I think it would be interesting if a General / Ruler could give awards to Characters - perhaps similar to the awards listed on a family page, except directly associated with the character.
Maybe they would only be available directly after a large battle or something like that?
Sandalak has a great hall of fame going on on the Wiki, but I guess it would be nice if there was a mechanic that could recognize and offer ruler or general reward options in game. Maybe a building in a capital that is hall of honor or some such where names and battles can be entered automatically, this would also add to a realms history and give newer players something to aim for as a specific dimension.
Could even include members of government who pass a year in office or something so other aspects of the game apart from war success are considerations.