TRMN:Membership Handbook:Peers
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Peerage
This will give you a brief introduction to Peerage in TRMN. We use Peerages to recognize members who have shown a higher level of leadership and a commitment to the benefit of the membership and organization, while demonstrating service above and beyond what their rank requires. Peerage is defined as a system of titles of nobility in the Star Kingdom of Manticore, the Imperial Andermani Empire and the Protectorate of Grayson. The term is used both collectively to refer to the entire body of titles, and individually to refer to a specific title. Peerage dignities may be recommended by both Houses of Parliament (Commons and Lords) and approved by the House of Lords through its Peerage Courts.
The peerage titles, in order of precedence from highest to lowest, are:
- Grand Duke/Grand Duchess – This is primarily reserved for members of the royal family and David Weber’s family, but exceptions can be made for extreme or exceptional service to the organization.
- Duke/Duchess
- Steadholder – Grayson title of roughly equivalent rank to Duke / Duchess.
- Senator – Grayson title of roughly equivalent rank to Duke / Duchess.
- Earl/Countess
- Baron/Baroness
- Knight/Dame – This is reserved for those members who are invested into The Most Noble Order of the Star Kingdom..
Forms of Address by Peerage
Grand Duke/Grand Duchess
• Formally referred to as: His/Her Most Serene Grace, The Grand Duke/Duchess of (duchy). • Addressed As: Your Grace (the first time) and Sir or Ma’am every time afterward. If you are a friend, you may use the name of his or her duchy. Close friends and relatives may use first names, but only in non-formal social occasions.
Duke/Duchess–Steadholder
• Formally referred to as: His/Her Most Noble Grace, The Duke/Duchess of (duchy). • Addressed As: Your Grace (the first time) and Sir or Ma’am every time afterward. If you are a friend, you may use the name of his or her duchy. Close friends and relatives may use first names, but only in non-formal social occasions.
Steadholder
• Formally referred to as: His Lordship/Her Ladyship the Steadholder (title). • Addressed As: My Lord or My Lady (the first time) and Sir or Ma’am every time afterward. If you are a friend, you may use the name of his or her lands. Close friends and relatives may use first names, but only in non-formal social occasions.
Senator
• Formally referred to as: The Honorable (full name). • Addressed As: Senator (last name – the first time) and Sir or Ma’am every time afterward. If you are a friend, you may use the name of his or her district. Close friends and relatives may use first names, but only in non-formal social occasions.
Earl/Countess
• Formally referred to as: The Most Honorable The Earl of (county) or the Most Honorable The Countess of (county). • Addressed As: Lord (county) or Lady (county) - the first time - and My Lord or My Lady every time afterward. If you are a close friend or relative, you may use simply the name of the county.
Baron/Baroness
• Formally referred to as: The Right Honorable The Baron (barony) or The Right Honorable The Baroness (barony). • Addressed As: Lord (barony) or Lady (barony) - the first time - then My Lord or My Lady. If you are a friend or a relative, you may use simply the name of the barony.
Knight / Dame
• Formally referred to as: Sir John Smith, KSK or Dame Jane Smith, KSK. The postnominals must always be used, and should be announced in order of precedence, rather than in order of seniority. • Addressed As: Sir John, or Dame Jane.
Cadet Seats of a hereditary landed peer:
• Formally referred to as: The Lord John Smith of (holding) or the Lady Jane Smith of (holding). • Addressed As: My Lord or My Lady. Close friends and relatives may use first names.
Subsequent sons & daughters of a Hereditary Landed Peer:
• Formally referred to as: The Honorable John Smith of (holding) or the Honorable Jane Smith of (holding). Usually abbreviated in written references: “The Hon. John Smith.”. • Addressed As: Sir or Ma’am, or Mr. Smith/ Ms. Smith. Close friends and relatives may use first names.
Life Peerage vs Hereditary Peerage
Hereditary Peerages are granted lands within the Star Kingdom and a seat in the House of Lords. A Hereditary Peer will work through a space on the Wall of Peerage in the TRMN Headquarters. As their Peerage Title increases, they will be given a space on the Wall of Peerage commensurate with the title to place their Coat of Arms, which they will be given certain rights to design themselves but must be approved by the Bureau of Communication. Life Peers do not come with land, nor have a seat in the House of Lords. Knights/Dames do not have a coat of Arms as they are always non-landed Peerage.
GRANTING OF PEERAGE
Peerages are granted to deserving members through a process of nominations. To be eligible for nomination, a member must have reached the rank level of E-8. The House of Commons may nominate one (1) member to be considered for peerage once a year. The House of Lords may nominate additional members based on the number to be elevated. After nominations are received, they are submitted to the Peerage Courts (see below), whom then approve or deny the nomination.
- NOTE: For members that are married (in Real Life), and approved for elevation, their partner will receive the same privilege and title as the member in the opposite gender form. This does not apply to Knights/Dames as that is always a non-landed Peerage Award
- If a peer has children (in Real Life) the eldest will be granted a cadet peerage in said family and may be referred to by the cadet form of address listed above, while subsequent offspring are referred to as “The Honorable [name].”
- This does not apply to Knights/Dames as that is always a non-landed Peerage Award.
Approval
All Peerages will be voted on by the Peerage Court. The Peerage Court consists of the First Lord of the Admiralty and a maximum of five and a minimum of three other landed peers. A vote on the peerage must be held and the result must be a majority in favor of approval *before* the title is bestowed upon the recipient. The First Lord of the Admiralty, as President of the Peerage Court may bestow non-landed peerages as needed.
Removal of Peerage
There is both canon and real-life precedent for a practice such as this and it serves the best interests of the members and the organization to have this in place. Peerages are a recognition for a higher level of leadership and commitment to the organization. Should said Peer abuse their position in violation of an Admiralty Order (AO), or any of the Code of Conducts, then measures must be taken to correct these situations. There are two options to this process.
The first option is the Peerage Abeyance Process (Omega), which is the version to be used when the possibility of Peerage removal exists. Following the Rules of Order in the House of Lords, the Lord Speaker (or his designate) will select three (3) members holding peerage equal to or higher than the accused, as well as the JAG (who will not vote) to form a Peerage Board. If three (3) peers of equal or greater peerage are not found, the Lord Speaker will look to peerages at the next lowest level.
The evidence of infractions will be reviewed by the Board. If found to be compelling, the Board will vote on the Abeyance and the vote must unanimous. In the event of a dissent, the Board will reconvene to discuss the issues under dissent. The Board will then determine the period of abeyance and any actions required by the Peer during abeyance.
Articles of Abeyance
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Usage of the Title is suspended while abeyance is in effect.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Titleholder is ineligible for further elevation while abeyance is in effect.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Peerage Lands are considered dormant, and shall not be developed.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Peerage lose its place of seniority amongst the active Peers, and new Peers that are added.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Peerage Title will be changed to a blank device, and the name of the peer replaced with “Title in Abeyance”.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Peer shall not have access to or be involved in the Matters of the House of Lords while in Abeyance.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the length of time will be determined by the Peerage Board.
- The Lord Speaker, or a Peer appointed by the Lord Speaker, will present the Abeyance offer to the Peer in question.
- Should the Peer in question reject the offer of Abeyance, the Lord Speaker will then convene a Peerage Court.
- If Abeyance is invoked, the Peer shall be treated with the due respect of their title, without its direct use in any formal situation.
- If Abeyance is invoked, at the end of the Abeyance period, the Peer shall petition the Lord Speaker for reinstatement of their Peerage.
Peerage Court
Following the Rules of Order in the House of Lords, a Peer of the Realm, Steadholder of Grayson or Senator of Haven who have abused their position by violating an Admiralty Order or an Article of the Code of Conduct to the detriment of the organization shall be summoned before a Peerage Court to determine the continued status of their Peerage.
The Lord Speaker (or his designate) will select five (5) members holding Peerage equal to or higher than the accused. The Judge Advocate General (or his designate) will facilitate the presentation of the facts of the case to the Court. The Summoned Peer shall be permitted to submit their claim and defense.
Once all the evidence has been received and the presentations have concluded, the Court members may adjourn to discuss the case before them. Within twelve (12) hours of said adjournment, the Court will vote accordingly.
A majority vote against the Summoned Peer will result in a decrease of Peerage. In the case where there is no lower Peerage, then a complete loss of Peerage will result. A unanimous vote against the Summoned Peer will result in a complete Loss of Peerage.
There is no appeal for a loss of Peerage. Peerages lost in this manner will not be re-granted to the offender.
Peerage Lands
Each Peer, including Steadholders, will be permitted to set up an Administrative Unit commensurate with their Peerage. These will be known as Peerage Lands, and will function as Civilian Chapters. These will not be open to join, however, you can request to be assigned to them. Note that all references to stipends are for Roleplay purposes only, and no Member of TRMN draws a salary for their membership activities, unless they are also an actual employee of the Corporation.
The following will describe each type of Peerage Land, and their primary Staffs. Additional Staff, such as Peerage Land specific Staff (vintners, brew masters, craftsmen, etc.). Staffs are listed by order of seniority within the household:
Keep
A keep is a small castle. This is granted to those who have received the rank of Knight, Most Noble Order of the Star Kingdom, which is the only hereditary order available within TRMN. As a Knight, Most Noble Order of the Star Kingdom, you are also permitted to draw a stipend equal to an F-1 as per Admiralty Order 1504-01.
Keep Staff
- Major Domo–This person is the head of household, effectively the executive officer of the household. He or she runs the estate and the rest of the staff reports to them.
- Chef–This person manages the kitchens of the estate.
- Pastry Chef–Prepares pastries and light snack such as tea for the family and guests, as directed by the chef.
- Valet/Lady’s Maid/Footman–This person attends to the knight/dame directly. They also manage the schedule of the Knight.
Barony
A barony is a land granted to a baron/baroness. It comes with a small estate which requires a small staff to run. Additionally, it comes with a stipend equal to an F-2 as per Admiralty Order 1504-01.
Baronial Estate Staff
- Major Domo/Butler–This person is the head of household, effectively the executive officer of the household. They run the estate and the rest of the staff reports to them.
- Estate Security–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as security for the baron/baroness. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Head Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person attends to the baron/baroness directly. They also manage their schedule.
- Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person assists with the attending of the baron/baroness as needed.
- Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the baron/baroness. Reports to estate security.
Baronial Kitchen Staff
- Chef de Cuisine–This person manages the kitchens of the estate.
- Sous Chef–Prepares the dishes as directed by the chef de cuisine.
- Pastry Chef–Prepares pastries and light snacks such as tea for the family and guests, as directed by the chef de cuisine.
- Footman–Ensures proper service during meals and events.
County
A county is a land granted to an earl/countess. It comes with a mid-sized estate which requires a staff to run. Additionally, it comes with a stipend equal to an F-3 as per Admiralty Order 1504-01.
County Estate Staff
- Major Domo/Butler–This person is the head of household, effectively the executive officer of the household. He/she runs the estate and the rest of the staff reports to them.
- Housekeeper–This person is the head of the house, effectively the bosun of the household and maintains the physical estate and is responsible for the General Lady’s maids and maids.
- Head of Estate Security–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as head of security for the earl/countess. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Estate Security Officer–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as security for the earl/countess, as directed by the head of estate security. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Under Butler–This person does jobs as directed by the butler.
- Head Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person attends to the earl/countess directly. They also manage their schedule. This person reports into to the butler/housekeeper.
- Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person assists with the attending of the earl/countess as needed, or as directed by the head valet/lady’s maid. The county staff may contain up to two of these.
- Senior Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the earl/countess. Reports to head of estate security.
- Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the earl/countess. Reports to senior aircar pilot.
- Footman–Controls access to the estate. Reports to the under butler.
- Maid–Maintains the cleanliness of the estate. Reports to the housekeeper.
County Kitchen Staff
- Chef de Cuisine–This person manages the kitchens of the estate.
- Sous Chef–Prepares the dishes as directed by the chef de cuisine. The county staff may contain up to two of these.
- Pastry Chef–Prepares pastries and light snacks such as tea for the family and guests, as directed by the chef de cuisine.
- Footman–Ensures proper service during meals and events. The county staff may contain up to two of these.
Duchy / Steading
A duchy is the land granted to a duke/duchess. A steading is land granted to a Grayson steadholder. They are equivalent from an administrative purpose and both come with a large estate which requires a large staff to run. Additionally, it comes with a stipend equal to an F-4 as per Admiralty Order 1504-01.
Ducal Estate Staff
- Major Domo / Butler–This person is the head of household, effectively the executive officer of the household. They run the estate and the rest of the staff reports to them.
- Housekeeper–This person is the head of the house, effectively the bosun of the household. This person maintains the physical estate and is responsible for the General Lady’s maids and maids.
- Head of Estate Security (Duchy)–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as head of security for the duke/duchess. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Chief Armsman (Steading)–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as head of security for the steadholder, with the rank of brigadier. For this role only this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
• Estate Security Officer (Duchy)–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as security for the duke/duchess, as directed by the head of estate security. A duchy may have up to three of these. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Armsman (Steading)–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as security for the streadholder, as directed by the head of estate security. A steading may have up to forty-nine of these, up to a maximum rank of colonel. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Under Butler–This person does jobs as directed by the butler.
- Head Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person attends to the duke/duchess/steadholder directly. They also manage their schedule.
- Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person assists with the attending of the duke/duchess/steadholder as needed. The county staff may contain up to four of these.
- Senior Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the duke/duchess. Reports to head of state security.
- Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the duke/duchess. Reports to senior aircar pilot. A duchy may have up to two of these.
- Footman/woman–Controls access to the estate. Reports to the under butler. A duchy may have up to three of these.
Ducal Kitchen Staff
- Chef de Cuisine–This person manages the kitchens of the estate.
- Sous Chef–Prepares the dishes as directed by the chef de cuisine. The duchy staff may contain up to two of these.
- Pastry Chef–Prepares pastries and light snack such as tea for the family and guests.
- Cuisinier–Prepares the dishes as directed by the sous chef. The duchy staff may contain up to two of these, one for each sous chef.
- Footman/woman–Controls access to the estate. The duchy staff may contain up to five of these.
Grand Duchy
A grand duchy is the land granted to a grand duke/grand duchess. It comes with a palatial estate which requires a significant staff to run. Additionally, it comes with a stipend equal to an F-5 as per Admiralty Order 1504-01.
Grand Ducal Estate Staff
- Major Domo/Butler–This person is the head of household, effectively the executive officer of the household. They run the estate and the rest of the staff reports to them.
- Housekeeper–This person is the jead of the jouse, effectively the bosun of the household. This person maintains the physical estate and is responsible for the General Lady’s maids and maids.
- Head of Estate Security (Duchy)–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as head of security for the grand duke/grand duchess. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Estate Security Officer (Duchy)–This person is a member of the armed forces who has taken additional role to act as security for the duke/duchess, as directed by the head of estate security. A duchy may have up to five of these. For this role *only* this does not count against the hat rule as described by Admiralty Order 1602-02.
- Under Butler–This person does jobs as directed by the butler.
- Head Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person attends to the grand duke/grand duchess directly. They also manage their schedule.
- Valet/Lady’s Maid–This person assists with the attending of the grand duke/grand duchess as needed. The grand duchy staff may contain up to six of these.
- Senior Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the grand duke/grand duchess. Reports to head of estate security.
- Aircar Pilot–Provides transport for the grand duke/grand duchess. Reports to Senior Aircar Pilot. A Grand Duchy may have up to four of these.
- Footman / woman–Controls access to the estate. Reports to the under butler. A grand duchy may have up to five of these.
Grand Ducal Kitchen Staff
- Chef de Cuisine–This person manages the kitchens of the estate.
- Sous Chef–Prepares the dishes as directed by the chef de cuisine. The grand duchy staff may contain up to four of these.
- Pastry Chef–Prepares pastries and light snack such as tea for the family and guests.
- Cuisinier–Prepares the dishes as directed by the sous chef. The duchy staff may contain up to eight of these, two for each sous chef.
- Footman/woman–Controls access to the estate. The duchy staff may contain up to seven of these.