Equality is the bane of progress. In order for a society to move forward, a strict hierarchy must be put into place. To begin with, humans will all be equal. However, there will be opportunity to rise in rank, until you are almost as important as a low ranking overlord.

All humans will be given a device which tracks their ranking among others. If, at any time, an overlord should feel it appropriate to "promote" a human, then their device will be updated accordingly. Any human ranking above another has the right to command other humans, provided that they are not instructed to break any laws. The punishment for disobedience applies, as though the superior human were an overlord.

Some possible reasons for promotion include:

• Assisting in the capture of rebels or fugitives
• Performing services for an overlord
• Brutally murdering other humans
• Renouncing all former religious beliefs (see Culture)
• Converting another to The Way
• An overlord arbitrarily decides to raise your rank

If a high enough rank is attained, then it may be possible for a human to receive a small discount on all goods. This will be easy to manage, as all of your goods will now be imported from other planets. This ensures that everything that can be bought is of guarunteed quality.