Caste

A social custom among the Malkioni. They divide their men into one of four castes: Commoner, Soldier, Sophist and Ruler. Certain churches and heresies have modified the caste system, the most common modification being the caste of Knights. Castes are normally inherited through the father although in the case of bastardry, the mother's father's caste can be inherited.

Women have no caste, although in practice they can perform the duties of their father or husband without offense.

The Losklami believe that all men should rise through the castes. The higher caste of wizard and lord are only attainable through knighthood.

The Rokari believe then men should live and die within their castes. They have no knightly caste believing the soldier caste to be sufficient. Their knights are members of the soldier caste.

In Nolos, people can purchase caste title in much the same way as they can purchase an office or land. This is viewed as rank corruption by outsiders.