Gentry

Gentry is an umbrella term for rich commoners of Aodh - members of the non-noble upper class. Artisans, Paramounts and Armigers are all counted among the Gentry, but are referred to by their special titles, rather than by the general term. Flamines are also a part of the upper classes, but decidedly above the Gentry.

## Overview

The well-to-do of Aodh’s commoners. Working in a variety of fields, and some simply enjoying the spoils of the labor of past generations, the Gentry are by no means a united group. What they share is wealth - the ability to enjoy all the luxuries their herd offers, even though they lack the titles and privileges of nobility. Gentry make up only a small percentage of all commoners - the top 5% or so, in fact. Despite this, they’re disproportionally powerful within the country, being able to afford seats in the Common Court, and having a wealth of connections unavailable to those less fortunate.

Most members of the Gentry come from old Aodhian families, their wealth accumulated by generations of wise investment and good connections. It is said that to join the Gentry, one must either be born as one, be incredibly talented, or stupidly lucky. It is indeed the case that “rags-to-riches” is an extremely unusual story in Aodh, and applies to Gentry just as much as it does to nobility.

Members of the Gentry generally prize good education, and do their best to discover the talents of their children, and cultivate them to ensure the continued prosperity of the family. Many also dream that having their children be discovered as Artisans or studying to become Paramounts might be the step the family needs to advance in Aodh’s strictly classist hierarchy.

Although their lives are comparatively easy and they rarely have to worry about where next day’s food is going to come from, Gentry generally hold busy professional lives. Only a select few are rich enough to get by as just socialites, and even those who try will often eventually have to find a job - or downgrade their lifestyle.

### Role in Society

Gentry are in a tenuous position - above most commoners, and yet lacking the privilege and prestige of nobility. They enjoy a privileged lifestyle far above what most commoners can afford, and are able to retain several slaves. They often find themselves playing social and political games of influence, popularity and further accumulating their own wealth. Gentry are often viewed sourly by those below them - those who aspire to be them - while not receiving the same kind of respect from their betters as Artisans and Paramounts might.

Nobility are generally cordial with Gentry. Marriages between them and lesser nobles do occur, albeit rarely. Often these are impoverished noble Houses marrying into a wealthy Gentry heir to secure their finances. Like with all commoners, they’re a step below, useful for their wealth and services, but not truly *peers*. They do not inspire the same admiration as Artisans, nor the respect given to Paramounts. They have much slimmer chances of becoming nobles (either through marriage or otherwise) than the other members of the upper class.

Despite their privileges, Gentry are still commoners. They do not enjoy the reduced taxes and increased representation that nobility do, and most of them are not nearly as wealthy. Even the wealthiest members of the Gentry have trouble finding the ear of an Adviser or the King unless unusually well connected. Gentry with political aspirations must make due with the Common Court, although only a few have seats there - most have been claimed by other upper class. Gentry can escalate issues to the Peers Court, but do not have seats there.

## Gentry Occupations

Gentry are a cover-all class for the wealthy upper classes of Aodh. Essentially, if a character is significantly wealthy, is not a noble, and does not fit well into any other rank, they would be a member of the Gentry. This would include upper class children, as well as young characters who maybe haven’t graduated into their adult profession yet - for example a rich young adult who is working hard to be an Artisan, but isn’t one *yet* would fit into Gentry.

Gentry can basically have almost any profession, as long as they’re wealthy enough. The only ones explicitly out-of-bounds are ones that explicitly fall under another rank (ie. a very rich Courtesan would still be in the Courtesan rank, rather than Gentry).

The following list is by no means exhaustive. It simply lists professions that would be seen as typical Gentry occupations, although not everyone in that field would be successful enough to be Gentry. Indeed, almost all of these ideas are also available for regular commoners, or even the poorest of the poor, if less successful.

**Actor**

Being an actor is not an easy job - the field is highly competitive, and the fame needed for success can pass one by suddenly, seemingly at the whims of the audience. Still, for those who make it work, it can be a highly rewarding field, both in terms of wealth, connections, and personal satisfaction. Famous actors are paid highly for their time, but also spend a lot of money in keeping up an immaculate appearance or preparing for roles. Both musical theatre and regular plays are popular in Aodh.

**Author**

As hedonistic as they are, Aodhians still appreciate knowledge and literature, and so it is no surprise that there are many successful authors in the country. Typically, authors who write compelling fiction have the best chances at making it big - crime and romance are especially popular, as are various period dramas. Some authors write plays or poems, and a select few have made their name with semi-academic writing.

**Banker**

While banks are predominantly owned by noble families, being hired on as one of the people responsible for managing the establishment is a typical gentry position. Often these jobs end up passed down the family, with a close connection between the bank-owning noble house, and the Gentry family that helps them manage it.

**Chef, celebrity**

Aodh if filled with restaurants, food carts and kiosks. Most of the chefs working in them will never know fame nor fortune - but then there are the ones who *do*.

Celebrity chefs are a rising phenomena in Aodh, often adapting techniques from acting to present a compelling, vibrant personality to the public - especially their adoring noble customers. These chefs are usually highly experimental, combining wild techniques and exotic ingredients to provide new experiences. They try their best to develop individualistic styles, and while the food is no doubt amazing, the presentation is just as important.

Aodhian restaurants compete for the chance to hire one of these famed individuals, and they are often called upon (with hefty paychecks) to come lead catering for private parties as well.

**Doctor**

In Aodh, a distinction is made between *doctors*, who usually learned on the job, and surgeons, who attended university and have a master’s degree in medicine. Doctors tend to focus on treating patients with a combination of herbal remedies, tested pharmaceutics and simple operations, such as resetting bones. They handle most of the day-to-day medical cases in Aodh, and most are highly skilled. Becoming a doctor happens through a years-long apprenticeship, often learning under many doctors to master the craft. Doctors with good reputations receive exuberant pay, and find themselves fought over by Aodh’s top hospitals.

**Entrepreneur**

Not all business ideas require a bunch of staff to run. With less overhead costs and no staff, these equines make their money by selling their services personally. Almost any field is possible, if one is good with business. Image and marketing are often just as important as skill, and a great many sole proprietors working across Aodh sell their services as stylists, consultants, personal assistants, florists, and many others.

If the character owns a major business that employs other people, they would be an Armiger instead.

**Landlord**

Those with great wealth from past generations don’t necessarily have that wealth in shards - some have it as real estate. Being a landlord in Aodh can be a job in its own right, and a highly profitable one at that. Renting out apartments, houses or even farmland can bring in a lot of money that can then be invested either into other endeavors, or used on a luxury lifestyle. While major Gentry landholders are relatively unusual - large landholdings often belong to the nobility - there are a lucky few who can afford to live off of the rents of their tenants alone.

**Musician**

In Aodh, music is entertainment first and foremost - as they do not like or worship Alya, there is essentially no religious aspect in the performance. Aodhians like their popular and experimental music, and there’s plenty of demand for bands and performing troupes at various parties and gatherings. Musicians with star power (comparable to our modern music artists) are rare, but do exist - achieving such stardom generally requires tireless touring and performing, as recordings do not exist.

Aodhian music has both more “fine culture” aspects (similar to 18th century classical music, like Mozart) and popular music, which often features guitars and drums, and sounds similar to unplugged modern pop or rock. Some brave souls even experiment with electricity maniped instruments.

**Personal Secretary**

Being a secretary might not sound glamorous, but working as a secretary for a noble or a wealthier member of the upper class can be not only profitable, but also a great way to be noticed. Many nobles employ secretaries for appointments, business assistance and handling their mail. A good secretary is irreplaceable, and has unrivaled access to the noble family’s business.

## Rank Levels

At 25 AP | Some might think you have nothing better to do than lay about, but they’re wrong! Gain a Tier 1 Talent early (for your first talent only).

At 50 AP | Appearances are *almost* everything. Dress up with **Fabric** and **Anklets.**

At 75 AP | You might have it made, but it never hurts to be prepared - gain +15SP to either **vitality** or **cunning.**

At 100 AP | A well-groomed pet could really increase your credibility, and company never hurt anyone. If your familiar spot is free, receive an **Aodhian Level 2 Familiar** (except rare).