As a result, any kingdoms uniting individual territories tend to be weak. Overlords need the support of their vassals (lesser nobles) for taxes, troops, trade, and so forth; this makes central government nearly impossible. One's power is only spread as far as one can personally manage, and usually no further.
The ranks of nobility are then created from the amount of power one has, measured by the number of persons and troops under control, and the amount of land under control. However, this breaks down at higher levels -- dukes and kings typically have as many resources under direct control as a baron, but are owed allegiance by other nobles. This lord/vassal relationship distinguishes the higher ranks of nobility from the lower ranks.
The highest position of real power is then a Duke or equivalent, as kings often are merely pawns of the nobility and have little actual power. While property and titles are passed down the family line, power comes from what one can grab.
Rank | Manor | Fort | Palace | Population | Soldiers | Area (sq.miles) | Level |
Lord | X | -- | -- | 50-200 | 10-40 | 10-100 | 9th-11th |
Baron | X | X | -- | 100-500 | 20-150 | 25-300 | 10th-14th |
Duke | X | X | X | 200-800 | 50-300 | 50-500 | 12th-18th |
King | X | X | X | 50-200 | 50-200 | 20-100 | 9th + |
Due to this chaos, various faiths have splintered off and secluded them- selves in monastaries, preserving some knowledge of the old civilization. One can then find monks and priests, isolated from the world, in unusual places. This chaos also elevates the role of individual priests and clerics, enhancing the role of the priestly class.
The various churches often support a local nobleman for their own pro- tection, granting the powers of their god to that noble. Some particularly powerful sects may rule in their own right, appointing a puppet noble to rule over an area in name only.