Ruling Caste - the most difficult caste to gain entry into. One cannot be born into the ruling caste, but must be elected to it by a majority of the ruling council. Only members of this caste may aspire to a position on the ruling council. Most of the members of the ruling caste are selected from the leading individuals in the sacred or scholarly castes. Occasionally, a leading warrior may be elevated to the ruling caste. Members of the caste are generally addressed by the honorary title of prince or princess. Responsibilities of individual members include various types of planning, allocation of resources and administration of the many segments of this complex society. Examples: oversight of public building projects, roads, waterways, viaducts and so forth, management of resources including food, water, metals, stone, clay etc., management of the military (armies and navies), oversight of commerce and the economy, and the allocation of physical assets such as ships and buildings. Basically, members of the ruling caste are the bosses of this world.
Sacred Caste - keepers of the sacred wisdom, and spiritual advisors to all the people. Members of this caste are usually attached to one of the temples and are dedicated to a specific deity. There are a few elders who master the knowledge of the entire pantheon and these are held in the highest regard. Many of the members come from ruling caste parentage, but there are also those who distinguish themselves in theological studies to ascend to the sacred caste. There are many that attempt access to this caste but fail, some becoming scholars, while others must settle for a lower caste. Members of this caste are always referred to as priests and priestesses, and the elders as high priests and high priestesses.
Scholar Caste - the researchers, thinkers and teachers of this society. Members of this caste must have high intelligence and the ability to focus their intellectual activities to some useful end. Most are specialists in some branch of study. Teachers must be knowledgeable on a broad range of topics. Again, many of the members come from ruling caste parentage, but the caste can also be attained by those of lower birth who are highly intelligent and willing to apply themselves. Examples: mechanical engineers, architects, ship designers, alchemists, apothecaries, astrologers, navigators, physicians, teachers, tutors, litigators, advisors, and practitioners of the arcane arts.
Warrior Caste - the defenders of the state. This caste has its own hierarchy, very similar to that seen in military organizations to this very day (i.e. a chain of command). The highest ranking members are referred to as counts (or on the rare occasion, countesses). Rank is obtained through years of service and notable deeds. This is the caste that is most often the avenue for social advancement. Members must distinguish themselves through their physical prowess, often exhibited in competitive sporting events held in conjunction with the high feasts. Examples: guards, soldiers, officers, counts etc.
Builder Caste - the construction laborers of this society. Unlike the higher castes, the builders and craftsmen caste are, to a great extent, composed of the offspring of other builders and craftsmen. The skills needed are seen as largely hereditary and fathers often teach their sons the skills of their trade. Some manual dexterity and good strength are needed to succeed in the builder caste. Intelligent and industrious members of the worker caste are sometimes admitted as well. Some members of this caste are rejects from the scholar and warrior castes. Examples: masons, ship builders, carpenters etc.
Craftsmen Caste - similar to the builder caste and nearly equal in the hierarchy. Membership is as described for the builder caste, but craftsmen must have above average manual dexterity rather than good strength (in most cases). Examples: artisans, clothiers, tanners, metalsmiths, potters, jewelers, musicians, weaponsmiths, cooks etc.
Worker Caste - the largest caste, consisting of low-skilled laborers. Members of this caste perform most of the menial labor under the oversight of members of the high castes. Examples: farmers, herdsmen, miners, lumbermen, merchant mariners, prostitutes etc. Slave Caste - captives and criminals, the lowest of the low.
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