Summary
The Aerustan Nialir is a feudal society that governs the
Snowborn Kiari living under the Aerustan mountain ranges in a series of natural and unnatural caverns that wind beneath the northern region. Although the structure Aerustan society is built on is in itself rigid the lordships recognize no single royal bloodline, instead the caverns are controlled by the Varheim, a few of who have sworn fealty to one of the four recognized Arlir-Varheim, who are similar to kings.
Structure
Like all feudal structures the society of the Aerustan Nialir is broken up into social casts, specifically four. These tiers are the Panirly (Peasantry), Greimarim (Lesser Nobility or pseudo nobles), Meserim (Higher Nobility and the children of Royalty) and the Varheisdirim (Royalty). These are in turn broken into titles which together form the structure of society.
Greimarim
The Greimarim are the lowest section of the nobility, and are those of noble blood or high social standing. The lowest of the Greimarim are the Greida who are similar in role to the knights of western nations and serve directly under the Arlir Greida or higher. They maintain order, manage town watches and help gather recruits for armies. Above the Greida are the Lihur-Greida, who manage small towns under the Meseir. Sometimes they are elected by a township, but this would depend on the leniency of the Meseir. Highest of the Greimarim are the Arlir-Greida, who are often called great knights by foreigners. The Arlir-Greida run the militaries of the Arlir-Meseir and Meseir.
Meserim
The Meserim are the middle rung of nobility, and are often the highest in society or the offspring of greater nobles. They maintain small-mid sized stone lodges, or large offshoot towns. Most of the Meserim are called the Meseir, equivalent to earls. If the Mesir gains the fealty of enough Lihur-Greida they are considered Arlir-Meseir, similar to marcher lords or marques.
Varheisdirim
The Varheisdirim are the highest of nobility, and are considered the true royalty of Aerust. This tier of society are mostly made up of Varheim, equivelant to dukes, however four self professed Arlir-Varheim do exist (at least four who have any validity). The self claimed Arlir-Varheim do not all rule a number of Varheim, however all four recognised Arlir-Varheim have at least two Varheim to vouch for them. Under the Arlir-Varheim, and even independent Varheim, are their Iniri who are heirs without any specific title. The Varheim rule from the larger stone lodges in Aerust, the most impressive are often ruled by Arlir-Varheim.
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