Lord, or lady for women, is a title given to a person who controls authority. It is most commonly referred to as a title of nobility in most Tamrielic nations. The title of lord may also be given as a courtesy to those in a position of power or influence, an honourific usage distinct from the grant of the rank of lordship, which is typically assumed to be accompanied by a grant of lands or a castle. One may also be legally raised to the style of "lord" without also receiving lands, but such a lordship is effectively an empty honour.
In addition, speakers sometimes address or refer to those of higher rank as "my lord" or "my lord of", regardless of whether the recipient is highborn or otherwise titled or not. Commoners addressing hedge knights or sworn shields referring to their masters may employ this style, rather than using "sir". Similarly, "lordling" is a commonly used term for young men of highborn or wealthy appearance, regardless of the status of their House or what other titles they may be known to bear.
Types of Lords[]
- Lord, under the feudal system of many Tamrielic nations, is a hereditary title of nobility expressed through the bonds of vassalage which connect the owners of various strongholds. All lords have vassals, the vassals can have knights, and the feudalism chain continues down to the peasants. In Tamriel there are many lords, some bigger and some smaller, some sworn to others, and with varying titles.
- Lord Commander, a rank used in various institutions in on Tamriel, typically related to the military. Indicating a position of authority and leadership, holders are referred to by the title whether or not they are of noble birth.
- Administrative positions containing lord in the title, such as that of "lord treasurer".
- Lords by courtesy, who do not hold actual lordships. Several past Imperial Potentates did not possess lordly titles in their own right, but were referred to as "lord" while they remained in the position. The spymaster and other members of a monarch's council are called lords because of their offices, but it is uncertain whether a formal grant of lordship typically accompanies this style, or whether it was traditionally merely a courtesy. This usage sometimes extends to those wishing to show courtesy to a junior member of a noble House during conversation, by addressing them with the title of Lord in conjunction with their personal name. The title of lord in conjunction with the House name is properly reserved for the legal head of the House.