Counties

When a Lord's Freehold grows to a minimum of 1,500 loyal subjects of the realm, said Lord may petition for the creation of a County, provided the holdings are not already within such a division. Counties subsume all of the territory encompassed within under the authority and protection of a Count.

While the Count does NOT gain authority over any existing Freeholds, such a designation of County does place a constraint on further Freehold growth, as such existing Freeholds would require permission both from the Crown and the Count to expand.

Creation of a County traditionally includes the petitioner as Count, but the Crown is under no obligation to name them as such. There are many political and economic issues to consider. Should a Count pass away, the Crown will appoint a new Count using whatever criteria they deem appropriate, although unless there are extenuating circumstances, the Count's Recommendation for his or her own successor will be followed.

Geography

Counties typically cover an area of ~890 square miles, or the area of a circle that a man could traverse in one day. This constitutes one Hex on the Royal Grid.

Responsibilities of a Count

Counts serve at the pleasure of the King, and are tasked with the day to day governing of affairs within their counties - the primary concerns being maintenance of the King's Peace and collection and administration of the King's Share. Count's are free to impose such taxes as they deem necessary and proper, and provide for the governance of towns and villages within the county through the appointment of "high men" or "aldermen." (The term "men" is generic in both cases, and it could actually be "High Woman" or "Alderwoman.")

Counts are not obligated to adhere to any particular governance rules other than keeping the King's Laws, and insuring that their subjects are well maintained.

In time of war or general Kingdom threat, additional levies of gold and/or troops may be required of a Count.