Nobility

Noble status in the Pheagon Empire is a legal and social class recognized by imperial law, entirely separate from the state apparatus of the Sovereign, Imperial Senate, and First Law. Titles are not granted by the Sovereign as a feudal lord. Status is registered in the Red Book and maintained by the Censors. The Senate legislates the rights and obligations of each class.

Holding a noble title carries no automatic right to political office. Nobles may and often do stand for Senate election, but that is by merit of citizenship, not rank.

Patricius / Patricia#

The oldest and most prestigious designation. Ancient families whose status predates or was established alongside the Empire itself. Patrician standing is held by the entire family, not a single head, and confers immense social capital alongside legal privileges: the right to hold large estates anywhere in the Empire, direct access to the Imperial Curia, and exemption from certain levies.

Status is registered in the Red Book. Loss of registration means loss of standing.

Duke / Duchess#

Holds a chartered territorial claim over a significant region known as a Duchy, recognized and protected by imperial law. The charter is hereditary but must be re-registered with each generation through the Censors. A Duke administers their Duchy as a legal right, not as a delegate of any higher authority.

By law, a Duke is obligated to maintain roads, local courts, and taxation collection within their territory. Their charter can be stripped only by ruling of the Imperial Curia.

Earl / Earless#

Controls a territory known as an Earldom, typically a cluster of towns or a significant district within a Duchy. Often appointed from established noble families, though the title itself is hereditary and separate from any ducal authority over the same land. Subject to the same Censor registration requirements as a Duke.

Dominus / Domina#

Controls a smaller territory known as a Domain, typically a single town or district with surrounding lands. Often a cadet branch of a ducal family, or an old family whose holdings have diminished over generations. Subject to the same Censor registration requirements as a Duke.

Thane#

Personal noble status without a territorial charter. A Thane holds a private estate and carries legal privileges that distinguish them from common citizens: direct access to imperial courts, exemption from certain levies, the right to bear arms of quality. Status is held individually and is not automatically inherited by children.

The Thane is the primary pathway upward from common birth. Sufficient wealth, civic contribution, or distinguished service can earn registration as a Thane by Senate motion.