I'm a huge fan of Greyhawk and refuse to DM for any other setting, but something that has always bugged me is the misuse of titles in the world. If Zeech is a Prince, then who is the King? And to what Kingdom?
Can Zeech not assume the role of "King" as it might seem too bold to Iuz, who still holds some sway in the Bandit Kingdoms? It seems a bit demure for the mighty Zeech, ruler of his own lands, to retain the title of "Prince", when surely he'd prefer a grander title.
So, why is Zeech still a Prince?
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 6
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I'm a huge fan of Greyhawk and refuse to DM for any other setting, but something that has always bugged me is the misuse of titles in the world. If Zeech is a Prince, then who is the King? And to what Kingdom?
Can Zeech not assume the role of "King" as it might seem too bold to Iuz, who still holds some sway in the Bandit Kingdoms? It seems a bit demure for the mighty Zeech, ruler of his own lands, to retain the title of "Prince", when surely he'd prefer a grander title.
So, why is Zeech still a Prince?
It's not actually misuse. The major eastern kingdoms of old in Oerik were the Great Kingdom, Keoland, and (eventually) Nyrond. The titles of many nations reflect their old status under one of those kingdoms, i.e. the nation of Urnst which became the Duchy of Urnst (palantine) and the County of Urnst when it joined the Great Kingdom. The palantine status for the Duchy refers to it having retained self-rule. Zeech doesn't really have the power, influence, or holdings to claim to be a king, but he could claim to be a prince, making him the ruler of the Principality of Redhand.
There are modern sovereign nations that are royal yet not ruled by a king. These include (in Europe)the principalities of Liechtenstein and Monaco, and the Grand Duchy of Luxemborg. They are ruled by princes and a grand duke respectively, and they do not owe fealty to a king.
Russ