A Look At Some Thedosian Titles
Tier One: Monthly Income 400-800 Silver/25-50 Troops/Minor Influence
Tier Two: Monthly Income 1000-2000 Silver/ 100-200 Troops/ Moderate Influence
Tier Three: Monthly Income 2500 Silver/ 500+Troops/ Major Influence
Please note that these resources are basically a guide.
Whether by newly-discovered proof of pedigree, exemplary service to the Empire, or most commonly inheritance, one can be counted among the nobility of Orlais. While all Orlesian nobles are officially of equal rank, the Grand Game of Orlesian politics shows greater favor to some. This title is only available to native Orlesians or those foreigners who have given the crown ample reason to favor them.
A minor noble, and likely unknown or not well liked. They are granted a small plot of land and the right to collect taxes from their meager holdings. At this level, troops are limited to several dozen guards and whatever followers the noble can attract with personal charisma or promises of money.
SECOND TIER: (FAVORED LORD/LADY)
The noble is in favor in court, and thus has been granted more land in the countryside, as well as an estate in Val Royeaux. Their income from their holdings is enough to support a luxurious lifestyle, and they likely command a detachment of armed men up to 100 strong, not to mention a veritable army of servants. New blood entering the Grand Game at this level is likely to attract the attention of jealous nobility, all equally eager to make alliances or silence an upstart.
THIRD TIER: (POWERFUL LORD/LADY)
The noble holds the highest favor in court, and may be related to the Imperial family by marriage or blood. They have multiple estates and their income allows for a lavish lifestyle. In times of conflict, they can call on hundreds of troops and the Empress will look favorably on reasonable requests for more assistance. Nobility operating at this level have considerable influence and many seek their attention, but just as many seek to replace them as the court’s most favored.
The Fereldan nobility are tasked with defending the country’s freeholders. If not inherited, such positions are usually awarded by the king or a teyrn after the previous title holder proved extremely unfit, but it is possible that new territories could be created via new settlements in the south, near the Korcari Wilds. This title is only available to native Fereldans or those foreigners who have given the crown ample reason to favor them.
The character is a lord or one of the minor banns, and has been granted a small keep and the right to petition freeholders for support in the Landsmeet. They are expected to levy a tax on their freeholders to pay for 25-50 troops, but freeholders are known to withdraw their support when taxed too heavily.
SECOND TIER: (ARL/POWERFUL BANN)
If given command over a strategically important location, the character may be considered an arl, else they are a very powerful (and wealthy) bann. This level of influence brings with it a castle and roughly 100 regular troops, though several hundred more can be called up from the surrounding peasantry. Other banns do not (usually) owe direct allegiance to an arl, but they may look to them for guidance.
THIRD TIER: (TEYRN/POWERFUL ARL)
This tier represents the highest position in Ferelden outside of the king—that of a teyrn. Teyrns are warlords with multiple banns sworn to them, and thus command hundreds of regular troops. There are only a handful of teyrns in Ferelden at any given time, (currently two) but they have access to resources to rival the king.
A Tevinter mage who becomes influential and powerful enough may be appointed to the Magisterium, either by the archon, their home Circle, or through inheritance. Though this position does not automatically grant access to land or money, there are plenty of interests willing to compensate a friendly magister for their vote. This title is only available to mages of Tevinter origins, though given the Imperium’s respect for magical abilities, it may be possible for a powerful foreign-born mage to prove loyal enough to earn a seat in the lower tiers.
The character’s position in the Magisterium is an unfavorable one, with little influence outside the area they represent. A house and/or country estate are possible, but income is restricted to whatever the character can produce on their own—or what bribes they can secure. Troops are likewise restricted, likely to personal bodyguards.
SECOND TIER: (INFLUENTIAL MAGISTER)
As a magister of note, the character’s voice and vote carry great weight. Many individuals and groups are eager for their support, but other magisters are sure to have conflicting desires. Magisters of this authority may command a legion, head a magical academy or oversee large portions of the Imperium’s commerce,whatever their interest.
Devout followers of the Chant of Light who prove themselves able administrators may be selected by the Chantry to run a particular division. Note that positions in the Chantry focus on power and influence over wealth and command of troops.
FIRST TIER: (BROTHER/SISTER)
The character is a brother or sister of the Chantry, likely tasked with the oversight of several dozen of the faithful. This position may be focused on any number of the Chantry’s areas of interest, from missionary work, to curating religious artifacts, to rooting out heresy. Characters in these positions have few personal resources, but may call upon the vast resources of the Chantry within their narrow purview.
SECOND TIER: (MOTHER/FATHER)
As a mother, the character is primarily responsible for the spiritual well being of their community and rooting out heresy, but many mothers end up amassing secular political power due to the influence they have over their congregation. Due to the tenets of the Chantry, this title is only available to women, except in the Tevinter Imperium, where the title of father is only available to men.
THIRD TIER: (GRAND CLERIC)
Characters at this level become one of the Grand Clerics, overseeing the Chantry’s operations in a whole nation or major region. Again, women are selected for this position in honor of Andraste’s gender, while the opposite is true for men in Tevinter. Grand Clerics oversee numerous followers and lower Chantry officials and many are tasked with special projects or allowed to pursue certain personal interests by the Divine. Operating at this tier provides incredible power within the Chantry but the responsibilities are exceptionally high and duties constant.
Thanks to shrewd business sense (and possibly judicious use of the Antivan Crows) an individual controls significant trade within Antiva, and has earned the title of merchant prince or merchant queen. These titles are first and foremost concerned with wealth over the loyalty of underlings, so any troops a character commands are likely mercenaries.
FIRST TIER: (MERCHANT PRINCE/QUEEN)
The character is the head of a small trading firm or the trusted lieutenant of a more powerful prince or queen. They have access to a lifestyle far above most Antivan citizens, but are not quite respected enough to be much involved in the country’s affairs.
SECOND TIER: (WEALTHY MERCHANT PRINCE/QUEEN)
This tier can only be claimed after amassing large amounts of personal wealth and influence, roughly double the normal amount for this tier. However, it brings with it access to the inner circles of Antivan politics and a certain grudging respect from the other titans of commerce. It may also make the character an even larger target for assassins.
Nobility is largely a matter of birth within dwarven society, and thus this title is rarely bestowed upon a character later in life. Should a dwarf achieve this, though, they can expect to be granted an estate in Orzammar and a vote in the Assembly. Surface dwarves are not allowed to return to Orzammar except in the rarest of cases and are stripped of any caste connections, though their prior standing may persist among other surface dwarves.
FIRST TIER: (MINOR NOBLE)
The noble is the head of a minor noble house in good standing with the Assembly. The easiest method of achieving this title is to be born into it and assume power after the death of a parent, but isn’t unheard of for some low-born dwarves to rise to the nobility after finding old genealogical records proving their rank in the lost thaigs.
SECOND TIER: (MAJOR NOBLE)
The noble is the head of a major noble house and commands a small personal army of warrior caste dwarves. They also have considerable standing within the Assembly, allowing them to influence the legislative process of Orzammar to their own ends.
Through some great deed that benefits all dwarves, the Dwarf is declared a Paragon of dwarven society— a living Ancestor. They are made the head of a noble house (if they are not one already) and their words are considered all but law. A Paragon has access to nearly all the resources Orzammar can bring to bear. Note that this title is so rarely bestowed that a Paragon only appears once every few generations.
The Circle of Magi is composed of numerous philosophical fraternities tied together in a web of temporary alliances and rivalries. Though by no means as cutthroat as the Orlesian court, the politics of the Circle can still be vicious. However, there is one thing all members respect, and that is knowledge. This title offers little access to money or soldiers, but it makes up for thatwith access to a cadre of loyal mages.
FIRST TIER: (CIRCLE INSTRUCTOR)
The mage is considered to be a respected instructor within the Circle. Though they command little official power, their status means other members look up to them and value their opinions.
SECOND TIER: (SENIOR ENCHANTER)
The mage is a Senior Enchanter, one of the Circle’s dedicated leaders. This position allows them access to the Circle’s trove of artifacts, as well as greater freedom to operate independently in the larger world. It is also likely they are considered a philosophical trendsetter, and thus looked to by the other mages in their faction.
THIRD TIER: (FIRST ENCHANTER)
As First Enchanter, the mage is responsible for an entire nation’s Circle of Magi. They may set the tone for how their mages are educated and just how harshly to deal with apostates. They also have access to extremely powerful artifacts that are handed over to the Circle for safekeeping, though it is assumed they possess the wisdom to know not to use such dangerous tools. They may also be elected the leader of their fraternity.
Nevarra is ruled over by the Pentaghast clan, who maintain control chiefly through their highly trained military. Among the most dangerous and devoted of these warriors are the Nevarran dragon hunters. These men and women study, track, and learn to destroy dragons. They are less an organization and more of a profession, but a very elite and dangerous one. There are no formal rankings or titles within the dragon hunters, and no official orders. Instead, status and reputation based on successful hunts determine how esteemed and valuable this title is.
FIRST TIER: (FLEDGLING HUNTER)
One has begun their career as a dragon hunter. At this stage they are largely unproven, but have access to the lore and wisdom of experienced dragon hunters, who know more about the creatures they fight than perhaps anyone in Thedas.
SECOND TIER: (BLOODED HUNTER)
Once one has actually killed a dragon, they are considered a respected member of the profession. They can more readily get aid or insight from fellow hunters, apprentices may seek them out, and they have a good enough reputation that they may be able to organize especially prestigious or dangerous hunts with multiple hunters. In addition, these warriors are respected and feared throughout Nevarra and often can gain influence and favor with nobles whose lands they help protect from dragonkind.
THIRD TIER: (LEGENDARY HUNTER)
Only those who defeat a high dragon or multiple lesserdragons achieve this lofty reputation. Widely recognizedas among the greatest dragon hunters in the world, legendary dragon hunters are highly sought after and their peers will volunteer in large numbers to aid them on hunts, due to their record of success. Many Nevarran nobles and other wealthy or influential citizens will offer to provide resources to these hunters in order to share in the fame generated by their success.
The Dalish have their Keepers and under them the First, with one of each for each clan. These elders command great respect, but their resources are limited by those of the clan; in some cases very limited. City elves have similar elders they respect and honor. It is very rare, but not unheard of, for elves of the alienage to advance among the Dalish and vice versa.
FIRST TIER: (FIRST/ALIENAGE ELDER)
The Elf is an elder within an elven alienage or a First under a Dalish Keeper. “Elder” is rarely a codified position, but it carries with it great social weight. Such standing is usually reserved for the aged, but some younger elves of great wisdom or renown may be accorded equal respect. Elven elders lack the hard power of most titled characters, but they wield a great deal of soft power among their close-knit people, who look to them for guidance in running all aspects of their community. By comparison the Dalish have a stricter hierarchy. There is one First per clan, and they serve immediately under the Keeper. Firsts are respected and their clan will usually heed their advice and aid them, though the practical nature of the Dalish and limited resources make unreasonable requests or aid that comes with a high cost hard to come by.
SECOND TIER: (KEEPER/HONORED ELDER)
The Elf is an honored elder of an alienage or a Dalish Keeper, one of the wise mages looked to by the Dalish clans to help them regain their lost culture. In both cases, they are responsible for guiding and protecting their people, which may include anywhere from several dozen to several hundred elves. Because of this burden and their formal titles, most Keepers are wholly dedicated to their responsibilities, adventuring only when it is necessary for their clan’s well being. By contrast, honored elders of an alienage have more freedom, but their authority is less codified, which makes organizing large efforts and resources more difficult.
One has achieved the highest stature available to a casteless dwarf—that of a criminal leader. Through a combination of theft, smuggling, and potentially even murder, they have taken command of enough casteless to wield true clout in the lawless vacuum hidden beneath Orzammar’s regimented society.
As a lieutenant of the Carta, the dwarf oversees operation of one area of the syndicate’s shady business. They likely command some amount of fearful respect among casteless and surface dwarves, but are despised by any “respectable” members of dwarven society.
The character is considered a Carta boss, and commands the loyalty of up to 100 thugs and thieves. They also personally control numerous illicit and front businesses, funneling a percentage of the profits directly to their personal coffers. The constant threat of arrest and assassination makes this a dangerous title to hold, but the money to be found providing the illicit goods that keep the upper castes running make it a lucrative position.
The nature of warfare in Thedas makes the existence of mercenary companies a fact of life. Though fighting for coin will never be seen as noble work, many companies have earned a measure of respect for their competence and bravery.
the captain of a group of soldiers within a larger mercenary force. Such companies usually number up to 100 fighting men and women, and may operate with limited independence in order to secure smaller contracts on behalf of the larger force. Captains may have great freedom to handle their soldiers as they see fit, but most mercenary commanders will check in from time to time to make sure their organization is being well represented.
SECOND TIER: (COMPANY COMMANDER)
Whether they were promoted through the ranks of an existing company or founded their own, the commander of a company controls a fighting force of 400+ soldiers as a mercenary commander. The men and women under their command are unlikely to display any great loyalty, though, unless the deal is fair and the money is good. Representatives of various governments may seek the company’s services, but they are unlikely to treat the character with anything more than the barest respect due a competent servant.
As the martial wing of the Chantry, the templars wield great influence within the realms of Thedas. Whether they are guarding a Chantry or rooting out heresy, the people see the templars as stalwart defenders of the faith, if sometimes a bit overzealous. Officially, the templars only have access to the resources they need to perform their duties; however, some unscrupulous members of the order are not above soliciting “donations” from those under their protection.
FIRST TIER: (KNIGHT-CAPTAIN)
A knight-captain is one of the field leaders of the templars, overseeing actual operations of the Chantry’s martial division. Propelled by a strong faith and a talent for leading men in battle, one can rise to this rank. They are granted command over several dozen templars, and likely tasked with overseeing the defense of an area considered important to the Chantry, though some detachments are sent into the countryside to hunt apostates and demons.
SECOND TIER: (KNIGHT-COMMANDER)
The Templar is a templar knight-commander in charge of an area of Chantry interest. Such areas may be geographic, such as bannorns, or administrative, such as each country’s Circle of Magi. They are able to direct a force of several hundred well-trained Templars as they see fit in order to carry out the wishes of their superiors within the Chantry. A knight-commander answers directly to the revered mother of their jurisdiction.
THIRD TIER: (KNIGHT-VIGILANT)
Commanding a whole nation’s templars, the Knight-Vigilant is at the top of their order’s hierarchy. The Knight-Vigilant has immense power over others in their order, able to field large forces of templars for various operations. The Knight-Vigilant answers to the Chantry’s Grand Cleric in the nation where they have their command.
Members of the Andrastian order the Seekers of Truth traditionally answer only to the Divine of the Chantry. A small order tasked with investigation and elimination of threats both inside and outside the Chantry, it also roots out corruption within the templars and Chantry. The Seekers hold authority over the templars, especially in matters pertaining to the investigation of improper conduct and corruption. Most Seekers were once templars themselves, recruited for their loyalty, skill, and devotion to duty. A Seeker may also serve the Chantry as a Knight-Divine, but that is not necessary to belong to the order.
A Seeker is an agent of the Chantry and answers only to the Lord Seeker and the Divine. The seeker has overwhelming authority in their investigations, able to command templars and other Chantry officials in the course of their work. A Seeker can be sent on numerous missions to investigate or eliminate threats to the Chantry. As the order is small, a Seeker has limited manpower at their direct disposal, but can co-opt other Chantry forces if the need is great.
SECOND TIER: (LORD SEEKER)
There is only one Lord Seeker, who runs the organization and traditionally reports directly to the Divine. Given the small size of the Seekers of Truth, the Lord Seeker often takes a more active role in operations than leaders in larger organizations, but they will still have important duties which might hinder opportunities for certain types of adventure.
Extracted and compiled from the Dragon Age Tabletop RPG by bloodypenofferelden More to come!
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