*Gallicles Receptus, an imperial scholar in his 6th year of study post secondary school, publishes an article on the social structure of The Lahsrumean Empire.*A Brief Treatise on the State of Society in The Lahsrumean Empire in its 3rd Year under the Reign of Olympio Pius I the LionBy: Gallicles ReceptusIntroduction and an Overview of Class Distinctions Part: I of III
In order to fully comprehend the history of any nation, one must first comprehend its social hierarchy as well as the capabilities and interactions of all its classes. The Grand Empire is no exception to this rule. While many outlanders will look in on our nation and proclaim, “ These people are stuck in time, What an anachronistic and backwards way of living!” This viewpoint is simply one of ignorance and lack of understanding of the basic culture of Lahsrum. My wish for this paper is that it will be able to grant insight to these people and allow them to better understand and appreciate The Grand Empire for what we are as a people.
The social classes and their distinctions are what keeps The Grand Empire so grand. The disparities between classes are not what drives us apart as a people but what drives us together. Because, as an engine requires every part to run properly and efficiently The Grand Empire requires everyone, no matter how insignificant their lives may seem, in order to properly function.
The three social classes in Lahsrum are the following:
(Note: all classes enjoy suffrage)
Highborne: -Highbornes are full-blooded Lahsrumeans and can trace their family lineage back to the founding of the royal city of Vivek.
-Highbornes are typically moderately to extremely wealthy and come from traditionally aristocratic families.
-By tradition all able bodied male Highbornes are expected to run for some form of political office in their lifetime
-Highbornes in the workforce typically hold the higher managerial positions as they are typically the most educated
-All emperors in Lahsrumean history have been Highborne, except for one notable exception
-In the military, Highbornes can be found serving as officers and all ranks above.
Lowborne: -Lowbornes are considered the middle class of Lahsrum and may be full-blooded, non-native, or a mix.
- Lowbornes in the workforce usually hold the positions of skilled craftsmen, lower management, and are often owners of small shops
-Lowbornes are capable of running for political office but rarely reach the higher levels of government
-In the military, Lowbornes serve as common soldiers who may work their way up to specialist ranks but not officer positions
Slave: -Slaves are the most populous of all three classes comprising a little less than half of the total population
-Slaves are typically foreigners, savages, natives who have succumb to debt, or prisoners of war and raids.
-Slaves fulfill the need in the workforce for common laborers and do most of the unskilled work
-All Slaves are subject to their master who collects their earnings while also providing their shelter and food
-In general slaves are not treated cruelly in Lahsrum but their have been cases of sadistic masters abusing their slaves.
-Slaves are not traded freely in the public market but are distributed by the government.
-When it is time for a slaves compulsory military service they are seized by the government where they will serve as common infantry.
-When their two year term in the military is complete the slave has the option to continue service or return to domestic life. Through a continued service of 25 consecutive years slaves may gain the status of a Lowborne.
Next Chapter
Education, Government, and Religion Part: II of III
