Kingdom of Alfeari
Alfeari is the greatest of the Kingdoms, acting as the central land of the Alfearite Empire. It takes up the majority of what its inhabitants call the "known lands." In truth, Alfeari is the primary country of Rishongi, a small, isolated continent.
Alfeari is a Kingdom, though whether it is ruled by kings (patrilineal), queens (matrilineal), or both depends on the ruling House. In the era of the Vandivel Dynasty, the Alfearites lean strongly toward a certain equality between all the ethnicities and classes, as well as a strong social safety net. This is both the result of certain characteristics of the culture and the cause of those characteristics continuing.
Social Safety Net
These characteristics include government-sponsored food and housing for those in need, public schooling, promotions in government careers irrelative to class of birth, sponsorship programs, and agricultural subsidization.Food & Housing
The Shacks are a very basic housing built by the kingdom to host anyone without question. They are little more than lean-tos, but there are inspections of the buildings to ensure they are safe and habitable. They are particularly beloved by those who have escaped abusive family situations, have had a major disaster befall them, or are simply dependent on a parent or guardian who has become addicted to substance use, gambling, or other resource-draining activity. The food rations are also basic, but are evaluated by healers for adequate nutritional values. Food rations are given to individuals over the age of five years, so that all but the youngest children can get food without problem. Anyone claiming food rations for a child younger than that must bring the child to claim them. This allows a cursory inspection to ensure the child is being given their rations and is not being abused for it.Public Schooling
Schooling is provided to anyone of any age, regardless of class of birth, appearance, etc. It is not unusual to have a young noble child learning alongside an elder who had never gotten around to formal education. Classes range from basic literacy and maths, to specific career preparitory skills development. Teachers are paid out of the kingdom's coffers (ie, taxes), and buildings are regularly checked to ensure there isn't overcrowding in classes. Each school building is outfitted with bathing facilities, peasant clothing, and a kitchen which serves three simple meals each day, usually soups and stews with bread.Promotions
Government-based careers do not discriminate in promoting people. Such jobs include many healers and teachers, regulatory inspectors, military and policing personnel, and government administrators and aides. Because of this practice of non-discrimination, many unranked have been able to improve their station in life despite their circumstances of birth.Sponsorship Program
Each year, a single tradesperson from each of two dozen categories of trades is chosen for sponsorship. This award is both an honor and a boone, as they recieve a Queen's Seal, which they can use in selling their goods for the next five years, and a Queen's Purse, which is a financial reward. The Sponsorship is often enough to propel a tradesperson into a much more well-known position. Most who recieve the honor can leverage this into a reputation for quality that follows them for the rest of their lives.Agricultural Subsidization
The kingdom is the primary purchaser of agricultural goods, either buying them directly, or overseeing organizations that do the purchasing, such as the Baker's Guild. As such, the kingdom provides a stipend to all agricultural producers. The stipend varies, dependent on the amount of product, the quality of land stewardship and/or animal husbandry, and previous years' earnings. This encourages sustainable management of land and animal resources, as well as providing for the people in years when weather disasters affect production. The kingdom also encourages variety in agriculture, so although a good portion of the land is still used for starchy, gluten-based grains, it is considered just as important to provide herbs, beans, nuts, and fruits. As there is no minimum size limit for production, even those selling extra herbs from a kitchen garden can claim a stipend. This is often a path for independence for the elderly or infirm who cannot manage a larger business.Structure
The monarchy is a hereditary line, currently matrilineal. While the title is passed down, the system is not as strict as many monarchies.
Firstly, there is very little problem with nobles and even the Queen marrying the Unranked. It is less likely, as there is seldom a chance for nobles to socialize with the unranked in that way. However, it is not unusual for highly skilled tradespeople or military personnel to become the love interest of a noble.
It is considered gouche for nobles to take household servants on as lovers or even wed them. This is because of the strong chance that the relationship becomes toxic to the servant due to lingering differences in social power. It is seen as a form of workplace sexual harassment to even hint at such a relationship.
Secondly, the title of Queen, as well as the official government positions the monarch assigns to lesser nobles, may be called into question by even the unranked. This is not common, but the power is available to the people to question those decisions.
Equality is our strength
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
The Kingdom
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Alfearites
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Gold, silver and copper coin, minted by the monarchy
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
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