Lords:What is a Peer?

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What is a Peer?

Peerage is defined as “a system of titles of nobility in the Star Kingdom of Manticore, the Imperial Andermani Empire, the Protectorate of Grayson, and the Senatorial titles of the Republic of Haven.” 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.

What does it mean to be “a Peer” in TRMN? It has been said Peers are recognized, not made. Members elevated as Peers 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 and position requires.

At one time, getting a peerage was considered another award and nothing more. Many Peers were elevated before there were actual duties and responsibilities. That all changed in 2016 with the creation of the Houses of Parliament Manual (RMN 0-2) that created the House of Lords (and the House of Commons). Both Houses were given certain rights and obligations. Times have changed and becoming a peer is now an acknowledgment of one’s overall achievements in TRMN and a sign of one’s willingness to continue those activities in support of the organization. Being a peer comes with duties and responsibilities. It is an honor and a responsibility, but it is not an award.

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, but exceptions can be made for exceptional service to the organization)
• Duke/Duchess
• Steadholder (Grayson title of roughly equivalent rank to Duke/Duchess)
• Senator (Republic of Haven title of roughly equivalent rank to Duke/Duchess)
• Earl/Countess
• Baron/Baroness
• Knight/Dame (Only those members who are invested into The Most Noble Order of the Star Kingdom have an inheritable title)

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 College of Arms. 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 but are granted a keep.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Peer

The duties and responsibilities of a Peer are far easier than those one might currently hold within the organization. However, that doesn’t mean that these duties and obligations are in any way menial in nature or of a lesser value. The ability to have a larger voice in the operation of the organization is special and should be recognized as such.

Peers should continue doing what they were doing before the peerage because they enjoy it. The essence of the duties of being a Peer is simply “do the work that is in front of you and exercise your rights as a Peer.” Whether it’s participating in a discussion/debate on the Floor and voting on same, developing the Peerage Lands to the benefit of the members, or making sure other duties in the organization are done, and done well; being a Peer means continuing to support TRMN. Peers should be people who get things done that need doing.

Peers must take their responsibility in TRMN seriously and take responsibility for their actions. The leadership and organization should be able to rely on them to act in a professional, courteous, and welcoming manner in all they do, always. Peers don’t have to be perfect – everyone makes mistakes – but a Peer must admit their mistakes, learn from them, and sincerely apologize and work to correct any mistakes. Peers must not pretend the mistake didn’t happen or deflect the blame to someone else. A Peer should never bully another member and should always strive to act in a professional manner.

A Peer’s service doesn’t have to be high-level or showy, but the work should be significant enough that others would notice if they weren’t doing it and have some impact on the organization. For example, a peer should participate as a member of the House of Lords by reading matters before them, discussing them, and voting on them. In this way, they will have an impact on the organization.

Hopefully, being a Peer will help one become a better version of one’s self. More introspective and better at asking the tough questions.