[quote=@Andreyich]
[@VoiD]Ah, alright then. So for a vague outline of a character, would it be okay to say he is from a mostly assimilated Norse/Varangian noble family that despite holding some high title is not THAT wealthy. As a result he joined the Dragoons gaining experience and a promotion to Lance Corporal? 
[/quote]

Generally nobility would seek commissions as an officer -- few of the gentry would suffer the ignominy of serving at the same level as the "common" class, unless they were in abject poverty. If you want to go that route, your character would likely want to keep the fact that he is nobility a secret.

A titled norse/varangian family is perfectly fine, though.