Bondsmen: The serfs. These people are bound to land, and are little more than property. They are not slaves, precisely, but they have few rights, and they are part of the land in law. If a noble is given a land grant, the bonds come with it. In exchange for their loyalty their Lord is supposed to ensure their safety and survival. Some Lords are more lenient than others. About 80 percent of the population are bonds. A bond who joins the priesthood becomes a Freeman, as does a Bond who serves twenty years in the Army or Navy, but permission is required of the Lord to do this. Bonds can also be compelled to join the military, at the Lords (or the Kings) Will. Finally, any Lord, or their Steward can free a Bond, if they choose.
Freemen: A freeman is someone who has the right to travel and live where they please. Most are bound to a particular Lord, but they can normally transfer their allegiance as they choose. Most of the residents of towns and cities are freemen. Freemen may be poor, or rich, some of the free merchants are among the richest people in the land, but they are first and foremost free.
Gentry: The Gentry are the Knights, and senior Priests of the Kingdom. While they normally have titles these titles are non hereditary. This is the highest rank that anyone of known Orcish blood may ever achieve. Any ruling Lord may raise a person to the Gentry.
Nobility: The nobility are those people possessed of Hereditary titles and their families. These people rule cities and fiefs, and hold a great deal of power. They may be vassals to senior nobles who they must serve, but in return receive their protection. There are an array of different degrees of Nobility which are outlined below:
Baron: The lowest rank of nobility. A female of this rank is a Baroness. They are addressed as Milord or Milady, and their eldest son (or daughter, if there are no sons) has the courtesy title of Lord (or Lady). Other children have no titles, but are automatically considered Gentry. A baron may rule a Barony, although some are merely Court Barons, and have no land, merely the title.
Count: The next rank of nobility. A female of this rank is a Countess. The should be formally address as My Lord, or My Lady. All children hold the courtesy rank of Lord or Lady, but except in the case of the heir, their children have no title (although they are gentry). A Count normally rules a County, although Court Counts are possible.
Duke: The highest rank of nobility in Helgraad. A female of this rank is a Duchess. They are formally addressed as Your Grace, but may be address as My Lord, or My Lady. They are referred to by the King as 'Cousin' and they may use this form of address to the King. Their children are afforded the courtesy title of Lord or Lady, and the Heir is often given the courtesy rank of Baron over one of his fathers lesser towns (the son of the Duke of Braeburg, for example is James, Baron Selmia, but he has no actual power). A Duke nearly always rules a Duchy. No Court Duke outside the Royal family has ever been created.
King: The ruler of the Kingdom. A female of this rank is a Queen. They are both addressed as 'Your Majesty', or 'Sire'. Dukes may address them as 'Cousin.' Their children hold the rank of Princes and Princesses and are addressed as 'Your Highness'. The Heir is properly addressed as 'Your Royal Highness'. The King has the power to make laws and compel obedience. He may also create or remove nobles.
Soldier
Corporal
Sergerant
Sergeant Major
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Colonel
General
Marshall
Navy Rank
Seaman
Able Seaman
Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
Lieutenant
Commander
Captain
Commodore
Admiral
Fleet Admiral
Most people of the rank of Sergeant Major (Chief Petty Officer) and below are commoners, either Freemen or Bonds. Those of the rank of Lieutenant or above, are normally Gentry or Nobles, as they normally join at this rank. It is possible to purchase any rank between Lieutenant and Major (Naval Captain). The ranks of Marshall, and Fleet Admiral are normally reserved for the Royal Family. Virtually all officers of Colonel or Commodore are at least Knights, and those who reach General or Admiral are likely to be made Nobles.
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