Social Classes of Adylheim

Written by The Mad Professor Adylheim has no equality principle, there is nothing saying that all are born equal or that everyone has equal rights. Rights are handed out on a basis of status in society; a noble killing a freeman will be dealt with differently than a freeman killing a noble. The women of Adylheim are usually treated as equal to, but different from the men. While most options are theoretically open to them, women are rarely found in jobs which require brawn such as blacksmithing. Though there are all female military corps, they are usually the exception, not the rule. Women still enjoy a great deal of freedom and are not so much restrained from entering these roles as one might expect.

Classes in Society
The Rulers: Rulers are those people placed at the top of society. Their might and their rights depend on the exact fiefdom.

The Aristocracy: The aristocracy are often divided into two groups; the sword nobles and the sceptre nobles. The sword nobles became nobles mainly through military service and fighting and are often found serving in armies and groups of similar function. Sceptre nobles are descendants of functionaries and rich noblemen who have bought their nobility either through lengthy servitude as officials or simply with money in times of need. The amount of power they wield will differ from fiefdom to fiefdom.

The Priests: Priests are those who have chosen the path of the gods. They are often on par with the lower aristocracy in power though it depends on several factors.

The Officials: Officials come in a range of capacities and powers, though they usually answer directly to the ruler or a noble. While officials are occasionally noble, they are usually not. Some have been known to gain titles through their work as officials.

The Magi: Magi are set apart from the rest of the world. They usually live in separate enclaves, commonly towers, and rarely mix with those outside of them. As such their communities are often insular and unaware of outside occurrences. Of course, it would be a mistake to think that magi are ignorant; some take great pains to keep apprised of the world outside their enclaves, but few keep their attention on it. Outside of their enclaves, magi are often found in courts alongside hedgemages. They are often vital in keeping communications going across fiefdoms.

The Merchants: Rich merchants form an influential and upwardly mobile social class. Though they are usually bundled in with freemen in legislation, they usually have more of an influence and often become minor sceptre nobles.

The Craftsmen: Those who specialize in crafts and skills are classed as craftsmen. In city legislation they are often given certain advantages over others. Craftsmen are usually only found in cities and towns. Freemen: Freemen are free men, usually used as a name for the bottom rung on the social ladder. They are often poor and perform the menial functions in day to day society. Freemen can also be serfs or indentured servants who are free only in name.

Slaves: Those owned by others, slaves are usually protected by law, their actions the responsibility of their owners. While they often perform the most menial of jobs, they can also be quite privileged.