Slavery is a legally sanctioned institution in the Empire, with various circumstances leading to enslavement, including punishment for crimes, voluntary submission to settle debts or escape poverty, and the birth of children to enslaved parents. All slaves are marked by the state with an arcane tattoo, nigh impossible to remove without the right tools, the existence and nature of which are a closely guarded secret.
Paths to Slavery
As a punishment for crimes
Within the Empire, certain crimes can lead to enslavement as a form of punishment. These individuals may be forced into labor or even infused with divine power to serve as paladins in the Empire's slave knight units. The price of freedom for these slaves depends on the severity of their crime and the discretion of the authorities.
Debts or poverty
Some citizens of the Empire choose to enter slavery voluntarily to settle debts or escape poverty. This form of slavery offers a semblance of security, providing food, shelter, and basic necessities to individuals who would otherwise struggle. The price of freedom for these slaves typically correlates with the amount of debt they initially had or the value of the support they received during their enslavement.
Children of slaves
Children born to enslaved parents are also considered slaves. However, the Empire sets a low price on their freedom, intended to cover the cost of their care and education provided by their owners. Slave owners are required to educate enslaved children, incentivizing proper care and investment in their upbringing.
God-touched
Those with divine power or who enter into the clergy of a God are called god-touched, and they are slaves all. Considered the lowest class of slaves, their marks are the most lavish and extensive, and often hard to miss.
The process of buying freedom
Slaves in the Empire may buy their freedom if they can accumulate enough wealth or resources. The price of freedom varies depending on the circumstances of their enslavement, such as the severity of the crime for which they were enslaved, the amount of debt they initially had, or the cost of their care and education. Slaves are paid a monthly stipend by their owners to set towards this purpose, and may also receive gifts from their master or others that might go towards the cost. In some cases, benevolent owners or outside benefactors may contribute to a slave's purchase of freedom.
God-touched are a special case. Keeping them enslaved is seen as a measure to protect society, and so they may never be freed.
