Aridian Federation
The Aridian Federation is a loose association in which representatives of Aridian cities and lands vote on common laws and jointly defy external enemies.
These representatives meet in the Senate of Orfium, where they discuss, negotiate and hold elections. This alliance was formed to protect the Aridian way of life from invaders and other threats. Despite this alliance, the numerous rulers retain a great deal of independence and so, in "peacetime", trade agreements are made in the Senate, alliances are forged between the various houses and families and political intrigues are spun.
Structure
Influential landowners and rulers each send a member of their family as a representative. This representative is appointed a senator and represents the interests and will of his family. The oldest member of the Senate sets the agenda and oversees votes in the Senate.
The individual members of the Confederation are bound by the decisions of the Senate, but otherwise have total authority over their territories and subjects. Should a member act against general laws or decisions of the Senate, the other members are required to enforce the will of the Senate. These members form the nobility and thus the highest stratum of society.
The inhabitants of their estates are subordinate to the nobles. These are divided into four groups:
The peasants (contadini) live on the land of the rulers and cultivate it. They are bound to the land and require the permission of their feudal lord if they wish to leave his lands. They are expected to pay a portion of their agricultural produce in taxes.
The citizens (citadini) live in the cities and are craftsmen, guards and other service providers. They are also bound to their place of birth and need permission from their town administrator to move. They must pay taxes in the form of coins.
The freemen (Gratuzi) are not bound to either the country or the city. This group mainly includes landless and lower nobles and clerics. However, members of other classes could also become Gratuzio by being absolved by their feudal lord. This privilege is usually acquired through high payments or awarded for special deeds. Freemen could move around freely and pay their taxes in coin or goods to the local ruler.
"Strangers" (sconoscuti) included foreigners, itinerant people, outcasts, criminals and the homeless. They can roam freely and pay no taxes, but they have no rights or entitlement to protection. They cannot own land or acquire a residence in a city. However, some Sconoscuti make agreements with local authorities that guarantee them security and concessions in return for services or tribute.
The sixth group of society are the slaves (scavi). They are considered the property of their master and are directly subordinate to him. According to the laws of the Senate, only sconoscuti may be enslaved against their will. Contadini, citadini and gratuzi can only become slaves if they are convicted of a crime or voluntarily agree to be enslaved. Some Aridi go into slavery for a limited period of time in order to work off large debts or to receive a piece of land afterwards. Injuring or killing a slave, owned by another master, for no reason is forbidden and punishable by severe penalties. The arbitrary mistreatment and murder of one's own slaves is also prohibited by law. In such cases, however, the distinction between arbitrary cruelty and appropriate chastisement is blurred, so that the mistreatment of a slave is often not punished.
Founding Date
7. Aldirmed 77 DZ
Type
Geopolitical, Republic
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Legislative Body
The Senate
Judicial Body
local rulers and landowners
Related Ethnicities
Comments