Difference between revisions of "Dahn"

'''Dahn''' is a caste system for the [[lighteyes|lighteyed nobility]] who live the [[Vorin]] kingdoms, such as [[Alethkar]] and [[Jah Keved]].{{book ref|b|sa1|c|8}} Its counterpart for [[darkeyes]] is the [[nahn]] system.

Since lighteyes are nobility in the Vorin kingdoms, the dahn system is superior to the nahn system. Holding even the tenth and lowest dahn socially outranks the highest level of [[nahn]].{{book ref|b|sa2|c|2}} However, there are situations in which practical reality makes the social standing between two persons less relevant or even reversed. For example, after [[Kaladin]], a darkeyes, was promoted to captain, he was socially outranked by many lighteyed soldiers, yet still possessed higher military rank and authority than them.{{book ref|b|sa2|c|5}} A worker, such as a carriage driver, would treat a wealthy darkeyes as any other master, since their wages would be paid by the darkeyed passenger.{{book ref|b|sa2|c|63}}

The first dahn consists of the king. The second dahn contains the highprinces. The third dahn is made up, at least in part, by the non-heir children of the king, the non-heir children of highprinces,and highlords{{qa ref|1068|13|Interview with Brandon Sanderson}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|52}}. The fourth dahn includes lighteyes who hold the position of battalionlord in the army; battalionlords command a full battalion of a thousand men.{{book ref|b|sa1|c|73}} The seventh dahn includes lower ranking officers in the army who are landless and attached to a more powerful officer's retinue.{{book ref|b|sa1|c|27}}

The tenth and lowest level of dahn were colloquially known as "tenners" and were looked down upon as being barely above darkeyes.{{book ref|b|sa1|c|45}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|2}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|45}} Unlike high dahn lighteyes—who might make a living from their landed estates or by ruling over other men—or even high nahn darkeyes—who might be merchants or master craftsmen—tenners had to actually work for a living.{{book ref|b|sa2|c|45}}

One could raise his dahn through two other, much more rare, methods. The first was through direct intervention by the king or a highprince.{{qa ref|1068|13}} The second was to become a Shardbearer; by doing so, one immediately raised his dahn to that of the fourth rank, if he was not already at or above this rank.{{book ref|b|sa2|c|66}}

A person can also be demoted in dahn if they perform poorly in a given role.{{qa ref|1068|13}} In particular, if an [[ardent]] leaves the ardentia, he will be demoted to the tenth dahn.{{book ref|b|sa1|c|45}}

* Highlord [[Meridas Amaram]], absendiar highmarshal of the [[Sadeas princedom]]{{book ref|b|sa1|c|44}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|52}}

* [[Jakamav]], landlord and [[Shardbearer]] under Highprince Roion{{book ref|b|sa1|c|58}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|26}}

* [[Moash]], Lieutenant of the bridgemen and Shardbearer under Highprince Dalinar{{book ref|b|sa2|c|2}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|66}}{{book ref|b|sa2|c|68}}

* [[Shallan Davar]]{{book ref|b|sa2|c|52}}

* [[Rind]], Kholin head quartermaster{{book ref|b|sa2|c|2}}