[MR] On Titles

[Syr Justus de Tyre]

First I wanted to state that I am not trying to diminish the rank of
AoA, nor the worthy recipients of that award. My point is that when you
receive the Award of Arms, you become a titled noble, and are entitled
Lord or Lady. 

 However, when you take the next big step, and for most folks reach the
ultimate rank in this game, you retain your old title. At least in some
places, which leads me to my next point. 

Master Herveus wrote: 

"I don't think it is unrealistic to ask that it not be made *worse* by
adding clearly modern elements."

We are not adding anything, but rather adopting a tradition that has
been around for at least two decades. Honorable Lord is certainly not a
"clearly modern element” Chief executive officer and "Feast-o-Crat" are
clearly modern elements. 

   Speaking frankly, our rank structure and award system are hopelessly
inaccurate. Since when does a Knight outrank a Lord? Did anyone in the
Middle Ages ever become entitled for building a wooden box? Or receive
a peerage for service? landless Counts and Dukes? 
 
 There is also a wide and vast variation of titles used throughout the
1000+ years we, cover. Even if you were to pick a specific time and
place, many titles and honorifics were not set in stone.   

 The basic fact that our award system is based on merit, and not birth
or wealth is a glaring anachronism. We award people for things we value
today, service, artistic ability, and success on the battlefield*.
(*Regardless of noble birth) 

  Our award system is for “us” it shouldn’t play a factor in teaching
or at demos. So yes there should be a differentiation between the Three
major award levels, AoA, GoA, and Patent level.  Right now the GoA’s
really are getting short shrift. 

By the way on usage:  The full title "Honorable Lord/Lady" is only used
in times of high ceremony, for example on being called in to court or
at major tournaments. You don't need to address someone with their full
title in polite conversation, "Hello Honorable Lord so and so" doesn't
exactly "flow"
  Lord or Lady is still appropriate, as it is for all ranks in the
society. 

 I personally wouldn’t mind seeing more differentiation between some of
our titles, landed and landless barons for examole, but that is another
battle. 

-Justus


Syr Justus de Tyre 

http://justus1199.diaryland.com/

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