So I am reading Into the Storm (as well as the other materials) and come across mention of "Bonded" individuals, who seem to be more valuable than unbonded. I think it represents highly skilled individuals who are guaranteed certain care and comforts in exchange for a bonded contract. I would imagine that this would pertain to any skilled non-mercenary individual. What is the canon on this?

In the social structure of the Imperium, does it mirror that of the High Middle Ages, where their is a class of Free men, i.e. "man at arms" types, who operate outside of the feudal system providing skilled labor? And if so, do they sign contracts? I am just curious what others think.

As discussed in "Into the Storm" the two basic non-officer crewmen are crewmembers and "ratings", lowerdeck serfs, most of whom are doomed to die an early death.

Then you have the more skilled crewmembers. They have more privileges, their own homes on the ship, time off, shore leave, holidays, rights, etc. Often their families have been sworn into service for generations. They are typically very skilled and very good at staying alive and knowing when to hide. The ship isn't just a transport for them, its their home.

The latter class of crew members better fits the classical definition of bondsman and is also internally consistant with how the word is used.

But yes, there also seem to be freemen in the empire as well as free land holders: military personell after they complete their tours of duty are often depicted as being granted land. I would gues that one of the draws of joining the IG is the chance to become a freeman. There are also charter captains, academics, and other who just haven't sworn fealty to a particular lord.

And not EVERY world in the Imperium follows the feudal system. While a world or system will have to swear fealty to the Emperor that doesn't necessarily mean the feudal system continues all the way down the line. On the system level governments come in all shapes and forms from feudal systems to democracies and beyond.

Grand Inquisitor Fulminarex said:

I don't have Into the Storm , but the modern usage of bonding with regard to individuals or entities is in the form of surety bonds, where if the specified individual fails to perform whatever it was they were contracted to do, you will be compensated up to the amount specified in the bond for any losses incurred. Normally, bonding is done with construction-related contractors, though occasionally an entity outside of construction may also be bonded. I have heard of financial advisors being bonded, for example, and as might be imagined, the specified amounts in those bonds were in the millions.

As for whether the Imperium's version of bonding is any different from this, I don't know.

-Kirov

Kirov said:

In a feudal system bonding refers to families that have sworn fealty to a Landowner. Knight families are bonded to Nobility, peasants to knights and other nobility. The Lord agrees to protect, provide for, and guide. The bondsman agree to follow and provide certain services.

The relationship is often complex with many obligations on both sides. For example a typical bondsman may be required to provide 100 work days per year in the masters fields, maintain such and such a building, and provide 30 days per year of military service. A lord may be required to provide them with land, a home, 2 feasts a year, protection, support widows and children in case of early death, and have penalties and reperations to be made if something goes wrong.

It is a job, a community, a government, and an insurance plan all rolled into one. The bondsman care for their lord, and the lord cares for their bondsman, and the relationship is passed down through the generations.