Classes

Royals

Born into the line of succession, Royals exist at the very peak of society. They are figures of public fascination, their lives constantly observed and reported. They are highly educated in culture, etiquette and presentation, but notably lack practical professions. Their needs are always met so long as they retain the favour of the Crown. Power is absolute but so is scrutiny.

Nobility

The titled aristocracy—dukes, earls, viscounts and barons—inherit wealth, land and responsibility. They dominate high society and politics, often holding seats in the House of Lords. Their lives are governed by honour, reputation and expectation rather than oversight. While largely insulated from ordinary law, their position demands constant displays of wealth, propriety and social leadership.

Upper Class

Wealthy but not necessarily titled, the upper class includes landowners, industrialists and those born into privilege without inheritance. They live comfortably, maintaining large households and strict social standards. Reputation is everything and social rules govern behaviour closely. Men may work in respectable professions while women are expected to manage households and social life. A fall from grace can be socially devastating.

Middle Class

Professionals, managers and educated workers, the middle class values respectability, stability and advancement. They work for a living but enjoy comfort, security and opportunity. Education and reputation are key to success. This class forms the backbone of industry, administration and services, balancing ambition with the constant risk of financial or social decline.

Working (Lower) Class

Labourers, servants and tradespeople who live hand to mouth but maintain some stability. Life is physically demanding with long hours and little security. Community and parish ties are strong and survival depends on steady work. One misfortune such as illness, injury or lost employment can quickly lead to ruin.

Destitute

The poorest of society, living in extreme hardship with little to no security. They survive through irregular work, petty crime or charity. Life is harsh, dangerous and often short. They are intimately familiar with the streets, sewers and hidden corners of London. Society views them with suspicion or indifference and the law treats them accordingly.

Class Identification

Posture

A keen eyed fellow can judge a persons class by how they stand the straightness of the back the jut of their chin. Deportment, how to step, how to move ones hands are drummed into Upper class children at a early age.

The working often cannot stand straight are more likely to move differently all apparent to the decerning eye.

While etiquette can be learnt posture can only really be changed through years of work or a constant focus of acting.

Fashion

With out a doubt a persons first assumption on class will be determined on what they look like this is greatly determined by what they are wearing.
Fashion

Odor

Class can be determined by odor. There is a expectation the those Higher in society are cleanly. Those in upper society may have access to hot running water for bathing as well as servants for caring for clothing. The more well to do also wear more layers of clothing changed more often that those in the middle classes that might only have two sets of clothes.

Those in High society can afford the best perfumes and colognes, applying to much can also have you judged as crass. Those in the lower classes typically have other things to worry about and have the stink of humanity about them.

Etiquette

Manners maketh the man.
Etiquette

Speech and Accent

There is a hard line between the speech and language use of the common man and the upper classes. The wealthy are heavily educated in the art of clear, effective, and expressive speaking, focusing on proper articulation, pronunciation, and vocal control. It involves mastering pitch, tone, and pacing to communicate confidently and persuade an audience, often aimed at reducing mumbling and improving overall vocal delivery. Even if a accent can be replicated elocution, vocabulary, manners and education still need to be mastered to emulate the speech of upper classes.