Aristocrat

An Aristocrat in one of the Three Worlds is any member of the ruling class. The status may be achieved or ascribed, resulting in varying levels of actual power and influence among aristocrats. The Commonfolk are on the opposite end of the class spectrum.

Many non-aristocrats have adopted two distinct stereotypes about achieved aristocrats and ascribed aristocrats, even though such stereotypes do not always apply to or accurately reflect the individual.

Types of Status
The two main types of Aristocrat are Achieved and Ascribed. These terms are mentioned early on in the story, and are a recurring theme throughout. The actual terms are still used when referring to how the aristocrat attained their status.

Aristocrats that are new to their status are considered to be "skrubs". Skrubs are not considered qualified to be true aristocrats until they have held their status for some time. This may be because some individuals achieve the status for a short time but cannot sustain their activity. Other cases include children born to aristocrat parents, thereby being assigned the title but having no real control.

The most powerful aristocrats are predominantly male; key exceptions being the Northern Isles and West Coast of the End World.

Achieved
An achieved aristocrat is an aristocrat that attained their status by means of effort or skill. The achieved are significantly less common than the ascribed. The Dark Prince and the Son of the Sun are good examples of ascribed aristocrats who planned on gaining achieved status as well. Achieving the status usually indicates that the individual excels at gaining popularity and respect. Some people claim this also includes standing on other people's successes or turnarounds. The achieved are usually also skilled in handling finances, as well as maintaining healthy family ties.

Ascribed
An ascribed aristocrat is an aristocrat that attained their status at birth or by some other means involuntarily. The ascribed are much more common that the achieved. Many of the elite dynasties trace their lineage through generations of ascribed aristocrats. There is some distance felt between the ascribed and the achieved, as their supposed equal social status is offset by unequal origins.

Aside from the Power Elite, many ascribed do not put much effort into what they do, partly due to not needing to do many basic things for themselves. This makes them come across as feeble and incompetent. Inversely, the ascribed are adored for their artistic ability, however this is also offset by their isolated and malnourished social life. Even their family ties are often on the edge of disaster. The ascribed are also more susceptible to disease.

The End World
Kaiyu

Temple

Lyndale

Parker

Zali

Akiva

Renzic

Daggerus