Demographics

The Asgardian Realm has an estimate of 2.600.000 inhabitants, though these records date back to pre-Rebellion time and do not include those that reside in the Zengar March?, Wormwoods?, Amberwoods? and Undergrowth Depths?. Asgard had a closed border up to recent, only welcoming sanctioned supply caravans and diplomats. Foreign visitors and politicians, especially those of Utgardian origin are understandingly distrusted and limited in their freedom.

About 14% of all Asgardians reside in the four largest cities, while 61% are spread over the numerous villages across the Realm. About 15% of it's population still cling to traditional life, settling in the deep forests that grace the lands.

Races

Total living: 2.600.000

Elf: 46% (1.196.000 = 59.8% of all elven)

Fae: 41% (1.008.000 = 50.4%)

Other races: 13% (200.000)

Fairy: 4% (134.000 = 6.7%)

Shanata: 2.25% (58.500 = 2.925%)

Nymph: 2.1% (54.600 = 2.73%)

Merfolk: 2% (52.000 = 2.6%)

Gnome: 0.4% (10.400 = 0.52%)

Tellurians: 0.2% (5200 = 0.26%)

Ogre: 0.1% (4.100 = 0.20%)

Human: 0.15% (2600 = 0.13%)

Lizardmen?: 0.1% (2600 = 0.13%)

Troll: 0.05% (700 = 0.125%)

Orc: 0.03 (500 = 0.125%)

"One straw proves feeble; but a helpless plaything to the gentle stream. One thousand straws tied together can bridge the wildest river." - Uyish Nerrl, Asgardian Diplomat

Social Structure

Castes

Unlike the sometimes ill-defined social structures of the Midgard- and Utgardian lands, Asgard prides itself on the solid Caste System as first introduced by the ancient Fae. The system in itself might appear complicated and comfusing for those coming from the self proclaimed free societies where the outlines of class and authority are mostly blurry and vague. Upon closer examination, however, it is obvious the system is the key strength behind the striving Asgardian kingdom. It ensures everyone, from the lowest peasant to the highest prince, knows his places and behaves accordingly.

In order fromm high to low, these casts are as follows;

1: The Royalty Caste: Aristocrats, overseers, politicians, generals and royalty are among the highest class of the Asgardian Society. Only the priviledged and most driven individuals can hope to attain a place within the prestegious Houses that make up the caste, as these Families only sparsely adopt individuals and Elves and Fae are by nature ambitious creatures that love to plot and intricate. For those who know how to work their way to the top, a life of luxery and responsability awaits. Abuse of power is limited, however, as even the most priviledged families must ultimately account for their actions to the King and Queen.

Members of the Royalty Caste have the unique authority to form new families and adopt fresh buisinesses ventures. As such, each lower family seeks a individual from the Royalty Caste to serve as its figurehead, bringing great prestige and wealth. Each family within the caste has numberous ties to families in lower castes, benefitting both parties. Without the Royalty Caste to keep it in check, the Asgardian economy and political structure would crumble and fall into anarchy.

2: Thaumatoligue Caste: This caste consists of Mages, Wizards, Priest, Druids and any other practitioner of the Divine or Elemental powers. Families usually specialise in different traits, and as such there are renowned Families of Magical Artificiars, Enchanters, Combat Mages and Spell Singers. The Caste greedily adopts those with great magical potential, sometimes even when the individual is from a much lower caste. The Caste has numberous ties to families of lower castes, such as the Warrior Caste. The famous Warrior-Mages are a good example.

3: The Diplomats Caste: The Diplomats Caste focusses on maintaining foreign and internal relations, though not only between districs and castes, but between families and houses as well. In a society where the adoption within a certain family is paramount for one's succes, they have great value as matchmakers, public agents and lawyers. Some families may specialise in the interpretation of law, while others might invest heavily in communication routes between remote settlements.

4: The Scribes Caste: The Elves and Fae pride themselves on their long lifespan and memory. But within a society where contracts and oaths are rooted as deeply as theirs, the Scribes Caste is the much needed repository of knowledge. And since knowledge is considered power, the Scribes are held with great renown by other castemembers. Librarians, accountants, poets and writers make up the bulk of this caste, toiling endlessly to document everything from literature to contracts or tomes of magic. Though art and poetry are held in high esteem, a aspiring poet or painter often needs to aquire a suitable patron from a higher caste to achieve fame and fortune.

5: The Worker Caste: Perhaps the most diverse and certainly the largest caste of all. Farmers, construction workers, sheep herders, hunters, and all kinds of lower trades make up the majority of this caste. It is the backbone of Asgard on which the other castes rely for food, housing and clothing. Though other castes tend to look down on the humble worker, the families within the caste take comfort and pride in their craft.

6: The Warriors Caste: The bow and sword that protect Asgard's majesty. The Elves and Fae refined warfare to an artform, with each family its unique style and champions.

_____ It is possible to switch Caste after you turn 20. This is however a bit strange because Castes aren't just different, they are higher and lower. Anybody would switch to a higher caste if given the chance.

If you think you are better suited, you can always take up a profession in a lower Caste (and return when you wish), but not higher.

People with certain talents are not wasted in their own Caste. Even the lowest Caste (warrior) can make use of all talents. Battlemages with a warrior Caste background are never free. Destined to die in battle eventually. Battlemages from the Thaumatoligue Caste however, recieve a far longer education before going to the front, theirfor recieve higher ranks, are kept out of harms way and are free to leave the militairy if they wish. If you born in the Worker Caste but have a talent for leadership, you will probably fair well as a CEO of some company. If you are born in the Scribe Caste but have a rare talent for magic, you will probably be put to work documenting individual rituals and their effects, or the various flows of the magic mana energy conducts. Breeding lots of warriors for the warrior caste makes no sense if all these elves and fae leave for higher castes. ____

Magic

Asgard prides itself in its many formidable practitioners of Elemental Magic. Those children that display an affinity with these powers are often send to one of the various Magicks Universities, where they are thought to extend and control their abilities for the greater good of the Asgardian Realm. Many of them become scholars or battle mages. Many Asgardians see Magic as a natural part of nature and frown upon the superstition in which most Utgardians hold these powers. Indeed, Asgardian society, especially within the larger cities, is highly dependent upon the use of magic- Without it, the fragile spires would topple, city walls would crack and gardens would lose their splendor.

Education

Asgard prides itself on its high number of intellectuals. Mostly this is achieved by a rigid educational system, which is composed of three stages.

Primary education consists of the first 8 to 10 years of formal, structured education. In general, main education consists of eight or ten years of schooling starting at the age of four or five, although this varies between districts. Every child in Asgard is ordered by law to fulfill at least the first eight years of the Primary Education, though it is know that small farming communities or outposts are in title of special dispensation. Reading, writing and basic biology, along with a rigid indoctrination within the Asgardian organizational structure, are part of the educational program

Secondary education consists of the second years of formal education that occur between the age of 12 till 18 and 24, depending on the field of study. The purpose of secondary education is to provide children with more common knowledge, to prepare for higher education or to train directly in a specific profession. Social caste, family status and a variety of other influences may decide to which school or academy a Asgardian child is sent. Military academies and scientific/magical institutions tend to have the longest run time, while social studies, craftsman studies and basic agrarian studies tend to be around two or three years long. Younglings attending these professions are expected to find themselves a master within their caste who will teach them the tricks of their trade in the upcoming ten to fifty years.

Universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. And are often bound to a particular Caste or field of profession. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees. Higher education includes teaching, magic, engineering, philosophy, diplomacy and many more within the realm of teaching. The curriculum varies widely from University to University, and from region to region. High Magic, Politics and Philosophy are among the most popular fields of study

History

Coming soon.