Nobility
The nobility of the One Nation is a honour system comprising both lifetime and hereditary titles, composed of various noble ranks. Receiving any of the titles is considered the highest honour a citizen can receive, though hereditary titles hold more prestige as they are seen to be bestowed on the family rather than the individual.
The noble titles are created and granted by the nation's monarch. The criteria to receive a title varies greatly, but most often citizens are recommended to be elevated to nobility by the federal government in recognition of contributions and achievements. However, nominations can be made by any citizen. Those recommended or nominated for recommendation are thoroughly vetted by the Crown Office before the monarch's approval.
When hereditary titles are granted, the individual's spouse, children and the subsequent generations born into the family are officially recognised as nobles. In case of lifetime titles, only the individual is considered noble, not their family, unless they have their own titles.
Overview
Nobles in society
The noble social class of Morobe is only partially consisting of individuals with titles and families with hereditary titles. Nobility was introduced to Morobe with the creation of One Nation in Year 21, and thus it is slowly growing and developing as a social class. Most of the nation’s social elite is made up of wealthy businessmen, landowners and others who were successful or lucky enough to make the most of the changes that came to Morobe over the years since it was colonised in Year 14. Influential politicians and military leaders of high rank are often considered to also be part of this social class.
Nobility is more prevalent on Vorsia Companion where the system has played a role since Year 11 when Countess Lilith made it part of the new state, being noble-born herself and believing in the monarchical system of government the most. In Vorsia, nobility was tied with positions in the government, however, this has changed and in One Nation the politicians in office are selected by qualification and merit. Titles, with associated lands and responsibilities, are gradually granted by the monarch in recognition of service, effort, or achievement.
To receive a title is considered a social privilege, but it's value is predominantly ceremonial. The individuals are entitled to several boons that set them apart as nobles but receive no additional legal protections or privileges over an ordinary citizen. Individuals are respected for their achievements that earned them a title, not because of the title itself. The few that were born into a noble family, or are considered nobility because of their relative (such as parent or spouse), are not entitled to a preferential treatment or a position of authority without being qualified to hold it.
In One Nation society, some argue that whatever benefits come with noble titles are not worth the added responsibilities. Nobles, and their families, that have influence over any amount of land beside their own residence are scrutinised by the federal government to prevent any exploitation. Additionally, since it is a new system that fascinates and attracts attention of the general public, the nobles have a certain level of media attention that may or may not be welcomed. This creates a level of leadership expectation and social responsibility, however, not all nobles are wealthy or socially influential.
Nobles in government
The monarch has an active role in the executive office (the Crown) of the federal government. Other titles, whilst tied to planets and lands within the nation, do not necessarily correspond with the executive offices (Lord Governors) of those planets or lands. For example, the Duchess of Moroa might not be the Lord Governor of Moroa, and if they are, the title does not grant the office, or vice versa.
While noble titles can be hereditary within a family, the offices are not. Lord Governors are appointed by the federal government, which acts on behalf of the monarch, and subsequent lower tiers of office are approved and granted in the name of the federal government; most often on the suggestion of the Lord Governor or their representatives.
Social benefits
The collection of social benefits enjoyed by the nobles is also referred to as noble privileges. The benefits are ceremonial in nature, as all citizens of One Nation are treated equal in matters of the law. The guidelines on social behaviour when interacting with nobles are collectively known as the protocol. It is expected in polite society for the protocol to be followed, but it is not legally binding. The protocol is most often observed during ceremonial and formal occasions, and within the royal court of the Illumine Palace.
The most prominent benefits are the titles and noble form of address. Each noble is also typically granted a coat of arms, a heraldic symbol of their family, or the individual when the title is not hereditary. Nobles can also be granted land to administer, most often in the form of a manor. Nobles can also petition for a private audience with the monarch.
Monarchy
The only exception to hereditary expectation is the royal succession of the Crown. It is fully expected the monarch's child and heir to inherit the position. However, the burden is on the royal family to ensure the royal heir is capable of being the nation's future leader. To that effect, monarch's children, especially the heir, and potentially children in any extended family, are raised and educated to meet the expectation.
Checks and balances exist in the legislation of the royal succession to prevent anyone incapable to have executive and legal influence over the nation. Such as, powers of the Crown can be suspended from the individual until the heir is of age; for example if they are too young when they inherit the position. In the most extreme case, the monarchy can become constitutional and limited to a ceremonial role, with the federal government taking executive precedence. It would then be up to the royal family to once again earn the nation's confidence to regain their status.
The current monarch, Lilith of Vorsia, believes that royal succession is key to long term stability. With the heir, and future monarch, being raised from birth to be a leader there is less of a chance that they would be corrupt, especially if they are not entitled to the role without being deemed capable. The hope is that this will ensure peaceful transitions of power, and discourage anyone plotting against the government to usurp the Crown. If it would be up to the highest ranking officials to decide among themselves who their new leader would be, there is a higher chance that they would plot against each other and risk a civil war over succession.
Titles
Monarch of Morobe and Vorsia Companion
Also styled as Monarch of One Nation, or simply Monarch, such as in Lilith of Vorsia's case who retained her title Sovereign Countess (setting a precedent that others might follow). Future monarchs might style themselves Queen or King.
Princess (Prince) of Morobe
Title of the children and grandchildren of the reigning monarch. Spouses of the monarch can also be granted this title. The royal heir is denoted by the styling of Crown Princess (Prince) of Morobe.
Duchess (Duke)
The highest noble title. Each Dukedom represents a planet of One Nation, which dictates how many of these titles can exist at one time. Honourific prefixes of Arch and Grand can also be granted. For example; Duchess of Talasea.
Countess (Count)
Title granted to individuals representing regions (counties) of planets, most commonly large cities and their surrounding area. For example; Countess of Terraglen.
Baroness (Baron)
The lowest level of noble titles. The individuals are often business owners, retired high ranking officers and landowners, whose title is linked to their residence. For example; Baron of Abraxi.
Lady (Lord)
The most common form of nobility. It is often without a link to a land, and thus not hereditary. The title is most commonly granted by positions of authority (such as Lord Governor, Lord Commander, Lord Mayor, etc.), or by a prestigious award. Children and grandchildren of individuals with higher titles are also often addressed as Lady or Lord.
Knight
Knighthood within One Nation is granted by being made a member of a chivalric order. The Orders recognise charity, civic and military service. Knights are not nobles, but are considered to be part of the higher social class.