Currency and a Class/Caste System
October 24th 2009 17:27
First, read this:
Limyaael on Class/Caste Systems
Now. You want to define each of your classes. Start with the bottom and work your way up. You want to name each class, and have a short paragraph beside it that says who they are, why they are part of that class, if/how they can move up in rank, and how they are kept in their place.
For example, in Appollinia, one of the countries in Tamraq (Jihad world), the lowest class is the peasants, who really have no say in the government (which is a Monarchy, a king with a council), and who can only get certain jobs and live in certain areas because of monetary limits. There are few homeless and few who starve in Appollinia, thanks to the great temples and all they do for the people.
The only ways for an ordinary citizen/peasant to move up in the world are to become a soldier or to become a priest/priestess of some sort. The priests and priestesses are the equivalent of middle class in this country. They are highly respected, always have what they need, nice living space, good food, etc.
In Fidolius, however, the other country, the Priests and Priestesses-having magic, which has mostly been lost to Appollinia-are basically the high upper class and rule the country-alongside the King/Queen, who has priestly training-with an iron fist.
As you name each class, decide what their role is in society, and why that role is important. For example, the normal citizens of Appollinia are generally farmers or they run small, shabby inns in the poorer areas of the cities, or something like that. Their role is to keep the very basic sewer system of Appollinia running without the magic they once had, to keep the roads intact and clean, to make sure that they and the wealthy are fed. The priests and priestesses are not only religious leaders, but they offer free (albeit limited) education and food for poor children.
Figure out how they're kept in place. What keeps them from changing ranks? Religion? And what keeps them from rebelling-the knowledge that they can escape to some extent, or an extreme fear of the people that oppress them (say if the people at the top have magic and thus enslave all those who don't).
Also, think about currency. Look into the history of currency (Wikipedia has some great information on that), the history of coins and how they eventually got switched out for paper money. You'll want to develop a currency system-it's hard to have a detailed class system without one.
Your world may not have a middle class, really. The closest thing might be knights/soldiers, or like in my world, priests. Other than that, if your culture is anything like those of Europe's past, (which it probably will be, as many fantasies are; I think it's because most fantasy authors have a strong familiarity with European history, but aren't very well grounded in other history.
This exercise should be one or two pages.
Prompt
Today I want you to write 1, 000 words about forbidden desire. I'd love to read whatever you come up with.
Limyaael on Class/Caste Systems
Now. You want to define each of your classes. Start with the bottom and work your way up. You want to name each class, and have a short paragraph beside it that says who they are, why they are part of that class, if/how they can move up in rank, and how they are kept in their place.
For example, in Appollinia, one of the countries in Tamraq (Jihad world), the lowest class is the peasants, who really have no say in the government (which is a Monarchy, a king with a council), and who can only get certain jobs and live in certain areas because of monetary limits. There are few homeless and few who starve in Appollinia, thanks to the great temples and all they do for the people.
The only ways for an ordinary citizen/peasant to move up in the world are to become a soldier or to become a priest/priestess of some sort. The priests and priestesses are the equivalent of middle class in this country. They are highly respected, always have what they need, nice living space, good food, etc.
In Fidolius, however, the other country, the Priests and Priestesses-having magic, which has mostly been lost to Appollinia-are basically the high upper class and rule the country-alongside the King/Queen, who has priestly training-with an iron fist.
As you name each class, decide what their role is in society, and why that role is important. For example, the normal citizens of Appollinia are generally farmers or they run small, shabby inns in the poorer areas of the cities, or something like that. Their role is to keep the very basic sewer system of Appollinia running without the magic they once had, to keep the roads intact and clean, to make sure that they and the wealthy are fed. The priests and priestesses are not only religious leaders, but they offer free (albeit limited) education and food for poor children.
Figure out how they're kept in place. What keeps them from changing ranks? Religion? And what keeps them from rebelling-the knowledge that they can escape to some extent, or an extreme fear of the people that oppress them (say if the people at the top have magic and thus enslave all those who don't).
Also, think about currency. Look into the history of currency (Wikipedia has some great information on that), the history of coins and how they eventually got switched out for paper money. You'll want to develop a currency system-it's hard to have a detailed class system without one.
Your world may not have a middle class, really. The closest thing might be knights/soldiers, or like in my world, priests. Other than that, if your culture is anything like those of Europe's past, (which it probably will be, as many fantasies are; I think it's because most fantasy authors have a strong familiarity with European history, but aren't very well grounded in other history.
This exercise should be one or two pages.
Prompt
Today I want you to write 1, 000 words about forbidden desire. I'd love to read whatever you come up with.
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