Castes Of Tharda

By R Downey For Join the Legion/Schylla & Charibdis
Version: 2.01
Last updated: Wednesday, August 11, 1999
Series: Surviving Tharda, Article #1

Welcome to the most exotic land on all of the island of Hârn. I call it exotic, dear visitor(s), because it is the only kingdom on the island that is not, exactly, a kingdom. We have no king. We have no king's council. What we do have is six castes of people, and a governing senate. Now I shan't bore you with our colorful history, nor our wars with our neighbors - suffice to say that we Republicans do not favor our neighbors with much respect, nor honor. And that is a mutual response to their treatment of us in the past.

Now there are numerous differences between us, and our neighbors. But to really understand Tharda, you must first understand the caste system and how it works. ...

Richard the Light-Hearted, "Tour Guide"

The public of the Thardic Republic is divided into six castes of people.

By examining the castes that make up the Republic, I hope you will understand just how different we are from the surrounding kingdoms. ...

Richard the Light-Headed

Slavery and Slaves in the Republic

What is a Slave?

A slave is a member of the Republic without rights or freedoms who is owned by another. The owner has the right to use the slave however he sees. The owner (master) is legally responsible for every action and voiced opinion of the slave. The Master must punish any inappropriate behavior without the intervention of the Republic else face heavy fines.

Owning slaves is no shame. It is instead a sign of wealth and position in society. Counted as if heads of oxen - they are, like the oxen - a workforce who's labor provides the wealth which the higher castes depend.

The Business of Slavery

Slavery is a profitable business in the Republic. First generation slaves are tribesmen, bandits and foreign soldiers. Slave markets operate in most of the large cities along the river Thard. Slavers are part of the merchant class. They operate respectable businesses in which they carefully tend and brutally punish the slaves they sell.

Roll d1000 to determine a slave's career.

Slave's Career
d100	Slave's Career
000-120	Agricultural Slave
121-138	Cottager
139-238	Domestic Servant
239-316	Half-Villein
317-338	Reeve
337-373	Very Poor Thrall
374-407	Wealthy Thrall
408	Animal Trainer
409-475	Beggar
476	Cartographer
477-494	Cook/Chef
495-604	Domestic Servant
605-804	Farm Labourer
805-822	Fisherman
823	Gaoler/Executioner
824	Hunter/Trapper
825	Jester/Fool
825-846	Longshoreman
846-863	Prostitute/Pimp
864	Ratter/Scavenger
865	Scholar/Tutor
866	Scribe
867	Semi-Skilled Labourer
868-894	Teamster
895	Tenant Farmer
896	Thatcher
897	Toy maker
898-934	Unskilled Labourer
935	Woodcutter/Iceman
936-996	Guild Labourer
997-999	Gladiator
938-962	Charcoaler

If the result is Guild Labourer, choose randomly from among the guilds. Harper/Herald is highly unlikely, but not impossible.

Cannots of a Slave's Life

A slave cannot own nor rent land.
Slaves can not join the guilds, nor present themselves as a work force for anyone other than their master.
Can not do, marry or live where he/she pleases. Everything in their life is decided by their Master.
What is a Slave | The Busines of Slavery | Cannots of A Slave's Life | Cans of a Slave's Life | Joining the Legion | Republican Law | Social Climbing | Falling Off the Social Ladder | Forms of Address | Spotting a Slave

Cans of a Slave's Life

They can own possessions, including other slaves.
A slave's word can not be bartered upon, nor can it be taken in an agreement without the Master's written permission.
A slave can receive funds from his (or her) master, or in trade for work completed for anyone other than their master.
They can receive permission from their master to work for a wage. How much of that wage they are permitted to keep is also up to their master.
A slave can be tortured by the Republic without the master's permission.
What is a Slave | The Busines of Slavery | Cannots of A Slave's Life | Cans of a Slave's Life | Joining the Legion | Republican Law | Social Climbing | Falling Off the Social Ladder | Forms of Address | Spotting a Slave

Joining the Legion

A slave can join the legion if he serves with his Master. The slave serves his master in the field, but is trained first as a legionnaire. Some believe the legion hides slaves amongst its ranks to protect them from abusive masters. But it s a dangerous gamble. For if a slave is caught masquerading as a legionnaire the slave is crucified after a summary judgment.

Republican Law : Slaves

Thardic law states that "Whenever there is uncertainty of the identity of the guilty party a trial will be brought forth before the nearest district legar." Still if a slave is accused, there is rarely any "uncertainty."

Better to be caught by the Master
Than to be caught by the State.
Better to survive the disaster
Than to be hanging dead weight.

From a Slave Work Song.

When a slave commits a crime he is punished twice. The first punishment is for a breach of trust. The Master pays a heavy fine for "letting" the crime happen, and the slave is publicly flogged. Then the slave is punished for the actual crime.

Social Climbing

Slaves are the lowest caste in the Republic. They are 16% of the population. Anyone born of a slave (mother or father) are slaves. There are three ways for a slave to gain his, or her, freedom.

A slave may pay his master his sale price (plus an agreed upon percentage) to gain his freedom.

In return for a lifetime of service a Master may, in his will, grant one slave freedom.

Masters may free a slave's children in return for lifelong loyal service.

If a slave is freed, the Master sends a letter to the Senate announcing that the slave is now a freedman. Somewhere beneath the great red domes of the Senate a roll is kept of all the freedmen and citizens in the Republic. Slaves are only noted as numbers in this great roll with their sale price.

Falling Off the Social Ladder

A crime committed by a slave seriously hinders a slave's future. Worse still, the master can take further reparations from any children or relatives of the guilty.

The lowest ranking member of the Republic is not a slave, nor even the slave of a slave. The lowest ranking member is a slave who has been charged with a crime.

Richard the Light-Fingered

Slavery is seen as a profession of trust. A crime is a breach of that trust. No slave with a criminal history will ever be freed. His family may even be sold away from him - to protect them from his "bad blood." While bad for the guilty slave, it offers his family a chance to start again without guilt, or shame.

Forms of Address

Officially, all slaves should be addressed as Slave [Name] of [Master's Rank] [Master's Name]. So a slave of a slave would be Slave [Name] of Slave [Name] of [Master's Rank] [Master's Name].

A slave does not have a last name. If the child and master share the same name, a shortened derivative of the name.

Rebecca shortened to Reb, Richard shortened to Rick.

Richard, "getting into this" Tour Guide

Spotting a Slave

Slaves can walk about freely. They wear no ring on their right hand (index finger), but may wear any clothes or jewelry they, or their Master, has purchased for them. It may be difficult to differentiate between a slave and a freedman.

Better to call him "Citizen" and be mistaken than call him "Slave" and be challenged!

Richard the Light-Footed, "Tour Guide."

Freedmen in the Republic

What is a Freedman?

Somewhere between slave and citizen stands the freedmen and freedwomen of the Republic. They are free by either birth or the grace of their former Masters. A freedman can join any profession, guild or group.

Freedmen in the Republic may come and go as they please so long as they do not owe a debt to any man or woman.

The Business of Being a Freedman

Freedmen sell their services to the highest bidder. The guilds are mostly made up of Freedman laborers who pay their dues monthly. In return for their wage they are expected to perform according to their contract.

A freedman can learn his craft by joining any one of the guilds and paying his dues from his first wages as an apprentice.

Contracts with freedmen always have the "freedman clause." This promises :

"The return of the purchase price, or equivalent in unfinished goods plus a fine, or the finished merchandise by a specified date. Else freedom is forfeit until the fine is paid, or the goods completed."

The Freedman is not made a slave - rather his income is paid to the Guild of the mangai who pays a pittance to the craftsman - called a living wage - and the rest to the holder of the contract.

A freedman must rent his dwelling and purchase clothes and the other daily necessities of life including his guild dues.

Prices are set by the guilds, as are the wages for apprentices, and journeymen. Non-Guild workers usually barter their services to the highest bidder. They also learn their trade through apprenticeship.

Freedmen may know how to read and write, if their craft depends upon it - or if they are sufficiently wealthy. They may join any branch of the clergy or the guild of the Shek-P'var (Hidden Knowledge) should they prove worthy candidates.

Cannots of a Freedman's Life

A freedman can not own land.
A freedman can not marry a citizen or an equestrian.
A freedman can not serve in the senate.
A freedman can not barter over his word.
Should a freedman break a contract (or not fulfill it) he can be indentured until the debt is paid.
A freedman may not own slaves (without special dispensation from the local magistrate.)
What is a Freedman | The Business of Being a Freedman | Cannots of a Freedman's Life | Cans of a Freedman's Life | Joining the Legion | Republican Law | Social Climbing | Falling off the Social Ladder | Forms of Address | Spotting a Freedman

Cans of a Freedman's Life

A freedman can rent land and equipment.
A freedman may marry either a slave or another freedman.
A freedman may join the legion with obligation.
A freedman can go where he/she pleases so long as no debt is owed.
A freedman has a right to have his tale of injustice heard in the forum.

Roll d1000 to determine a freedman's career.

D1000	CAREER
Freedman's Career
001-010	Cottager/Poor Thrall
011-110	Domestic Servant
111-113	Half-Villein/Average Thrall
114-330	Reeve (client/Serf/Thrall)
331-340	Serf/Very Poor Thrall
341-440	Zillein/Wealthy Thrall
441-450	Animal Trainer
451-650	Beggar
651	Cartographer
652-659	Cook/Chef
660	Domestic Servant
661-662	Farm Labourer
663-666	Fisherman
667-681	Gaoler/Executioner
682-707	Hunter/Trapper
708-722	Jester/Fool
723	Longshoreman
724-726	Prostitute/Pimp
727-731	Ratter/Scavenger
732-734	Scholar/Tutor
735	Scribe
736-737	Semi-Skilled Labourer
738-742	Teamster
743-744	Tenant Farmer
745-781	Thatcher
782	Toy maker
783	Unskilled Labourer
784-803	Woodcutter/Iceman
804-806	Apothecary
807-830	Arcane Lore: Alchemist
831	Arcane Lore: Astrologer
832	Arcane Lore: Other
833	Arcane Lore: Shek-P'var
834	Chandler
835	Charcoaler
837	Clothier
838-839	Courtesan
840-842	Embalmer
841-843	Glass worker
842-845	Harper/Skald
846-847	Hide worker
848-849	Innkeeper
850-851	Jeweler
852-856	Lexicographer
857-860	Lia-Kavair
861-862	Locksmith
863-864	Mason
865-867	Merchantman
868	Metal smith
869	Miller/Millwright
870-872	Miner
873-878	Ostler
879-886	Perfumer
887-893	Physician
894-896	Pilot
897-989	Potter
900	Salter
901	Seaman
902	Shipwright
903-906	Tent maker
907-908	Thespian
909-911	Timber wright
912	Weapons crafter
913	Wood crafter
914	Legionnaire
915-965	Man-at-arms
966-970	Mercenary
971-985	Sappier/Archer
986-990	Swords master
991-998	Gladiator (free)
999	Priest/Shaman

Joining the Legion

Freedmen are welcome in the legion making up about 2/3's of the legion forces. A freedman must purchase his armor and equipment (a debt of 1300 denarii!) The legion will give him until he musters out of the legion (minimum 4 years, max 25 years) to pay his debt before forcing indenture.

Freedmen can, after serving 4 years, and paying a certain fee, begin to rise in the ranks of the legion.

Republican Law: Freedmen

Freedmen, it is said, are always worried about Money. The law promises revenge and money for the wronged. Freedmen fear fines more than punishment for nothing ever comes free to a freedman, and indenture is a common practice.

Children born to a freedman indentured are born as slaves. To avoid this, freedman usually resort to borrowing money, or taking on larger and larger contracts for little profit to pay off debts before the birth of any child.

Like <hic> the lady said <hic>
Nothing Free <hic> comes to Freedmen <hic>

Richard the Drunk! "Tour Guide"
(Am <hic> no..Not!<hic>You buying?)

Social Climbing

A freedman can either purchase citizenship, or earn it.

The purchase price starts at about 5 silver talens, and goes up. Such a ridiculous price (that's 31, 250 denarius) is usually paid by several patrons of the equestrian class in return for either saving a wealthy clan from destruction. Such acts are things of legend.

The other way to gain citizenship is to either marry a citizen, or to serve a full 25 years in the legion.

Man, or woman, that marries a citizen automatically becomes a citizen. Although it is, technically, illegal for a freedman to marry a citizen, it is not illegal for a citizen to marry a freedman. As confusing as this sounds, it ensures that the married couple wish to marry and is suppose to stop greedy freedmen from trying to force a marriage upon an unwilling citizen.

After 25 years of service, a legionnaire receives a small parcel of land, a purse of money (less any debt to the legion) and citizenship.

Most prefer marriage
To 25 years in the legion.
Marriage might kill ya,
but at least you'll die with a smile on your face.

<slap!> Ow.

Richard - the Downtroden Husband

Falling Off the Social Ladder

Indenture is far less of a punishment than slavery. Socially speaking there is no difference between indenture-without-end, and slavery.

When a freedman becomes a slave he can never again rise from that caste.

A freedman who marries a slave is, socially speaking a slave. For unless the freedman owns the slave, the freedman is as bound to the Master as the slave.

The slave is seen as being a silver-craver, and the freedman is seen as being addle-minded.

"Love is forgotten when slave marries freedman for neither can be free while one is still in chains. And at what price freedom?"

Halean Quote

Forms of Address

Freedmen and women are greeted as "Freedmen" or "Freedman [Name] of [household]." Where their household is that which they currently are in contract with, or have bond with.

As in Freedman "Rebecca of Weijik" or "Freedman Richard of Wejik"

Many freedmen associate themselves with a guild instead of a household.

As in Rebecca of Ostlers, or Richard of the Lia-Kavair. Oops. Did I say that aloud?

A freedmen in the legion will always associate himself as [Legion Name] [Legion Number] Legion, [place he is stationed], [rank].

"Mikeal, Corani 4th legion, Fobin cohort, Milities Primus" - for example.

In the Republic, when in doubt - address the stranger as citizen and not "freedman." He or she will correct you accordingly.

Spotting a Freedman

A Freedman may wear whatever he likes, as he likes - be it within current fashion, or against. He may never wear a ring on his right index finger - for that is reserved for the higher castes of society.

Citizens of the Republic

What is a Citizen?

Citizens comprise Republic's "Middle" class. They are as land hungry as any Equestrian, and as money-hungry as any Freedman. Citizenship, like Freedmen-ship, is an inheritable status by birth. A citizenship is granted to any who's father was a citizen and wish to serve a term in office, or any one who has served a full term in the legion (25 years.) Most citizens own a small plot of land to sustain themselves and their families.

The Business of Being a Citizen

Citizens can sell their services and their word to anyone with which they have a contract. Some Usurers will even give a citizen a loan if they sell their word (sign an agreement to repay the loan, often with interest, by a certain time.)

As good as this sounds, if the citizen fails to pay his/her debt, often they are hunted down by the Usurers forces and made to pay in full, on the spot, or sign another contract with more clauses and conditions.

Almost all Citizens are part of some guild. The guilds are used as a sort of social club through which the latest methods, technology and gossip are spread.

Cannots of a Citizen's Life

A citizen can not marry an Equestrian.
A citizen can not enter the Senate assembly without reason.
A citizen can not be denied a trial in the forum.
A citizen must be employed.
A citizen's "Citizenship" can not be removed without a written command from the senate.
A citizen can not be tortured or punished unless so decreed by the Senate.
What is a Citizen | The Business of Being a Citizen | Cannots of a Citizen 's Life | Cans of a Citizen's Life | Joining the Legion | Republican Law | Social Climbing | Falling off the Social Ladder | Forms of Address | Spotting a Citizen

Cans of a Citizen's Life

A citizen may marry a Slave, Freedman or another citizen - if they are willing.
A citizen can enter and leave the forum freely.
A citizen can represent himself at trial at the forum, or hire a legate.
A citizen may choose his own employment.
A citizen may own, inherit and sell land.
A citizen may own slaves.
What is a Citizen | The Business of Being a Citizen | Cannots of a Citizen 's Life | Cans of a Citizen's Life | Joining the Legion | Republican Law | Social Climbing | Falling off the Social Ladder | Forms of Address | Spotting a Citizen

Joining the Legion

Citizens are welcome in the legion. Like the freedman they make up a large percentage of the Republic's force. However, most citizens muster out after 4 years. They return to the legion for 3 months out of the year, earning their 1d/day.

A Citizen must purchase his armor and equipment Often a citizen pays up front assuring himself of no debt to pay when his service is done. If a citizen can not pay, he may loose his land and choose to become a freedman instead of facing indenture.

Republican Law: Citizens

Citizens worry about their land. The Republic is as quick to fine in acres of land, as denarii.

Without land a Citizen is legally considered a freedman who is renting land from the Republic, and taxed accordingly.

With land the Citizen has a lower tax rate and the possibility of having tenants to help him pay off the taxes.

It is never a crime, nor an insult, to call anyone (Senator, Equestrian, Freedman, or Slave,) a "Citizen."

Social Climbing

A wealthy citizen is as powerful as a poor Equestrian. Money in the Republic is both in the form of denarii and land. The more money, land and slaves a citizen has, the more social power he can wield. If he enough land (around 500+ acres) he can petition the district clans for permission to join the clan, or start his own clan.

Joining a clan gives him access to more people, and more money. It also makes him vulnerable to clan politics and indenture of another form.

Forming his own clan gives him the freedom to do as he wills. It also keeps him outside the clans sphere of influence, and their protection.

Roll d1000 to determine a citizen's career.

D1000	Citizen
Citizen's Career
000-050	Cottager/Poor Thrall
051-150	Domestic Servant
151-170	Half-Villein/Average Thrall
171-370	Reeve (client/Serf/Thrall)
371-380	Serf/Very Poor Thrall
381-480	Skilled Slave
481-490	Villein/Wealthy Thrall
491-650	Animal Trainer
651	Beggar
652-659	Cartographer
660	Cook/Chef
661-662	Domestic Servant
663-666	Farm Labourer
667-686	Fisherman
687-711	Gaoler/Executioner
712	Hunter/Trapper
713-727	Jester/Fool
728-728	Longshoreman
729-731	Prostitute/Pimp
732-736	Ratter/Scavenger
737-739	Scholar/Tutor
740	Scribe
741-742	Semi-Skilled Labourer
743-747	Teamster
748-749	Tenant Farmer
750-795	Thatcher
796	Toy maker
797	Unskilled Labourer
798-812	Woodcutter/Iceman
813-815	Freehold Farmer
814-830	Apothecary
831	Arcane Lore: Alchemist
832	Arcane Lore: Astrologer
833	Arcane Lore: Other
834	Arcane Lore: Shek-P'var
835	Chandler
836-837	Charcoaler
838-839	Clothier
840-842	Courtesan
841-843	Embalmer
844-845	Glass worker
846-847	Harper/Skald
848-849	Herald
850-851	Hide worker
852-856	Innkeeper
857-860	Jeweler
861-862	Lexicographer
863-864	Lia-Kavair
865-867	Litigant
868	Locksmith
869	Mason
870-872	Merchantmen
873-878	Metal smith
879-886	Miller/Millwright
887-893	Miner
894-896	Ostler
897-899	Perfumer
900-902	Physician
903	Pilot
904	Potter
905-908	Salter
909-910	Seaman
911-913	Shipwright
914	Tent maker
915	Thespian
916	Timber wright
917-918	Weapons crafter
919-920	Wood crafter
921-927	Legionnaire
928-990	Man-at-arms
991-993	Mercenary
994-995	Sappier/Archer
996	Swords master
997	Gladiator (free)
998-999	Priest/Shaman

Falling Off the Social Ladder

To marry into a lower caste is not one of the best career moves in the Republic. It can be done, but acceptance can cost the bride (or groom) greatly (both in denarii and in time.)

Citizens who deal with Foreigners a little
are considered shrewd.

Citizens who deal with Foreigners a lot
are considered Crude.

Republican Saying

Committing a crime usually results in loss of land and thereby loss of status and caste.

Forms of Address

Citizens are greeted as "Citizen" or "Citizen [Name] of [household]." Where their household is that which they currently are in contract with, or have bond with.

As in Citizen "Rebecca of Weijik" or "Citizen Richard of Wejik"

Many Citizens associate themselves with a guild instead of a household.

As in Rebecca of Ostlers, or Richard of the Lia-<mutter><mumble>... gotta stop doing that!

A citizen in the legion will always associate himself as [Legion Name] [Legion Number] Legion, [place he is stationed], [rank].

"Mikeal, Corani 4th legion, Fobin cohort, Milities Primus" - for example.

In the Republic, when in doubt - address the stranger as citizen. He or she will correct you accordingly.

Spotting a Citizen

All citizens wear a brass ring on their right index finger.

Equestrians of the Republic

What is a Equestrian?

Equestrians are the wealthy land-owning class of the Republic. This caste can often provide both horse and armor for the knights in the legion. The Equestrian class consists of the 69 older clans within the Republic.

The Business of Being a Equestrian

Equestrians do not, directly, do business. The best of them are the Patrons of the Republic. As such they introduce their clients to the right people at the right time. They gain their wealth from the productivity of their lands, and the businesses run by their tenants and clients.

Equestrians are almost all either into politics or the military. Traditionally the first son will go into a political career while the second son will join the legion.

An Equestrian can hold any Guild or Military career. Those Equestrians who "do" business are referred to as "Citizens." The title of "Equestrian" is socially only granted to those who are either serving in public office, knights in the legion, or patrons.

Cannots of a Equestrian's Life

There is nothing an Equestrian can not do, if he can afford the price.

Cans of a Equestrian's Life

Everything so long as the money holds out.

Joining the Legion

The second son of every Equestrian household joins the legion's cavalry. Equestrians make up the officer core of the legion.

Any other Equestrian son who joins becomes one of the regular infantry soldiers.

Republican Law: Equestrians

Equestrians always have their trials in the forum; and usually the associated clans hire the best legates available. Such trials are always popular events.

Much like your Wrestling Championships I'm told about, only ... less violent ... usually.

Richard.

Equestrians take fines delivered by the state as their due. Floggings, and other such violent punishments are rare. Usually the court first strips the Equestrian of his social rank before passing such judgments. This is to assure that the shame of the guilty is not spread on his Equestrian clan.

Social Climbing

Where can an Equestrian go? There is no end to the Social Ladder in Tharda. An equestrian who serves in public office aspires to the Senate. While an equestrian who serves in the legion aspires to higher and higher ranks.

Both require a lot of money. Ridiculous sums to be spent on "gifts" to the right people and assuring the right "patronage." Skill does have a little something to do with it too.

Roll a D1000 to determine an Equestrian's Career.

D1000	Equestrian
Equestrian Careers
001-003	Animal Trainer
004	Cartographer
005	Cook/Chef
006	Fisherman
007	Gaoler/Executioner
008	Hunter/Trapper
009	Jester/Fool
010-046	Scholar/Tutor
047-113	Scribe
114	Thatcher
115	Toy maker
116	Woodcutter/Iceman
117-118	Apothecary
119-136	Arcane Lore: Alchemist
137	Arcane Lore: Astrologer
138	Arcane Lore: Other
139	Arcane Lore: Shek-P'var
140	Chandler
141	Clothier
142	Courtesan
143	Embalmer
144	Glass worker
145	Harper/Skald
146	Herald
147	Hide worker
148	Innkeeper
149	Jeweler
150-152	Lexicographer
153	Lia-Kavair
154-333	Litigant
334	Locksmith
335	Mason
336-409	Merchantmen
410	Metal smith
411	Miller/Millwright
412	Miner
413	Ostler
414	Perfumer
415	Physician
416	Pilot
417	Potter
418	Salter
419	Seaman
420	Shipwright
421	Tent maker
422	Thespian
423	Timber wright
424	Weapons crafter
425	Wood crafter
426-545	Legionnaire
546-582	Man-at-arms
583-610	Mercenary
611-622	Sappier/Archer
623-634	Swords master
635-646	Gladiator (free)
647-766	Priest/Shaman
767-886	Knight-Bachelor (landless)
887-898	Bailiff (manor)
899-972	Enfoeffed Knight (manor)
973-984	Patrician
985-999	Senator

Falling off the Social Ladder

So long as the equestrian has money and his cast, he can never fall off the social ladder. But if he goes broke - anything can happen (and usually does.)

Bankruptcy is devastating to the Equestrian. Usually for this sin alone they are stripped of their rank and removed from the clan. Bankruptcy means that the Equestrian has no money, no patron and no land. A rare event.

To just be broke is no sin, but most Equestrians will strive to find/borrow money quickly to remove the boredom.

Forms of Address

Equestrians prefer the titles of their office, or "Sir" in casual conversation. Formally they use all the titles they can find to embellish their name.

Spotting a Equestrian

All equestrians wear a silver ring on their right index finger.

The Senators of the Republic

What is a Senator?

Senators are the "rulers" of the Republic. They are elected, and hold their posts for life. Senators mostly come from the equestrian class and tend to be the patrician of their clan. The caste includes their wives, and children up to the age of majority (14.) The Senator gains his rank, and title, from his seat in the Republican Senate.

The Business of Being a Senator

The senate is housed in the capital city of Coronan. Its seven red domes are easily visible from almost any part of the city. The senate is normally in session from the month of Ilvin to the end of Morgat. Sessions are closed to the public.

The Senate of the republic levies taxes, appoints officials, declares ware, makes treaties and tries high crimes.

A senator receives no wage, and is expected to survive on the gifts he receives while in office. Senators come from the equestrian caste of the Republic by tradition and often own profitable estates. Should the republic ever need additional funds, the senators can be relied upon to put forth their own money until such time as the republic can pay back the debt with interest.

Cannots of a Senator's Life

Like the Equestrian, there is nothing a Senator can not do so long as there is money. Social appearance becomes far more important at this level than actual fact.

Cans of a Senator's Life

See above.

Joining the Legion

Senators may not join the legion. Their families are expected to follow the traditions of the Equestrian class.

Republican Law: Senators

In return for his status the Senator is granted numerous exceptions from the laws.

"No senator may be restrained, arrested, or executed except by warrant of treason issued by the Senate. Senators have the right to speak in any court of law, examine any official's records, and stay any execution or commute any sentence not ordered by the Senate itself. A senator may commandeer the services of any slave or citizen for assistance in exercise of his privileges. Impeding, or failing to cooperate with a senator who claims exercise of privilege is treason"

- [Tharda 6, 4th paragraph]

Social Climbing

The Senate has five fractions which battle continuously for control. Gaining friends and influence means acquiring more money and land while keeping the respect of your peers. Many a senator has failed this fine juggling act and ended his short career rather ... violently.

Note: The position of "Senator" is a career. They are either a retired Senator, or family of a senator. If they are not actively a senator, roll d1000 on the Equestrian table to determine their hobby/career.

Falling off the Social Ladder

A senator can loose his post through one of three ways:

By death
By retirement due to health reasons
By lack of funds

Should he loose his post, he and his family become Equestrians. Social scandals, scams and frauds are the other three ways for a Senator to loose their post. Loosing the respect of ones peers is more deadly than any illness ever known.

Most illnesses are curable,
assassins are not.

Halean saying

Forms of Address

Unless they have another title, all senators are addressed as "Senator [Name] [Clan Name]" or "Patrician [Clan Name]" or simply "Patron" if you are fortunate enough to be one of their clients.

Spotting a Senator

All senators wear a gold ring on their right index finger.

Other Notes:

Types of Professions | Thardic Legion | Foreigners | Women in Society

Types of Professions

The following list of careers are all considered "Guild-Members," and are open to all castes of the Republic so long as dues are paid and guild edicts obeyed.

Career	Pay per 10day	Pay per Month
Guild Professions
Apothecary	2.50d	60d
Chandler	2.55d	54d
Charcoaler	2.50d	60d
Clothier	2.5d	60d
Courtesan	Variable	Variable
Embalmer	2.00d	48d
Glass worker	2.75d	66d
Harper	1.75d	42d
Herald	3.25d	78d
Hide worker	2.50d	60d
Innkeeper	2.50d	60d
Jeweler	2.75d	66d
Lexicographer	2.75d	66d
Litigant	3.00d	73d
Locksmith	2.50d	60d
Mason	4.00d	96d
Merchantmen	Variable	Variable
Metal smith	3.00d	72d
Miller	3.50d	84d
Miner	3.50d	84d
Ostler	3.25d	78d
Perfumer	2.75d	66d
Physician	3.00d	72d
Pilot	Variable	Variable
Potter	2.5d	60d
Salter	2.00d	48d
Seaman	2.00d	48d
Ship wight	3.75d	90d
Tent maker	3.00d	72d
Thespian	Variable	Variable
Timber wight	3.25d	78d
Weapon crafter	4.5d	108d
Wood crafter	2.75d	66d

The following list of careers are all considered "Unguided," and are open only to the slave, and freedman castes of the Republic.

Unguided	Pay/ Day	Pay/ Month
Unguided Professions
Animal Trainer	3.00d	72d
Cartographer	3.5od	84d
Cook	1.25d	30d
Farmhand	1.00d	24d
Fisherman	2.00d	48d
Herdsman	1.00d	24d
Hunter/Trapper	2.50d	42d
Laborer/Porter	1.75d	42d
Longshoreman	1.75d	42d
Prostitute	1.5od	36d
Ratter	2.50d	60d
Sage/Tutor	3,50d	84d
Scribe	2.75d	66d
Servant	1.00d	24d
Teamster	3.00d	72d
Thatcher	2.25d	54d
Toy maker	2.00d	48d

The following are considered "Military Careers," and with the exception of "Knighthood/Officer" are open to any caste of the Republic.

Military	Pay/ Day	Pay/ Month
Military Careers
Archer	2.00d	48d
Sappier/Scout	1.50d	36d
Man at Arms	1.25d	30d
Common Soldier	1.00d	24d

Types of Professions | Thardic Legion | Foreigners | Women in Society

The Thardic Legion

A quick note about the legion. This is the largest standing army on all of Hârn. Trained to learn tactics quickly, and be a force constantly on the move - the Legion is something to be feared.

The legion, when not at war, is in the process of building and repairing. Because of them, the Republic has the finest roads and some of the best keeps in the known lands.

Trained as both soldiers and engineers the legion is unique in all of Hârn. For more information on the Legion, refer to the Alternate Army by Jonathan M. Davidson and the various articles on the topic.

Types of Professions | Thardic Legion | Foreigners | Women in Society

Foreigners

Because the Republic is so different from the surrounding countries, special dispensation is given to foreigners.

They may wear a ring on their right index finger for the first day of their visit, and not be accused of pretending to be something they are not.

The forum uses feudal law when dealing with their cases, and special legates are brought in to try the case. The punishments, however, remain quite Republican in nature.

Foreigners may marry any caste of the Republic they wish, but their children are automatically considered "Freedmen." The foreigner ranks as an honorary Citizen (if he has no land) or Equestrian (if he has land.) He receives all rights, privileges and must adhere to all laws accordingly.

Types of Professions | Thardic Legion | Foreigners | Women in Society

Women in Society

With the exception of the Senate, there is no position, career or caste barred to women. Women are welcome in the military, and in the courts. The senate is closed to women due to tradition (one that a few well placed women are working to change!) "Sir" is a reference to rank, not to sex.

This page was last updated on July 9, 2001
Questions/Comments should be directed to the Webmaster.
All works are Copyright their respective authors, 2002.

Pax Tharda

What is a Slave?

Social Climbing

Freedmen in the Republic

What is a Freedman?

The Business of Being a Freedman

Cannots of a Freedman's Life

Cans of a Freedman's Life

Joining the Legion

Republican Law: Freedmen

Falling Off the Social Ladder

Forms of Address

Spotting a Freedman

Citizens of the Republic

What is a Citizen?

The Business of Being a Citizen

Cannots of a Citizen's Life

Cans of a Citizen's Life

Joining the Legion

Republican Law: Citizens

Social Climbing

Falling Off the Social Ladder

Forms of Address

Spotting a Citizen

Equestrians of the Republic

What is a Equestrian?

The Business of Being a Equestrian

Cannots of a Equestrian's Life

Cans of a Equestrian's Life

Joining the Legion

Republican Law: Equestrians

Social Climbing

Falling off the Social Ladder

Forms of Address

Spotting a Equestrian

The Senators of the Republic

What is a Senator?

The Business of Being a Senator

Cannots of a Senator's Life

Cans of a Senator's Life

Joining the Legion

Republican Law: Senators

Social Climbing

Falling off the Social Ladder

Forms of Address

Spotting a Senator

Other Notes:

Types of Professions

Guild Professions

Unguided Professions

Military Careers

The Thardic Legion

Foreigners

Women in Society