Dissociate the Demesnes from the Order?

[Nathan]

It's rather confusing having our Knights be the "nobility" and haveing our Nobles be "commoners."

Why not dissociate the Order from the administration of demesnes... develope a more feudal system, and use that feudal system to send poeople to the Royal Frenzy. thus gving more power to the demesnes... and making Natopia more of an Empire... which, to be contrasted against a kingdom, is a central power (Natopia Proper) controlling subservient entities (the demesnes).

[Tasneem]

Nobles are commoners?

Well, that would make sense since everyone seems to be a noble!

[Nathan]

no... well.. yea... "Noble" is just a title for someone in the Frenzy... but... it doesnt confer nobility...

[Brian Capelle]

Kinda... half-nobility.

I suggest Vassal, Earl, etc... I don't really like Lord, but that's up to you.

[Nathan]

"lord" is kinda an ambiguous title for those with landed peerages... at least thats how its used in Natopia.

For now, i think we'll keep Baron, Count, Duke for our ranks... dissociated from the Order or not.

we can retain a ranked Order by using such titles as Knight Commander and Companion and all those fun things....

[MasterRDavis]

Here's my idea:

The Order should be made much more secret than it is. This would also make it more fun to belong to. We can work out special little titles and such to call ourselves and each other from behind those closed doors. (we can talk more about that later)

"Nobility" should be defined as someone who has been granted a peerage, regardless of involvement in the Order.

Members of the Frenzy should be called "Royal Legate". This will be a neutral term that will refer to everyone regardless of peerage within the Empire.

The term "Lord" is usually used by someone of superior rank when talking to someone subordinate. For example - as a Duke, I would refer to anyone who is a Count as "Lord Whoever". This means that our Sovereign would basically call anyone with a peerage "Lord" since he outranks us all. The term is merely a formality and a way of showing respect.

As for how we staff the Frenzy; I think we need to infuse Natopia with some sense of democracy. Obviously having an actual election would be a waste of time since there are only a few active citizens. So my idea is this: our fearless leader selects people for the Frenzy...then all Natopians (including those selected) vote yay or nay on the appointment of those selected. Simple majority rules. That way, we all have a chance to voice our opinions with regards to people who represent our nation in the legislature.

Just a few ideas...

[Nathan]

Good ideas... i think it may require amendments...