Duvaci
Structure
Duvaci runs on relationships, commitments, and power. A magocracy at its core, Duvaci functions similar to feudalism/manorialism. The king or queen, the most powerful mage in the kingdom, owns everything in Duvaci. The monarch gives land and wealth to loyal nobles. These nobles, powerful mages in their own right, then distribute the land to lords. Nobles task lords with objectives for their land. Lords then organize the community to accomplish these goals. They are also in charge of protection for the community and settling disputes. Multiple lords may report to one noble. These lords are allowed to keep a portion of the wealth the land produces and gives the right to live and work to lower classes in exchange for labor.
The mindset of “power is might” runs rampant in Duvaci. Therefore individuals are expected to deal with their own issues. This is why magic is such a big factor in Duvaci society as those with the gift can protect themselves from repercussions. Only when a crime directly affects a lord or noble do the upper powers become involved.
Magical practitioners who are not nobles or lords often travel the world or the country on behalf of the nobility. This group takes on contracts in exchange for wealth, a portion of which they bring back to their patrons. These contracts range from education, services, counsel, or enchanted objects.
When a monarch dies, a large, sometimes deadly competition is held to determine the most powerful spell user in the kingdom. To participate, other members of the nobility or multiple lords must vouch for the candidate. Through this system, nobles and lords will often raise others to power rather than themselves. This is because when a new monarch is chosen, that individual can redistribute land and wealth to new or existing nobles. This system keeps the power and status fluid, as monarchs often owe their rise to power to others. It is also well suited to the rugged and dangerous Coldlight Mountains since communications and travel between communities are difficult.
Agriculture & Industry
An upper-middle-class country with a large lower, medium middle, and small upper class. There is a large gap in terms of wealth between those with magic and those without. Those with magical skills are paid extremely well and often travel and sell their services, while those without are left as laborers, fishermen, and artisans. Extremely little class fluidity without magical skill and many do not leave the country.
Education
Magical education is extremely important to Viela. A child with magical ability is often given up by the family to a contractor or a monastery who then cares for and teaches the child.
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