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Kingdoms - Minneva
Detailed information for Minneva is not yet available. You could always make a suggestion to Tom.
Climate: Temperate
Known As: Minavians
Primary Lang: Common
Capitol City: Arnax
Population:20,000 citizens, 50,000 slaves
Ruler: Overlord Arthang III
People:
The people of Minneva are the greatest slaveholders in the known world. The citizens are the owners of slaves, they are soft, lazy, and well-educated for the most part. The slaves are the opposite, hard-working and deliberately kept dumb. Most of the citizenry there accepts their lot in life. The Minavians aren't above bringing in new slaves here and there, but they are very careful and most of their extraneous trading is done in carefully concealed black markets.
Brief History:
Minneva was first incorporated as a Kingdom by Arnax the Messiah, another survivor of the Great Waste. He and his men led a larger group of villagers to safety and eventually they settled in Minneva. Since that time, there have always been two classes in Minneva. In the early days there were tales of slaves becoming citizens, but those have long since passed into legend. Citizens who cross more powerful citizens will sometimes become slaves, but are more often put to death.
Culture:
The entire culture of the Minavians is based on their dual-class society and on the need to maintain the differences between them. Most visitors find it appalling, but discussing freedom with a slave rarely has any good effect - the slaves believe that slavery is their natural place just as the citizens believe they are to rule.
Ruling Structure:
The kingdom is ruled by the citizens, but in truth the nobility believe there is a third class above even average citizens and that they are part of it. The Kingship passes to the first son of the King and has done so for many generations. The general bent of their people makes rebellion and open strife unlikely.
Economy:
Minavians thrive on doing things with cheap manual labor that could not be done elsewhere. They do some manufacturing, some quiet slave-trading, and a lot of agriculture.
Sub Structure:
Beneath the king there are Lords of regions - there are 38 regions in Minneva.
Technology:
Minavians have little use for technology, prefering instead to use their slaves to accomplish tasks.
Arts:
Minavians have a number of fine artists and citizens appreciate art greatly. Many works of art are designed by citizens and executed by their slaves. This leads to an interesting phenemenon where the finest scultpures in Minneva may have no clue how to actually hold a chisel.
Fashion:
Minavians enjoy fashion. Though not quite as on top of things as Bistalians, they are definitely up and comers in the fashion world.
Politics:
Minavians enjoy politics. They are fans of a good smear campaign. They also work very hard to hide their enjoyment. They have an uneasy truce with most of the rest of the world, who see their use of slaves as wrong.
Orders & Groups:
- Order of the Fist
- A band of radical worshippers of Daesious who smite his enemies whenever possible. In most lands they are outlaws. In Minneva they are officially unwelcome but privately held as heroes.
- Shattered Chain
- The Shattered Chain is a small group dedicated to setting all the Minavian slaves free. Their work is hampered by the contentment of the average slave with his lot in life.
Religion:
Most Minavians worship Daesious - it is their state religion. Openly worshipping other gods is allowed but discouraged for citizens. Slaves must worship Daesious.
Current Status:
Minneva has publicly tossed in with the Amazons but quietly claims to just be watching. Only time will tell, but the Minavians are likely to support anyone who agrees to uphold their class system.
Playing a Minavian Character:
Common Roles:
Follower: Many Minavians slaves find themselves "rescued" and in need of leadership. They will happily follow orders as long as they are being well-fed and feel safe.
Leader: Minavian leaders are trained to lead. They are often skilled but unloved leaders. They tend to be bold and somewhat careless with the lives of their men.
Devil's Advocate: When not leading a group Minavians will often offer counter-proposals and objections to plans made by others in the group. This can be helpful or annoying depending on the personalities involved.
Adventuring Archtypes:
Escapee: A freed slave will sometimes take to adventuring to stay busy. They won't lead often, but they will be hard and tireless workers.
Evangelist: Many Minavians (citizen and slave alike) who find themselves in other lands will lecture others on the superiority of the system of government in their homeland.
Apologist: Some Minavian citizens leave their homeland and its dark gods and seek to prove they are different and that not all their people are heartless.
Roleplaying Hints:
If you're a slave, you're probably looking for a strong leader to help you figure out what to do and to keep you safe and happy. You don't mind doing drudge work as long as it lets the smarter and brighter people do the things they need to do. You're probably a fighter.
If you're of the master caste, you don't understand why everyone thinks their opinion matters. Only the leaders should talk, the others should stay silent and do as they're told. You're probably not a fighter of any sort.
Outlook on other Countries:
Other countries have thrown away a golden opportunity by removing castes from their societies. Since no one knows their role, no one is happy.
Creating a Minavian Character:
Naming Conventions:
Minavian slaves have a single name usually followed by a physical epithet, like Erac the Strong or Wuj the Craven. Citizens have longer names and will never accept a physical epithet or nickname. Calling one "red" or "slim" is grounds for a fight.
Ability Scores:
Citizens receive =1 STR and CON and +1 INT and WIS
Slaves recieve the opposite, +1 STR and CON, -1 INT and WIS
Racial Abilities:
Minavians have access to the following feats and may choose one free at first level:
- Ignore Pain
- You don't mind the lash as much. You gain a subdual-based damage reduction equal to your constitution modifier. This only applies to subdual damage. (So if you have a CON bonus of +3, you can ignore the first three points of subdual damage. This doesn't work against magical weapons or attacks.
- Slave Holder
- You own two slaves who will provide you with some level of protection and do most of your mundane tasks. The slaves are 0 level and begin play fanatically loyal. This could change over time. They do not expect to fight all the time, they are household staff.
Special: A character may gain this feat multiple times, and the effects are cumulative.
Skill Bonuses : (Considered trained in skils listed)
Minavian Cistizens get a +1 proficiency bonus with whips and chains
Citizens: Leadership: 2 ranks
Diplomacy: 2 ranksSlaves: Craft: 2 ranks (skill of choice)
Profession: 2 ranks (of choice)
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