Post by The Realm Admin on May 20, 2011 20:14:11 GMT -5
Social Classes of Liadith
Like most societies, Liadith has a stratified distribution of wealth. Use these descriptions as a framework for determining your character’s social class.
Aristocracy-
The Lords and Ladies of Liadith are the richest and most powerful citizens under the King. So long as they remain in favor with the Court, the aristocracy earns large amounts of gold off of their holdings in lands, ships, manors, and trade agreements. All aristocrats hold some sort of title such as Lord/Lady, Baron/Baroness, Duke/Duchess, Earl, Count/Countess, Viscount/Viscountess, etc. The aristocracy are usually arrogant and selfish, but some use their riches and influence to help others. The aristocracy live in the Manors District, which is filled with sweeping estates, beautiful gardens, and extravagant mansions. These homes are granted to them by the King and can be taken away if they should fall out of favor.
Merchant Class-
Below the land holding aristocracy, but above the impoverished peasants, resides the Merchant Class. Though not necessarily purveyors of goods, those in the merchant class usually own their own homes and make enough money to comfortably sustain themselves. The merchant class earns their money from selling food, crafts, items, weapons, art, or services, but this does not mean that each individual is directly involved in the business. Some people hire a business manager so that they do not have to deal with day-to-day business while still making a steady income. The Merchant Class lives in the Commons where they buy their own homes, though they are not nearly as grand as the Manors, but nor are they the like the slums of the Lowers.
Peasant-
Peasants are the most common type of person in Liadith as they are the farmers and workers that are employed by the upper classes for labor. Peasants are always looking for work as most jobs are only temporary, but a lucky few will gain long term employment. Well-mannered peasants may be hired as house servants or coach drivers for a wealthy Lord of Lady. They are often employed in seasonal labor such as sowing seeds and harvesting crops. Peasants live in the Lowers where sickness is common and crime runs rampant. Parts of the Lowers are made up of overly crowded inns and apartments, while other areas are little more than shanty towns.
Like most societies, Liadith has a stratified distribution of wealth. Use these descriptions as a framework for determining your character’s social class.
Aristocracy-
The Lords and Ladies of Liadith are the richest and most powerful citizens under the King. So long as they remain in favor with the Court, the aristocracy earns large amounts of gold off of their holdings in lands, ships, manors, and trade agreements. All aristocrats hold some sort of title such as Lord/Lady, Baron/Baroness, Duke/Duchess, Earl, Count/Countess, Viscount/Viscountess, etc. The aristocracy are usually arrogant and selfish, but some use their riches and influence to help others. The aristocracy live in the Manors District, which is filled with sweeping estates, beautiful gardens, and extravagant mansions. These homes are granted to them by the King and can be taken away if they should fall out of favor.
Merchant Class-
Below the land holding aristocracy, but above the impoverished peasants, resides the Merchant Class. Though not necessarily purveyors of goods, those in the merchant class usually own their own homes and make enough money to comfortably sustain themselves. The merchant class earns their money from selling food, crafts, items, weapons, art, or services, but this does not mean that each individual is directly involved in the business. Some people hire a business manager so that they do not have to deal with day-to-day business while still making a steady income. The Merchant Class lives in the Commons where they buy their own homes, though they are not nearly as grand as the Manors, but nor are they the like the slums of the Lowers.
Peasant-
Peasants are the most common type of person in Liadith as they are the farmers and workers that are employed by the upper classes for labor. Peasants are always looking for work as most jobs are only temporary, but a lucky few will gain long term employment. Well-mannered peasants may be hired as house servants or coach drivers for a wealthy Lord of Lady. They are often employed in seasonal labor such as sowing seeds and harvesting crops. Peasants live in the Lowers where sickness is common and crime runs rampant. Parts of the Lowers are made up of overly crowded inns and apartments, while other areas are little more than shanty towns.