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--- consolidated:hann_empire:regions:westland:social_structure [2026/03/12 16:29] – johnb
+++ consolidated:hann_empire:regions:westland:social_structure [2026/03/24 13:11] (current) – [Social Structure] johnb
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 Everybody has a place in society, from the highest to the lowest.  In Westland, everyone has some rights and responsibilities - although not everyone is equal.  The list of rights and responsibilities will grow, as I work them out  :)
-  - **Lord Rignal vanFroog** is the current ruler of Westland.  He is one of the Sovereign Lords of The Strongholds and one of the peers of the King of Stilan.  He manages to eastern province from his stronghold at Hudley.
+  - **Lord Rignal vanFroog** is the current ruler of Westland.  He is one of the Sovereign Lords of The Strongholds and one of the peers of the King of Stilan.  He manages the eastern province from his stronghold at Hudley.
-  - **The Governor** (Sir Preston Mexon, a proven administrator and a minor member of the Melange royal family) oversees the western province, based at Westhaven, on behalf of Lord Rignal.  Mainly responsible for Expansion, Taxes and the Guard/Military units in the town/region.
+  - **The Governor** (Sir Preston Mexon, a proven administrator and a minor member of the Melange royal family) based at Westhaven, he oversees the western province, on behalf of Lord Rignal.  Mainly responsible for Expansion, Taxes and the Guard/Military units in the town/region.
-  - **Knight/Dominus** – Military / civilian aristocratic award.  (probably the highest ranks awarded by Lord Rignal)  In Westland these are fairly rare.
+  - **Knight of Westland** – Military & Civilian aristocratic award, and the highest ranks awarded by Lord Rignal.  Normally awarded for good service to the state, either as a military leader, senior administrator or exceptional business person (including developing new settlements). In Westland, Hereditary Knights are fairly rare. Knights are often given senior jobs, called on to hold Law courts, lead the military in times, or perform similar, important, services. Most are Lifetime awards, although some are be given as a hereditary award, in which case a small land grant made alongside the title.
-  - **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, etc,
+  - **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.
-  - **Citizen** – recognised as an established member of the population, either through wealth or service.  Qualification:  Miliary Officer (Sgt Upwards); Joureneyman Crafter or Professional (recognised by the guild); Service to Lord Rignal/Governor.  Citizens get to Vote for Mayor and are eligible to buy  (rather than lease) land.
+  - **Burgher** - a land 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.
-  - **Residents** – Anyone registered with the local Guild, militia, military or similar service.  Most of these are ex-soldiers, apprentice level crafters/professionals or something similar.  Little in the way of extra rights -  however, there is a recognition there.  They are registered somewhere and part for the state.  They are able to Lease land from Lord Rignal
+  - **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 and (in times of need) the whole of Westland, either by personal service, or financial support. They are also eligible to buy (rather than lease) land - however this is not automatic, and is subject to approval by The Governor/Lord Rignal - this is the promotion route to Burgher.
+  - **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 are able to Lease land or property from Lord Rignal and start a regulated business - this is the promotion route to Citizen.
   - **Others** -  whoever is left.  Next to no rights, except for access to the law, etc.
+===== Law =====
+Disputes are settled by a Judicial Panel of three 'worthy' people - and the higher the status of the case, the higher the status of the panel members.  The makeup of the panel is set locally, and often involves the three most senior people in the region.  However, they don't need to appear in person and may appoint appropriate deputies to act on their behalf.  However, at least one of a sitting panel must be of a higher social status than anyone involved in the case.  Governors, Knights, Mayors, Guild Masters, Deputy Governors and Priests are commonly appointed to judicial panels.
+They are required to follow the guidelines laid out in [[https://rp.baileymail.net/doku.php?id=library:lex_gasgana|The Lex Gasgana]]