The lowest rank is that of liran or knight; it is a non-inheritable rank that must be earned by each bearer. A liran may be assumed to have distinguished himself in combat--not just any combat, but in a fight the winning of which was of benefit to the Empire of Lirith Kai; it might have been a single combat or the liran-to-be may have figured prominently in a battle of armies. A warrior who slays some "monster" which has been preying on other citizens of the Empire (but not an "innocent" monster), who single-handedly defends fellow travelers against the attacks of a band of robbers, or who accepts a challenge to single combat by an enemy of the Empire (whether he be a traitor or a foreigner who is attacking the Empire in some fashion) and wins may be granted the rank of liran; but the event for which a person is ennobled must be something above and beyond the call of whatever duties s/he has. A liran is entitled to be called "sir" (regardless of sex). This title is sometimes granted posthumously.

This rank is most frequently granted to common-born soldiers who perform superlatively in their duties. (Not just "well," mind you, but in a very superior manner--every soldier is expected to do "well.") A common soldier (i.e., a private) who rallies leaderless troops and leads them to victory (or even successful retreat, in some cases) might be made a liran, and also given a rank. Note that any member of the army who already holds a military rank (or a title), however low, would not be ennobled for such action, as it would be expected of her/him.

The title may be granted by any of several people: the Emperor, of course, and also the High Generals, the Inspectors General, Lords Governor of provinces, Commanders of the Sun Legion, and priests of Mantor of the Seventh Illumination or higher.

A certain standard of behavior is expected of lirans. Most continue to perform the type of action for which they were ennobled, although a few sink into placid obscurity, but never is a liran to behave in a cowardly fashion, to wantonly endanger others whether directly or indirectly, or to engage in "unseemly" conduct (such as public brawling while intoxicated--if you want to fight, fine, go to a teva and find some like-minded people). A liran is expected to be courteous to all unless provoked--some lirans are masters of insult, but they are not supposed to cast the first insult. (A polished manner is not required--if the liran does not spring from a caste and social level where s/he would naturally have acquired such.) A certain basic respect is to be extended to all until they have proved themselves unworthy of it. A liran never speaks derisively of the Empire and its ideals. And a liran is expected to be intelligent enough and courteous enough to fit into the local scene--for instance, if the local custom is for a member of the liran's sex to dress in a tunic and pants, the liran does not parade about in nothing but a loincloth (or at least, not after s/he's had a chance to acquire something more in keeping with local custom). To be sure, this standard of behavior is not uniformly adhered to by all lirans everywhere in the Empire at all times, but this is the goal at which they are supposed to aim. At any time, the people who are qualified to bestow the title of liran may strip the rank from someone who is acting in some manner that unfits him/her for the honor.

The liran is the rank of nobles least likely to have "title lands," although s/he may own property personally, as it is unusual for a grant of lands to accompany the bestowing of the title.

A family that consistently produces lirans through several generations may find itself raised to hereditary noble status as tiral.