So, now we've left the riff raff and the farm boys with pitch forks with the guards and paladins, let me welcome you - the truly noble - to the City of Trinsic, and the Duchy.
His lordship the Duke has been somewhat detained for the day, so I shall explain some of the finer points of the Duchy to you..... there are two types of noble; those in the Dukes employ, and those who merely dwell in the city.
I have no problem with either type of Noble - either way, you are entitled to all the same benefits of being a part of the Duchy; the protection of the guard, the right to trade and conduct business within the city walls and the right to call yourself a noble of the Duchy of Trinsic.
Being in the employ of the Duchy may see some additional benefits - an income and a certain level of respect that can not be earned as a merchant noble... and power in the city. If you meet the requirements, the Duke may even see fit to assign a bodyguard for you... The beautiful lady Moiraine has had a personal bodyguard for many a long year, of course a lady of her status and beauty requires permanent protection from the scum of the city.
Be under no false impressions my noble lords and ladies - the city of Trinsic is a great city, but even the greatest cities have criminal elements, and for people of our social class this can be both a blessing and a curse - should you wish someone to disappear, I can find you the right man for the job for the right price. - we of noble birth must protect our interests... and my interest is maintaining the place of the nobility in the city.
What lad? You think yourself ready for the nobility of the city? Where do you sign up?... hah! I'll tell you....
Give me your finger, let me cut... does your blood run blue as Lord Britain? were your parents born from a blue blooded line? Nay?... then you have a business empire spanning the known world? Nay?... you are not old enough to have served the Duke through to knighthood or awarding of a title. Then you are not noble.
Let me be blunt my friends... if you do not belong in the presence of the Ducal Courtiers for service to the City, blood nobility, wealth or the express wish of the Duke... I shall make it my personal quest to rid the Duke of your inferior self.
Copyright Richard Combes (2007)