Rebecca HailAmata LireinAnd the mere fact that the ISA even exists should be proof that the general public is adhearing to the rules and regulations layed out.
That fact means nothing. Existence of an authority doesn't equal that authority doing its job.
John MontagRebecca HailAmata LireinAnd the mere fact that the ISA even exists should be proof that the general public is adhearing to the rules and regulations layed out.
That fact means nothing. Existence of an authority doesn't equal that authority doing its job.
lol - Reminds me of a meme I saw the other day.
"We already live in anarchy. The state is just a gang of extortionists with guns. Prove me wrong."
JellicoeNo society ever lives up to its highest ideals, no individual ever lives up to their own ideals 100% of the time. We have laws against all manner of exploitation of workers yet you'll never have much trouble finding people breaking them.
John MontagRebecca HailAmata LireinAnd the mere fact that the ISA even exists should be proof that the general public is adhearing to the rules and regulations layed out.
That fact means nothing. Existence of an authority doesn't equal that authority doing its job.
lol - Reminds me of a meme I saw the other day.
"We already live in anarchy. The state is just a gang of extortionists with guns. Prove me wrong."
JellicoeWe have cast iron lore that slaves are not always treated well be senior imperials, Premonition begins with a massacre of slaves who are protesting that their rights as *Imperial* slaves are not being respected, and while their slaughter is regarded as going too far it is not at all illegal (it is also carried out by a senator and relative of the Duval family itself so not a minor, tin pot figure), then we have the short story Blood is Thicker* from the Tales from the Frontier anthology which again features Imperial slaves being worked to death. Now such treatment of slaves might be frowned upon by Imperial society but it clearly is something that happens.
John Montag
lol - Reminds me of a meme I saw the other day.
"We already live in anarchy. The state is just a gang of extortionists with guns. Prove me wrong."
Amata LireinSynthya Wylder[...]slaves equating to voluntary indentured servitude which someone can work themselves out of debt[...]
You basically just described the difference between Imperial slavery (which is legal in most Imperial systems) and "unchecked" slavery, which is also illegal inside the Empire.
The system of dignitas I mentioned above demands of slave owners to treat their slaves well, which means providing them housing, clothing and everything else they might need on a level that would be befitting of an Imperial citizen (the lowest caste of free people inside the Empire). There's even the ISA which is basically the government's office to ensure that slaves are treated well and if necessary get the help they need to eventually get sold (training, healthcare, etc.)
A C EnderAmata LireinSynthya Wylder[...]slaves equating to voluntary indentured servitude which someone can work themselves out of debt[...]
You basically just described the difference between Imperial slavery (which is legal in most Imperial systems) and "unchecked" slavery, which is also illegal inside the Empire.
The system of dignitas I mentioned above demands of slave owners to treat their slaves well, which means providing them housing, clothing and everything else they might need on a level that would be befitting of an Imperial citizen (the lowest caste of free people inside the Empire). There's even the ISA which is basically the government's office to ensure that slaves are treated well and if necessary get the help they need to eventually get sold (training, healthcare, etc.)
While I can see what you talk about in principle - there are key information missing:
How long do you have to work of the level of debt?
What is seen as "well" and "befitting" of an imperial of the lowest level?
Keep in mind that no logical society would use slaves for tasks you can get free people to do. You would use slaves for things you don't want to pay enough for free people to do, or who free people won't accept doing. Therefore all slaves must be well below minimum wage (there's more effort to supply a person with everything they need than just employment).
Note that I'm not saying any faction is objectively better, I'm just pointing out that saying someone is required to be treated well in no way imply that they are treated better than slaves did in northern america or other places.
And like Melanthes, I play (at best) a morally grey character. And that's probably squinting a fair bit.
Amata LireinThe way that I understand it is that Imperial slavery is based on how it worked in ancient Rome. Slaves back then seemed to have been employed in a lot of different lines of work: domestic duties like cooking and cleaning the house, butlers, secretaries, personal assistents, public slaves used as couriers between offices, even as teachers...
Lambast MercyBeing a Nobel has always been a job. Ok its a job that tends to come with a nice house and plenty to eat, but it has responsibility.
Do you employ Imperial Slaves? Well, you better look after and educate/train them and see it their every need. There are rules for owning slaves dont'cha know. Once they have come to the end of their contract, it's your responsibility to give them enough for a home and a good start in life. These are Imperial citizens after all, not slaves to be worked to death.
Do you own land? Well, it's up to you to keep your tax-paying population happy, earning enough to expand and supply the local Duke or Royal with troops and ships if the need should arise. Even if that land is a small station or an entire planet, you gotta pay your percentage. If war does come to your patron, you don't get to sit back and send the troops out, your a Nobel and you're expected to lead from the front.
Lookie here, there's a famine. Doing your part to feed your people, isn't enough. There is a fundraiser banquet at 10,000 per head, and you plus your family have to attend or your peers are going to know you are a rotter or too poor, and therefore not doing your job properly. Can't have that so you better be there and at the next one the week after.
The list goes on. They may sit at the top of the heap and get first picking when times are tough, but an Imperial Nobel does have to give away a lot of time and resources as well as look out for other Nobles that are not doing there part.
