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The Free Client (sóer-chéile):
This was partnership between near-equals. The client received livestock, equipment, or other resources from the lord. In return, he provided military service, political support, and modest tribute.
The free client retained independence—he could leave the relationship (after fulfilling current obligations), could negotiate terms, could refuse unreasonable demands. His honor-price remained unchanged. He was his own man, choosing to serve this particular lord for specific, mutually beneficial reasons.
The Base Client (dóer-chéile):
This was more dependent relationship. The client received substantial resources—land, livestock, equipment, protection—but in return surrendered significant autonomy. He owed greater tribute, more extensive service, and could not easily leave the relationship.
The base client’s honor-price decreased slightly—recognition that he was under another’s authority, not fully independent. But he remained legally free (not enslaved), could own property, and had rights the lord could not violate.
The Distinction:
Free clientage was preferred (more honorable, less restricting) but required resources—you needed something to offer, some way to be valuable to the lord beyond mere labor. Base clientage was accessible to poorer individuals who needed the lord’s support to survive and prosper.
Most substantial landowners had both kinds of clients—free clients who were peers or near-peers choosing alliance, and base clients who depended more heavily on the lord’s patronage.
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