Rank System Thrall New members of The Vikings are ranked as Thralls. This is a short probationary period (minimum length 3 months) during which the individual will be expected to fulfil certain basic requirements before being regarded as a full member of The Vikings and Manaraefan. Thralls have to get a basic kit together, which includes weapons for warriors, and pass a basic assessment as a villager, warrior or archer before they can progress to the next rank. Fri-hals A Fri-hals is a full member of The Vikings who is recognised as having attained a minimum standard of competence whilst not as yet having earned the right to vote on Society issues. If they wish to rise to the next rank they must take further skills assessments and improve the standard and variety of their kit. Some people are happy to stay as Fri-hals but most people move on. Drengr The Drengr comprise the backbone of The Vikings those members who have proved both their abilities and their commitment and who now have a say in the running of The Vikings and a vote in Society decisions. Many people stay at this rank but continue to develop their skills and “characters”. Though they are a Drengr for administrative purposes within The Vikings they may well be found portraying anything from the slave to king. Thegn Thegn is a rank and office. The latter describes a Drengr who is carrying out an official function within The Vikings, the former is a rank conferred by the Konungr (King) as a reward for good service. Office holders who resign revert to Drengr but the rank is conferred for life or until a greater honour is awarded. Thegns are the backbone of the administration of The Vikings Jarl Jarl is a rank and office. The latter describes a Drengr (sometimes, but not always, a Thegn) who is a Herred within The Vikings or holding a senior administrative office within The Vikings, the former is a rank conferred by the Konungr (King) as a reward for good service. Office holders who resign revert to Drengr or Thegn but the rank is conferred for life or until a greater honour is awarded. Jarls provide leadership and direction to the Herreds. Sturaesman Sturaesman is the office held by the leaders of Lethangs, when a Lethang lead attains Herred status the Sturaesman takes up the office of Jarl. When the Jarl of a Herred stands down his successor is a Sturaesman for at least a year before they are raised up to the office of Jarl. Hersir The rank of Hersir is held by those that have proven themselves capable of leading warriors in battle. Warrior of Renown A warrior with a specific skill set and particular set of kit who abides by a special code of conduct.
