Mythic Vistas: SpirosBlaak - Property Is Theft!

the ends of her bed, or at the corners of any doors or windows that
lead into her room.
Dwarves know the nature of metals too well to be fooled into
thinking the tiny fraction of silver in the argentum alloy would have
any effect on lycanthropes. Half-orcs, half-ogres, and iguanalons
generally don’t put their faith in bits of metal. Elves, lavayne, and
mentors aren’t known for holding with any superstitions, while
Faedians have their own taboos distinct from the beliefs of the rest of
the humans of the Archduchy. And the kav, of course, care nothing
one way or the other for this practice.
Social Hierarchy
Commoners
Commoners tend the crops and perform menial labor for the industries
supporting the Archduchy. The law oen discriminates against
commoners, affording them few rights and fewer opportunities for
equitable treatment. Most commoners do not own the land they work;
instead, most are indentured to noble or wealthy citizens.
Criminals
Criminals, especially enemies of the government, have no rights or
recognizable status in the Archduchy. Many crimes not demanding
mutilation as punishment require the offender be branded upon his
bicep, forever marking him as a criminal. Criminals are treated equal
to or only slightly beer than the less favored humanoid citizens.
Nobility
To be of noble blood typically means your family name extends
well back into the Wildlands’ history, oen as far back as the Era of
Colonization, and you have been granted the right to make certain
decrees regarding the land you own and rule. Noble titles were
given for many reasons, although most of the original claims were
simply made by those who were strong enough to take them; social
refinement came aerwards. Newer noble families are rare, as titles
are now only granted under extreme (and oen heroic) circumstances,
or, more commonly, by marriage. Even those who trace their noble
lineage back a few centuries but no further are the “new nobility” and
the established aristocracy disdains them.
Non-Humans
Most humans relegate other races to the position of second-class
citizens. Elves, half-orcs, half-ogres, kavbroed, and mad smiths (Witch
Hill goblins) face yet greater prejudice. Additionally, local traditions
and local law oen restrict where these particular races may purchase
or sell wares or services, work, or live. Humankind definitely sits on
the top perch of the Archduchy’s ladder of power and acceptance, a
fact that doesn’t appear likely to change any time soon.
Priesthood
The status and powers bestowed upon the priesthood varies from
one duchy and religion to the next. For instance, in Kirvos the priests
(even those of the Horde) are expected to tow the line and defer to the
warriors’ leadership, whereas in Vas, the priesthood rules.
Slaves
Slavery is still common in many duchies and most slaves serve as
house servants, where they are beer treated. Slaves have some
legal rights in the Archduchy, including the right not to be beaten
without “provable cause.” Of course, magistrates find the regulation
ambiguous, and they rarely intercede on behalf of a lowly slave,
meaning slave’s rights are oen disregarded.
Chapter Four: Customs, Communities, and Geography 21
Soldiery
Because the legions or constabulary may be called upon
to risk their lives in the dangerous Archduchy, they have
several privileges and magistrates tend to overlook any minor
infringements they commit against the law, or at most punish with
a mere warning. Duchies use these privileges as incentives for
commoners to enlist for a term of military service. Additionally,
many duchies grant their soldiers property and small pensions for
continued years in service.
Tradesmen
The specialized skills tradesmen possess elevate them above the
average commoner in the eyes of the law and society as a whole.
The years of apprenticeship necessary to become a tradesman create
a demand granting these men and women some manner of power,
even if that power differs from that stemming from great wealth or
political influence.
Wealthy
Although lacking the lawmaking ability and rights of authority
granted to the noble class, many of the wealthy possess a heritage
stretching back just as far as any title. The wealthy use their gold
to buy what they want, be it a person, a legal ruling, or a stretch of
land. Few among the wealthy care for the commoners and slaves
who work their fields, and they see people of lesser status as tools to
be exploited. In the Archduchy of SpirosBlaak, it seems the rule that
one’s conscience diminishes relative to the weight of one’s purse.
The Months and Seasons
The Archduchy of SpirosBlaak’s calendar consists of 14 months, 365
days, and four seasons. The length of each month varies— oen
drastically.
Winter Biddethmim – 28 days
Shivakdiize – 18 days
Spring Sycleetone – 30 days
Gamlok – 28 days
Demedrok – 21 days
Summer Eaovin – 33 days
Spirosteez – 20 days
Deledennos – 27 days
Panathrik – 39 days
Autumn Arkanostle – 18 days
Kutsutemdok – 25 days
Winter Salldis – 22 days
Phaetiv – 27 days
Logothasias – 29 days
Holidays
Most of the duchies share the same predominant religion, Spiros,
and so they also share many of the same holidays. Of course, there
are seasonal and regional holidays observed in one area that are not
acknowledged in others, but by and large, the Archduchy’s days of
celebration and remembrance are the same.
Day of Hallowing
On this universal holy day held on the 13th of Eaovin, all work is
suspended (and is illegal in some duchies). Additionally, the clergy
of all recognized faiths call upon believers to spend the day in the
temples, combining their energy and spirits with the priests’, as they
perform prayers of renewal and reconsecration.