Versammlung translates as “Assembly” into Common, and is part of the reforms to the former Empire of Anhald that differentiates it from the modern Kaltreich. As part of its enactment, the nobility of the Kaltreich are more varied than most realms, and have certain rights not found outside it.
Any member of the Hochversammlung or the Spechler is allowed to raise a matter of contention and bring it to vote. This may be new laws, reformations of the old, creation of new offices, war, anything that may be enacted and enforced by the whole of the realm. The Kaiser(in) may automatically allow the passage of such proposals, deny them outright, or allow them to come to vote. If it is passed, the Kaiser(in) is expected to appoint a member of the Versammlung to see it formalized and enacted.
Weregild
Members of the Versammlung have inherent value by law, and that value is dictated by their weregild. Attempts on their life, grave insults, or petty disputes all may call upon weregild. Members of the Versammlung may formally demand weregild at court and have the assembly vote on its merit, or the Kaiser(in) may demand it from anyone - including foreigners or foreign states. Weregild for the murder of a member of Versammlung is five times the usual amount.
Satisfaction (Tilgung)
If someone refuses to pay Weregild, then those offended or the Kaiser(in) may demand satisfaction from the offending party. This may be royal consent for war or a duel as decided on by either a vote of the court or the Kaiser(in)’s will.
Noble War (Edlerkrieg)
Nobles of the Versammlung are permitted to wage their own private wars which have no involvement from other members of the court or the Kaiser(in). They must be given the consent of the court or explicit consent from the Kaiser(in).
Assemble (Versammeln)
Any member of the Hochversammlung may call for the Versammlung to assemble so that they may exercise their rights as a member, either for themselves personally or on behalf of another. All nobles of the realm, even the Kaiser(in), are obligated to either attend or send an envoy on their behalf. (Unless it’s an emergency or me doing it, don’t call one if it’s earlier than two weeks OOC from the last one.)
Aristocracy (Adelsstand)
All members of the Hochversammlung have one vote. The entire body of the Kleinversammlung is represented by one person they select from their ranks, the Speaker of the Lesser Assembly (Spechler). The Hochversammlung may not vote in electing the Spechler, but any member of the Kleinversammlung may propose an election of a new one at any times, and only they may vote on them.
Election of the Kaiser(in) (Wahlkaisertum)
When the Kaiser(in) dies, the Elector-Counts vote on who shall be the next Kaiser(in). Any descendant of the founders of the Kaltic Empire (Asher Varyn, Katherine Kane) are viable candidates to elect.
Rank | Weregild | Appelation | Offices |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 100k | Elector-Count (Hochgraf) | Marshal (Marschall); High Councillor (Hochstradtrat); Archbishop (Hochbischof) |
2 | 75k | Count (Graf) | High Advisor (Hochberater); Bishop (Bischof) |
3 | 50k | Lord (Freiherr) | Knight Captain (Rittmeister) |
Rank | Weregild | Appelation | Offices |
---|---|---|---|
4 | 25k | Ehrenmann (Herr) | Captain (Kapitän); Knight (Ritter); Executor (Vollstrecker) |
5 | 15k | Yeoman (Freibauer) | Steward (Steward); State Witch (Reichshexe); Lesser Clerk (Kleinschreiber) |
6 | 10k | Courtier (Schmeichler) | Squire (Knappe); Herald (Herold) |
Elector-Count
Elector-Counts are hand picked by the Kaiser(in) from Counts, with their primary responsibility being electing the next Kaiser(in) upon his death and ensuring a stable transition.
Count
Counts are granted semi-autonomy from the Kaiser(in), and may have their own laws which apply only in their fiefs and hold court amongst their subjects. They are usually granted cities, fortified villages, or centers of industry. In war, they are expected to lead the armies raised by their lessers.
Lord
The lowest rank of the higher nobility, lords are permitted to but do not necessarily own land, typically in the form of villages, abbeys, or small marches. In war, they are expected to raise and maintain elite personal retinues or as many serfs as they can muster.
Knight
The highest rank of the lesser nobility, knights have concluded their training but not advanced into a position of higher management. Many knights remain in this position for their entire lives, being powerful actors on the stage without being held accountable for the actions of clients.
Yeoman
No longer entrants at court, yeomen are nevertheless not considered nobility. Yeomen are often the scions of noble families, still earning their place at court and being trained by those of higher rank to assume their ultimate responsibilities. Others are career yeomen with sufficient recognition to be able to maneuver at court, while lacking any of the expectations of higher ranks, allowing them more freedom and versatility than either a courtier or a knight without any of the responsibility of the Hochversammlung.
Courtier
Courtiers are the most minor of nobility and usually earn it by performing service for the Kaiser(in) while young. It is also given to honorable foreigners that have accepted invitation to the court.
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