Duke

A duke is a ruler of the third tier. Dukes are the third highest ranked playable rulers. Dukes rule over one or more duchies, each composed of one or more counties. Dukes can be independent, but are more often vassals of powerful kings.

Title variants
Most male rulers of duke-rank are known as dukes, and most female rulers of duke-rank are known as duchesses. There are, however, several cultural/religious variants which are summarised in the table below: Note: religous title variants 'trump' cultural ones. For example, a ruler of duke-rank with Russian culture and Norse Pagan religion will be known as a Jarl.

Similarly, republican rulers of duke-rank are known by different titles. These take precedence over cultural variants. Note: religous title variants 'trump' cultural ones. For example, a republican ruler of duke-rank with Italian culture and Sunni religion will be known as a Wâli-Emir.

Similarly, theocratic rulers of duke-rank are known by different titles. These take precedence over cultural variants.

For certain cultures, independent secular and feudal rulers of duke-rank go by the title of king. Their realms are only petty kingdoms rather than full kingdoms, and the title name is the only real difference.