Politics
Political Infrastructure
Eustrora is organized into an Aristocracy with the Radiant Magical Society acting
as the aristocratic ruling class. The RMS is responsible for setting forth all laws,
including those involving magic (who, how, when) and those of a more mundane
nature. All members of the RMS are given political power equivalent to their rank
within the society.
Small villages or towns are often governed by a low to mid level member of the
RMS. The government, as it is, does not involve itself too much in the day to day
business of the general populace. They maintain order, but do not go out of their
way to enforce the law. All complaints must be brought before a member of the
RMS. That member will then rule, if within his jurisdiction, or forward the matter to
someone who can handle the complaint. With the large member base of the RMS it is
sometimes difficult to distinguish the government from the populace.
It is forbidden in Eustrora to practice any higher form of magic without the consent
of the RMS. This offense is punishable by death. Higher magics cannot be learned
except by being a member of the RMS. This is one way in which the RMS continues
to maintain a tight grip on Eustrorian society.
Legal Complexity
The Legal Code and the laws of Eustrora are set forth in volumes of books
maintained by the Radiant Magical Society. There are members who specialize in
the more complex aspects of the law, but most of the code is straight forward and
simple. Most upper middle to upper rank members are authorized to hear and try
most disputes and can sometimes act as the law themselves. They are, however, not
above the law and must act within the bounds of the law when carrying out any
actions.
Kinship
Kinship Ascendancy
Eustrora society practices equality between the genders. Both men and women can be members of the
Radiant Magical Society and have a voice in all political matters.
Inheritance Pattern
Descendancy is usually traced through both parents in Eustrora society. Similarly,
family inheritance is partible, often being divided up among favored students as
well as family members.
Economic Environment
Economic Exchange System
Eustrora society uses currency for all transactions. The standard coin is the Pfen, a
copper coin invested with a unique magical pattern. This pattern is created by the
Treasurers within the Radiant Magical Society
and their creation is a highly guarded
secret. Physically, all forms of the coinage (The Pfen, 5 Pfen, 10 Pfen and 50 Pfen)
appear to be the same. The only way to determine the exact worth is to view them
magically. All Eustrorians can do this, so, until recently this has not been a problem.
Foreigners have a hard time with the currency
system in its current form, but no efforts have yet been made to change the system. However, those
cities and towns that have the most dealings with other lands have tended to adopt one of the other
currencies as a matter of practicality.
Economy Type
Eustrora society is based on a Market economy. Trade is free and fair and most
economic practices are tolerated. The only thing generally not up for sale is magical
knowledge, as this is controlled by the Radiant Magical Society. A Black Market
economy in magical knowledge is known to exist and is highly sought after by the
RMS.
Humanities
Art
The fine arts are highly respected and practiced in Eustrora society. The most
common material used are those of gold and silver. Many of the objects created are
enhanced with the magic of the Eustrora. Several minor art
schools exist within Eustrora that teach the arts in conjunction with the magic
required to create masterpieces. Recently, with the infusion of the Narlanders into
Eustrora society, decorated weaponry has made a place within Eustrora. The
Narlander Theyning spear is a much prized after art object within Eustrora society
and possessing one is a high symbol of status. Of course, the most respected way of
owning a Theyning spear is to have a Moon Gaurdian by your side.
Magic
Magic is such a great part of Eustrora society, that the society cannot be defined or
talked about without it. Just about everyone practices magic to some degree. It is magical ability and power that
more often than not dictates a persons place within society. Radiant magic is the
magic of Eustrora. No other forms of magic exists and none are thought to exist.
The Narlanders claim some powers bestowed upon their shaman by their ancestor
spirits, but the Eustrora dismiss this as stories told by a primitive people.
Eustrora society is founded on the principals of magic. Magical ability and power
dictate, more often than not, a persons place within the Eustrora society.
Eustrorian
culture also has a large influence in Eustrora society due to the fact that Eustrora
society was exclusively
Eustrorian until just a few centuries ago. Non-magical
Narlander
and others can still find a place with in Eustrora culture. The
Moon Gaurdians
are highly respected as are the
Border Wardens. Most non-magical
pursuits, other than those of a warrior are looked down upon in Eustrora society.
Hierarchy of Social Estates
| Status Archetype |
Sample Occupations |
Status Level |
| Ruling Agency |
RMS Council Member |
20 |
| Ruling Class |
RMS Upper Member
Non-RMS Administrators
Non-RMS Leaders |
19
18
17 |
| Privileged Class |
RMS Member
Moon Guardians
Academic Professionals
Non-RMS Clerks |
16
15
14
13 |
| Professional Class |
Magical Professional
Border Wardens
Magical Artisans
Professionals
Merchant Leaders |
12
11
10
9
8 |
| Labor Class |
Magical Labor
Non-Magical Artisan
Non-Magic Labor
Common Merchant
Mercenaris, Guards |
7
6
5
4
3 |
| Marginal Class |
Non-Magic Labor
Religious Professionals
Thieves, Assassins |
2
1
0 |
Eustrora society exists within cities and small towns. There exists a few outlying pockets within the society that can be considered semi-nomadic. These people are usually found in the central, less settled, regions of Eustrora.
The professional standing forces of Eustrora consist mostly of the
Border Wardens.
These are men and women who patrol the shores and smaller islands of
Eustrora. Most
Border Wardens are located in small camps on the edges of the Lands Unknown
and the shores of
Slavaria. It is there duty to keep an eye out for any possible invaders from these
regions.
The
Border Wardens sprang up as a result of the unexpected invasion of
Eustrora by
Narland. Today the
Border Wardens are Eustrora most respected
fighting men and are more of a training ground for mercenaries and brutes than any
actual defense force. A few
Border Wardens remember why they are where they are
and what there responsibilities are. These can be some of the most fierce fighting
men in all of Eustrora. Recently, the
Border Warden ranks have been swelling with
Narlanders and other foriegn peoples, who are more physically capable then the Eustrorians.
A
volunteer militia system of Eustrora is in place in case the
Border Wardens detect
an invasion. They can be called into service by the
Council of Nine at any time and
for any reason. Most militia members get together once a month to practice their
skill at arms. It is unknown how effective these troops would be if actually called
upon to fight. It is also unknown how many there actually are.
Although an old society, Eustrora has not evolved that far in technology thanks to the overwhelming presence of magic. The only technology they have concentrated in is the advancement of language, both written and oral, and the inventions of paper, ink, books and libraries.
The technological advancements within Eustrora advances at a slow rate. There aren't all too many people interested in advancing in any of the areas. They use magic for what they need and can trade with others for other needs. A few have a different feelings about how things should be done, they don't want to rely on magic as the sole source of innovations.
Organized religion is nonexistent in Eustrora society. The majority of the Eustrorian in
society do not follow any religion other than the respect of Radiant Magic and the
Golden Moon Mages. What little religion does exist with Eustrora society is
imported from
Narland. There are small factions in Eustrora society
who have adopted and propagate the
Narlander worship of
ancestor spirits. The practice is discouraged within Eustrora society, but it is not
forbidden. Some members of society feel that this
religion is a threat to the
Radiant Magical Society
and the foundation of Eustrora society. There is also a very small religious
movement entering into Eustrora society originating from the
Fordris Islands. Not
much is known about this religion in Eustrora, but its worshipers has been
appearing in Western Eustrora.
The Eustrora subsistence relies predominantly on cultivation and herding with magical aide.
There is limited knowledge of what is required to actually cultivate a plot of land from year to year, but with the aid of magic, most crops can be made to grow under almost any conditions. The same holds true for the herding of animals.
Eustrora society enjoys a productive economy on most counts. The standard of
living is slowly rising. Eustrora possesses considerable resources in most areas
(food, clothing, housing, etc.). In regards to armor and weapons (and most other
iron and steel) they have almost no surplus of resources. This is due to the fact that
they trade with the other islands for these materials and don't have the skill to gather and
create the items themselves. As long as trade is maintained, the
Eustrora Resource Value for iron and steel can be considered a 5, but will quickly
drop to 1 or 2 if the trade is ever cut off.
The Eustrorians only exploit about 35% of the natural resources available to them.
Most of the resources they require as used in small amounts and augmented by
magic. Thus, all crops are easy to grow, animal populations easy to maintain and
some minerals easier to produce. The low exploitation is also reflected in the fact
that there exists unexplored resources such as rich mineral deposits in the central
desert and the thick eastern forest.
Trade with outside societies is low in the majority of Eustrora. Trade exists between the Eustrora
and the
Narlanders mostly in the form of men (the
Moon Gaurdians) and metal. The
Eustrorians provide the
Narlands with grains and cloth (which are hard to come by in
the mountains) in exchange for raw iron and steel as well has pre-crafted weapons
and armor. Good
Narland craftsmanship is sought after among Eustrora and is far better and more reliable than their magically generated counterparts. Most metal that is worked within Eustrora (including the Moon pendants) are crafted with the aid of magic.
Trade with the
Fordris Islands occurs in Western Eustrora as items from
Narland are hard to
acquire the further west one is on the island. Trade with
Slavaria has yet to be formally established.
Some minor trading takes place on a very small scale with the Black Market
economy doing most of the business.
Most people within Eustrora society have the opportunity for a formal education.
This may vary from admittance to the
Radiant Magical Society
to the apprentice
schools for farmers. Most educational institutions (from small to large) teach its
members about Radiant energy and its uses. Little else is explored through formal
education. History, art and philosophy are also taught, but no real innovation,
thinking or theories outside of the established norm are taught. The most
free-thinking education takes place in the upper levels of the
RMS and this is mostly
related to magical research. All other research, magical or otherwise, is discouraged
by the RMS, and in the case of magical research, forbidden. So, although
education is available and widely accessed, the
RMS keeps a tight control on what
is taught and to whom.
