Indentured Servitude

Indentured Servants, known as Indents, are a core institution of the Eternal Empire, designed to exploit the lower classes for labor while maintaining the illusion of opportunity. Indents are individuals bound to the Empire by contracts, often as punishment, payment for debts, or as part of their birthright. They are sent to resource-rich colonies like Orpheus to extract magical plants, rare minerals, and other valuable resources essential for the Empire’s expansion.
While promised freedom after fulfilling their contracts, the Empire manipulates their obligations, ensuring that most Indents remain trapped in servitude for life. This systemic exploitation includes inflating debts, adding fees for sustenance and shelter, or fabricating penalties for supposed infractions. Some Indents may rise to positions of authority, such as foremen or military leaders, but they are still shackled to the Empire.
Indentured servitude is a cornerstone of the Empire’s economy and colonial expansion, with Shackles serving as the physical and magical chains of oppression. Together, they symbolize the Empire’s iron grip over the lower classes, ensuring its dominance while fostering resentment and rebellion among those bound to its service.