Landholding

Landholding is an important aspect of the feudal system of many kingdoms. Principally, it is a Boldic tradition.

A king rests at the top of the hierarchy, and grants inheritable "feodums" in the form of villages, towns, castles, and territories to his peerage. The peerage of a kingdom holds land directly from the king, and usually consists of nobles who hold the title of baron, count, or earl. The peers may in turn grant land to lesser nobles (known as lordlings) as well as knights.

Swordhold
A swordhold refers to the manorial residence of a knight, and by extension, the knight's feodum. In turn, the knight will render military service. A knight must maintain his own horse, arms and armor. Poor knights are usually expected to only bring themselves, their gear, and perhaps a squire. More powerful knights are usually expected to bring footmen, archers, wagons, and serjeants. A knight who wants to exempt himself from fighting must pay a tax called a scutage. Sometimes, a swordhold is granted to a non-knight, such as a gentleman man-at-arms.

Freehold
Land that is held in its entirety by its owner. The local knight or lord can charge them for certain amenities like the right to use the local mill or marketplace.

Serjeanty
A serjeanty is a form of land tenure where a commoner (usually a relatively wealthy, rural man) owns his own land in exchange for military service to his master, but is exempt from taxes. Still, some of his money is expected to be used to maintain a certain standard of arms and armor. Serjeants are usually worth half a knight, and may lead small groups of soldiers. A knight usually has a few serjeants that serve alongside his squires as his right-hand-men. Some serjeants that serve under a higher-ranking noble are given the title of grand serjeant.

Coinhold / Crophold
A coinhold or crophold is a form of land tenure where a commoner has no military obligations, but must pay taxes in the form of coin or crops. A well-to-do serf with enough wealth can go to his master and attempt to elevate himself to a coinhold or crophold.

Serfdom
The serf cannot leave the land without their master's permission, and must pay him taxes in crops. Serfs are permitted to sell surplus crops to the market, and although they are more or less owned by their master, they are sometimes able to accumulate personal property and wealth regardless. Because serfs have the right to protection from their master, and are generally too poor to acquire arms or armor, freemen are actually much more likely to be drafted as soldiers.