The Vor are the aristocratic/warrior class of Barrayar and their creation dates back to the Time of Isolation. The origin of the name and recognisable characteristics of its members, are the “Vor” prefixes to the Family name. The Vor class is guided by a very strict honour system and most of the serious crimes in Barrayan law, if committed by the Vor, are considered treason.

Until recently, the Vor married only within their class, but since the Time of Isolation, this has been changing. The most recent influential event in this regard is the Emperor Gregor‘s engagement to Dr. Toscane.

The head of the Vor, if one can consider him as such, is the Emperor. Next in authority after him, are the district Counts which form the Council of Counts, of which the Emperor is also a member.

The female members of the Vor class have very little obvious authority, although this has been changing; in no little measure due to the influence of Lady Cordelia Vorkosigan.