Names & Titles

In The Lands there are many differing and overlapping methods of naming persons and according them titles. This discussion will provide a framework in which characters (in particular Human characters) can be named and titled depending on background and life circumstances.

A baby names book or website is a useful role-playing accessory particularly if it gives information on the linguistic origin of names. Particular human cultural groups in The Lands correspond for gaming purposes to particular linguistic groupings in this world as follows:

* The Erimanic utilize Germanic or Nordic names.

* The Narmantic utilize Latinate or Romance names.

* The Planavic utilize Slavic or Baltic names.

* The Lehenic (for any names) and the Zinda (for public names) utilize names from the Hellenistic world at its furthest extent (such as Greek and Persian).

* The Brethic and also the Hinnic (Halflings) utilize Celtic names.

The given names for non-humans can be entirely invented ones that have the right 'feel' for them. However Half-Orcs sometimes use Eriman names, Elves sometimes use Narman names, and Dwarves sometimes use Plana names. Among those of mixed form some will have two given names to reflect that blended heritage. However this can also be acknowleged by combination of a given name with family-related and other designations. The nature of a culture will tend to determine the formulations of such full names.

Members of the oldest and most sedentary cultures use surnames derived from an esteemed ancestor of that lineage or household. The Lehenic do this. The Zinda do likewise but only for names they share with the public (they keep other naming methods to themselves). The formula 'given name’ then ‘surname of eldest parent' is common (for instance Cletus Ambrose).

The Enara (Elves) and M-Gar (Dwarves) do something similar but the meaning of a surname is usually translated into whatever language they are using with others (for instance Pinaria Silverbow or Reko Firmfooted).

A culture that has lost or forgotten its genealogical heritage may well make reference to the parents of a character. This is the case with the Eriman due to the Age of Tumult. They use the formula 'given name’ then ‘given name of eldest parent’ then ‘son’ or ‘dottir’ (for instance Brant Haleson or Edwina Odadottir).

A culture separated into shared-blood clans will make reference to a clan in the name of a character. The Planavic tend to use the formula 'given name’ then ‘of the’ then ‘clan name' (Danica of the Popovski).

There are also non-blood groupings defined by a particular icon and ethos known as ‘folds’. This form of community exists among the Eriman of the Wandering Lands and also the Uloch (Orcs) of the Border Mountains. In such groups the formula ‘fold name’ then 'named' then ‘given name’ is employed (for instance the Stormpine named Askertil or the Bloodtusk named Gaunt). Folds tend to dedicate themselves to a particular divinity or spirit but pragmatically will sometimes shift allegiance to another if they feel it will serve them better and this can also result in name changes for anyone still in contact with that fold (thus the Stormdeer recently became the Sundeer).

In a culture in which everyone is attached to a pastoral locale the name of a character will make reference to that. This is utilized for instance among both the Hinnic (Halflings) and Brethic with the formula 'given name’ then 'of' then ‘name of birth location' (for instance Clover of Muddy Gully).

In a populated urbanized culture focused on commerce the name of a character can refer to a profession. The Narmantic tend to use the formula 'given name’ then the ‘name of ones profession or the profession of ones family' (for instance Meyer Vintner).

The intermingling of cultures produces an environment in which these are only generalizations and characters can be named in any way players see fit. Circumstances can change how one is named or titled.

If one is the cleric of a particular divinity then ones name will follow the formula ’brother’ or ‘sister’ then ‘given name’ then ‘of’ then ‘name of divinity' (such as Sister Ida of Olarin). Druids utilize the same formula but omit any reference to a particular gods or goddesses. A cleric that manages an entire congregation is the 'elder brother or sister' while a cleric that assists more important clergy is known as a 'votary'. If one is the most important ranked cleric in a given church (defined as all the followers of a particular divinity within a particular state) then 'brother or sister' is replaced with 'Patriarch or Matriarch'. The most important Druid is the Grand Druid while lieutenants overseeing geographic areas are known as Ovates (such as the Ovate Englebert).

Elvish clerics use the title ‘Ar-U-Mari’ which translates as ‘Cosmic Guide’. Dwarvish clerics use the title ‘Balthar’ which translates as ‘Ancestral Envoy’. Finally a magico-religious figure attached to a fold or similar community may be known as the village 'celebrant' or simply 'spell-caster'.

Originally churches were characterized as family-like groupings and it is likely that the use of the titles 'Patriarch' and 'Matriarch' arose from the practice in clans of calling the eldest and most revered member the 'Patron' or 'Matron'.

Within professional organizations such as guilds the most important office-holder is given the title 'Master' or 'Mistress' which then precedes ones given name. This practice has also been adopted by practitioners of specialist magic (such as Illusionists) to refer to the most respected practitioner of any given magical discipline whose reputation is such that they can attract apprentices. Sometimes the non-gendered 'Maven' is also used.

Among generalist mages the older title of 'Arch Mage' is preferred for those whose reputation is such that they can attract apprentices. In addition to this mages of all ranks have a tendency to use the naming formula 'given name' then 'fanciful descriptor' (consider Melantha the Magnificent).

Among rogues there is a very common practice of changing ones name using the formula 'self-deprecating descriptor’ then ‘abbreviated name' (consider Slippery Keel as a nickname for Keelan of Greengrass). The most powerful rogue within a gang may be known simply as 'Boss'. However if that gang models itself on some other form of group then the titles utilized may change (if the gang characterizes itself as a guild then the boss will be a 'Master or Mistress' but if it models itself on a clan then the boss will be a 'Patron or Matron').

The Bards avow any such titles but do use particular words like 'Inspired' and 'Famed' to convey levels of esteem among themselves.

Among mercenary warriors it is popular to use the formula 'given name' then ‘favourite weapon’ then ‘surname‘ (Calandra ‘The Trident’ Echo). Paladins and Rangers however will also reference an admired quality or characteristic (consider Kirkwood ‘Bow of Freedom’ Dirwinson).

Among warriors in military roles the following titles are commonly employed for officers:

* A general manages an entire army
* An admiral manages an entire naval fleet
* A commander manages one unit of troops or one ship crew

However among more organic bands of hunters or brigands the word ‘leader’ may be used. A fold or community in a wild or hostile land may choose its best warrior to likewise adopt this role and title.

Any warrior whose reputation of prowess is such that they can attract warriors to follow them is given the title 'Lord' or 'Lady' which can apply to a person whether they are of common or aristocratic birth. Arising from this are expressions of admiration such as "he is a lord with the long sword" or "she slays like a lady". Originally all ruling nobility had to be military but now there is a distinction between the most important of gentry and the most powerful of warriors. As such a 'Knight' may well be only a civilian.

All members of the gentry are referred to as 'gentlepersons' or 'gentles' however this term is sometimes also attached to anyone who cultivates the manners of the gentry. Any member of the nobility may have the terms 'Sir' or 'Madam' precede their given name. Other aristocratic titles only apply to persons in particular power-positions:

* A King or Queen is the hereditary ruler of an entire nation-state (or in some cases the direct legitimate descendant if territory has been lost). The spouse of a King or Queen is also a King or Queen. It is accepted practice for monarchs to share decision-making with consorts so the distinction only becomes relevant in questions of succession.

* A Prince or Princess is the legitimate child of a King and Queen. A Crown Prince or Crown Princess is one who is in direct line to inherit the crown. Since these titles refer only to potential power those who hold them tend to also covet other roles such as rule of a barony.

* A Baron or Baroness is the hereditary or knighted ruler of an estate within a nation or the spouse of a Baron or Baroness. Within the barony they are the ruler but within the wider nation they are a vassal to a monarch.

* A Duke or Duchess is the hereditary or knighted ruler of an autonomous province that owes nominal loyalty to a monarch but who in practice is an independent military figure. The Duchy may have once been part of a nation-state that has crumbled or it may be a well-defended borderland. These titles also apply to the spouses of Dukes and Duchesses.

In all cases hereditary rule is passed to eldest legitimate child.

There are also many non-hereditary titles for the roles of those who assist or are otherwise attached to the nobility. These include…

* Herald - Someone employed to act as a messenger and in some cases a negotiator on behalf of a ruler who cannot be present. Will carry a banner and other proofs of authority to act in this role.

* Reeve – Someone chosen to represent an estate or province and to manage communication between the commoners and the nobility there. Is chosen by the nobility or commoners depending on local customs.

* Alderperson or Elder – Someone elected to manage or represent a community. A village may have just one Elder while a city may have a council of Aldermen and Alderwomen.

* Magister - Someone employed to resolve disputes and facilitate important meetings. The name may be related to 'Mage' due to the practice of using casters of Prognostication spells to confirm truth in disputes.

* Governor – Someone employed to manage some quasi-autonomous chartered institution such as a university.

* Steward – Someone employed to manage a mansion or fortress and keep its written records and accounts.