Caste System of The Kal-A-Nar Empire
ZOVOS-DAIR-AZ (Supreme Warlord, Emperor) Currently Harkor ki Doman
VOS-DAIR-AZ (Grand Warlords)
There are three of these: Farak ki Doman (Harkor's brother), commanding the West; Jolokas ki Harkor (Harkor's son, named after the first Emperor), who commands the Heart (the north-central region); and Unikon ki Yolot, who commands the East. There was a fourth, who commanded the South. Since the Tantor-voshnos ("The Dread Betrayal"), when the Vas-Dair-Az m' Surnas (Grand Warlord of the South) declared the Eternal Desert his own, there has never been a replacement. It is said that the Emperor has declared the title go to whomever brings him the head of Soman ki Akara, the Ruler of the Eternal Desert.
The Vos-Dair-Az are considered Az-ri (High Lords). They command the vos-daizars, the over-armies of the Empire.
AZ-RI (High Lords)
The highest caste of nobility. They rule over regions, though if they are not themselves Warlords, they are considered lesser than the Warlord that serves that region by most.
DAIR-AZ (Warlords)
These are the commanders of the daizars, the war clans of the Empire. Many Dair-az serve also as Az-Fal, and are considered to be of that caste of nobility.
AZ-FAL (Lords)
The middle rank of nobility. Az-Fal rule over city-states, or else they oversee regions of more rural areas.
DAIR-KAN (War Commanders)
This is the rank of those who command kantors, the largest unit within a daizar (essentially, a division). Dair-kan are considered Az-Dren.
AZ-DREN (Demi-lords)
This is the lowest rank of nobility in the Empire. At best, they rule over towns. In most cases, however, they are in other bureaucratic positions that are too important or of too much status for non-nobility. Of course, there are many Az-dren that are either in the military or otherwise little more than "window dressing" in the Imperial Court.
Az-dren is the highest caste a female may ever achieve.
DAIR-GOL (War Leaders)
This is the next rank down. Dair-gol usually command yanar, brigade-level units in the daizars.
DAIR-ENDAR (War Chieftan)
The next lower rank, often found commanding ultors, the battalion-level units of the daizar
SADAR-NOM ("Celebrated Name," a High non-lord)
Sadar-nom is the highest caste attainable by anyone not of noble blood. Celebrated heroes, great artisans, or very successful merchants are often elevated to this caste. The Emperor must approve any such appointment.
DAIR-KRON (War Captain)
The rank of those found in command of company-level units.
ANDAK-GOL (Battle Leader)
The lowest officer rank in the daizars (the equivalent of a lieutenant). The units they normally command are called mantas.
VOS-FANAR (High Merchants/Bureaucrats)
These are the truly successful merchants that have attained great wealth. Usually, this caste is only attained through inheritance and blood, though it is possible to be awarded this caste. This caste also represents the highest non-noble functionaries of the government.
VOS-INIKAR (High Artisans/Craftsmen)
Only the greatest and most successful of their craft attain this caste, although the caste is hereditary. Only certain crafts are considered worthy of the caste, such as weaponsmiths, armorers, builders, and the like.
MAS-GOL (Squad Leader)
These are the "sergeants" of the daizars. They lead units called mas.
DREN-FANAR (Low Merchants/Bureaucrats)
DREN-INIKAR (Low Artisans/Craftsmen)
ANDAK-TOR (Soldier, "Battle Sword")
These are the rank-and-file troops of the daizars.
THOMARIN (Farming Landowner)
DREMARIN (Retainer/Servant/Worker)
VOS-ULIN (High Slave)
Gladiators, noble servants, and those that work within upper-level positions with some responsibility are of this caste. Vos-ulin are treated relatively well and are valued by their owners.
DREN-ULIN (Low Slave)