Lords:What is a Peer?
What is a Peer?
Peerage is defined as “a system of titles of nobility in the Star Empire 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 are recommended to TRMN’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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 that created the House of Lords (and the House of Commons). Both Houses were given certain rights and obligations, which have been updated over time with new policies by bills passed by each House. Times have changed and becoming a peer is now both 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., so while it is an honor and a recognition, it is not an award.
The Peerage lands, in order of precedence from highest to lowest, are:
- Grand Duchy (Reserved for members of the Royal Family, but exceptions can be made for exceptional service to the organization)
- Duchy / Herzogtum
- Steadholder (Grayson title of roughly equivalent rank to Duchy)
- Senator (Republic of Haven title of roughly equivalent rank to Duchy)
- County / Grafschaft
- Barony / Baronie
Life Peerage vs. Hereditary Peerage
The organization also awards life peerages. Often, these are given in an honorary capacity, rather than for active members of TRMN. Some of the current life peers are authors that have collaborated with David Weber in the Honorverse. Life peers are addressed in the same way as hereditary peers, the only difference is that on their death their peerage would not be inherited by their heirs.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Peer
The duties and responsibilities of a Peer are different than those one might hold within the organization, however, that does not mean that these duties and obligations are menial in nature or of lesser value. The ability to have a larger voice in advising the organizational leadership is special and should be recognized as such.
Peers can continue doing what they were doing before the peerage because they enjoy it. The essential duties of being a Peer is simply “do the work that is in front of you and exercise your rights as a Peer.” This includes participating in discussion and debate on the House Floor and voting on bills, developing and staffing your peerage land, or making sure other duties in the organization are done, and done well. Peers should be people who get things done that need doing, continuing to support TRMN. More details of some of the specific duties are covered later in this manual.
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 always act in a professional, courteous, and welcoming manner in all they do. Peers do not have to be perfect – as everyone makes mistakes –, but a Peer must admit their mistakes, learn from them, sincerely apologize, and work to correct those mistakes. Peers must not pretend the mistake did not 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. This is why later in this manual you will read about a Peer’s rules of conduct, and which peer-like qualities that we hope all of TRMN’s membership will embrace. This is why we also have Peerage Courts to oversee our member’s behaviors.
Activities a Peer undertakes does not have to be high-level or showy, but the work should be significant enough that others would notice if they were not doing it and have some impact on the organization. Peers are often expected to step up to work on short term projects that require a high level of dedication and knowledge of the club, but don't warrant a permanent full time billet within the club.
Hopefully, being a Peer will help one become a better version of one’s self, by becoming more introspective and better at asking the tough questions.