val Holryn wrote:
Nierite wrote:
The Dwarves DO have slaves, such as the Cyclopses and at least some Arena fighters in Nol Dappa. It is probably a case by case basis though.
I have never seen anything saying Altherians had slaves, but unlike Milandir it hasn't been said they don't so they probably practice at least limited slavery (ie: prison labour camps).
Altheria is a Republic. Some citizens are certainly more privileged than others, but more than anywhere else in the world (even Milandir) Altherians believe in the idea that people are essentially equal and rise and fall based on their talents. Not on the status of their genealogy. That is inconsistent with slavery. As is the idea that they all are the chosen people of Altheris. While I don't doubt they have prisons (some as ugly as anywhere else) I strongly disagree with the statement that it hasn't been established that they don't practice slavery.
The old Codex talks about their philosophical belief in equality of station. And in flavor text in the old Forged in Magic it looks like it extends beyond Altherians. In the old campaign a frickin Ogre named Radjuborn came out of nowhere looking to trade his fighting skills for a secure life...and the Altherians ultimately accepted him as a valued comrade in the Shining Patrol.
I'd be shocked to learn I've gotten that wrong over the years. I certainly play Tukufu as quietly anti slavery.
The United States of America was a Republic between 1776 and 1861 (still is, but but these dates are important for context). It was founded on principles of equality between men, rejecting many of the believed corrupt institutions of Europe. However, for 85 years during this republic a whole race of people were enslaved despite all these noble ideals about equality of mankind.
Also remember, slavery is not simply chattel slavery. Slavery takes numerous forms including forced labour (ie: prison camps/work camps), debt slavery (different and more specific than chattel slavery), and sexual slavery. In terms of Altheria being 'equal', we know that Priests of Althares and Men specifically have far more rights than common citizens and women in general. We know they practice polygamy with multiple wives, and only recently has there been a move to allow a woman (who renounced her womanhood to gain political power) for women to have multiple husbands.