Fiction:Paingler/Society

((Under construction))

Introduction
Welcome to the Imperial Codex! This entry will provide data on: Paingler society.

Caste System
Paingler society is primarily ruled by a rigid caste system. This system determines one's standing within Paingler society, how one acts, what one can achieve and the relationships one can maintain (Please note that castes are listed in position of power):
 * Governing Caste: This caste can be considered the ruling class of the Paingler, but the individuals within the caste have very little power (apart from the Emperor). The Governing caste is the smallest of the castes, composed only of the Emperor, his family (the royal family), the members of the Magistrate Council and their families.
 * Warrior Caste: The largest of the castes, composed of every soldier, law enforcement or bodyguard. This caste fights wars and partakes in raids (which is a near constant) and protects Imperial territory. Those within the Warrior caste must submit to difficult training. Out of the castes, the Warrior caste is perhaps the most respected by the Paingler.
 * Laborer Caste: The second largest caste. The term "laborer" is an umbrella term for every worker within Paingler society. Those who belong to this caste include: craftsmen, doctors, artists and engineers. The Laborer caste is responsible for the industry of the Paingler Imperium; all the goods and arts appreciated by the Paingler and imperial citizens is produced by the Laborer caste. Agriculture is maintained by the Laborer caste as well.
 * Slave Caste: The caste with the least amount of freedom, power and rights. This caste is made up of individuals captured during raids or as times of war. Slaves are used for a myriad of reasons: families that own slaves often use slaves as house servants or caretakers of children or the elderly. Slaves are often used as menial laborers, working on farm worlds or maintaining and building structures. In times of emergency, slaves can be called upon as an emergency, albeit expendable, fighting force. The slave caste is the most diverse, consisting of numerous different species from around the Ensis Galaxy.

This system is very old, stemming from the days of ancient Paingler society. It's structure has remained relatively the same, but the slave caste had changed dramatically with the Paingler achieving space flight.

Caste Relations
The caste system regulates the interactions between members:
 * Governing Caste: Governing caste members may interact with those of lower status, but are forbidden from engagement or marriage between caste (although personal relationships are not forbidden, just frowned upon). A Governing caste member must, if they wish to be married, marry another member of the Governing caste. As they are the "higher class" of the Paingler, they follow a system of etiquette and ceremony.
 * Warrior Caste: Warrior caste members may indulge with relationships and marriages with fellow Warrior caste members or members of the Laborer caste. They are, however, forbidden from such indulgences with Governing caste members and slaves.
 * Laborer Caste: A Laborer caste member must show utmost respect to an individual of higher rank (etiquette includes bowing and honorifics within conversation). A laborer caste member may marry a member of the Warrior caste, but only if the Warrior caste member proposes or asks for hand in marriage. Like the Warrior caste, members of the Laborer caste are forbidden from marriages or relationships with slaves.
 * Slaves: Slaves are forbidden from marriage, interaction or relationships from any of the castes, including their own. Private slaves are partially exempt from this rule, as their owners may facilitate a union as if it were a trade. Slaves are most often "bred" to pass down traits, such as obedience and physical strength. Pedigrees are kept by owners to closely monitor and ensure "purity" of their slaves.

Slavery
Slavery is accepted within Paingler society and is looked upon with a pragmatic viewpoint. Historically, slaves were taken from defeated clans in times of war. In modern times, this remains relatively the same: in times of war or after a raid is conducted, ships sweep the battlefield for survivors, gather them up and bring them back to the colony or homeworld. Often, entire cities on other worlds could be subject to enslavement if their military force is destroyed by the Paingler offensive. Once returned to the colony or homeworld, these survivors are distributed amongst the populace by the governmental power (communal projects take priority, such as construction), however, it is not uncommon for slaves to be auctioned off to private owners. Slave auctions are a public event and there are specialized worlds within the Imperium that are known as "slave bazaars": trade worlds focusing solely on the transfer, capture and sale of slaves.

Life for a slave is rarely pleasant, as many are put to work as farmers, or maintaining cities, buildings or other construction jobs. Slaves owned by the Empire are considered "public slaves" and are protected, like property, by Imperial law. This is not to say public slaves are free from abuse, as severe punishments for incompetence are still administered. Slaves owned by individuals are considered "private slaves" and are not protected by law; the owner(s) of the slave may do as he/she wishes, although slaves are generally treated fairly well, as they are viewed as a piece or property or an investment to care for.

In the rigid, warrior society of the Paingler, the slaves are looked down upon. They are considered weak, as they, to the Paingler, allowed themselves to be captured rather than fighting to the death.

Gender
Gender plays a key role within Paingler society. While both genders are treated equally, socially and in terms of general freedom, there are differences in the amount of rights the genders have. Males have the most freedom. They are able to own property, own slaves, enlist in the military, have access to higher education and are able to serve in positions of power (such as a general or admiral). Governmental positions are exclusive to males: the Emperor has always been a male and the Magistrate Council is also composed of male members. Females, like males, may enlist in military service, own property and have access to higher education, but are generally viewed as "inferior" to males. Females are forbidden from owning slaves (however, if a family owns a slave, female members do have authority over the slave) and are forbidden from any position of power. Females can rise in rank within the military, but are forbidden from ranks of power. As such, there are no female admirals or generals.

Females are also expected to be completely obedient to their male counterparts. This is especially true for wives towards husbands. The consequences for infidelity are dire (but this is true for both genders). In ancient times, females were treated only slightly better than slaves were but have gained a fair amount of equality.

Trivia

 * The caste system the Paingler use is based off of real world caste systems, particularly the caste system in India.
 * The Paingler society is also based off of society in feudal Japan.
 * Slavery within Paingler society is based off of real world slavery.