Seanchan Class & Rank System

Da'covale are the servants in the Seanchan empire and they are all property. Some of the most powerful and honored members of the Seanchan society are actually the property of the Imperial Family.
A da'covale's rank is directly related to the station of their master or mistress. But it is not clean-cut. Lower ranking slaves of a higher ranking master will still defer to higher ranking slaves of a lower ranking master.

The lowest rank among the slaves is held by the damane, or leashed ones. These are the women that have the spark of the One Power born in them and would begin to channel, whether thought or not. They are considered less than human, though of high value. Much like a prized stallion would be in other cultures. Damane are, in fact, treated exactly like animals, all be it high valued one. By law, the vast majority of the damane are owned by the Empress. Which is quite logical, since the power of the Empire is largely built on the use of damane. For anyone to have a too great number of damane in their possession would be seen as a 'rise above their station' and a threat to the Empire, which would certainly bring thorough investigation and in most cases severe punishment. If only to discourage others from getting any ideas.

The middle ranks among the da'covale hold the majority of them in positions such as dressers, hairdressers, maids, stable help, cooks, etc. Among them there are many different layers of rank in combination to their respective masters. These are the servants that, for the most part, perform the every day tasks of maintaining a household.

The highest ranks among the da'covale are known as the 'upper class servants' such as the so'jhin (the hereditary upper class servants of the Blood) and hold a greater or lesser amount of authority, honor and power. Depending on the position itself, the standing of the masters and the situation in which they find themselves. Some of these have such great authority that even those of the Blood must defer to them under the right circumstances. It is this type of position that is eagerly sought by most commoners, though very rarely bestowed on them.
A few examples of upper class servants, in no particular order of authority:

Voice	he/she is a hereditary da'covale who literally speaks for their master/mistress. Only those of the Blood use a Voice, as they will seldom address anyone of a lower rank themselves, except to bestow immense honor upon them. The Voice receives their instruction from their master through a complex series of hand and finger signals.
Sul'dam	these are the only women that can safely handle the damane through the a'dam. Not everyone can become a Sul'dam and it is therefore also not a hereditary position. For the ability to handle the a'dam is a natural occurrence, much like the ability to channel is in the damane. When a girl is chosen to become Sul'dam it is always a time for great joy and celebration in her family. For not only is she on her way of becoming a much respected member of the Empire, her family also gains prestige through her being chosen.
Deathwatch Guard	they are the personal guard of the Imperial family and are among the most honored servants in the Empire. They are the property of the Imperial Personage, but are often loaned to others as a sign of Imperial favor. This is not a hereditary position and anyone, usually from the military, can be recruited for it, though only the most skilled and exceptional warriors gain this immense honor.
Seekers of the Truth	this is a police and spy organization that belongs to the Imperial Throne. Also not hereditary, the Seekers are recruited from all levels of Society, though usually not of the Blood. Their vast authority and power secures them a high level of respect and fear within the Empire.
Listeners	they are part of the spy organization, usually drafted by the Seekers. Their job is to find information without being found out. Some get a specific target that they need to infiltrate and gather intelligence on, others have a standing order of reporting back anything that might indicate signs of treason, darkfriends or ability to channel. The existence of Listeners is publicly known by all Seanchan, which helps in enforcing the proper behavior, thought patterns and speech in most of the populace. It also forces those with something to hide to be much more creative and circumspect to avoid notice.
Soe'feia or Truthspeaker	a non-hereditary position used only by the Imperial Family and often miss-understood by all others, even those of the High Blood. Their job is to speak the truth at all times and without fear of their lives to their master/mistress. Whether the latter wishes to hear it or not and regardless of who is present at the time.