Berthe
Structure
Monarchy
At the top of the Berthan political structure is the Monarchy, which holds ultimate power over the entire nation. The monarch is seen not only as a ruler but also as the symbol of national honor and the guardian of tradition and unity. Their word is law, and they are considered the protector of both the realm’s stability and the honor of the nation.
The Monarch
The King or Queen of Berthe is the head of state and the ultimate authority. The monarch’s role is ceremonial, judicial, and executive, making major decisions, especially in times of war, peace, or crisis.
The monarch's lineage is highly revered, with primogeniture usually governing succession, though family honor and the suitability of the heir could be questioned if the monarch’s actions were deemed dishonorable or incompetent.
In ceremonial settings, the monarch might also preside over important national events, such as festivals, honor duels, or marriage alliances with foreign nations.
Advisors and Court Officials
The monarch is advised by the Royal Assembly, a council of nobles that represents the noble houses. These advisors help with the daily governance and make recommendations on matters like law, economics, and foreign diplomacy.
Royal Chamberlain
Oversees the monarch’s court, ensuring ceremonial duties are respected and the nobility’s obligations are met.
The High Steward
Responsible for overseeing the nation’s resources, including land distribution, agricultural output, and ensuring fair taxation.
The High Marshal
Heads the military and defense forces, making sure that Berthe is protected from external threats.
The Archons
Senior noble advisors who represent the most prominent noble houses. They handle regional governance, ensuring the monarch's decrees are followed in their lands.
Noble Houses
The noble class in Berthe plays a vital role in governing and maintaining the societal structure. The nobility is not just about wealth and title but also about ancestral duty and loyalty to the monarch. The noble families often own large swathes of land in the Grasslands and may also manage coastal duchies or other strategic territories.
The noble families of Berthe are the true landowners, governing vast tracts of the Grasslands. They rule over local villages, ensure land productivity, and manage the agricultural output.
Counties
The kingdom is divided into counties (and one duchy). Each county is ruled by a count or countess, who oversees local governance, justice, and defense. The duchy of Camille, with its canal systems, might have a particularly important strategic or economic role in the kingdom.
Feudal Ties
The nobility’s relationship with their people is feudal. Lower-ranking families (landowners, knights, and other titled individuals) swear fealty to higher-ranking lords. They owe service (in the form of military aid, taxes, or crops) and receive protection and titles in return. Vassals might also manage smaller, more rural settlements, which will report to their lord.
Noble Courts
The noble courts serve as a place where family matters, honor, and lawsuits between noble houses are dealt with. A noble family’s reputation can be built or shattered in these courts, depending on how honorable they are perceived.
History
Religion
Official Beliefs
There may be a state-sponsored religious order that venerates ancestral spirits, royal ancestors, or nature deities as central tenets. The royal family may be considered divinely chosen, with their sacred line extending to ancient figures (possibly semi-mythical ancestors). The royal line would be viewed as blessed, but the monarchy would not enforce a rigid doctrine through laws.
Religious Tolerance
Instead of laws punishing heresy, individuals in Berthan society could be allowed to worship various deities, but any religious practices that involve magic, forbidden rituals, or any practice perceived to undermine the honor or sovereignty of the royal family would be strictly forbidden.
Private Faith
Individuals may freely practice personal belief, as long as their faith does not undermine societal order. For example, worshipping a non-recognized god is not illegal, but if it becomes publicly disruptive or politically threatening (e.g., a religious movement that challenges the monarchy’s authority), it could attract suspicion or official investigation.
Religious Dissent
If a religion or belief system threatens the order, especially in challenging the monarchy or the noble class, the state would intervene by imposing social sanctions, like banning meetings, disbanding congregations, or exiling leaders of the faith. This would be more about preserving social order rather than rooting out a specific "heresy."
Laws
Laws of Honor and Reputation
Honor Crimes
Defamation of Character: Any public insult or slander against an individual’s honor or reputation is a serious offense. This could include false accusations, mockery, or gossip that damages someone's standing in society. Such offenses are punishable by fines, public apology, or duels (which could be legally sanctioned if both parties agree to it).
Duels to Defend Honor: Honor duels are not only culturally accepted but legally sanctioned. If someone’s honor is publicly challenged or disrespected (e.g., accusations of cowardice, dishonesty, or betrayal), they may have the legal right to demand a duel or other means of formal resolution.
Breach of Vow or Oath: Breaking oaths, particularly those made to family, community, or the monarchy, is considered a severe offense. Individuals who break an oath may be subject to loss of honor, exile, or even execution, depending on the severity of the breach.
Family and Marriage Laws
Marriage Contracts: Arranged marriages are the norm, and a contract is considered legally binding. Breaking the marriage contract (such as abandoning a spouse or engaging in infidelity) can result in significant legal and social consequences, including financial penalties, loss of inheritance, or disinheritance.
Inheritance Rights: Inheritance is governed strictly by primogeniture (firstborn child inherits the estate), though the monarch or noble houses may alter this based on special circumstances. Family disputes over inheritance can be settled through trial by combat (a duel to resolve claims) or council intervention for matters of estate.
Adultery: Adultery is a crime against both the family and honor. If a spouse is caught committing adultery, the offending spouse may face disgrace, public shaming, or be forced to compensate the wronged spouse in the form of wealth or labor. However, infidelity within the ranks of the nobility may be treated with more leniency, often depending on the status of the individuals involved.
Parent-Child Relations
Obedience to Parents: Children are legally required to obey their parents, and failure to honor parental authority (such as disrespect, refusal to work in the family business, or disobedience in a major family matter) could result in disinheritance, punitive labor, or public reprimand.
Laws of Property and Land
Land Ownership
Land is Sacred: Land in Berthe is owned by the nobility, with peasants working it on behalf of their overlords. Land rights are passed through hereditary lines, and only the noble class is allowed to hold large tracts of land. Unauthorized appropriation or squatting on noble land is punishable by exile, public flogging, or forced labor for the offending family.
Tenant Farming: Tenants who work land but do not own it have a legal right to continue farming it as long as they fulfill their obligations (usually a portion of the harvest paid in tribute). Tenants who default on payments or disobey their noble lord may face severe penalties, including forfeiture of land, imprisonment, or punitive service.
Trade and Commerce Laws
Guild Laws: Artisans and merchants are bound by guild codes. These codes set pricing standards, regulate quality control, and govern labor relations. Violations of guild laws - such as underpricing goods, producing substandard wares, or engaging in illegal trade (e.g., smuggling goods, especially forbidden magic items) - can result in guild expulsion, fines, or temporary imprisonment.
Taxes and Fees: The monarch or local lords levy taxes on trade and agricultural produce. Non-payment of taxes can lead to confiscation of goods, imprisonment, or exile. Certain types of trade monopolies are held by the nobility or the crown, so anyone caught illegally trading in restricted goods may face public execution.
Laws of Public Order
Public Conduct and Decorum
Modesty in Public: Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) or boisterous behavior are illegal, particularly in noble and wealthy circles, where it is considered a breach of decorum. Offenders may face fines or corporal punishment (flogging or branding).
Public Obscenity: Blasphemy, public insults, or disrespect towards authority (e.g., mocking the monarch or high officials) can result in severe punishment, such as imprisonment, shaming, or even execution, depending on the level of offense.
Magic Prohibition
Magic as Taboo: Magic is strictly prohibited in Berthe, and anyone caught using magic is punished by death or exile. While magic users are actively hunted, the authorities are also on the lookout for sympathizers or those caught using magical items.
Magical Artifacts: Possession of magical items or relics is considered a grave crime, often punishable by confiscation, execution, or forced servitude. Artifacts that can be linked to arcane practices are destroyed on sight.
Magical Influence: It is illegal to associate with known magic users or engage in activities that could be seen as magically influenced, such as participating in certain kinds of rituals, or worshipping non-noble deities. Social ostracism and punishment often follow.
Judicial Body
The nobility and higher officials oversee judicial matters in their territories. They may administer justice over both serious crimes (e.g., theft, assault) and honor disputes (e.g., duels or family feuds).
For minor disputes, there may be a local magistrate or town council (often composed of middle-class individuals or lesser nobles), who maintain order in villages or towns.
Punishments may range from fines to exile to execution depending on the crime, with honor duels used to settle cases involving reputation.
Executive Body
Courtly Justice
Trial by Combat
In cases of honor disputes, serious accusations, or family conflicts (particularly among the nobility), the right to trial by combat is protected by law. A noble challenged to defend their honor can choose to fight a duel, which may be conducted personally or with a champion representing them.
Judicial Duels
For other types of legal disputes (e.g., accusations of theft, betrayal), a duel or fight to the death may be prescribed. Alternatively, a righteous judge (usually a noble) may settle disputes and issue punishments based on tradition and honor.
Criminal Law
Treason and Betrayal
Anyone who commits treason against the monarch or betrays the realm is subject to the harshest punishments, which may include public execution (often by beheading or hanging), or imprisonment in the royal dungeons.
Theft and Violent Crime
Theft, assault, or violence against a noble is considered a severe offense. Thieves are often branded or imprisoned, and the families of criminals might be forced to pay restitution or suffer punishment as well. Repeated offenders or those who commit crimes against the nobility face more severe consequences.
Agriculture & Industry
Farming and Settlements
The bulk of Berthe is dedicated to agriculture. After the deforestation, the land was cleared for large-scale farming.
The Salt Flats and Industry
The salt deposits of the Grasslands have given rise to industries surrounding salt extraction. Salt is used both as a preservative and a key component of trade goods. The land around the salt flats is often barren and hostile to plant life, but it is rich in resources that fuel Berthe’s economy.
Education
EDUCATION FOR THE POOR
LEARNING FROM FAMILY
Children from poor families learn their trade or craft from their parents or other family members. They start helping out at a young age and gradually develop the necessary skills through hands-on experience.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Some ambitious individuals from poorer backgrounds may seek apprenticeships with skilled artisans or craftsmen in their own town, especially if they come from larger families where not all siblings can inherit or continue the family business.
EDUCATION FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS
BOARDING SCHOOLS
Middle-class families have the option to send their children to boarding schools for a fee. These schools provide a more structured education, covering a range of subjects including academics, practical skills, and social etiquette. Attending boarding schools gives middle-class children access to broader opportunities for advancement and networking beyond their immediate community.
EDUCATION FOR THE RICH
PRIVATE TUTORS
Wealthy families hire private tutors to educate their children in the comfort of their own homes. These tutors provide personalized instruction tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student.
HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION
Rich children receive a high-quality education, often covering a wide range of subjects including languages, arts, sciences, and cultural studies. They may also have access to specialized tutors for subjects like music, fencing, or etiquette.
Infrastructure
Transportation Infrastructure
Roads and Highway
Well-maintained roads exist between major cities and towns, especially those leading to the capital and other important regions. However, the quality of roads can vary depending on the region and the wealth of the area.
Noble Estates are connected by private roads, often stone-paved or cobblestone in wealthier regions, while poorer areas may have simple dirt roads or tracks, especially in rural districts.
There are regional trade routes connecting Berthe to Nikolic and other nearby countries. These routes are vital for trade and often have fortifications to protect against external threats.
Urban Infrastructure
City Layout
Major cities like the capital of Berthe would feature impressive public squares, palatial estates, and opulent buildings for the noble class. These cities would be fortified and centrally planned to showcase royal power.
Towns and cities are divided into districts for nobility, artisan workshops, marketplaces, and residential quarters. Wealthier neighborhoods are clean, with wider streets and decorated facades, while poorer quarters are crowded, haphazard, and closer to industrial zones.
Fortifications
Since Berthe values honor and security, towns and cities are likely to be surrounded by walls or earthworks. Larger settlements would have towers, bastions, and gates with drawbridges over any natural waterways.
Strategic fortifications are particularly important along the border with neighboring kingdoms or in port cities like Camille, where naval defense is also a priority.
Public Buildings
Key governmental structures (e.g., the royal palace, guild halls, town halls) are often grandiose and monumental in design, reflecting the importance of order, leadership, and social hierarchy.
Agricultural Infrastructure
Farming Communities
The Grasslands are still heavily agricultural, so much of the infrastructure is dedicated to the production, distribution, and storage of crops. Farmers would rely on a network of irrigation channels, water wheels, and storage silos.
Windmills or watermills would be employed to grind grain or process salt, and most farms would be family-run or owned by wealthy nobles who lease land to tenant farmers.
Salt Flats and Mines
The salt deposits in the grasslands make this region a vital economic resource. Salt extraction would be carried out through open mining. The salt mines might be heavily guarded, as salt is a valuable trade good.
Agricultural Towns
Smaller farming towns would be spread out across the grasslands, with rural roads connecting them to market hubs. These towns would feature grain silos, livestock pens, and a marketplace where local produce is sold.
Energy and Water Supply
Waterworks
Due to the importance of irrigation, water management is a major concern. Cities would have aqueducts or reservoirs supplying freshwater to urban areas. In the coastal duchy of Camille, saltwater desalination or saltwater reclamation systems could exist for non-drinking water needs.
Public wells are common, especially in areas without direct access to flowing rivers, though wealthier estates may have their own private water sources.
Energy Infrastructure
Energy needs, particularly in mining and metalworking, would likely be met by wood burning or coal from Nikolic (thanks to the dwarven alliance). This could lead to charcoal kilns and blacksmith forges scattered across the kingdom, especially near metal-rich regions.
Windmills, watermills, and possibly animal-powered mechanisms could be used for grinding grain, irrigation, or even for simple machinery in rural or industrial areas.
Military Infrastructure
Army Barracks
Berthe's military infrastructure is likely dispersed, with garrisons stationed in fortified towns or border regions. A strong standing army is maintained in case of external conflict.
Royal armies may be based in the capital and other important cities, where training grounds and weapon storage facilities exist.
Naval Infrastructure (in Camille)
Given the coastal duchy of Camille, there would be a naval base with shipyards, docks, and naval defense systems (e.g., lighthouses, fortified harbors, and watchtowers). These ensure that salt and trade goods can be transported by sea.
Industry and Craftsmanship
Artisan Workshops
Craftsmen and artisans (blacksmiths, weavers, potters, carpenters, glassblowers) play a key role in Berthan society. The kingdom would have guilds controlling various trades, with workshops scattered through major towns, especially near noble estates.
Royal craftsmen would operate in palatial workshops, creating intricate works for the nobility, including fine metalwork, armor, and fine garments.
Communication Infrastructure
Heralds and Messengers
In a pre-industrial society, written messages are likely delivered via heralds or messengers, who travel on horseback or via canal boats. Larger cities may also have public announcements posted in town squares.
Royal decrees are often written down and sealed with the royal insignia, while the royal court likely operates a system of couriers to maintain communication between cities.
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