User:Dtorina/Sandbox4

The Societal and Political structure of the Archduchy of Quel'Anarias is dictated by a system of Lords and Lordships, which in itself is a feudal system copied over from both the Ancient Arathorian Empire, and modern-day Human Kingdoms. This system was not always in place, and is more recent following the reign of Archduke Lothin Embershield, after his fathers death during the Flames of Embers.

Social Structure
The society of Quel'Anaris is based upon a structure of nobility which divides the populace between the Military, Citizenry and Nobility. All nobles are part of their own dynasty, and are therefore hereditary in terms of inheritance. Citizens are in a much better standing in Quel'Anaris than they would be in the Human Kingdoms of Stromgarde, Kul Tiras or Stormwind, as they are not divided between peasants and commoners. Likewise, the military is not a feudal levy system, but rather, borrows from the Thalassian and Kul Tiran militaries, holding a professional army at all times.

Kings
While presently, there is no King or Queen of Quel'Anaris, at one point in the past, it had been ruled over by a King, which was originally King Orthos Lightsworn, who usurped the land from Arzalos Arcanashield. Following the rebellion led by Arzalen Embershield, he himself took up the mantle of King of Quel'Anaris, until Lothin chose not to continue the legacy, instead referring to himself as Archduke.

Thus, rumors do persist of Telriah II Embershield wishing to take up the crown, rank and authority of Queen, it is truly unknown if Quel'Anaris will ever truly have a King or Queen again.

Nobility
There exists within the Feudal Structure of Quel'Anaris the Lords and Ladies of the realm. There exists many-a-rank for such people, starting at the highest of Archduke, to which befalls the Dukes, then Counts, Barons, and lastly Baronets. There is only one Archduke present, to which the title belongs to the House of Embershield.

Dukes
Those who are presented with the title of Duke are granted great authority within their assigned area of influence. A Duke is considered the highest authority, directly below the Archduke of Quel'Anaris. It is assumed that the position of Duke is what replaced the position of Autarch, a person who was a Noble, and military leader, by law of inheritance. Currently, there are only two Dukes within Quel'Anaris, that being the Duke of Arcadia, and Duke of Ronae'Danil.

Counts
Directly below Dukes, Counts are a middle-ground of authority, and a sworn vassal to their liege-lord. A Count is accountable for any number of barons under his territory. Additionally, Counts are considered a Baron in their own right, though never using the title of such. An example would be a Count being the Lord of his holding, and ruling over the other two barons under his jurisdiction.

Barons
Barons are closer to home to what one normally assumes a Lord is; Someone in charge of a Keep, a village, and a sizeable amount of soldiers. For Quel'Anaris, these soldiers are normally the personal retinue for the Baron. Indeed, a Baron does rule over a keep, and the surrounding land, which may be anything from a few farms, to a hamlet, or even just a small mining village.

Baronet
The lowest type of Lord to come from Quel'Anaris, a Baronet holds little-to-no authority within the feudal society presented in Quel'Anaris. A Baronet is normally a Knight who is granted the right to proclaim Lordship. Baronets normally have Lordship over a tower or garrison on the roadsides of Quel'Anaris, though some may also be lucky enough to construct their own hearth and hall.