Need help on misc. Titles, Ranks, and other Names.

[Fenros]

Hello, I'll be preparing to run a D&D 3e game soon. (or rather trying to re-run/re-jumpstart an old one) And thankyou all for the great responses in the "Why is Scarred Lands so popular?" thread. This has convinced me to pick up the 'Scarred Lands Campaign Setting: Ghelspad' book. However, in preparation for my game I want to smooth out some of the flaws in my DMing skills. My players really do like my stories, but I do have one major flaw. I am horrible at using proper names and titles for NPCs and such.

I don't know when to use the title Duke for example. So if you could (and have the time), please help me with some of the following? And yes, you'll be amazed at how little I know. Or amazed how long I was able to fake what I didn't know.

--these are assuming that I'm running a Euro-centric English medieval style world (so I'm not using Csar, Herzog, Daimyo, etc.)

1.) Okay, what is a Duke? Does he rule subsections of a King's kingdom? By the way, what's a Magistrate exactly?

2.) The military: What are the rank names? I may know the modern usage in the Army like private, corporal, lieutenant, captain, etc....but what about for fantasy setting? What is the common foot soldier called? And all the ranks in between? If there is a cavalry unit, does the leader of the cavalry unit use a different cavalry specific rank/title? For instance, what's a Lancerate?

3.) When I go into a small town. What is the name of the guy who keeps the law in the town? I don't want to use Sheriff (although I'm sure that's appropriate) because it pulls up images of the wild west usually. Or at least with my players. So what do I use instead? Constable? Warden?

4.) What's the name of the guys that work the docks? Are they run by a Harbormaster?

5.) Who's in charge of the day to day things that keep a castle running? Y'know...the kitchens, the stables, the cleaning, etc.

6.) What's the store called where you go buy provisions for adventuring, travelling, etc? I almost called it a General Store. But again, thats too Wild West sounding.

7.) What is a Glade exactly? Every beautiful Elf maiden seems to be dancing in one. But what makes a glade be called ..... a glade? Dictionary just says , "an open space surrounded by woods". Is that it or is there more to it?

8.) At what point is a hill too big to be called a hill? When do you call it a mountain.

9.) I'm not sure what the difference between Steppes and Plains.

10.) If the government is a Theocracy, then what are the ranking titles within that governing body?

I know that's a ton of questions. Any help is greatly appreciated. Even if you can only answer one or two. Again, thankyou everyone.

 

[Inez Hull]

Don't stress too much, as long as you're consistent and the players know what you're talking about you shouldn't run into any problems. If I was in this situation I'd just pick the ones that sounded coolest and then mesh 'em together into some meaningful ranking system, but that's just me. If you want to get some cool titles try drawing on fantasy literature. Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun had some cool sounding but still familiar titles. If you really want to get the proper names I think the DMG has some listed. I also seem to recall that the Companion level DM's book for OD&D had a more detailed listing and rules on running a dominion.

Have fun.


[edit: spelling]

 

[Mark]

Morning. This should have plenty of options for you...

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~dav4is/Sources/Occupations.html#TOP

Hope that helps!

 

[Maldur]

Actually very valid questions. When thinking upon them I became more and more confused of what the answers should be. I tried to answer ( without consulting any reference material as Im at work at the moment) so its a bit sketchy. Try a lot of googles, the info is out there. Also on ENworld frontpage is a link to the links page, in the other section are several sites about these kinda subjects.


1.) Okay, what is a Duke? Does he rule subsections of a King's kingdom? By the way, what's a Magistrate exactly?

Im not sure but I think a duke does rule a subsection of a kingdom. It is also a court title ( for important posts) and I think its hereditary. . Magistrate is a judge.

2.) The military: What are the rank names? I may know the modern usage in the Army like private, corporal, lieutenant, captain, etc....but what about for fantasy setting? What is the common foot soldier called? And all the ranks in between? If there is a cavalry unit, does the leader of the cavalry unit use a different cavalry specific rank/title? For instance, what's a Lancerate?

I would call infantry footmen, sergeant, luitenant, captain.
Cavalry depents on what kind of cavalry: knights might have no real ranks just a leader and a pecking order. Isn't a lancerate a group of knights with their squires and men at arms??

3.) When I go into a small town. What is the name of the guy who keeps the law in the town? I don't want to use Sheriff (although I'm sure that's appropriate) because it pulls up images of the wild west usually. Or at least with my players. So what do I use instead? Constable? Warden?

Sheriff ( like sheriff of nottingham) or constable sounds about right. Warden sounds more like gamewarden to me.

4.) What's the name of the guys that work the docks? Are they run by a Harbormaster?

Dockworker, stowers, porters. And no , I think a harbbormaster asigns docking space/berths and collects taxes.

5.) Who's in charge of the day to day things that keep a castle running? Y'know...the kitchens, the stables, the cleaning, etc.

Steward (later the butler).

6.) What's the store called where you go buy provisions for adventuring, travelling, etc? I almost called it a General Store. But again, thats too Wild West sounding.

Chandlery, (as a lot of provisions would be waxed for preservation)

7.) What is a Glade exactly? Every beautiful Elf maiden seems to be dancing in one. But what makes a glade be called ..... a glade? Dictionary just says , "an open space surrounded by woods". Is that it or is there more to it?

Sounds about right, small open place surrounded by woods. maybe a small spring. Dancing maiden is a nice qualification as well.

8.) At what point is a hill too big to be called a hill? When do you call it a mountain.

Steepness, if its covered in vegetation or not , height.

9.) I'm not sure what the difference between Steppes and Plains.

No idea either? strange that!

10.) If the government is a Theocracy, then what are the ranking titles within that governing body?

The rankings of the ruling church.

pope, archbishop, bishop, cardinal, etc etc

 

[ninthcouncil]

1.) Okay, what is a Duke? Does he rule subsections of a King's kingdom? By the way, what's a Magistrate exactly?

Duke is one of the most senior of the ranks of nobility. He ranks above counts (or earls, if you are using the English titles), and is likely to be a powerful feudal landholder with numerous vassals. Though his holdings are likely to be concentrated in a particular area, it's a mistake to think in terms of a well-defined administrative district with precisely delineated borders.

A magistrate is a legal officer, presiding in court, rather than a noble title. He is more than likely a member of the aristocracy, however.

2.) The military: What are the rank names? I may know the modern usage in the Army like private, corporal, lieutenant, captain, etc....but what about for fantasy setting? What is the common foot soldier called? And all the ranks in between? If there is a cavalry unit, does the leader of the cavalry unit use a different cavalry specific rank/title? For instance, what's a Lancerate?

The division of th army into numerous formal ranks postdates the mediaeval period; you'd be fine sticking to just man-at-arms, sergeant and captain (for professional officers of substantial bodies of infantry). Cavalray will be a bit different as in the fantasy feudal model they are likely to be aristocracy, and their seniority will depend on their ranks of nobility. A senior knight commanding other knights might be called a "Banneret".

3.) When I go into a small town. What is the name of the guy who keeps the law in the town? I don't want to use Sheriff (although I'm sure that's appropriate) because it pulls up images of the wild west usually. Or at least with my players. So what do I use instead? Constable? Warden?

A constable is originally an officer holding a castle on behalf of a lord, but it would make a serviceable substitute for sheriff if you don't want to slap your players every time they make John Wayne jokes. There are some other more obscure titles that could also be used, even though they too have slightly different meanings - bailiff and beadle are two that spring to mind.

4.) What's the name of the guys that work the docks? Are they run by a Harbormaster?

5.) Who's in charge of the day to day things that keep a castle running? Y'know...the kitchens, the stables, the cleaning, etc.

The official in charge of the running of a castle is the steward or castellan. He may well be a knight - for instance, Sir Kay was King Arthur's castellan.

6.) What's the store called where you go buy provisions for adventuring, travelling, etc? I almost called it a General Store. But again, thats too Wild West sounding.

How about "provisioner"; that's more specifically for foodstuffs but it would do as a general shop.

7.) What is a Glade exactly? Every beautiful Elf maiden seems to be dancing in one. But what makes a glade be called ..... a glade? Dictionary just says , "an open space surrounded by woods". Is that it or is there more to it?

The dictionary is dead on. It's a bit of forest that doesn't have any trees in it A clearing.

8.) At what point is a hill too big to be called a hill? When do you call it a mountain.

Depends on the local context, but around 1000 feet is a good bet - it's what they use in Britain.

9.) I'm not sure what the difference between Steppes and Plains.

Steppes are specifically the cold and barren continental hinterlands of the type you get in the interior of Russia (a geographer may be able to supply a better definition). Plains are just areas of fairly flat country, which may or may not be lush and fertile. So the wheat-belt of the uSA is a plain, but not a steppe, as is the Serengeti in Africa and much of Poland in Europe.

10.) If the government is a Theocracy, then what are the ranking titles within that governing body?

It depends on the church heirarchy. In a pseudo-Christian model, you'd have a pope at the top, with (in decreasing order of importance) cardinals, archbishops, and bishops below, then a whole swathe of middling posts like abbots, priors, deans etc. before you get to the bog-standard priests and deacons.

 

[Tonguez]

1.) Okay, what is a Duke? Does he rule subsections of a King's kingdom? By the way, what's a Magistrate exactly?

A Duke is the highest ranking noble title (after the Royal titles of King, Queen, Prince/Princess etc) and most Dukes are also royalty (ie Princes) in their own right - for instance the Monarch of England (currently Queen Elizabeth) is always the Duke of Lancaster)
The Duke has power to raise an army in his/her own right (the word Duke is derived from the Latin for 'Commander/Leader') and their domain is called a Duchy.

2.) The military: What are the rank names? I may know the modern usage in the Army like private, corporal, lieutenant, captain, etc....but what about for fantasy setting? What is the common foot soldier called? And all the ranks in between?

This depends on the era (and country) but generally

Dukes (and Kings) were supported by noblemen Knights. They might also have a retinue of Men-at-arms, Archers headed by a Sargeant. Below this was the proletariate militiamen

Later mecernary 'companies' formed and were headed by a Captain (which means Head-man) Captains were assisted by Leuitenants and a Standard Bearer (the rank of Ensign). Further delegation of authority was to Sargeants and Corporals (the non-commissioned ranks)

A group of Companies working together as a regiment would be lead by a Colonel (Italian = Collonella - Captain of the Column) who might appoint Majors (and Lt. Colonels) to assit him

Whole armies were lead by Captain Generals (General) who when acting as Monarch was the Field Marshall.

If there is a cavalry unit, does the leader of the cavalry unit use a different cavalry specific rank/title? For instance, what's a Lancerate?

Don't know but generally Captain applies across the board

3.) When I go into a small town. What is the name of the guy who keeps the law in the town? I don't want to use Sheriff (although I'm sure that's appropriate) because it pulls up images of the wild west usually. Or at least with my players. So what do I use instead? Constable? Warden?

Sheriff is derived from Shire Reeve (the Reeve of the Shire). and Reeves were officials serving the Lord (Count) and having responsibility for law enforcement.

Bailiff is another term for the same position (though Bailiffs usually had Reeves under their authority)

4.) What's the name of the guys that work the docks? Are they run by a Harbormaster?

The Harbourmaster is in charge of the Harbour...

pass on the rest

5.) Who's in charge of the day to day things that keep a castle running? Y'know...the kitchens, the stables, the cleaning, etc.

The Steward or Seneschal

6.) What's the store called where you go buy provisions for adventuring, travelling, etc? I almost called it a General Store. But again, thats too Wild West sounding.

Pass

7.) What is a Glade exactly? Every beautiful Elf maiden seems to be dancing in one. But what makes a glade be called ..... a glade? Dictionary just says , "an open space surrounded by woods". Is that it or is there more to it?

Um the Dictionary pretty much has it - a glade is an open area in the forest surrounded by Trees

8.) At what point is a hill too big to be called a hill? When do you call it a mountain.

Whats the difference between a rock and a stone? Mountains are usually high compared to the surounding terrain and have an identiviable peak. Hills have more gentle slopes and are not as high. I think the UK uses the standard of 1969 feet for a Mountain...

9.) I'm not sure what the difference between Steppes and Plains.

Water Content. A Steppe is a plain without trees and is usually quite arid (they are the same as the US Praries). A plain is a expanse of flat grassland

10.) If the government is a Theocracy, then what are the ranking titles within that governing body?

pass

 

[Buttercup]

1.) Okay, what is a Duke?

A Duke has royal blood. For example, consider Prince Andrew, Duke of York. It's a hereditary title, and a Duke does indeed control vast tracts of land. Other, more minor nobles report to him. If I'm not mistaken, historically Dukes could raise their own armies, which they were expected to send to the monarch for his or her use on an instant's notice.

2.) The military: What are the rank names

Sorry, I have no clue about this one.

3.) When I go into a small town. What is the name of the guy who keeps the law in the town? I don't want to use Sheriff...snip...Constable? Warden?

The word Sherrif is a slurring and contraction of Shire Reeve. You could use that, or even just Reeve.

4.) What's the name of the guys that work the docks? Are they run by a Harbormaster?

Stevedores (pronounced STEVE-a-door).

5.) Who's in charge of the day to day things that keep a castle running? Y'know...the kitchens, the stables, the cleaning, etc.

Chamberlain, Castellan, Steward. A castellan usually has military rank too, IIRC.

6.) What's the store called where you go buy provisions for adventuring, travelling, etc? I almost called it a General Store. But again, thats too Wild West sounding.

In the middle ages, shops were pretty specialized, so there isn't really an analog. But how about a Chandler?

7.) What is a Glade exactly? Every beautiful Elf maiden seems to be dancing in one. But what makes a glade be called ..... a glade? Dictionary just says , "an open space surrounded by woods". Is that it or is there more to it?

That's all there is to it. Maybe the thing that's confusing you is that English has so many synonyms. It has 40% more words than the next largest language, which is French. This is because we have all the Anglo-Saxon derived words, with a layer of Norse words on top of that, and finally we have Norman French words on top of that.

8.) At what point is a hill too big to be called a hill? When do you call it a mountain.

When ever you like, really. I suspect it depends on your frame of reference. People who live in hilly areas would call very tall features hills, whereas people from flat areas might think of the same features as mountains.

9.) I'm not sure what the difference between Steppes and Plains.

What Tonguez said.

10.) If the government is a Theocracy, then what are the ranking titles within that governing body?

If you don't want to use Christian-sounding titles, how about Hierophant, Sacerdot. Ecclesiast, Lama. Get out your thesaurus and pick the ones that have the flavor you like.

 

[Dragongirl]

Re: Re: Need help on misc. Titles, Ranks, and other Names.

1.) Okay, what is a Duke?

A Duke has royal blood. For example, consider Prince Andrew, Duke of York. It's a hereditary title, and a Duke does indeed control vast tracts of land. Other, more minor nobles report to him. If I'm not mistaken, historically Dukes could raise their own armies, which they were expected to send to the monarch for his or her use on an instant's notice.

Sorry but this is incorrect. A duke need not have royal blood. There are tons of non royal dukes on the continent and even in Britian there are non royal dukes, in fact most are not royal.

 

[Kyramus]

OFF THE TOPIC:
I like the fact that whenever I see dragongirl posts, the pic seems to change in angle. like she's looking one way or the other.

 

[Agback]

G'day

(1)This is a bit of a toughie.

First, if you are modelling your campaign on mediaeval England, you probably should not use the title 'duke' at all. 'Duke' was only introduced to England late in the mediaeval period. During the majority of mediaeval times the only titles in England were 'earl' and 'lord'.

Meanwhile, on the continent, dukes were the semi-autonomous leaders of peoples who had been incorporated by conquest into the Carolingian Empire, such as the Bretons, Gascons, Burgundians, Saxons, Thuringians, Bavarians, etc. etc., or of peoples that had migrated into the empire in the times of its weakness, such as the Normans.

On the continent dukes were indeed the rulers of compact territories within the Empire and the Kingdoms of France and Italy: in italy they became in fact independent. But by no means all of the territory was incorporated into duchies.

In England, on the other hand, the great magnates did not rule compact territories: they might have concentrations of power and wealth in certain areas, but their holdings were more or less scattered. There was no such thing as the border of an earldom, and you must not confuse earldoms with counties or shires. (There were exceptions, for example the palatinate Bishopric of Durham.)

'Magistrate' is the general term for the judge who presides in a royal law court, be he anything from a Royal Justice to a mere Justice of the Peace. More generally, the term can apply to any appointed administrative official.

(2) In the mediaeval period the only military title is 'captain' which is applied from everything from about a company commander to about a brigade commander. The Marshal of England is a sort of administrative and judicial post in nominal charge of the army (when there is one). In mediaeval times 'serjeants' were non-noble professional cavalry, not as heavily armoured as knights. They were not a type of non-commissioned officer.

(3) In a small town there probably isn't anyone who is in charge of enforcing the law. But possibly there might be a beadle, and on a country estate the bailliff has some responsibility for summonsing offenders to the manor court.

A constable is a far more important person: the noble who is given charge of a royal castle.

'Warden' is a highly inspecific term: it might signify little more than a head gamekeeper, or anything up to the actual commander of an important fortress. For example, the official in charge of a royal mint was the Warden of the Mint. And the Warden of the Tower was the commander of the actual garrison of the Tower of London (of which the Constable of the Tower was the important noble with charge of the Tower).

A sheriff is actually a fairly important official: the head of the royal administration for an entire shire (of which there are about forty making up the whole of England). Think of him as more of a State Governor than a county lawman. The Sheriff of Nottingham was the chief royal official in the whole of Nottinghamshire.

(4) The dock workers are called 'stevedores'. They are not responsible to any official, but get jobs when they can from the owners of ships and warehouses. 'Harbourmaster' is a modern term, denoting a post that had no existence before the creation of large public docks (18th Century at the earliest).

(5) The seneschal or steward.

(6) There isn't one. In a city there might be chandlers who sell candles, lamps, and oil, grocers who sell provisions, cordwainers who sell shoes, saddles who sell tack and harness, haberdashers who sell made clothes, cutlers who sell knives and swords, etc. But in towns you buy things only on market day, and in villages there is virtually no buying or selling. People make things, or are issued them by their lords.

(7) A glade is a small clearing in a forest.

(8) How long is a piece of string?

(9) 'Steppe' is Russian for 'prairie'. A plain is just a flat area without many trees.

(10) In the only theocracy I can detail offhand, the titles of rank are pope, cardinal, patriarch, archbishop, bishop, archdeacon, dean, canon, rector, vicar, deacon, subdeacon, acolyte, reader, doorkeeper. Plus the usual profusion of mitred abbots, abbots, priors, choir monks, tertiaries, conventual bailiffs, preceptors, commanders, chamberlains, chaplains, legates, nuncios, friars and prothonotaries in the fiddly parts.

TheCaliphate was another theocracy in mediaeval times, but I don't know much about the ranks below caliph.

Regards,


Agback