FAQ

The Social Structure of the Fane

What follows is a very brief overview of the social structure of the Troimoira's Fane region, including an explanation of the most commonly used titles. Keep in mind that the titles used here are those used by most of the races of the region. The Elanii, Ythaldin and Gnomes use different titles, particularly in areas where they are the most prominent race.

The lowest position in society is occupied by the slaves. Most races still use the conventions of criminal slaves (those convicted of a crime). However, only the Elanii still maintain slavery as a hereditary social condition - that is they still breed people into slavery. Most Elanii slaves are now Orcs, Half-Orcs and Halflings.

Slaves have no rights, and are generally not considered to be people at all. They are property that the owner can use and dispose of as he wishes.

Barely above the condition of the slaves are serfs. Serfs are tied to the land and have very few rights and little freedom. They cannot leave the lord's lands, marry or change occupation without the lord's permission. They cannot carry arms without their lord's say.

The serf's condition is both complicated and sometimes alleviated by the fact that the political situation in the Fane is very unsettled. Lands change hands frequently, as powerful warlords invade the lands of a weak Baron or a lord falls from favour with his liege lord. Many serfs manage to escape their condition in the confusion. If a serf can remain free for a year and a day, he is considered to have earned his freedom, but many lords will actively pursue an escaped serf.

Ceorls are landed peasantry. They either own their own land or rent it from the lord. Although they have much more freedom than a serf (including the right to bare arms) they still share the burden owed to the local lord - paid as taxes (usually in kind) and sometimes in military service.

Most townspeople are ceorls (and all PCs are assumed to be as well). Within the largest towns, tradesmen have started to gain more power by organising themselves into guilds.

Thanes are free retainers. Their position can be inherited, or it can be earned through valuable service rendered to the lord.

There are effectively two classes of Thane. Higher ranking Thanes serve only a King or a Baron, but it is also possible for high ranking clergyman, Ealdermen or even other Thanes to maintain such retainers.

Thanes are the nobility of Fane society, and they have a lot of privileges. But most of them earn these through long years of labour in the service of their lord - and this is most usually service in warfare.

Ealdermen are Thanes that a Baron, King or clergyman has given control of a particular settlement or region. They act as their lord's agent, collecting taxes, keeping the peace, and maintaining the laws. Ealdermen can hold a lot of power, particularly if they are settled a long way from their lord.

Barons are landed lords, and over much of the Fane, they hold the ultimate power. Although Baronies are usually inherited, most Barons have to hold onto their lands through military might, and a weak Baron falls quickly. It is also quite possible for a man to earn the title of Baron, by seizing and holding lands and forcing other landowners to acknowledge his position.

Some wandering warlords style themselves as Barons, and a few rival the true Barons in power.

In Troimoira's Fane, a King usually claims leadership over a people, rather than a geographical area (although the two can mean the same thing). Kings also often claim to be descended from, or representatives of gods.

A king will usually command the fealty of a number of lesser vassals, including Barons.

It is now rare for a leader to have the confidence and power to give himself the title of King. It seems to be most common among Dwarves, with the rulers of both Denhalla and Kirkwood claiming the title. However, the descendants of Ceawlin and Cwichelm still call themselves Kings of the Nymet, though they hold very little real power.