The Smallfolk

Smallfolk refers broadly to the common people of Kingdom who are not part of the nobility, the term encompasses many sub categories as Calradian society is separated into castes. Whatever their caste, their lives are often harsh and difficult, marked by poverty, disease, and violence.
The smallfolk are subject to the whims of their ruling Exarchs, who often levy heavy taxes (in addition to King's tax) and demand labor from their subjects.
The smallfolk are also at the mercy of external threats, such as war, famine, and raids by bandits or invading forces. Their lives can be cut short by violence, disease, or starvation, and many children die young. The Judges are too few now to offer the Smallfolk adequate protection from lawlessness or the dead, they must look to themselves for safety, security and survival.
Despite their struggles, smallfolk often hold on to hope and seek out small pleasures in life. They find joy in simple things like music, food, and community gatherings, and they may turn to religion or superstition for comfort and guidance.

Structure

Although everyone is a subject of the crown not everyone is equal, Calradian society is divided into castes, there is a general sense of social hierarchy and a lack of social mobility. The castes are easily distinguishable by the name of the individual, each caste has a different naming tradition for it's people's last name.
The Heathens: At the very bottom of societal ladder is the Heathen caste, this group are shunned by other castes and treated as pariahs. They are comprised of Fetchlings, Tieflings, Ratfolk and bastards, but those who are treated the absolute worst are Dhampirs. Heathens are often illiterate and live in abject poverty because they are actively discriminated against. The naming tradition in the Heathen caste is to follow the surname of the individual with: "The _______", using a person's characteristics, profession, tendencies etc. as a last name. An example of this would be "Maleakas The Twice-Cursed".
The Beastmen: Just above the Heathens is the Beastmen caste, this group are treated with segregation but tolerance, as long as they keep to themselves. They are comprised of Catfolk, Tengu, Kitsune, Vishkanya, Skinwalkers, Vanara and Orcs. They often live in small self-reliant communities at the edge of towns or the ghettos of a city, most are illiterate and poor. There is no naming tradition for the Beastmen caste, they have only one name.
The Commoners: Representing the most sizeable portion of the Smallfolk is the Commoner caste, this group is the majority of the realm's inhabitants. They are comprised of Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Half-Elves, Half-Orcs and Halflings. Most Commoners typically work as farmers, craftsmen, or laborers, living in small villages or hamlets scattered throughout the land, they are often literate enough and live comfortably. The naming tradition for the Commoner caste is to follow an individual's surname with: "Son of ______" or "Daughter of ______" and then his or hers father's name. An example of this would be "Korvus Son of Glayve"
The Ealdermen: Above the Commoners is the Ealdermen caste, this group are the wealthy leaders and are treated better than most other castes. They are comprised of wealthy Commoners, knights, clergymen, mayors and Exarchs. They are educated and rich, they often live relatively lavishly in large towns or cities. The naming tradition for the Ealdermen caste is the same as the Commoner caste.
The Nobility: The Noble caste (although not considered Smallfolk) is at the very top of the societal ladder, they are treated with the reverence and respect that their position commands. They are comprised of The Noble Houses and Aasimars. They are all very well educated and very wealthy, they live in opulence in the capital and other large cities. The naming tradition for the Noble caste is following an individual's surname with: "Of House ______" for formality, but casually the house name is used simply as a last name. An example of this would be "Valas Hune".

Culture

The Smallfolk in general are superstitious traditionalists, they hold dearly to these superstitions and traditions because it affords them a sense of safety and control in a cruel world.
Traditions: Besides the naming traditions there are a great many customs observed by the Smallfolk in society, some are local while others span the realm. Here are some of the most prevalent:

Wrapping a body in heavy chains (if rich enough) or staking a body to the ground (if not) before burying it.

Placing garlic and other herbs such as sage and rosemary around the home.

Carrying a bag of salt to ward off evil spirits and undead creatures.

Lighting many fires, burning bundles of sage and ringing bells during the dark week.

Sayings & Superstitions: There is a great deal of malice in the world and superstitions are used to protect oneself against it. Some sayings and superstitions are actual good advice, but most are simply fear-mongering ignorant claims. Here are some of the most prevalent:

"Never Speak Ill of the Dead" is the most popular saying, it is believed that speaking badly of a deceased person will attract it's angry ghost.

"When the wolf's howl pierces the night, take heed and bolt the door tight." It is believed that the howling of wolves at night is an omen of death or misfortune, so it is customary to go inside and say a prayer.

"Better a stranger left in the cold than a vampire let in the door." This saying emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself and one's household from potential danger, even if it means being inhospitable to strangers.

Talking of necromancy, or indeed even speaking the word "necromancy", corrupts the soul and attracts the undead. All forms of necromancy are hated and feared, it is the greatest taboo to mention it and even alluding to it is too much for most people.

Worship

The Smallfolk's worship of the gods is often tied to specific cultures and regions, with different deities being more prominent in certain areas. Generally, people worship the gods, both old and new, through prayer, sacrifice, and by following their tenets and teachings. Temples, shrines, and holy sites dedicated to the gods can be found throughout the realm, and many cities and settlements have their own patron deities. Some people also seek the guidance and favor of powerful clerics or other religious figures, who may serve as intermediaries between mortals and the divine.
There are also a number of organized religions in the Kingdom, each with their own hierarchies, rituals, and beliefs. These include the faiths of both pantheons, as well as more the obscure sects of far-off localized religions.
Overall, the worship of the gods in the realm is an important aspect of many people's lives, and often plays a significant role in shaping the town or city it's temples are located in.

"Never Speak Ill of the Dead"

Type

Social, Group

Alternative Names

Peasants, Serfs