties and Pacts:** Announce new alliances, non-aggression pacts, or trade agreements.
* **Conflicts and Disputes:** Declare any significant internal or external conflicts or disputes.
* **Visits and Diplomatic Missions:** Communicate when sending or receiving emissaries or embarking on diplomatic journeys.
* **Economic Ventures:** Make known any significant economic undertakings, trade routes, or partnerships.
* **Laws and Edicts:** Inform about significant changes in local laws, customs, or practices.
* **Natural Disasters or Plagues:** Alert others about events impacting the realm's well-being.
* **Construction Endeavors:** Announce significant infrastructure projects like castles, roads, or ports.
* **Religious Events:** Declare major religious ceremonies or significant religious occurrences.
* **Changes in House Sigil or Words:** Although rare, inform about any modifications to a House's sigil or motto.
* **Invitations:** Announce when extending general invitations to the Houses of the realm.
* **Military Movements:** Inform about significant troop movements, especially near borders, to avoid misunderstandings.

All these events must be duly announced in the *roleplay chat* channel, ensuring that the larger community is informed and can engage in the unfolding narrative.

### Hierarchy of Lords

1. **Lords of the Great Houses:** These individuals possess the highest rank within their respective regions and are direct vassals to the king.
2. **Petty Lords:** Often overseeing just a village or small territory, they are the most junior in the hierarchy.
3. **Special Titles:** Some houses have unique titles reflective of their history, tradition, or ambition. Examples include the "Lord Reaper of Pyke" for House Greyjoy or the "Shield of Lannisport" for House Lannister.

**Vassalage and Feudal Chain**

All Lords have vassals, individuals or families sworn to serve them. These vassals can further have knights sworn to them, continuing the chain of fealty down to the peasantry.

#### Other Titles Associated with Lordship

* **Lord Paramount:** Holds dominion over one of the major regions of the Seven Kingdoms. The title "Lord" here is equivalent in stature to the "Prince" of Dorne.
* **Lord Commander**: A position of authority found in several institutions, such as the Kingsguard and Night's Watch.
* **Administrative Lords:** These are titles that indicate specific roles, like "lord treasurer."

**Lord by Courtesy**

While the title of a Lord is typically hereditary and often associated with land or castle ownership, it can also be granted as a mark of respect or authority to individuals in key positions, even if they do not have lands to their name.

**Stewardship**

A steward is an essential figure in the governance of a castle or domain. Tasked with daily management and operation, they often act in the Lord or Lady's stead, especially during their absence.

**Foreign Nobility**

It's crucial to recognise that other societies beyond Westeros have their hierarchies and titles. These can sometimes be analogous to Westerosi nobility, though they often come with their unique traditions and responsibilities.The nobility of the Seven Kingdoms is not just a system of titles, but a tapestry of power, responsibility, and allegiance. By understanding these layers and the nuances between them, one can truly appreciate the complexity of political relationships within the realm.