Namornese nobility system

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The nobility of Namorn, in Tamora Pierce's Emelan Universe, has a fictional ranking system, which was expanded upon in the standalone novel The Will of the Empress.

While the titles of several of the noble characters in The Will of the Empress are given, many remain unknown regardless of their role in the plot.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details about The Will of the Empress follow.

1 Bidis
2 Saghad
3 Cleham
4 Giath
5 References

[edit] Bidis

A bidis (masculine) or bidisa (feminine) is the equivalent of a European baron. It is the first rank of nobility, and the literal meaning in Namornese is "dagger."

Known holders of this title include:

Rizuka "Rizu" fa Dalach, Empress Berenene's Mistress of Wardrobe and Daja's one-time lover.
Finlach "Fin" fer Hurich, one of Sandry's companions during her stay in Namorn, who later attempted to kidnap her.
Dymytur fer Holm, a border noble who attempted to kidnap Sandry.

[edit] Saghad

A saghad (masculine) or saghada (feminine) is the equivalent of a European lord. It is the second rank of nobility, and the literal meaning in Namornese is "arrow." The estate of a saghad is called a saghadat.

Known holders of this title include:

Ambros fer Landreg and Ealaga fa Landreg, Sandry's cousins and stewards of Clehamat Landreg.
Jakuben "Jak" fer Pennun, one of Sandry's companions during her stay in Namorn.
Yeskoy fer Haugh, an accomplice in the first attempted kidnapping of Sandry.

[edit] Cleham

A cleham (masculine) or clehame (feminine) is the equivalent of a European count. It is the third rank of nobility, and the literal meaning in Namornese is "sword." The estate of a cleham is called a clehamat.

Known holders of this title include:

Amiliane fa Landreg, Sandry's mother.
Sandrilene fa Toren, until she forfeits the title and remains a lady of Toren, or Saghada by the Namornese system.
Ambros fer Landreg and Ealaga fa Landreg, after Sandry signed over Clehamat Landreg to them.

[edit] Giath

A giath (masculine) or giatha (feminine) is the equivalent of a European duke. It is the fourth rank of nobility, and the literal meaning in Namornese is "shield."