Ven scholars know how a noble gains title. He takes it. But what does it mean to be a count or a baron or an earl?
If a ven demonstrates he is able to maintain a large enough amount of land—a barony—he may appeal to a higher lord for the right of title. He appeals to a Baron—one who has demonstrated he can maintain land—and asks for the right to be knighted. To carry the title. If the Baron feels the ven’s request is fair, he bestows the title of Knight upon the ven, granting him rank and privilege.
A Knight must then go out into Shanri and conquer land in the name of his liege. By conquering land, the Knight forces others to swear fealty to his own name, or he may win the favor of other knights through less violent means.
Eventually, a Knight has vassals of his own: those who have sworn fealty to him out of respect, love or fear. When a Knight has these followers, he brings them before the Senate and declares himself a Baron, offering his fealty to any Count who may take it. (A Baron may have a specific liege in mind, but the ceremony of announcement is a ritual that should not be disregarded.)
If the noble claim of Baron is not accepted by any Count, the Knight remains a Knight. The Senate rejects his claim of Baron.
Likewise, when a Baron has enough Vassals who have sworn fealty to his name, he may go before the Senate and make the claim of Count. And a Count make the claim of Marquis. And the Marquis make the claim of Duke.
You can find the rules for noble progression—how a Baron can become a Count, a Count become a Marquis, etc.—in the Seasons chapter.
Bold Lords
The Ceremony of Progression—that’s when a noble comes before the Senate and declares his title—is a time-honored tradition. Not something to be taken lightly. But when a noble comes before the Senate and no other noble accepts his claim, he is expected to accept his rejection quietly. With dignity.
But there is another tradition. When no noble comes forward to claim the ven as his own, some nobles simply claim the title. Take it by throat and make it theirs.
The ven must admit a grudging respect for such nobles who do so. Daring. Unafraid. Bold.
The term q’valrux means “bold nobility.” Those who come before the Senate and claim their title regardless of what others may think or say. A kind of announcement: “This is mine, and if you disagree, try taking it from me.”
Of course, a q’valrux has no higher liege to protect him. If some other noble comes to mess with a bold Baron, he cannot call for help from his Count. He has no Count to call upon. Those who make the bold claim must have the Strength to do so. Cunning to do so. Have the Courage to do so.