1. Nobles provided justice. In the event that a serf was wronged, they could turn to the noble for justice. The noble would then hold a court, and the serf could present their case.
2. Nobles provided military protection. In time of war, nobles would call upon their serfs to fight. In return for this service, nobles would provide protection for the serfs and their families.
3. Nobles provided for the serfs in times of need. During periods of famine or hardship, nobles would often provide food and shelter for their serfs.
4. Nobles allowed serfs to retain some of their crops and livestock. In addition to the work and taxes that serfs owed their nobles, they were allowed to keep a portion of their crops and livestock for their own use. This allowed serfs to have a degree of economic independence.