Society

Aettir Peerage

 

Society in Akiniwazi is formed around the family structure, followed by extended family and clans which creates the political construct of the aettir. The aettir follow back to a common ancestor as is found in most feudalistic or monarchic societies. There are only thirteen dynastic aettir in Akiniwazi, all of which relate back to the nobility of the Gamleverden royal lineage, the sea captains who ferried settlers to live in Akiniwazi or a set of powerful men who became influential enough to take over power from those aettir that collapsed during the Aettirkrigen that began shortly after Fimbulvetr and ended in the Halmarpakt.

To solve the problem of new aettir and significantly more family lines, a new hierarchy of peerage was created to reflect the contributions of other aettir in the land. Often the origination of a new aettir was in the accomplishment of great acts or services to the Hird, the system is perpetually growing, which then leads to a hierarchy of the aettir, forming their own social structure as explained below. Once an aettir is part of the peerage, it can only be removed by the bloodline dying off or by being supplanted through marriage. In extreme cases, some have been stripped of their status for treason to the Hird.

There are considered six levels of aettir peerage in Akiniwazi. The highest is called the Hird, while the lowest is the Fellesaettir or “Common Aettir” that has no real organization or recognition. With the merits of members associated with them, they can gain status, and therefore common power among the Forsamling. An aettir is recognized in its status and therefore grouped by the following:

 

Vapenaettir

[VAH-pen-EH-ter]

Crested Aettir

These bloodlines are allowed Heraldic crests and mottos in addition to possessing fiefs and lands as well. Due to great fealty and accomplishments as their colors and crests given by the Visekonge. Members of the klan are required to wear their heraldry at all special occasions and are considered the most senior of the families that do not possess a jarldom. They are often headed by a lendmann, herse or huskarl.

 

Landetaettir

[LAN-det-EH-ter]

Landed Aettir

These clans are allowed fiefs and lands as reward for service to the Crown or by their own enterprise. These were provided the privilege of recognized colors. They often were given much better titles and greater power as the Visekonge wished to rule in concert with the forming blocs of power. Any crest provided must be that of their patron jarl.

 

Fargeaettir

[FAR-jee-EH-ter]

Colored Aettir

Loyal retainers to the Crown or jarls are given the merit of aettir colors. Although they are given the distinction their own of heraldic colors, they take the crest of their patron jarl through which the merits were given.

 

Sivuaettir

[SIH-voo-EH-ter]

Paged Aettir

These are aettir who do not have land, colors or a crest, but nonetheless are recognized by the Hird in the “Bok av Familier” or “Book of Families” which is an official census and have their own pages in that book. These families can often trace their history back to the Gamleverden, which is part of why they are recognized as important families who immigrated by choice.

 

Fellesaettir

[FEH-les-EH-ter]

Common Aettir

These are unrecognized families by the Hird. They are known locally but carry no real political, legal or military weight. They are more or less a way to categorize clans. This group of aettir often consist of Forsamling brought over as thralls, exiles or from conquered lands by Denmark, Norway or Sweden. Those bearing Irish, English, French, Inuit or other non-traditional names and geneology are often treated like second class citizens by those in the other aettir.