Everybody has a place in society, from the highest to the lowest, and in my game world it is based European Nobility. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t democratic societies – however, they are rare and often only have a very limited electorate.

They ‘own’ a whole country, set the rules, collect the taxes, etc. They might be called Emperor, King, Queen, Duke, Prince, Lord or whatever they choose! In a democracy, this might be a President, or Government.

Nobles make decisions that affect regions – such as a barony, shire or province. You should probably call them My Lord - although some prefer to be called Sir / Ma’am.

1. Baron A catch-all title for hereditary nobles who own a lot of land - their actual title might be Baron, Earl, Count, Graf – or anything similar. They can influence sovereigns.
2. Governor/Sheriff/Burgraf Lifetime nobles, who hold the title directly from their sovereign. They might be junior members of a noble family, or a dominus in their own right. In a democracy, this is liable to be a governor, appointed by the central government, or elected by their local aristocrats.

Aristocrats make decisions that can affect a local community, and can often influence Nobles. They are all entitled to be called Sir or Ma’am.

1. Dominus - A minor noble who owns a village or an area of land, where they are entitled to collect some taxes. It had many equivalents in the European feudal system – some of which still survive in some form: Lord of the Manor, Laird, Seigneur, Edler, Vavasour.
2. Knight – Military & Civilian aristocratic award, awarded for good service to the state, either as a military leader, senior administrator or exceptional businessperson. The title is only valid for the lifetime of the recipient who is often given senior appointments, such as magistrate, deputy governors, or regimental leader.. For exceptional service, a Knight might be awarded a small patch of land, and elevated to Dominus.
3. Mayor / Guild-Master Elected by their Peers as leaders. Along with Governors, they co-rule Major settlements. Guild-Masters (elected by their Master crafters/professionals) are responsible for craft quality, crafts, professions and trade. Mayors levy local taxes and care for public buildings, infrastructure local services. They are 'leaders of their people' and good service may well lead to a life-time Knighthood, for Services to their Community.

The vast majority of the population of any nation, city or state. Few have any influence, although Citizens and Burghers have some influencer on local decision making.

1. Burgher - a property-owning Citizen - they have the same rights and responsibilities as Citizen, but own land. They are eligible to stand for the position of Mayor or Guild Master. Land is expensive, and only the most successful citizens can afford to rise to the Bourgeoisie.
2. Citizen – recognised as an established member of the population, either through wealth or service. Qualification: Miliary Officer (Lt. Upwards); Master Crafter or Professional (recognised by the guild & owning a 'regulated' business); or exceptional service to the state. Citizens get to Vote for Mayor and, in return, they commit to help defend their City, either by personal service, or financial support. They are also eligible to buy (rather than lease) property - however this is not an automatic right and is subject to approval by the local noble.
3. Residents – Anyone registered with the local Guild, militia, military or similar service. There is little in the way of extra rights - however, there is a recognition there. They are registered somewhere and part for the state. Residents with Journeyman or Sergeant status can lease property and start a regulated business.
4. Others - whoever is left. Next to no rights, except for access to the law, etc.