>> The westerners have their own problems, the feudal system is no
>> worse than the Orlanthi and Lunar Governments (rather it manifests
>> different kinds of turmoil in different ways)
>
>That is untrue, the Orlanthi and Lunar systems are far more
>egaliterian than theocratically ordained hereditary serfdom. Orlanthi
>elect their chiefs, and it is quite possible for anyone to become one
>if they are worthy enough. The Lunars consider orphans
>sacred...etc... There is no comparison to western feudalism.
All these systems are oppressive in their own way.
The Orlanthi have a lot of apparent freedom but the majority are subsistance farmers with what surplus production there is being squandered on raids and wars. If you don't follow the cultural rules you are out on your ear and have the freedom to starve.
The Lunars have a religious philosophy of equality but the system is ruled by an immortal absolute monarch. Power and wealth is largely in the hands of a few Dara Happen controlled associations which predate the Birth of the Goddess. The majority of the population are peasants paying heavy taxes to support an idle aristocracy and enormous civil service.
The westerners are not one group but several. Varying between the rigid feudal system of the Rokari church to more egalitarian ones such as the Hrestoli where advancement through the class distinctions is possible and theoretically encouraged. Then there are the merchant cities of the Quinpolic League where power is with the merchant class.
Common to all is the fact that 80-90% of the population is involved in food production and after paying taxes, tithes etc barely has enough to live on.
Sure there are heros who succeed in all of these societies and some even come from an unprividged background but they are exceptions.
-- Donald Oddy http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/
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