On 17Dec2018 1412, Jeffrey Schwartz wrote:
> IMTU, there's the Nobility, and the "Local Nobility"
>
> A noble can elevate someone, but it's only recognized within his
> demesne as being politically relevant.
> Outside of it, it's a social fiction: They're treated politely, but
> have no power.
> They may have influence, which is a sort of indirect power, but no
> ability to do anything directly.
> Further, people who weren't ennobled by the Emperor don't have access
> to the Moot.
>
> So - Count Ivan is a vassal of the Emperor, and controls a whole star system.
> He can knight people and place them in positions, so that Sir Lloyd is
> his seneschal over the second planet of the system, for example.
> If Sir Lloyd goes outside the limits of Ivan's Star, he's politely
> called Sir Ivan, but has no ability to arrest people (or whatever)

I would assume that a noble in Traveller that has a demesne can appoint
someone to a vacant title and fief, and following due process can strip
a vassal of their fief and title (subject to appeal to the next higher
noble). They can't create new titles, though they can grant fiefs to
lesser nobles as long as the grant and its acceptance fall with certain
legal and traditional limits.

I also assume that Arch-Dukes can grant patents of nobility, as one of
the powers they've been delegated by the Emperor. Likewise they, and
some sector Dukes can knight people, but they must be careful not to
abuse the privilege, or the order into which they can induct knights
will fall into disrepute.

--
Rupert Boleyn <xxxxxx@gmail.com>
Chief Assistant to the Assistant Chief