The Nobility 

 
The Falmic Order is the structure for Falmar’s Military, the Nobles are Falmar's government.

At the top of the tree is the Duke himself and his family.

The second tier are the three Barons who control the cities of Kethlow, Mattuk and Sittor.  These three barons manage the outer part of the country on the Dukes behalf and have almost great power inside their own baronies.  In wartime they are the three main commanders of Falmar’s army, and primary councillors to the Duke.  These are hereditary titles.

The third and last tier of the nobility are the Lords.  Lord-Advisors are life appointments, The head of the Temple of the Shrines in Falmar is always accorded the Title of Lord Advisor, while others are appointed as the Duke sees fit.  The Duke has also awarded a number of hereditary 'Lordships'.   Lord Marcanit is the head of a halfling merchant family with connections across the alliance, particularly as there are other branches of the Marcanit family trading in Gonma and Rebul.  While it is rumoured that the original Lord Stuple-Harst bought his peerage (for a huge pile of gold) when Falmar was first formed.

There are two other  ranks that are involved with governance of the state -  Lairds and Seigniors.  Lairds control larger villages, often with a keep or a tower, while Seigniors control smaller settlements, perhaps from a large farmhouse or manor house.  

Many landowners appoint a Bailiff to manage  day to day affairs of their behalf.

Hereditary titles

Hereditary titles do not pass automatically to the oldest son, or even to the oldest child, they pass to the most suitable heir.  Although most titles do pass to the descendents of the pervious title holder, it could skip a generation  or pass to a nephew or a niece  - if there are no suitable heirs with closer family ties.  In the case of Barons, Lairds and Seigniors – an heir is normally considered suitable if they have achieved the rank of Knight-Bachelor in the Falmic Order.  If no suitable heir can be found a ‘Governor’ is appointed to manage the town or village on  behalf of the heir. Governors are normally recommended by the local Baron, but they are appointed by the Duke.