Human Society and Government Overview

Humanity teeters on the edge of survival in a fractured, feudal system, the remnants of a once-great empire now reduced to squabbling lords, desperate frontier defenses, and an oppressive social hierarchy. The collapse of the empire has plunged humanity into a dark age, defined by the loss of immense knowledge and the rise of widespread slavery, sanctioned by both nobility and the Church.

The Fall of the Empire

Humanity's current state is shaped by the catastrophic fall of the ancient empire that once ruled the known world. This empire was a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and unity, with mastery over ironworking, advanced architecture, and magical disciplines. Its collapse—caused by internal corruption, plague, and relentless external invasions—has left humanity in a dark age. Much of the old knowledge has been lost to time, leaving the fractured feudal lords struggling to preserve what little they can. The ruins of the empire are now haunted, both literally and figuratively, by its former glory.

The loss of the empire has left humanity vulnerable. Tools and weapons of iron are rare treasures, and the art of advanced metallurgy has been forgotten by most. Scholars and the rare individuals blessed with the knowledge of the past are treated with suspicion or exploited by those in power.

Central Regions

Lifestyle:

Central lords govern from fortified cities, living in luxury and decadence. They have little interest in the struggles of the frontier, focused instead on political scheming, alliances, and the accumulation of wealth. Protected by the remnants of imperial fortifications, they enjoy a false sense of security while the frontiers bear the brunt of external attacks.

Government:

The central lords exist in a loose confederation, forming councils to resolve disputes and forge alliances, though cooperation is rare. Power is inherited through noble bloodlines, and their authority is legitimized by the Church. Central lords often view themselves as the rightful inheritors of the empire, though their actions rarely reflect its former ideals.

Frontier Lands

Lifestyle:

Life on the frontier is brutal and unforgiving. Frontier lords must defend their lands against orcs, goblins, and other hostile races, relying on a patchwork of militia, peasants, and slaves to maintain their armies. Survival is paramount, and sacrifices are constant.

Government:

Frontier governance is decentralized, with each lord wielding absolute authority over their domain. Decisions are made quickly, often with little regard for long-term consequences, as the constant threat of invasion forces a pragmatic approach. Frontier lords view the central rulers as detached and wasteful, fostering resentment and a growing sense of independence.

The Church

Role in Society:

The Church is a powerful force in human society, offering spiritual guidance and unifying humanity under a shared faith. It claims divine authority and presents itself as the moral backbone of humanity, though its actions often contradict its teachings.

Acceptance of Slavery:

Slavery is widespread and accepted, particularly when it involves members of other races or beastfolk. The Church openly sanctions this practice, framing it as a divine right to subjugate "lesser creatures" in service of humanity's survival. Slavery within humanity is more regulated but still common, particularly for prisoners of war and debtors.

Governance and Corruption:

The Church operates independently of the nobility, governed by a hierarchical structure with the High Priest at its head. Bishops and priests often hold significant power, owning vast tracts of land and influencing feudal lords. Despite its influence, the Church is plagued by internal corruption, with many clergy prioritizing wealth and power over spiritual duties.

The Free Cities

Lifestyle:

The Free Cities, scattered across vital trade routes, are independent hubs of commerce. Governed by councils of merchants,and artisans, these cities represent a stark contrast to the feudal territories, offering greater social mobility and economic opportunities.

Government:

Leadership in the Free Cities is decided through elections or guild hierarchies, though wealth often dictates power. These cities fiercely defend their autonomy, hiring mercenaries and constructing advanced fortifications to resist both the frontier threats and central noble encroachments.

Relations with the Feudal System:

The Free Cities maintain a precarious relationship with the nobility and the Church. While they rely on trade with feudal territories, their independence and rejection of noble authority often put them at odds with the central lords. The Church views the cities with suspicion, as their tolerance for other races and secular governance challenges its moral authority.

Key Aspects of Human Society

Feudal Fragmentation:

Humanity's feudal system is defined by constant power struggles among central lords, frontier lords, the Church, and the Free Cities. This disunity undermines any chance of humanity forming a cohesive defense against external threats.

Dark Age of Knowledge:

The collapse of the empire has left humanity bereft of much of its former knowledge. Iron weapons and tools are rare, magical disciplines are all but forgotten, and the ruins of the past serve as reminders of what was lost. Scholars and intellectuals are rare and often mistrusted or exploited.

Social Stratification:

Nobility: Ruling lords control wealth, land, and military power. They are the stewards of what remains of humanity's civilization.

Peasantry: The majority of humanity lives in servitude, bound to their lords through labor and taxes. Their lives are defined by hardship and survival.

Slaves: Slavery is universal, particularly targeting other races and beastfolk, who are seen as subhuman by the Church and the nobility. Even within humanity, debtors and prisoners of war are commonly enslaved.

Religion:

The Church plays a dual role as a unifier and oppressor. It legitimizes the feudal system and the subjugation of other races, framing humanity's survival as a divine mission. However, its corruption and complicity in slavery have alienated many on the frontiers.