The druzhinas are the lowest rank of formal nobility among the Gospodars. Many atamans hold this rank, as do a significant number of rotamasters. The rank is traditionally hereditary, but the Ice Queen has recently started making individuals druzhina for life in return for great service to the Tzarina or the state or for financial contributions. She has even extended this privilege to some Ungols, which has created some discontent among both Gospodars and other Ungols.[1a]
Katarin often uses the rank of druzhina to reward influential individuals who publicly affirm and support her power and authority. These rewards are almost always for life, but she has occasionally granted a druzhina the right to pass the title on to his heirs.[1a]