diff --git a/nucypher/characters/lawful.py b/nucypher/characters/lawful.py
index 92e7d835f..212e2f8ab 100644
--- a/nucypher/characters/lawful.py
+++ b/nucypher/characters/lawful.py
@@ -392,7 +392,7 @@ class Bob(Character):
         return cleartexts
 
 
-class Ursula(Character, VerifiableNode, Miner):
+class Ursula(VerifiableNode, Character, Miner):
     _internal_splitter = BytestringSplitter((int, 4, {'byteorder': 'big'}),
                                             Signature,
                                             VariableLengthBytestring,
diff --git a/nucypher/network/nodes.py b/nucypher/network/nodes.py
index 29efc295e..822b2f5eb 100644
--- a/nucypher/network/nodes.py
+++ b/nucypher/network/nodes.py
@@ -222,6 +222,10 @@ class Learner:
         for node in stored_nodes:
             self.remember_node(node)
 
+    def sorted_nodes(self):
+        nodes_to_consider = list(self.known_nodes.values())
+        return sorted(nodes_to_consider, key=lambda n: n.checksum_public_address)
+
     def remember_node(self, node, force_verification_check=False):
 
         if node == self:  # No need to remember self.
@@ -623,6 +627,10 @@ class VerifiableNode:
         certificate = tls_hosting_power.keypair.certificate
         return cls(certificate=certificate, certificate_filepath=certificate_filepath, *args, **kwargs)
 
+    def sorted_nodes(self):
+        nodes_to_consider = list(self.known_nodes.values()) + [self]
+        return sorted(nodes_to_consider, key=lambda n: n.checksum_public_address)
+
     def _stamp_has_valid_wallet_signature(self):
         signature_bytes = self._evidence_of_decentralized_identity
         if signature_bytes is constants.NOT_SIGNED: