Baron

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Baron (feminine: Baroness) is a title among the Anuireans which identifies a ruler whose lands are greater than a single province, but traditionally is smaller than a realm. The title was introduced when certain great counts were required to swear direct oaths of obedience and loyalty to the Emperor because they had grown powerful enough to defy their direct overlords. This oath was the barones imperium, "bound to the Emperor," from which the title derives.
Barons are greater than counts but rank below dukes. A marquis is considered of equal rank, ruling multiple provinces as a vassal of a greater lord.
The adjective "baronial" means "pertaining to a baron". A baron's realm is generally referred to as a barony.