Nationalism and Classism

In the world of Nyria, society is shaped by the dual forces of nationalism and classism. The cataclysmic events of the Burn fractured the planet’s civilizations, leading to the emergence of new nations and the solidification of old ones, each with its own unique national identity. These identities are deeply rooted in the religious beliefs, secular traditions, and styles of governance that define each nation. At the same time, the rigid social hierarchies that predated the Burn have persisted, creating a global society divided not only by borders but also by class. The result is a complex tapestry where individuals may find themselves connected to others across national lines by shared class experiences, even as they remain divided by their national identities.

National Identities

The nations of Nyria are characterized by strong national identities, each formed or solidified in the wake of the Burn. These identities are influenced by a range of factors, including religion, governance, and historical experiences.

The Eldwell Empire:

The Eldwell Empire, known for its focus on technological advancement and industrialization, has a national identity deeply rooted in progress and innovation. The empire is governed by a strong central authority, with Empress Sophronia II at its helm. Secularism plays a significant role in the Empire, with a strong emphasis on the value of scientific discovery and rational thought. Citizens of the Eldwell Empire take great pride in their empire’s achievements, particularly in engineering and alchemy.

The Kelean Mandate:

Formed after the prophesied Burn, the Kelean Mandate is a theocratic state guided by the teachings of Kel as interpreted by the Church of Kel. The national identity here is steeped in religious fervor, with a strong sense of mission and purpose. The Keleans view themselves as the chosen people, destined to bring about a new era of peace and prosperity. This religious nationalism is reinforced by their governance, which blends spiritual and temporal authority.

The Leidenstein Consortium:

The Leidenstein Consortium, a heavily industrialized nation, is driven by commerce and a pragmatic approach to governance. National identity here is closely tied to economic success and the pursuit of wealth. The Consortium is known for its laissez-faire approach, where corporate interests often outweigh those of individual citizens. Despite this, there is a strong sense of national pride in the Consortium’s ability to thrive in a competitive global market. The people of Leidenstein also enjoy a period of naval and military superiority that gave rise to a new class of professional soldiers ready to defend the interests of the consortium. Young men and women join the ranks of the army in hopes to gain glory and riches for their efforts, and many young people find those who achieved said glory attractive and excellent matches to elevate their own status.

Class Divisions

Across Nyria, social hierarchies are firmly entrenched, dividing people into distinct classes: lower, middle, and high. In some nations where slavery persists, an additional slave class exists, while in others, the high class is further divided into nobility and royalty. These class distinctions often transcend national borders, creating a shared culture among people of the same class, even as they remain divided by their national identities.

Lower Class:

The lower class, often comprising laborers, miners, and factory workers, shares common experiences of hardship and struggle, regardless of national origin. In the Eldwell Empire, for instance, lower-class citizens are the backbone of the industrial workforce, living in crowded urban centers and working long hours in factories. In the Kelean Mandate, the lower class is heavily influenced by religious teachings, with many laborers working on community projects as acts of faith. Despite national differences, lower-class individuals across Nyria often share a sense of solidarity, shaped by their common struggles and their marginalization from the centers of power.

Middle Class:

The middle class across Nyria is characterized by its pursuit of stability and upward mobility. In the Eldwell Empire, the middle class is composed of merchants, engineers, and artisans, who benefit from the Empire’s focus on technology and industry. In the Leidenstein Consortium, the middle class is heavily involved in commerce and trade, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. While national identities differ, the middle class across nations shares similar aspirations, such as the desire for financial security, education, and better living conditions. These shared goals often lead to a common worldview, despite differing national contexts.

High Class:

The high class in Nyria is marked by wealth, privilege, and influence. In the Eldwell Empire, this class includes industrial magnates, high-ranking officials, and members of the nobility. The high class is often seen as the driving force behind the Empire’s progress, wielding significant power and influence. In the Kelean Mandate, the high class is composed of religious leaders and those with close ties to the Church, who hold both spiritual and temporal authority. In the Leidenstein Consortium, the high class is dominated by powerful corporate leaders and wealthy families, who control vast economic resources. Despite national differences, the high class across Nyria shares a common interest in maintaining their status and influence, often forming transnational alliances to protect their wealth and power.

Slave Class:

In nations where slavery is still practiced, such as some of the more isolated territories of the Kelean Mandate and certain colonies within the Leidenstein Consortium, the slave class represents the lowest rung of society. These individuals are often subjected to harsh conditions and have little to no rights. Despite this, slaves across different nations share a common culture of resistance and survival, passing down stories, songs, and traditions that sustain their spirits in the face of oppression.

Shared Class Culture Across Borders

Despite the strong national identities that separate the people of Nyria, there is a shared culture within each class that transcends national borders. Lower-class individuals across nations often relate to each other through shared experiences of poverty, labor, and exploitation. Middle-class citizens find common ground in their pursuit of stability and upward mobility, while the high class shares a culture of privilege, power, and influence. These shared class cultures often create bonds that cross national lines, fostering a sense of solidarity among people of the same class, even as they remain divided by national identity.

Class Tensions

As the effects of the Burn fade from recent memory, the ideals of the revolutionary era begin to resurface. The lower and middle classes seek more freedoms, education, and the ability to control their destinies, while the high classes of the wealthy and nobility increasingly resist these demands, defending their birthright to rule. These tensions often spill out from the halls of justice and parliament into the streets, creating an atmosphere thick with the scent of revolution.