The Vor class is the warrior aristocracy of Barrayar and the ruling class of the Empire. Within the Vor class, the High Vor - that is, the sixty county families - is the most economically and politically powerful social group. The nobility might be either inherited or conferred by the Emperor. Being Vor is an acknowledged pre-eminence that is hereditary, i.e. all legitimate, male-line descendants of Vor people are Vor. While Vor men are generally involved in military or government service, Vor women are traditionally responsible for running the estates and household. Being Vor is transferred by inheritance or is bestowed by the Emperor. It can be subdivided into two major classes: the High Vors and the other Vors. The highest among these classes, the High Vors, retains feudal rights and fu