Within the kingdom that contains/contained Applestone, some people, the nobility, have 'honours' or titles. These are granted by a monarch or other figure of high authority. A title can be either hereditary or lifelong.
From the lowest, the first few ranks are:
* see Lordships
A ritter ("rider") technically ranks above the lowest landed nobility, although it is not a landed title - caution should be applied here, though, since victorious ones may be granted lands in addition. The plural of ritter is, strictly, 'rittern'. Most people say 'ritters'.
A ritter has specific duties, failure to uphold any of which could theoretically result in his title being revoked. They have a responsibility to practice combat skills - with minimum skill and training frequency specified by law - and to serve in the monarch's army when called upon. Traditionally, rittern begin with a commanding rank, though the title is not a guarantee and some may find themselves among the lowly cavalry.
Laxity in duties tends to be granted in times of peace; however, a monarch would be within his or her right to call up any rittern, however old, to serve in a conflict. Ritterhood is the title most likely to be granted as lifelong, rather than hereditary.
War lords and land lords are unusual in that both ranks are referred to as Lord. Not all land lords are war lords. War lords have extra duties: they must maintain themselves "in a state of readiness and fitness to command" armies. They must also, should the need arise, provide and train a fighting force from the people who live on their land.
In times of peace, war lords become land lords (in status, though they still have the extra duties of a war lord). They regain war lord status when their military service is required, thus increasing the respect and bargaining power of military commanders when necessary, and keeping them from getting too big for their boots in times of peace. This, at least, is the theory.
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