underking
Lesser throne holder
An underking is a subordinate king—one who rules a territory under the authority of a higher king or emperor.
The term appears in historical and fantasy contexts where hierarchies of royalty exist: The underking governed the northern provinces on behalf of the high king.
It can also describe someone who wields significant but not supreme power in any domain.
Land-holding sworn subordinate
- regentInterim throne holder
- overlordSupreme feudal superior
- liegeFeudal superior or subject
- suzerainLord over vassals
viceroy · steward · warden · chieftain · satrap · tributary · fiefdom · fealty
Controlled performing figure
- figureheadNominal leader, no authority
- proxyAuthorized substitute
- secretConcealed information
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
hidden · veiled · power behind · manipulated · controlled · installed · usurper · pretender
vassal
Land-holding sworn subordinate
suzerain · viceroy · steward · warden · chieftain · satrap · tributary · fiefdom · fealty · homage
puppet
Controlled performing figure
- figureheadNominal leader, no authority
- proxyAuthorized substitute
- secretConcealed information
clandestine · hidden · veiled · power behind · manipulated · controlled · installed · usurper · pretender · claimant
lich
Undead mage with phylactery
- necromancerSummoner of the deceased
- wraithSpectral apparition of someone
- revenantReturned from death
specter · chthonic · underworld · crypt · barrow · dungeon · dark lord · sorcerer · thrall · minion