As is typical with Theodish tribes, every member of our society is given a rank to reflect their position. One’s rank determines one’s position at some of our rituals. Movement from one rank to another is accompanied by ceremony, and is decided by the lord of the tribe with the advice of his counselors, and the wishes of the tribe as a whole also factor in.
Guest: Anyone who is coming to a gathering for the first time is considered a guest.
Goodfolk: Those who are uninterested in formally joining the tribe, but who are welcome at our gatherings, are collectively titled goodfolk.
Thrall: Those who have entered into a period of probationary learning with the intent of formally joining the tribe are known as thralls. This is very similar to the modern concept of apprenticeship. They are expected to bear the brunt of physical labor at events, as well as learning the lore of our ancestors and the customs of our tribe. They are considered “unfree” and without personal honor during this time, which allows them to make mistakes without reflecting on the tribe as a whole, or harming the Luck of the tribe, which is jealously protected. Each thrall is apprenticed to an oathed tribesman who is responsible for the thrall’s education, as well as any mistakes the thrall makes. A thrall can leave thralldom at any time without injury or stain on the honor of the tribe or the thrall, which is by design to maintain protection for all involved.
Karl: These are the regular folk, the everyday members of the tribe that make up the backbone of any society. These are the freedmen and -women, who have proven their worth through a period of thralldom. They have been accepted into our tribe as valued members, as well as have chosen to contribute their efforts to the furtherance of the organization as a whole, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. The majority of the folk will fall into this category, much as in secular life the majority of the folk are just living their life and doing their jobs as a part of the larger community. The Karl is the proverbial “salt of the earth” regardless of their chosen path or calling within the tribe.
Bondi: A bondi is a karl who has proven him- or herself to have a calling for leadership and/or project management within the organization. They actively contribute to achieving the goals of the tribe, and have shown leadership qualities either in general or in specific arenas (similar to artisan guilds and such). They take initiative on a consistent basis, they volunteer when tasks need doing, and they have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the well-being of the tribe. The priesthood and many other offices are filled by the bondi.
Thane: A Thane is one of the personal retainers of the Lord of the tribe. Thanes not only host events and advise the lord, but share his long-term vision for the direction for the tribe, have demonstrated deep knowledge, and have many years of experience in a Theodish environment. Thaneship within our organization is usually reserved for those who also have taken on responsibility for their tribesmen by having men in hold, and being accountable for speeding their careers and helping them attain the next level toward their full potential. This is about peer and subordinate development, as well as helping tribesmen move forward where it is appropriate.
Lord: The sacral leader of the tribe. Leadership within the Theodish model is a life of service to Gods, Ancestors, and the Folk. The proverbial “Buck” stops here, and all actions and interaction both FOR and WITH Gods, ancestors, wights, and the Folk are the responsibility of the Lord. The lord serves as the focus of the interactions between the tribe as a whole and the Gods, acting as the conduit that manages the gift exchange of might, maegns, speed, and raed between the tribe and the Holy Powers.