But also the contradictions, even the hypocrisy, of the Three Crowns in the face of slavery, reinstated in Arganne from the coronation of King Tod 1st, while the King of Kafe for his part rebels against the fact that the commercial waters of the west are used for this traffic...
Trade and slavery
In addition to its natural resources, the Land of Sands became extremely rich through trade and slavery. Strategically placed between the Middle Lands and the Outer Worlds, the port of Sombrahl is an inevitable stopover for all trade from the Westlands (and the Outer Worlds) to the Empire or Andore.
Among the goods transiting from the Outer Worlds, we note silk, porcelain, tea, rag paper, but also ivory, gold dust, spices, pearls and precious stones. The volcanic mountains north of Jabba Hal are also rich in gold and precious minerals. Finally, the coasts of Pays des Sables are ideal for growing figs, tangerines, olives, dates, and other products typical of tropical areas. Furthermore, one of the trades contributing to the wealth of the Land of Sands is the trade in man, that is to say slavery. Legal (and even valued) in these lands, this trade benefits greatly from the location of the Land of Sands, the gateway to the Empire of the Outer Worlds.
Sombrahl -It is said of the Emir of Sombrahl that he is undoubtedly the 2nd richest man in the Eastern Lands (after the Sultan, of course). The Emir of Sombrahl made his wealth by specializing in one of the most lucrative trades there is, the trade in human life. The second reason for the wealth of the Emir of Sombrahl is his port, located on the west coast overlooking the ocean. The Emir of Sombrahl is a very influential man in the Land of Sands, and many whisper that if it were not for the fact that he is the cousin, he would be interested in the Sultan's throne.
The port of Sombrahl
The port of Sombrahl constitutes the only truly large port in the Land of Sands because of its rocky coasts. As the Land of Sands is practically bisected by the impassable desert of Al-Saour-Agif, all trade in eastern Sandland, whether from the city of Jabba Hal or the Dark Sea, must transit through the city of Sombrahl and its port.
In addition, since it is the only major port open to the west, it is through there that all products from the Outer Lands pass. Thus, the Emir of Sombrahl devotes himself to the trade of commerce. Taking advantage of its port and its easy access to the Outlands (and the legality of doing so in this country), the port of Sombrahl is a hub for the slave trade in the world of Bihill.
Emperor Polignac was the one who ultimately withdrew from the northern conflict with Nasgaroth. Instead, he redirected his efforts to the south, encountering the blue men, an ancient civilization with territories rich in mineral resources. Unfortunately, the Emperor swiftly enslaved them, exploiting their resources, and many were sent to the diamond mines of Ekengrad.
With resources no longer drained by the futile northern war and the exploitation of their southern neighbours, the empire experienced a surge in wealth and power. Emperor Polignac left his mark on history by naming the most famous trade route after himself. Over several decades, the Empire expanded its dominion from north to south and east to west, becoming a formidable force. However, internal unrest began to grow. The southern imperial province of Andore resisted imperial rule, and provinces like Arganne expressed
increasing discontent with the cruelty of slavery.
From 999 to 1004, Gar III's reign faced various challenges. Tensions escalated between Dark Elves and the empire, with Prince Morath of Nasgaroth declaring war on both Gar III and the new King Solar of Andore over the loss of the dark elf artifact, the moonstone. The loss to the dark elves highlighted the divisions and wekanesses in the empire. The construction of the Port of Marienburg provoked the Orcs of the Forgotten Lands (Terres de l'Oubli), and discontent grew due to the treatment of slaves in the Ekengrad mines and the repression of dissent.
Emperor Gar III's cousin, Inqul de Saqual exploited Ekengrad mines until his death. Every year under his reign, hundreds of slaves and prisoners of war fell under the whips. Malnourishment and exhaustion carried the others. Saqual was ruthless and his cruelty was equal to his wealth. More resilient, a few blue men survived detention, some managed to escape by diving into an icy vein of water, others were eventually released.
Fruit of the deaths of thousands of his fellows, Jaeir, the Blue Man, had swore to keep a secret on a treasure sleeping at the foot of the Chkôl mountains. But the Great Evil and Disease were right about his convictions: to take care of his relatives and his clan, he sold his secret. The location of the cache, where Saqual's spires dropped the precious ore, was now known. The information was sold and resold, and in a short time, groups of mercenaries set out. The bait of gain was great and the soldiers, seeking glory and battle, braved the forbidden, ignoring borders. Within a few weeks, hundreds of fighters scoured the mountains of Chkôl, in the north of Ekengrad province.
Slavery -
Commission of Inquiry into the Segregation of Slaves in the Empire
Introduction
His Serene Highness, undisputed Ruler of the Central Lands, known as The Deified, The Serene, and The Benevolent, Revered Emperor Karl I ordered that a commission of inquiry into slavery be established following the Purple Ball of the year 1017 The aim being to assess whether this practice was still relevant in the Empire. This mandate was granted to the Silver Owl.
Four Commissioners were appointed: Elwen Rilya (Imperial Treasury / Tirion) Ulvain Passievol (Silver Owl), Aléanir Sonastran (Vand'Hal), and Êve la Bohème (Silver Owl).
A qualitative questionnaire with 13 questions was distributed around the world in order to collect different points of view. It is understood that the information collected during this survey is confidential and will be anonymized as part of this report. In order to avoid any possible conflicts, only those responsible for the project will have access to individual responses and they will subsequently be filed under lock and key in the Vault of the Library and Archives of the Silver Hibou (BAHD), annexed to the School. of Cutting-edge Universal Research on Technologies, Innovations and New Observations (THE ERUPTION). The laboratory technicians who participated in the transcription of this survey received credits as part of the Empire Integration Program (PIE).
This investigative report presents the XIII questions, an analysis of the answers and XIII recommendations on Slavery in the Empire.
Analysis
I. The respondents
Out of fourteen participants, five indicated having a position against slavery, five for slavery, and four having an ambivalent response to the question. There were also eight Imperial respondents, which we believe provides adequate representation of all positions.
II. The Rights and Obligations of Slaves
In general, respondents agree that slaves have the right to have their basic needs met (although the notion of what a basic need is can change depending on the work performed by said slave). They also have the right to obtain the necessary elements to properly carry out their work (e.g.: tools to work the land, education, etc.), as well as having the immense privilege of accessing some of the state services and facilities paid for by the taxes of all good imperial citizens.
Since slaves do not have control of their freedom, they have the obligation to follow what their master requires of them. They must also respect imperial laws, as well as the obligation of loyalty to our Emperor.
In both cases, a prior explanation of his rights and obligations must be given to a new slave at the start of his service.
III. The needs of slaves
The majority of respondents agree that slaves had basic needs. Some even indicate that if the slaves' needs were more than met, it was reflected in the quality of their work. The great theorist Mazlowix established that humanoids have different basic needs, whether at the physiological, protection or recognition level. Here is a short summary of his thoughts, adapted for slaves:
5 - Physiological - Eat, drink, sleep, breathe, dress
4 - Being protected by your master.
3 - Have a group of slaves, rather than just one, to encourage a sense of belonging.
2 - Recognize the value of your work for the Empire.
1 - The possibility of freeing oneself and realizing oneself by becoming an accomplished imperial citizen, and having the privilege of paying one's tax.
It is the responsibility of the master to ensure that the first four levels are in place for the slave and that the last level remains accessible.
This commission of inquiry would not be possible without the precious support of laboratory assistant 163 as well as the teachers of the Silver Hibou
IV. The end of a slave's debt
There does not seem to be a consensus regarding the end of a slave's debt. Some believe that the debt should function as a kind of contract: at the beginning of the service, the master and the servant agree on the different terms to be fulfilled in order to end. Others believe that the liberation should take place after the costs of acquiring and maintaining the slave have been reimbursed. Finally, some more severe masters believe in slightly more radical aims, that is to say that the debt can only end upon the death of the slave or according to the good will of his master.
For many of the respondents, it was appropriate for a slave's debt to be passed on to the next generation. However, as the ages of majority and separation of children are unclear, we believe that debt should not be transferred from generation to generation.
V. Breeds
Although it is recognized that some breeds may have
see characteristics giving them an advantage in accomplishing certain types of tasks (e.g. an orc's strength can be useful in more physical work), a strong majority of respondents agree that no race is more better than any other to become slaves. It is important to remember that a race's propensity for slavery is not an indicator of productivity.
VI. Identification
Once again, opinions on marking a slave to identify membership are not unanimous: some recommend it, some do not, others have no precise opinion on the subject.
However, we note that this type of practice can temporarily reduce the slave's productivity due to the convalescence time, as well as hinder his potential to become an accomplished imperial citizen. Additionally, removing marks can be a costly process for the state. This is why it is suggested to use alternative methods such as:
- chains on the feet;
- Haircut;
- the simple oral mention on the part of the slave; - magic marking.
VIII-I. Use of force
The majority of respondents did not encourage the use of force. When this is done, it is suggested that the force used be proportional to the fault committed.
This commission of inquiry would not be possible without the precious support of laboratory assistant 163 as well as the teachers of the Silver Hibou
VIII. The sacrifice
Almost all respondents did not believe that sacrifice had any use, whether it was a peasant or a slave.
IX. The economic argument
The responses on this subject were most interesting.
Some interesting facts to consider:
>Peasants, by being Imperial citizens, pay Imperial taxes, while slaves use the services our taxes pay for.
>Slaves must be “supervised”, whether by military personnel or supervisors of some kind, which generates additional costs.
X. Free time
Respondents consistently mentioned that a slave's ability to have free time should be determined by their master. The servants can then do a multitude of activities such as:
Meet their needs and regain strength;
Clean up their neighborhoods;
Pray (ideally to the Emperor);
Pay taxes;
Study the laws and regulations of the Empire in hopes of becoming a freed Imperial citizen.
XI. The freeing of slaves
The majority of respondents agree that Education is the preferred method of manumission, followed by manumission through military service. A few mentioned prayer.
However, we note that a simple release is also a very acceptable method when the slave deserves it following work well accomplished.
XII. The Rehabilitation of a Freedman
Rehabilitation methods are expensive, according to several respondents. However, as the guidelines and costs are not detailed by the majority of respondents, it becomes difficult to address this subject. One thing is certain, the majority of respondents indicated that it is natural for the master to offer a work contract to the freedwoman.
This commission of inquiry would not be possible without the precious support of laboratory assistant 163 as well as the teachers of the Silver Hibou
Recommendations:
I. It is recommended that slave masters have the privilege of paying a tax on their behalf, since it is the master who is responsible for the slave and his rights, and must therefore pay the tax.
II. It is recommended that the methods of manumission and debt settlement of the Empire's slaves be clarified and that those who comply with the methods receive a tax holiday in respect of their slaves. The abolition of intergenerational debt bondage is also recommended.
III. It is recommended that masters encourage their slaves to meet their basic needs so that they will eventually become accomplished and exemplary Imperial citizens.
IV. It is recommended that masters hold a contract for each of the slaves they have indicating their debt and expectations regarding their manumission, signed in 5 copies in blue or red ink, in order to respect the bureaucratic measures of the Empire .
V. It is recommended to avoid the sacrifice of slaves, since they can eventually become accomplished imperial citizens and pay their taxes at the same level as a peasant.
VI. It is recommended to discourage the race-based slave trade.
VIII-I. It is recommended that masters avoid permanently marking their slaves and opt for an unsafe method.
invasive, at minimal costs.
VIII. It is recommended that a newly freed slave be able to enter the ranks of the Imperial army.
IX. It is recommended to avoid the use of force against a slave, since
e injuries can slow down work and cause a loss of income and efficiency.
X. It is recommended that the minimum age for hiring a peasant or the use of a slave either the age of the majority of the empire, or the age when he obtains the right to pay his taxes.
XI. It is recommended to avoid forcibly sending slaves into military ranks, in order to leave room for proud imperial citizens who wish to defend their Emperor and their homeland.
XII. It is recommended that the Empire focus on the proliferation of peasants and sailors, rather than developing the internal slave trade.
XIII. It is recommended that the Empire work towards establishing a slave manumission program as soon as possible.
This commission of inquiry would not be possible without the precious support of laboratory assistant 163 as well as the teachers of the Silver Hibou
Conclusion
The four commissioners unanimously concluded that the Empire should consider gradually decreasing their use of slaves. However, we are aware that suddenly stopping this method is not easy for everyone. The challenge is therefore to move towards a reduction in the use of slaves, and possibly towards a form of non-slavery.
Thanks
We would like to thank the following participating guilds for their time and response, which allowed us to advance knowledge on the subject of Slavery:
Smart Bag, Swordsmen
The Order of Our Lady of Redemption
Yamina, Borderers of Irendille
The Mule, Kabbalah
Dofleini Toweenar 28th, Voelhoorns
Gilbert the Saltimbanque, Treasury
Imperial
Chenopodiasee Von Wasmeier, Mages of
Diedna
Saïd Bassam Ibn Abdi Al Zarqawi, Emissaries of the City of Sands,
Angelo (xjhdsaf), Riders of the Goat
Von Shlaffenmark Ham, Broken Finger
Ludwig Von Shlaffenmark, Von
Shlaffenmark
Vasily Krinkov, Hellequins
Ocelus of the Griffon, Griffon
Iardawen Eldaloth, Borderers of Irendille
We would like to particularly thank His Serene Highness, undisputed Sovereign of the Central Lands, known as The Deified, The Serene, and The Benevolent, Revered Emperor Karl I for his enlightenment regarding the need to question the situation of slaves in Empire, without whom this commission would never have seen the light of day.
Deposited with the Imperial Council, in the year 1018 of the Great Battle