Seeing that there has been some discussion on limiting lore within these definitions, myself and a few others on Discord have taken a stab at trying to make the definitions a bit more concise and try to limit overlap in other areas of our legislation (Nic you did a really good job!).
Counts
Holders and protectors of local plots of land recognized by the Empire as Counties are known as Counts. It is the duty of counts to be the protectors of local communities, coming with unique rights and privileges as prescribed in the Hermertian legislation. Counts may be lords of either independent Counties (with the Council of the Crowned as their liege) or counties inside of an established realm under a Duke or King. In some circumstances, Independent Counts with a minimum of (2) Counties may claim the honorific title of 'Grand County'. This title does not confer any additional responsibilities above a normal Count.
While the titles of 'County' and 'Count' are the land and rank legally defined and recognised by the Empire, alternative, localized, and equivalent titles for the land and the individual may be recognized and employed in formal diplomatic channels.
Counties
Counties may include multiple smaller holdings and settlements within one jurisdiction, either within the realm of a Duke or King or independently as recognized by the Council of the Crowned.
Dukes
Holders and protectors of vast regions referred to as Duchies or Grand Duchies. Dukes are respected and influential nobles in the Mercurian Empire for they embody the spirit of Hermetia through their prescribed duties within the Hermertian legislation. Dukes may be lords of either independent Duchies (with the Council of the Crowned as their liege) or Duchies inside of an established realm under a King. In some circumstances, Independent Dukes with a minimum of (2) duchies may claim the honorific title of 'Grand Duke'. This title does not confer any additional responsibilities above a normal Duke.
While the titles of 'Duchy' and 'Duke' are the land and rank legally defined and recognised by the Empire, alternative, localized, and equivalent titles for the land and the individual may be recognized and employed in formal diplomatic channels.
Duchy
Groupings of a minimum of three (3) counties are brought together under a single identity, either within the realm of a King or independently as recognized by the Council of the Crowned.
Kings/Queens
Kings and Queens are rulers of the great Kingdoms of the Mercurian Empire, sitting members of the Council of the Crowned and eternally recognised as divine. Once recognized as a ruler of a Kingdom under the Council of the Crowned, Kings and Queens will forever retain the divinity though may be recognized as inactive and/or be subject to dissolution at the discretion of the Council of the Crowned. The highest legal authorities of the Empire, the members of the Council of the Crowned may only be recognised through the unanimous consent of all active sitting members of the Council of the Crowned; they may stand for election to the position of Emperor of the Empire, are dedicated to reflecting the will of the peoples of Hermertia, and have sworn to uphold the spirit and values of the Empire.
Emperor/Empress
A representative of the divinity of the Mercurian Empire and the Council of the Crowned, the Emperor is tasked with the eternal responsibility of preserving the spirit and culture of the Empire.
Elected from within the ranks of the Council and equal in rights and abilities to each of the sitting members of the latter, the Emperor/Empress holds the responsibility of performing tasks as a representative of the Council of the Crowned, including but not limited to the crowning of newly ascended Kings/Queens to the Council and the delivering of announcements on behalf of the Council. The Emperor/Empress has the sacred duty of representing and encouraging the diversity and community of the Empire and of fostering communal ties and development; in this role, the Emperor/Empress holds the responsibility of representing the community in specific instances, including but not limited to officiating cultural events such as the Imperial Games, introducing communal initiatives and events, and travelling the Empire to foster international development and cooperation.
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We are almost at the end I think!