Ministry of the Velikograd Court

The Empire of Tarsas has an extensive and varied system of nobility developed over its existence.

Receiving a Title

Titles can only be awarded by the current emperor and he possesses full power to remove titles at any time. Titles of Imperial, high and middle nobility come with land grants made up of land that is considered owned by whoever possesses the title as well as a financial grant that increases the higher the title. Lower class nobility only receive a small financial grant with the exception of the Vicecomes, who are commonly granted a small villa on a few acres.

Imperial Titles

Titles of the Imperial Court that are appointed to those who are the highest ranking men and women in the land. These men and women often live in the Old City in Aenonesos and hold important titles and positions.

• Autokrator/Autokrareira - Addressed formally as Autokrator or Autokrareira. Granted exclusively to the Emperor of Tarsas and a woman of his choosing. He is considered the head of his house. Many still see the Emperor as a demigod and he is treated with reverence and respect. The title cannot commonly be held by one who is not head of an Imperial House.
• Despotēs - Addressed formally as Despotēs. The title granted to the single male heir that the current ruler has designated will succeed to the throne upon his death. While it is usually the oldest male child, appointments of nephews and younger sons to the position have been known to happen. The feminine form is "despoina"
• Kaisar - Addressed formerly as Your Highness. Title granted to sons born directly in the Imperial Line. This is dependent on if the Emperor recognizes the son as a legitimate potential heir. The title originally only extended to sons but as the nation progressed, many rulers granted the title to nephews as well. Those with this title are considered candidates for succession to the throne and for appointment to Despotēs.
• Kaisarissa - Addressed as Your Highness/Her Highness. Granted to all daughters born directly in the Imperial Line. The title is dependent on if the Emperor recognises the child. It can be granted to neices as well.
• Nobelissimos - Addressed as "My Lord". A child of the emperor that he has opted not to recognise as a potential candidate to succeed him but still permits him to be acknowledged as one of noble birth. Nobelissimos typically do not live at court and are set up at one of the current ruler's houses with a small household staff and sum of money.

High Nobility

• Megas Patrikios - Addressed as "Your Grace". The highest attainable noble rank in Tarsas that is roughly the Belisarian equivalent to Grand Duke. Typically, the title is held by the head of the oldest Tarsan families that are provincial governors. There are currently only four Grand Dukes in the entire land, all held by the heads of the most ancient families. They currently hold lands around and in the top four largest Tarsan cities. All of them hold senate seats and many rule as the primary officials over the cities they hold lands in. Grand Dukes typically have primary residences around court where they stay for long periods of time to serve on the Advisory Council. They also govern four of the provinces of Tarsas and the rank is only typically appointed to governors.
• Megas Patrikia - Addressed as "Your Grace". The primary wife of the Grand Duke. There are also only four Grand Duchesses.
• Archpatrikios - Addressed as "Your Lordship". A title held by high ranking families and considered directly under Grand Duke. Archdukes are typically held by members of old and/or important houses that do not possess a Grand Duke title. Archdukes typically spend large amounts of time at court with the emperor. The title is hereditary and can be passed down.
• Archipatrikia - Addressed as "Your Ladyship". Wife of an Archduke with a title that may be appointed to one woman by an Archduke with Imperial approval.
• Patrikios - Addressed as "Your Excellency". Title that is the Belisarian eqivalent Duke and granted to lower ranking High Nobility. Patrikios spend much time at court and often hold political postings. The title is hereditary and is passed down.
• Patrikia - "Addressed as "My Lady". Granted to one woman that a Patrikios considers his wife and primary partner. The appointment is approved by the Emperor.

Middle Nobility

• Marchio - Translates to Marquee and addressed as "Your Honor". The highest title held by middle nobility and typically the lowest rank allowed into Advisory Council meetings as well as the lowest rank allowed to serve in palace positions. The title is hereditary.
• Marchionissa - Addressed as "Your Honor". Title awarded to the recognized wife of a Marquee.
• Aktouarios - Addressed as "My Lord" or "Your Lordship" and is the Hellenic equivalent to a count. Typical rank of the vast majority of Middle nobility. The hereditary nature of the title means that families are able to maintain it for generations.
• Aktouarioissa - Official wife of a count. Title awarded to one woman per count.

Lesser Nobility

• Dyoaktouarios - Typically addressed as "Lordship" and translates to "Viscount". Lowest rank permitted to own a house in the Old City and attend the Imperial Court. A hereditary title usually appointed to lesser family members and advancing middle class families.
• Dyoaktouarissa - Wife of a Viscount. Addressed as "Ladyship". One title per Viscount exists.
• Archontas - Translates to "Lord" and is addressed as "Honorable Lord". Low ranking title often awarded to upper middle class families that gain the sponsorship of a high ranking noble. The title is hereditary but does not come with a grant of land, only a small financial grant.
• Archontasi - Addressed as "Honorable Lady". Lords may pay a sum of money to have one woman of their choosing awarded the hereditary title. The woman is required to have bore at least one child for the baron. The flexible nature of the title means that it is considered the lowest noble rank and carries little to no weight in upper class circles. One title per Lord exists.

Military Noble Titles

• Eques - Addressed as "Honorary Gentlemen". Title of nobility awarded to a heroic non commissioned officer or soldier. Not a hereditary title but can lead to promotion to a Baro if the soldier gains enough prestige and renown. Those promoted may join individual private guard units of higher nobility. Eques may attend noble parties and major events such as nobility weddings, coronations, and funerals.

Women's Honorifics

• Magna Principissa - Addressed as "Honorable Lady". Highest rank an unmarried woman can rise to in the Imperial Court. Unmarried women do not receive land with titles but are allowed to receive money. The rank is usually awarded to a high noble's favorite mistresses and can quickly make a court female an attractive prospect for marriage.
• Baronet - Addressed as "Lady". Noble rank created in 1824 to honor court ladies that are unmarried. The nature of the rank means it is often handed out carelessly and as a result, is not hereditary.

High Administrative Titles

• Magistros -
• Megas domestikos- -
• Proedros -
• Logothete - The equivalent of an English "Minister". A role directly appointed by the Magistros to oversee a department of the government, with the exception of the logothetēs tou stratiōtikou. There are thirteen Logothetes.
  • Logothetēs tou stratiōtikou - Logothete that commands the Yπουργείο Στρατιωτικών, the Tarsan department of defense. This is the only Logothete appointed by the Megas domestikos instead of the Magistros. The logothetēs tou stratiōtikou was historically responsible for provisioning the army and navy and handling recruitment and logistics. As the military expanded and modernized, the role shifted to a command and oversight position for the entire department and was officially noted as such in the Hadriatic Reforms of 1866.
  • Logothetēs tōn agelōn - Historically called Logothete of the herds, this role initially was responsible for breeding and keeping a headcount of all the horses utilized by the military and the Hellenic Post. The role has subsequently been modernized to manage the fixed assets of the entire government. All government automobiles, horses, trains, boats, planes, and other transportation assets are managed by this official. The office operates under the Υπουργείο Εσωτερικών, or the Interior Ministry, but is effectively considered an independent official and office because of the large amount of assets the position is responsible for.

Imperial Court Positions

High positions that are generally occupied with nobility, though commoners often fill their ranks as well.

• Dispensator - Translates to Steward and is considered master of the house. The official oversees the daily operation of the palace servants and manages overall operations. This office also oversees daily supply deliveries to the palace and plans events, parties, and ceremonies in cooperation with the Dissignator l. The Dispensator also appoints and oversees similar officials across every residence owned by the Imperial Family.
• Chiliarches - Translates roughly Chancellor. This position has the job of managing the financial assets of the Imperial Household and managing expenditures of the court. The full scope of his duties include working closely with the family to manage the immense fortune they amassed and to collect the tribute that those who hold high titles owe the emperor, which they may pay in place of taxes.
• Dissignator - The master of court ceremonies. This official administers and is responsible for conducting coronations, weddings, and funerals in accordance with tradition. He traditionally works with the Dispensator to conduct the events.
• Kanikleios - Called Master of Scribes in English, this is one of the most powerful postings in the Palace. The appointee traditionally records any order and speech the emperor gives. The official also writes edicts and decrees and places the Great Seal of the Tarsan Empire. On certain edicts, the office holder may sign them himself in the emperor's stead.
• Magister Peregrinatione - Known as the Master of Travel in English, this official is responsible for planning, making preparations for, and managing the emperor's travels. The office plays a big role in moving the emperor around the nation between his different palaces and works closely with other outside officials when travelling abroad.
• Magister Terras - Known as the Master of Land, this title holder manages crown lands and assets across Tarsas and abroad. The official keeps lands productive and upkeep to structures and landscaping on rotation.
• Domini Regum - Overseer of palaces and structures. The office and those who work for it are responsible for maintaining palaces, villas, and other structures owned by the crown.
• Magister Atriarius - Master of Pages, directly responsible for meeting the needs of those who are staying in the palace and overseeing the servants that work with the Imperial Family directly.