Class

	Social Classes in Aelyria "Life could really be worse, I would imagine. There are tales that the citizens from beyond the Empire rarely eat meat - I could never imagine not being able to go to the market to buy what our family needs. Of course, the taxes could always be lower. Last night, I attended the village Solstace Banquet and danced with the Lord's daughter. I would travel more, if I weren't so worried about the tolls over the roads. A bit much these taxes." -Maros Felnor, "Random Diary Ramblings"

(This doument refers to social classes in Aelyrian society.)

Aelyrians have been categorically grouped into what are called 'Curia', or social classes, within the Empire. These Social Classes are determined on the basis of merit or wealth, whether new or old. In the end, there is no denying that people can move throughout the social classes at their own will -- social mobility is more the rule in Aelyria than the exception. The following list ranks the classes in decreasing order of significance.

Aliares
The highest members of the nobility are known as the Aliares. Only consisting of members of the Imperial Family, and the Imperial and Royal Houses -- determined by their age, duration in existence, and general wealth and power. Aliares can only be declared so by the Church and a consensus amongst the other houses. (singular, "Alius" or "Alia")

Nobiles
Members of the Aelyrian houses of nobility - on the general level - are called Nobiles. These citizens are those to whom titles and land have been issued, either by the Crown (the Aliares) or by another high-ranking noble, such as a governor. Nobiles are established when their families have accumulated a certain amount of wealth, status, and power and are considered the back-bone structure of Aelyrian society. (singular, "Nobile")

Milites
The 'Sword of the Empire', members of the Milites class are salaried, high-ranking officers and soldiers in the Aelyrian Military. Highly educated and specifically trained for their course, Milites can easily advance to positions of great power over long periods of dedicated service in combat. (singular, "Milite")

Officiles
Although technically a mixture of the other classes, the Officiles are elected or appointed members serving either in one of the Imperial Government's many branches, or in a position of territorial administration off in one of the distant regions of the Empire. Officiles are usually scholars and tacticians whose specialties include politics, finance, internal affairs, and diplomacy. (singular, "Officile")

Audaciles
Those belonging to the Audaciles class are considered adventurers of all sorts. With their education varying, Audaciles can perform a number of tasks and attain great fame and glory for the Empire. Audaciles are the champions of honor, faith, and glory. The clergy are also considered in this class. (singular, "Audax")

Mercantiles
Citizens belonging to trade or merchant guilds, and whose education is limited to a single specialization as opposed to the broad, generalized spectrum preferred by most Aelyrians, are considered Mercantiles. They peddle goods throughout the Empire in caravans or stationary shoppes. (singular, "Mercantis")

Cives
The standard citizen of the Aelyrian Empire is considered a Cives - the lowest class. Those who require education and training fit nicely into this category, and can easily specialize on the basis of merit to 'evolve' into one of the higher classes. (singular, "Civis")

Barbari
Foreigners and non-citizens are considered uncivilized savages and heathens. The phrase "Barbari" originates from the Imperial word for beard (barba) as wearing a beard was, in the early days of the Empire, considered base. Because foreigners are believed to have lesser intelligence and educational upbringing, most 'Barbari' are denied the basic rights and freedoms that Imperial citizens enjoy and are regularly enslaved, despite the Imperial ban on Slavery. Only nations which meet the Empire's "standards", and thus, hold an embassy with Aelyria, are spared the ridicule of having its citizens tormented within Aelyrian borders. (singular, "Barbarus" or "Barbara")