Slavery is not a practice that is uncommon in arland. Several kingdoms outlaw it. Not every barony will condone it.
Types of Slaves[]
Known Slave Cities[]
Slave Empires[]
Slavery in Sekket is a common practice. There is no 'poor' class amongst the Sekketi, there are Nobles, Merchants and Slaves.
Slaves are viewed as property and as such, they are usually well-maintained by their masters. A weak slave does less work than a stronger slave - just not too strong. Slaves are allowed to have their own homes and families (with their master's permission) and will often reside within the grounds of the family that owns them.
Slaves are either marked with a leather collar around their neck with a metal plate riveted in place with the mark of their House upon it for 'House Slaves' or given a tattoo upon their face for those who are considered general or 'field' slaves.
Slavery in the South Marches[]
Slavery in the South Marches is a punative measure to reduce crime. When criminals are caught and assuming that the crime isn't too severe, the punishment is not to spend time in prison but rather they are sentenced to repay their debt. Each crime carries with it a monitary penalty. The worse the infraction, the greater the fine. If you can't pay the fine (or you can't find someone to pay it for you) then you are sold into slavery and whoever it was that purchased you - has essentially paid off the debt for you.
Slaves are then the property of their owners until the sum of the fine is paid off. Obviously tradesmen and merchants have an easier chance to repay their debt as they have a skill with which to earn the coin back. These 'working slaves' will complete work under their master's instruction to essentially earn back the sum of their fine. Those without a trade or skill, those commoners who have little resources are then converted into more 'traditional' form of slave; House, Body or Field.
Those few slaves who might do well in the Arena are sold by those who paid their fine to gladiatorial schools to be trained as fighters for the amusement of others.
Most Slaves are temporary, more easily equated with 'indentured servants' than true slaves. Those who are permanently given the slave's collar are those who have broken the most severe laws; murder, etc.
Slavery as well as the court-system which decides who and how long one should be a slave, is all governed by the Order of the Blazing Sun .