Nobility
Playing a Noble is not an easy path for any player, there are more rules, requirements and expectations. They are supposed to act a certain way, treat people a certain way and dress a certain way. Many are required to pay a yearly tribute, run businesses and manage properties.
If you are interested in playing a Noble, the position must be applied for, however such positions are typically only awarded to experienced roleplayers with at least 2500TRPP who have played on Dark Isles for at least three months.
There are four different types of nobility, which are listed below in order of rank.
1. Landed Nobility
There are very few nobles in Seahaven that simply pass on the title from one generation to the next. In fact, there are only four. Each of these men holds a distinctive title and high rank among the nobility of the land, though each also is tasked with the guarding of the border that their land fronts.
The Marquis de Seahaven
Also known as The Southern Marquis is formally titled King, and is tasked with the protection of the city of Seahaven itself. The most daunting of tasks, he must manage the bordering ocean, as well as the eastern, western, and northern fronts. He is also the most distinguished of the titled nobility, and the one with the most power.
The Marquis de Wolfwood
Also known as The Eastern Marquis is responsible for maintaining the eastern border of the land. Rumours abound about the Marquis, his daughter and only heir, and the people who occupy this land.
The Marquis de Bregh
Also known as The Western Marquis. Currently this title has been bestowed on the leader of the Sayaki, to be inherited by his offspring for as long as the Sayaki protect the western front.
The Marquis de Aruta
Also known as The Northern Marquis. Recently the death of this Lord was discovered, though the cause remains a mystery. He was childless, so his successor will, at some point, be appointed by the King. Due to this, the northern front is overrun with demons which are seeping in towards Seahaven gradually. Some have hinted that the King expects something to be done about this, and though it has not been confirmed, rumors imply that the man who proves himself most worthy will be given the lands and the title.
2. High Ranking Officials
These men and women are granted titles by the King, based on the work that they do for the city of Seahaven and the surrounding land. Their title is entirely dependant on their service and when their service ends (for any reason) the title is removed. Often a lesser title is granted as recognition of exceptional service upon their retirement (or granted to the family upon their death in service), though this is not required.
Currently there are four such individuals, though others may be appointed at will. These four hold equal rank.
The Lord Commander of the Seahaven Watch
This position is given to the leader of the Seahaven Watch. His expectations and privileges are well laid out in the book of law as are those of his subordinates.
The Lord Commander of the King’s Rangers
This position is given to the leader of the King’s Rangers. His expectations and privileges equal those of the Watch Commander, though his official powers, without alliance with the Watch, extend only to the boundaries of the city. Lower ranking Rangers are legally the equivalent of their Watchman counterparts.
The Dockmaster
This position is given to the man who controls imports, exports, and all shipping that occurs within Seahaven. Though the majority of the city have little contact with him, those who depend on the seas for their living in any form, know him well and would do well to curry his favor.
The High Priestess of the Tranquil Tide
This position is simply one of respect for the leading priestess of Seahaven’s official church. While she has little official power outside of the religious factions (the legal powers over heresy and religious crime are her domain as well and explained in the book of law), she is granted the same respect as the other three.
3. Merchant Lords
Merchant Lords are awarded their titles by impressing the King and enriching the Crown’s coffers through the formation and running of a solid, profitable guild.
Paying double or triple the required tribute would likely result in an increase in one’s ranking. However, it would also result in an increase in required tribute from then on. One must be of petty noble ranking or higher in order to take on a role as a Merchant Lord.
This title is NOT hereditary. If a Merchant Lord position is vacated for any reason (inability to pay fees, death, etc), the person next in rank fills the position of guild leader and has three months to meet the requirements to maintain the position. During this time, however, they will face competition from others both inside and outside of the guild who wish to obtain the position also.
4. Petty Nobles
Petty nobles are the lowest ranked nobles who have purchased their title from the King with a large sum of money. They are also required to pay a twice yearly tribute to maintain their title. The minimum tribute to become a petty noble is 20L. Petty nobles are required to pay the tribute appropriate to their title, twice yearly.
To become a Noble, you will also need to be sponsored by at least two other nobles, have no criminal record and have a suitable home. Nobles are set with a wage that is 80% of their tribute. They have to raise the rest of the money for their yearly tribute on their own, this is usually through the purchase of land and management of shops.
This title is NOT hereditary. Out of simple respect for a deceased petty noble, their chosen heir is granted their title for 3 months and given the chance to prove themselves worthy of the position should they wish to take it on.
