Chelaxian noble titles. ...Noble paratitles? Paranoble titles? I are confused.

What exactly is the difference between a count and a "paracount?" Is this something like a statement that their titles are better than other countries, or inferior to Hell's nobility, or what?

A count that is dropped in behind enemy lines?

In latin, para means 'to prepare'. Perhaps it's a Countess who prepares the other Countesses?

I lol'd at Fall's suggestion though.

A count that is dropped in behind enemy lines?

Hee.

In latin, para means 'to prepare'. Perhaps it's a Countess who prepares the other Countesses?

I lol'd at Fall's suggestion though.

I think we ought to be looking at Greek rather than Latin.

para-

1  
1.
a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, most often attached to verbs and verbal derivatives, with the meanings “at or to one side of, beside, side by side” ( parabola; paragraph; parallel; paralysis ), “beyond, past, by” ( paradox; paragogue ); by extension from these senses, this prefix came to designate objects or activities auxiliary to or derivative of that denoted by the base word ( parody; paronomasia ), and hence abnormal or defective ( paranoia ), a sense now common in modern scientific coinages ( parageusia; paralexia ). As an English prefix, para- 1 may have any of these senses; it is also productive in the naming of occupational roles considered ancillary or subsidiary to roles requiring more training, or of a higher status, on such models as paramedical and paraprofessional: paralegal; paralibrarian; parapolice .
2.
Chemistry . a combining form designating the para (1, 4) position in the benzene ring. Abbreviation: p-. Compare meta- ( def. 2c ) , ortho- ( def. 2b ) .
Also, especially before a vowel , par-.

Origin:
< Greek para-, combining form representing pará (preposition) beside, alongside of, by, beyond

So it would mean either "equal to (insert noble rank here)," or "beyond (insert noble rank here)"... most likely implying either "equal to a (whatever) of Hell" or "better than a (whatever) not of Cheliax."

So it would mean either "equal to (insert noble rank here)," or "beyond (insert noble rank here)"...

Actually, I think it would mean just the opposite. As in the Paracountess is an assistant to the Count (or Countess). But unless the title is defined by Paizo we will remain unsure.

These are faux noble titles created by House Thrune to pad the aristocracy with its cronies and sycophants. These titles are generally for sale or are granted as a reward of service.

These are faux noble titles created by House Thrune to pad the aristocracy with its cronies and sycophants. These titles are generally for sale or are granted as a reward of service.

Perhaps they are meant to be formally, etiquettaly and legally equal to associated noble title but without associated fief?

Thus count and paracount could be sitted at the table at places of equal importance without offending count but the count knows he is really better because he rules the county while the paracount is just a courtier.

Erik Mona wrote:

These are faux noble titles created by House Thrune to pad the aristocracy with its cronies and sycophants. These titles are generally for sale or are granted as a reward of service.

Perhaps they are meant to be formally, etiquettaly and legally equal to associated noble title but without associated fief?

Thus count and paracount could be sitted at the table at places of equal importance without offending count but the count knows he is really better because he rules the county while the paracount is just a courtier.

So they are Court titles not noble titles.

Now the real question is... how do you buy one?
I have a Chelaxian Witch who would love to spend some cash on a real title with some meat to it.

This reminds me of the episode of "Yes, Minister" where the politicians and civil servants are trying to determine the chemical difference between "dioxin" and "metadioxin" based on their knowledge of ancient Greek. :-)

Emmeline Kestler wrote:

In latin, para means 'to prepare'. Perhaps it's a Countess who prepares the other Countesses?

I lol'd at Fall's suggestion though.

I think we ought to be looking at Greek rather than Latin.

Dictionary.com wrote:

para-

1  
1.
a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, most often attached to verbs and verbal derivatives, with the meanings “at or to one side of, beside, side by side” ( parabola; paragraph; parallel; paralysis ), “beyond, past, by” ( paradox; paragogue ); by extension from these senses, this prefix came to designate objects or activities auxiliary to or derivative of that denoted by the base word ( parody; paronomasia ), and hence abnormal or defective ( paranoia ), a sense now common in modern scientific coinages ( parageusia; paralexia ). As an English prefix, para- 1 may have any of these senses; it is also productive in the naming of occupational roles considered ancillary or subsidiary to roles requiring more training, or of a higher status, on such models as paramedical and paraprofessional: paralegal; paralibrarian; parapolice .
2.
Chemistry . a combining form designating the para (1, 4) position in the benzene ring. Abbreviation: p-. Compare meta- ( def. 2c ) , ortho- ( def. 2b ) .
Also, especially before a vowel , par-.

Origin:
< Greek para-, combining form representing pará (preposition) beside, alongside of, by, beyond

So it would mean either "equal to (insert noble rank here)," or "beyond (insert noble rank here)"... most likely implying either "equal to a (whatever) of Hell" or "better than a (whatever) not of Cheliax."