Temporary notes

Castes:

1. You can only marry with the person within the same caste.
2. You can never rule any person in a higher caste, or give orders to somebody in a higher caste. (exception: see the "apprentice case study")
3. You can never create a hierarchal system unless it is ruled by a ruling caste individual. (Thus all businesses etc, are ruled by ruling caste members)
4. Caste administration can give permission to create a new family based on specific createra selected by them.
5. Caste administration can give permission to adopt or marry in a certain numbers of individuals to a family.
6. Caste administration gives permission to be adopted into a family in this caste.

Families VS Caste:

1. A family is part of a single Caste
2. Families can never change their Caste
3. Members of a family are part of the Caste their family belongs to.
4. Thus the only way to change your Caste is to change your family by adoption or disowning.
5. Creating a new family happens when two people leave both their families and marry (with consent of the Caste administration you want to create the new family in.)

Accent:

1. One can only accent to a higher Caste if he or she changes family.
2. One can only change to a higher family through adoption.
3. One must have permission from the caste administration and the family he or she wishes to be adopted by.
4. The family must have permission from the caste administration to adopt a member.

Descent:

1. One can only descent to a lower Caste if he or she changes family.
2. One can change to a lower family by adoption or disowning only.
3. One must have permission from the caste administration and the family you wish to be adopted by.
4. The family must have permission from the caste administration to addopt a member.

Feudal system:

1. Every Caste contains a pyramid scheme containing all the families between the caste.
2. The ruling caste, divides the kingdom into feudal zones based on this pyramid.
3. The ruling caste families, divide the land within the zone between castes (some casted might overlap).....
4. .... or give pieces of the zone to the ruling caste families beneath them in the pyramid.
5. The other castes divide the right to practice the profession on the land they have been ordered to fill up.
6. The other castes do this based on their individual family pyramid schemes.
7. The ruling caste can impose certain restrictions on what where is placed. ("I want a church here, thau. caste, make it happen.")

Case studies:

• Contracts.
• Adoption.
• Disowning (and rescue by a lower caste)
• Demands of families before accepting anything.
• Marrying with somebody of a higher or lower caste.
• Climbing military ranks (adoption queue's)
• Creating a new family
• Kortom "Wat gebeurd er meestal VS wat is nodig"

Though Asgard has been founded in 2339 A.T, its social structure, culture and history stretch back way longer, till the founding of the first kingdoms.

The Asgardian society has an ancient and seemingly simple system of castes, which all have their particular role within the Kingdom. Originated from the Sidhe Caste system, its he simplicity is also its prime strength, as it grants every citizen a purpose and makes for strong bonds between the like-minded. The origins of the system are a popular legend;

//Lady Sidhe had three brothers and three sisters. Being the youngest and wisest of them all, Sidhe took the role as Queen and created the Royalty caste. Her brother Syradil was a strong and fair Fae, and swore to protect his sister as she ruled. He would form the Warrior Caste. Inspired by his brother, the creative Ildhe crafted a spear and bow for Syradil, and majestic crown for his sister. He would be the first of the Worker Caste.

The second sister, Selineah, beseeched the Gods to bless Sidhe. Her faith was rewarded with the mastery of the arcane. She would found the Thaumatoligue Caste. Her twin brother, Illiadhe, swore a mighty oath to record all the great deeds of Sidhe and her kin. Thus, the Scribe Caste was formed.

Aethreth, the oldest sister, fell envious about Sidhe and stubbornly refused to serve her in uniting the land. Aethril, her sister and ever the voice of reason, tried to convince Aethreth. She would be the first of the Diplomat Caste. Aethreth, however, would not yield and became the first of the Caste-less; her people forever to live on the edge of society.//

79% of all Asgardians are born within a particular caste and are then forward expected to live their lives according to the social standards of this particular Caste. During the first twenty years of his life, each Asgardian youngling is screened and tested for particular skills or traits. A matching profession within a particular caste is then recommended, though each youngling retains the right to stay within the caste in which he is born. Marriage between different Castes is uncommon and sometimes frowned upon. Often, a young Elf or Fae finds his ambitions or dreams to lie beyond the confined boundaries of his social class. These wanderers, explorers or jacks-of-all-trades are usually held with contempt.

The Ruling Caste

Since their miraculous return, the Mother and Father of Asgard, Aesir and Sidhe?, restored full reign to the Sellie Court, though they do not govern everyday affairs, they choose the Seelie Court members, and fulfill ceremonial tasks. Once cannot simply 'choose' to be member of this Caste- either you are born a noble, are granted a title and status by the King or Seelie Court for performing deeds of near-impossible valour, bravery or cunning. Life within the Royalty Caste is not one of leisure, though. Openly and secretly, nobles scheme for political benefits, favours, resources or simply for the sake of scheming. It is all good sport. A particular noble or his house may adopt a family or group from a lower caste as a patron, engaging in a symbiotic relationship. These ties are usually short-lived, as interest and political favour shift as rapidly as the seasons. Of course, there are exceptions, and some ties have been known to run for centuries.

The Court

The Seelie Court stands directly under the King and Queen, and are carefully chosen among the lands' finest scholars, generals and politicians from every caste. They are the wise and determined, tasked with securing Asgards future and covering day to day business. They are also tasked with keeping the constantly rivaling nobles in check. The process of choosing a new court member is rife with intrigue and often emotions run hot during this fraught and delicate event. Traditionally the Court represents at least one member from each caste, however in practice this means one or two castes usually posses a majority of the available seats. For the last thirty years, these have been the Royalty and Military castes. Of ten the politicking starts long before a reigning court member has died or dis-signed. Elves and Fae love intrigue, and never is the prize greater than when a new Seelie or Unseelie member is chosen.

The Seelie Court exchanges roles every half year. During the summer months they are known as the '''Seelie'''. Witfull and beneficent, their prime concerns are restoring diplomatic ties, securing the harvests, boosting the economy and the spiritual and bodily well being of the populace. They are the caring and nursing court; benevolent and diplomatic.

During the winter months, the Court changes members and becomes the '''Unseelie'''. These individuals are, by naive human standards, more grim and cruel. Expansion, military growth and healthy xenophobia wax and wane under their role. They are the militant and menacing court; Ruthless, cruel and determined. Neither the Seelie or Unseelie could be either called good or evil- They simply are, and both act towards the greater good of Asgard. The Court always consists of twelve members- Five Elf, five Fae and -not until recent- one Feyfolk and Nymph. Of course, local authorities remain within cities and villages. They are known as City Elders, City Councils, Village Elders or similar names.

The Local Rulers

These are usually picked from the oldest of Noble families, who have proven themselves loyal to the Seelie Court and the King and Queen. Some of these families stretch back many centuries, and rulership over a town of city is often handed down from father to son. Some settlements, however, are not ruled by nobility at all, instead relying on a council of City Elders, a loyal Military leader or, in a few rare cases, even a cabal of duty-sworn Mages. Though these are not considered Nobles, they are generally referred to as belonging to the Noble Caste.

District- and city rulers are mostly unwaveringly loyal to their superiors, though their vision on how to best employ their creed may vary wildly. Universal laws are maintained everywhere, but -for instance- some villages are know to employ specific laws to regulate or downright ban the distribution of Midgardian goods. Competition between district- and city rulers can sometimes be fierce, though never hostile - For the Asgardian rulers know very well that unity is needed as never before.

The Worker Caste

Asgardian is self-sufficient in general, providing resources, building material and foodstuff for its population. Import and export used to be moderate, though strict regulations now limit this to very select goods. The regions called the "Eastern Gardens" and "Western Gardens" provide 85% of wheat, grain, vegetables and fruit of the larger cities.

The Agrarian sector of the Worker Caste takes particular pride in its work, and Asgardian food products are know for their extensive durability and taste over Midgardian and Utgardian counterparts. The Caste boasts this is due their superior knowledge of nature and their love for it, though other sources claim it's due to the magical enhancements they utilise during seeding, cultivation and harvest. About 93% of all agrarians are part of the Worker Caste- The other 7 percent are independent farmers or live too remotely to benefit the Caste. Smaller settlements and villages often rely upon these farmers.

The Northern Mountains are rich with minerals and ore, which skillfully delved in highly traditional manner. Metal, silver, gold, marble, crystal, obsidian, and many other materials are transported inland by boat or cart. Garden Oak, a special designed species of fast-growing but strong trees are generally used as building material.

Slavery

Though slavery is officially prohibited, contracted servants are generally accepted. It is not rare to find an Ogre or human working within an Asgardian mine or plantation, for example - Usually these 'foreign servants' are lured into such contracts by deceit, manipulation or the promise of a better life. Though the average Asgardian has no trouble seeing such unfortunates as mere property, they do treat them relatively well, for it would embarrass an Asgardian gentleman if his servant would look mangy or filthy.

Thaumatoligue Caste

Priests and Mages. These were traditionally arcane scholars, mages and priest, But now, after the reopening of the Portals, function as truth seekers as well. They are the silent watchers and illuminated servants, an unseen force that can lay waste to towns and armies, bombarding them from afar with magical flame or cursing them in the name of their Gods. They are illusive men and women, normally unseen but essential nonetheless. Some, however, pledge their lives to educating promising students. Indeed this takes skilful mages and devoted priests, and as such some of the most potent Caste members are found within Universities.

Ilthri Laerun?, the first mage ever to be ascend to Selie Court-member and rank of High Thaumatholgue, established the University of Magic in Dearaldia, almost two hundred years ago.

Scribes Caste

Scribes and Administrators, Keepers of nature and administrators of all that grows within Asgard, they are tasked with preserving the delicate balance of Heimr. Druids, sages, ritualists and specialized caretakers are among these, constantly toiling to interpret the will of nature itself.

The Warriors Caste

These are the warriors of Asgard. It is the duty of these able men and women to protect and conquer that which rightfully belongs to the kingdom. Centuries of selective breeding has led to the being the biggest and strongest warrior-families of the Elf and Fae race. These men and women are strongly motivated by a strict code of honour in battle, but are not mindless pawns. They see ranged combat as preferable to the somewhat brutal affair of close combat that the Dwarfs, Trolls and Orcs favour. A warrior starts his life as a young archer, and after surviving six years ‘on duty’ they must take their first Warrior Trial. If they survive this ordeal, then they are fit to don a sword or spear in addition to their bow. If they survive a further six years, they take a second Trial and successful participants advance yet further. A veteran who manages to survive yet another six years becomes eligible to take part in a third Trial if he wishes and, if he is still alive at the end, will become officer within the army. Officers who serve for a additional twenty years are allowed to retire from active service, join the a City Council of advisors and play a greater part in politics. Other than death or exile, this is the only way to leave the caste.

In contrast to most Fae and Elves, the members of the Warrior Caste do give birth on a much younger age. Also, the amount of offspring is dramaticly greater than that of other Elves or Fae. How this exactly came to be is unknown, but it compensates for the high mortality rate within this line of work. Other Elves and Fae often look down upon Warriors for their short, unsophisticated lives, while others envy them for their martial pride and exciting lives.