The Elves are very honorable race. They base a lot of their cultural identity upon loyalty to their god, clan, and people. They have a very stratified social network that is extremely hard to move upward through. Hard, but not impossible. The social Ladder with description is listed below: 1)The Emperor/Empress - Though the political powers of the monarchy is not what they once were during the time of Queens, they still hold a lot of power. They can not disregard fully the wishes of the council elders, but they can disrupt matters. The powers of the monarchy is not absolute but is incredible considered to most. They are considered the highest position within the elvish lands. 2)The Great Council/Council of Elders - the great council hold most of the political power of the empire and is led by leaders of the various noble houses. There are no non elves upon it. Within the council there is the High Mage, First Speaker, and Lord General. The powers and responsibility of those positions are discussed in other sections. 3)Generals, High Clerics/ Monks, Head of Noble House - The generals of the armies, high ranking clerics and monks (14th - 20th level) of the elvish gods, and the various head of noble houses hold this prestigious rank. 4) Military Officers, Mid Level Clerics/Monks, Unicorns, Pegusi, Griffon Knights/Knights, members of greater houses and Heads of Lesser Noble Houses and those the crown has knighted for recognized service to the realm. The Military is highly looked upon and to be an officer is an accomplishment, as such it is recognized and respect. Mid Level Clerics/Monks (9th - 13th level) are seen as dedicated to their cause and thus seen as holy individuals spreading the word. Unicorns and Pegusi are seen as a having direct connection to the gods and are thought of as the only races they may ascend to become one with the gods. The heads of lesser non Noble house, these are families that own quite a bit of land, but have not been recognized as nobles, but hold respect from their vast wealth. Having a recognized family is a great accomplishment. 5)The Army/Guard caste and members of lesser houses--This is the level of those that have dedicated their life into the service of protecting the people. Low level Clerics/ Monks (1st - 8th level) these individuals are the front line of helping the poor and the sick. Their tireless work does not go unnoticed. 6)Commoners - This is the majority of the population. Farmers, laborers, and low level craftsmen. 7)Merchants - Though there are merchants that are seen as nobles, and head of families, the overall business of selling things are seen as lowly. It is thought that such individual were not able to create, raise or produce objects. Though members of the society will become merchants, especially though that wish to travel outside the environs of the elvish land and gain money, it is a frowned upon profession. Some merchants do raise themselves up to being recognized as heads of their family, and a very few has eventually been able to petition for noble status by having their houses recognized as a lesser house. Wizards, fighters and other class members are seen a members of their hereditary caste. Though they can petition to be accepted as a higher caste and elevate their family's name. A singular person bringing renown to their house is not usually seen as merit to elevate the entire house. The heraldry of houses are very standardized and it is easy to tell if a house is of the Grey/Mountain, High , or Wood simply by the shape of their shield and their sigil. For the Grey Elves/Mountain Elves: This shape is referred to as fancy. The High Elves: Elegant And Wood Elves: Crescent
