Life is Feudal Official Forum

[Azzerhoden]

Lord Azzerhoden Razeri, Chancellor of His Royal Majesty's Ducal Court, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Manus Dei, King of Hyperion, Duke of Wessex, Count of Elba, Grandmaster of the Solar Legion, offer greetings.

The Duchy of Wessex, a multi-game community and founding member of the Hyperion Kingdom, provides our members with an online gaming experience completely immersive and wholly unique. We draw our strength from a communal vision to create a guild structure that functions as a historical feudal government within the games we play. This structure not only imparts a technical and organizational efficiency that gives us an advantage in the competitive aspect of the games we engage in, but also to support something wholly contiguous with and supportive of the world we project ourselves into.

When you join the Duchy of Wessex it will be akin to stepping into an epic medieval movie. With the fully developed institutions of a government in place, our members are able to explore and pursue careers in various avenues of medieval kingdom life, and when war happens, it will feel like a true conflict between nations.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more then please follow the link to our forum. We look forward to hearing from you.

LIF MMO Server: North America
Website
Apply For MembershipInterview with Bitbox
A Sonnet of Invocation to the Once and Future King
Guide to The Duchy Of Wessex
Guild Age Requirement: 16 Years
Originating: Asheron's Call in '99
Our Style: "Practical" Roleplay. Which is literally the choosing of a role or position that contributes to the in-game success of the Duchy, and strives for a drama free environment. "Theater" is secondary, optional, and never at the expense of another player. We will happily engage in a fight, but such fighting is part of our role-playing society, not for ‘griefing’ other players.

[Azzerhoden]

What follows are excerpts from our introductory guide, which covers the structure within the Duchy of Wessex, but also provides guidance on how your guild would fit into the larger Kingdom of Hyperion.


ROYAL DEMESNE
At the pinnacle of our feudal society sits the King, His Majesty Manus Dei I, the creator and inspiration of our feudal universe. Ultimately all land within the kingdom belongs to him, called the Royal Demesne. The King will grant parcels of land to trusted followers as reward for their loyalty, military service and tax revenues.

SHIRES
A shire is the fief given to a lord. Each major clan in the kingdom would normally be a shire as recognition of the influence they wield. The number of members required to be considered a shire will vary according to the game in question. Wessex members are active in various game worlds and each of those form part of one single shire.

COUNTY
Is the term used for the territory in a world in which Wessex has a significant presence. The cabinet officers will usually appoint a Bailiff to administrate it, if required. If a member holds a county specific position, rank or title it is forfeit if he changes game, unless he is specifically reappointed by the cabinet or Bailiff of his new county.

[Azzerhoden]

FIEFS
Are the land grants given to vassals, but we specifically use this term for the land granted to vassal knights. The administration of a fief, while delegated to the knight, will still be supervised by the ducal court especially as regards recruitment and ceremony. The power to grant full member status will remain with the ducal court.

The Duke and his cabinet retain the right to summarily exile any resident. Maintaining cohesion between the fiefs and the shire proper is absolutely essential.

[Azzerhoden]

GRAND SERJEANTY
Is a small piece of land or asset that can be granted to a common soldier for exceptional service. The recipient would usually be a Ventenar. It is possible that other villeins might live in his domain but all of them would still swear fealty directly to the landholder that made the grant.

[Azzerhoden]

SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Wessex, and indeed the entire kingdom model, is meant to simulate a feudal society in a virtual world. As in the medieval period, members are stratified by social class. This is done for the practical RP nature of Wessex and is meant to reflect your chosen play style and responsibility within the clan.

The shires may choose their own class and title descriptors to fit with their unique clan theme as long as the terms are synonymous with the kingdom terms which are in brackets below and subsequent sections.

The basic Wessex social framework is as follows:

• Gentry (Nobiles Homines)
• Freeman (Nomines Liberi)
• Clergy (Clerici)
• Villein (Coloni)
• Serf
• Pauper

A member’s job, military rank and social class in the clan is a reflection of what they do within the game and the Wessex community. Some might feel that the classes and their numerous subsets are overly complicated, but remember that these positions are only filled when a member is performing that particular role. A position might very well be vacant for long periods of time if it has no current functional use.

NOTE: New members start as a Serf with a trial period. Those who are active in game, our forums, and/or TeamSpeak are promoted to Villein status, which means you are a full member. At this time you are allowed to branch out on other paths.

[Azzerhoden]

GENTRY
Historically, the gentry were the blue-blooded and privileged aristocracy, entitled to land ownership and the taking of bondsmen. In Wessex they are invariably senior members tasked with the leading and expanding the shire, much like any other clan, except that we add practical RP elements to provide our members with an entertaining backdrop.

With the exception of pages and esquires, all gentry are entitled to commission a personal coat-of-arms to display on the forum and, if game mechanics allow, in the actual game itself.

The responsibilities of the gentry are many. Befitting a practical RP environment, they must exhibit respect for members of higher status, especially their lord and king, by using the appropriate style of address – they must set the stage for others!

For members aspiring to attain a title of nobility it is advised to follow their example. They must adhere to and publicly support our legal framework, ducal and royal decrees. Due to their position their conduct is subject to harsh scrutiny.

Wilful or repeated failure to abide by this code of conduct will result in the attainment of their titles, privileges and heraldry. Most importantly they are the ones we can rely on to establish the Wessex banner when entering new games.

Gentry are those that hold any of the following titles:

• King (Rex)
• Lords (Magnates)
• Knights/thanes/baronets (Equites)
• Esquires/pages (Escutari)

Gentry’ titles are not county specific and will stay with a member
regardless of the game he or she is playing.

[Azzerhoden]

THE KING AND LORDS
As the leaders of the clans that make up the kingdom these great nobles wield the most power and influence. Lords have the Power of Accolade, meaning they may bestow knighthood on a worthy individual.

[Azzerhoden]

THE KING
Leads the executive branch of the government known as the Crown. He is the head of both the House of Lords and the Church. When addressing the King for the first time during a conversation it is appropriate to refer to him as “Your Majesty” after which the generic style of “my lord” is sufficient.

[Azzerhoden]

LORDS TEMPORAL
Rule a shire and their titles are associated with the large tracts of land they hold in the form of a duchy or barony. They are Peers to the king as he has taken them, or their ancestors, as personal friends upon whom he has bestowed these grants of land. They take an oath of fealty and become vassals to the king, and may in turn take knights, baronets or thanes as bondsmen to themselves.

Collectively all the lords whether a duke, earl or baron are known as “the barons”. Along with the King and bishops the lords have a seat in the House of Lords.

Most lords are simply addressed as my “my lord”, however, a Duke is styled as “Your Grace” when first addressing him after which “my lord” will suffice.

[Azzerhoden]

KNIGHTS, BARONETS AND THANES
Even though they represent the minor nobility of the kingdom, equites are some of the most powerful and influential members in their home shires. Your play style, origins and the lord to whom you have sworn fealty will determine which exact title you are eligible for. Equites may be addressed as “Sir X” or simply “sir”.

While thanes are more transient, knights and baronets are wholly dedicated to the Wessex feudal system. These titles are awarded to members that grow or enhance the Wessex community.

If an equite disappears without contact for an extended period of time the Duke may put into abeyance his title and heraldry. Upon his return they will only be restored if there is a need for additional gentry.

[Azzerhoden]

KNIGHTHOOD
Is conferred on those members that are the PvP heroes of the clan in addition to being an ardent supporter and student of the Wessex social structure. Historically knights were skilled in the arts of chivalry, melee combat, heavy armour and horsemanship and this will be reflected in-game if the genre and mechanics allow. Knights are granted the right to bear heraldic arms and sponsor an esquire. Children and siblings of a knight are given the courtesy title of “gentleman”.

[Azzerhoden]

KNIGHTS (VASSAL)
Are those that have made an oath of fealty to a secular lord, such as the Duke of Wessex or even the King, and in return received a benefice of land, called a knight’s fee. This is similar to how a lord is a vassal to the King.

Alone amongst the knightly class a vassal knight is allowed to take villeins as bondsmen and maintain a retinue of yeoman. He will be responsible for ensuring that the resources entrusted to him are harvested efficiently and pay a portion thereof to the Duke. The details of this feudal contract will be recorded in Letters Patent, drawn up by the heralds.

[vukodlac]

Hi , you look like the Mortal online Wessex group ... any relation ?

[Azzerhoden]

I was not, but there was a Wessex presence there.

[Azzerhoden]

CHURCH KNIGHTS
Are knights that have sworn fealty to a bishop instead of a secular lord. Becoming a Knight of the Church does not imply entry to the clergy but the very act of swearing fealty to a bishop instantly precludes him from ever receiving a benefice of land.

Similarly, if the knight already possesses land it will become forfeit and he shall have to abandon the manor and estate provided to him by his lord and escheat the territory back into the lord's possession.

Being a Church knight does not equate to holding a particular status amongst the clergy and a church knight could be a friar, a deacon or priest for example.

As a knight, you are not expected to preach, but you should still be a good role-player and possess a great understanding of the Church Dogma and a good understanding of the Church Lore.

[Azzerhoden]

KNIGHTS BACHELOR
Do not receive land, do not swear an oath of fealty to a lord and may not take bondsmen - this is because they would have no land from which to support any followers.

A knight bachelor will most likely be found leading a banner in the Wessex garrison on the field of battle, acting as a bailiff or serving in the ducal cabinet.

[Azzerhoden]

BARONETS
Are the non-martial equivalent to a knight bachelor. Baronets can take an oath of fealty to a lord which would grant him the full privileges of a vassal knight.

A baronetcy is most often bestowed by the Duke onto skilled civil servants, successful burgesses or mayors and rangers that have made significant contributions to the Wessex community.

[Azzerhoden]

THANES
Are the leaders of smaller clans that cede their political independence to Wessex in return for protection or other benefits. The thane will swear an oath of fealty to the Duke and become his vassal. His followers will in turn be bondsmen to him.

They receive the same rights and privileges as a home-grown knight, except the right to sponsor an esquire.

As a vassal to the Duke a thane is eligible to receive a grant of land.

[Azzerhoden]

ESQUIRES AND PAGES
These are the lowest branches of the gentry and may be revoked by the Duke or his cabinet at any time if the candidate is considered unsuitable or inactive for a period longer than two weeks.


ESQUIRES
May be sponsored by knights from among any of the full members of their shire in order to train in the arts of chivalry. If you do not marry a knight, the quickest way to become a member of the gentry is to become an apprentice to one.

Although an esquire does not have an oath of fealty to a knight, he is sworn to his service. This means that a knight will require his esquire to carry things for him, to care for his horses, to upkeep his armour and weapons out of their own pockets etc.

Esquire selection must be approved by the Duke. Esquires are addressed as “Mister X”.

The Duke is allowed to sponsor two esquires and each knight only one esquire at a time. There is no minimum period of service before being dubbed a knight, but the advancement to knighthood is not guaranteed.

Esquires can be those members who, similar to a knight, excel at combat and in-game organization and leadership but have little interest in the wider Wessex enterprise or other duties of a fully-fledged knight.

NOTE: The limit of one esquire per knight can be modified depending on the need of the Kingdom. His Grace, Bernardo dei Medici, as Lord Chancellor, has decreed that Vassal Knights (those who can hold land) can sponsor two esquires for the upcoming launch of Life Is Feudal. Knight Bachelors will still be limited to a single esquire.

[Azzerhoden]

PAGES or PAGEBOYS
Are the personal choice of a knight and do not require the prior approval of the Duke. This is to afford the knight the privilege of recognizing someone publicly they believe would make a good knight but for whom they cannot obtain ducal approval. This would most likely be a relative new comer to the clan.

A page serves with his knight in the military but has no authority in the clan and is to be considered everyone’s “dogsbody”. He may only progress to the title of esquire with the approval of the Duke.

[Azzerhoden]

FREEMEN
To be a freeman means you are outside the feudal contract that binds the villein and gentry social classes to each other. Freeman status can be gained for several reasons. Types of Freemen are:

• Burgess (Burgi)
• Yeoman (Praefecti)
• Royal Sheriff and Baliff
• Special Purpose Freemen

[Azzerhoden]

BURGESS
The burgesses are the accomplished traders and crafters of the shire. As a burgess you are still subject to the Duke but you do not owe your service and income to a liege lord.

You are afforded this to stimulate the trade, services, and industry you will provide. You might pay a tax on your profits and an upkeep fee for the city and its buildings - but this is being paid collectively to yourselves and other burgesses in the Boroughs.

The position of Burgess is county specific and if a player relocates to
another his position would be forfeit until such time as he can re-
establish himself.

[Azzerhoden]

BOROUGHS
Are fiefs granted not to a vassal, but to a collective bunch of citizens who form a town. The Boroughs collectively contributes to the government the same way an individual knight or fief-holder with villeins serving him does.

In medieval times, there was a law on the books that said if a villein managed to escape from his liege lord to a town and avoided capture for a year and a day, then he would cease to be bound to the liege lord and would instead be listed as a member of the town.

In Wessex, we recreate that custom with the mechanic of allowing villeins who purchase a workshop, and possess sufficient crafting skills, to be considered free of their villein status.

Obviously anyone from a pauper to the Duke may be “bound” to a town, but only a burgess that has made a monetary investment in a workshop or house will be considered to be a resident.

[Azzerhoden]

ALDERMEN
Are burgesses that are elected to the town council of a Borough. Borough town councils are small, usually only a mayor and 1-2 aldermen.
Along with the mayor, aldermen decide town policies and allocate town finances where they are needed.

In the future one alderman and one mayor from every Borough will be the "two burgesses" sent to help make policy in a national legislature, and these will also be elected by the Boroughs.

[Azzerhoden]

MAYORS
Are elected by the other burgesses in the Borough. It is considered a great honour, and one that can attract attention. It is the mayor that the Duke will deal with personally as representative of the Boroughs, and who will liaise with the Exchequer and his reeves in collecting the Boroughs' taxes.

Serving a term as a mayor, especially of a large Borough like the capital city of Wessex will often earn one a baronetcy.

[Azzerhoden]

YEOMAN
Yeomen are the officers of the ducal court that perform the administrative and other day-to-day tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the shire. The cabinet officers direct and oversee their activities.

Any full member may take the yeoman examination to qualify. Members of the gentry may serve as an officer of the court, although they are more likely to be cabinet officers. Appointments are made subject to need and dismissals can be made on account of unannounced inactivity of more than a week in which case the yeoman will return to pauper status.

There are four types of yeoman in Wessex:

• Heralds
• Pursuivants
• Clerks
• Reeves

[Azzerhoden]

HERALDS
Are responsible for the design of coat-of-arms, forum signatures, new member orientation, recruitment, assisting members on matters of ceremony and the recording of acts of valour by our soldiers.

They are directed by the Master of Heralds as head of the College of Arms. In the absence of the Master of Heralds in a county one can be designated as Herald Emcee, a role which is limited to that county.

[Azzerhoden]

PURSUIVANTS
Are heralds in training and must be sponsored by a herald. To become a full herald a member must pass the yeoman exam. It is acceptable for a pursuivant that is purely interested in art and design work to not take the exam and remain in his current position indefinitely.

[Azzerhoden]

CLERKS
Perform clerical duties such as keeping member and other lists, reviewing trial membership applications and forum title administration.

Both the Chancellor and Chamberlain direct the clerks of the Ducal
Chancery. The clerk position is mostly a forum administration role and not county specific.

[Azzerhoden]

Apologies for the lack of updates, I was out of town for work. Since I know this is highly read and anticipated, I am back and am continuing.

REEVES
Work in the Ducal Treasury and collect taxes and carry out commercial activities on behalf of the Exchequer, bailiff or high-reeve. A reeve’s position is usually county specific.