The Halcyon Age produced a socio-economic caste system that holds back all but the most driven, determined, and talented members in any lower station. The strata from lowest to highest are:
No Castes are the poorest or anyone who is not in any cities biometric index. These members of society have no access to travel. They are often regarded as untouchables or low born. They are barred from specific areas of cities.
Commoners make up the largest section of society. A commoner is added at birth to their respective cities’ biometric index by their last name. Commoners enjoy travel and other basic rights but are unable to hold many jobs without a patron.
Vested citizens are born to this station or have paid a city regent board to become vested. The cost between cities varies but they do establish standards. They are high-class society members who may attend academies.
Elite citizens are the highest members of society around the world with exclusive rights. They may not be challenged on legal issues by any lesser caste including vested members. There are only two ways to be an elite caste. You must be born into it by name or become an appointed city regent.