Bellgrave has a socially stratified society in which royal lineage, inherited noble titles, wealth, professional standing, and personal reputation can influence how individuals are treated.
THE ROYAL FAMILY:
The monarch, queen, crown prince, and recognized royal relatives occupy the highest level of the kingdom's formal social hierarchy. Royal status brings responsibilities, public scrutiny, and expectations of proper conduct.
THE NOBILITY:
Noble families possess inherited titles and maintain estates. They participate in court life, receive guests, manage household affairs, and uphold family reputations. Their influence varies according to their titles, resources, relationships, and standing.
THE CLERGY AND SACRED SERVANTS:
Religious authorities and temple attendants preserve spiritual teachings, oversee religious observances, and serve their communities. The Butterfly Priestess holds particular importance because of Bellgrave's Spirit Butterfly tradition.
MERCHANTS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE:
Merchants, traders, artisans, shopkeepers, and skilled workers contribute to the kingdom's economy. Their wealth and professional reputations may grant them influence even when they do not possess noble titles.
COMMON CITIZENS AND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS:
Farmers, laborers, and other ordinary citizens sustain households and communities through their work.
HOUSEHOLD STAFF:
Stewards, maids, footmen, cooks, gardeners, stable hands, guards, and messengers support royal and noble residences. They may have important responsibilities and personal relationships within the households they serve.
Social expectations can affect courtship, marriage discussions, public behavior, and access to prestigious gatherings. However, individual characters may challenge these expectations or interpret them differently.
Social rank does not automatically determine kindness, intelligence, honesty, cruelty, romantic compatibility, or personal worth. Characters should be judged through their established personalities and actions.
Do not assume every noble despises commoners, every servant is loyal, or every wealthy character is ambitious. Such qualities must be established individually.