In most noble families, only the firstborn son could inherit the family's title. However, the Blackmoores – the family which holds the Earlship of Yorkshire - have a long-standing tradition with regards as to who can inherit the family's right to the title. This tradition stems from the days when the first Earl of Yorkshire, Talbot Blackmoore, was granted the title.

	According to the story passed down by the Blackmoores, long ago there was a great monster that marauded throughout the area of Yorkshire. The beast was vicious, strong and resilient. TIts predations caused such a problem that the King himself posted a bounty on it – a truly great ransom would be paid to the man who could first bring to him the monster's head. Many attempted, few survived, and none succeeded. One day, a smith by the name of Talbot Blackmoore arrived with the beast in a cage. With his great mental acumen, he had crafted a clever trap and with his masterful skill with steel he had forged a cage that the beast could not escape. Indeed, the more the beast struggled against it, the tighter it was held. Talbot had barely held on to his life while managing the deed, but the King was so impressed by the feat and the magnificence of the beast itself that, rather than simply award Blackmoore the money promised him, he was made Earl of the lands that had been predated upon by the creature – Yorkshire. Blackmoore later founded a zoo in the province, with the creature he had captured becoming its first inhabitant.

	Since then, any child of the Earl or Countess of Yorkshire who wishes to have the right to inherit the title for themselves must first prove themselves by making a great contribution to the Blackmoore zoo. The one who makes the greatest contribution shall inherit the title when the current holder passes away.