Gentlemen-Knights

The term Gentleman-Knights, or simply Gentlemen or Yeomen, can be used to describe several types of people.

The original and oldest use of the term refers mostly to a person's heritage; in other words, whether one is of noble birth, but having 'fallen off the tree' - being no longer entitled to a noble rank or address. This large class often still owns property, in the form of small appanages, and owing to their noble heritage are eligible for most governmental services, which makes an education of great use; as such they have eventually developed into a large, less restricted class of educated, 'talented' men.

The newer sense of the term, however, comes mainly from the idea of 'talent' itself - men, by virtue of talents or great learning, can be considered Gentlemen purely on the basis of these merits. In some of the states within the Realm, there have even been near-revolutionary reforms which have opened up government posts to these men; even in the vast majority which have not taken such drastic actions, many senior nobles will keep talented gentlemen as gate-guests and retainers.

Examples

 * Kanjen, Adrian's swordplay teacher
 * Munen, swordsman in the service of the Prince.
 * Zatin, wandering swordsman who aided Adrian in the south.
 * Katesas, son of Kamegra, Baron of Sokori