So, I've been thinking a lot about the divisions in social class and the like among the galdori in Anaxas. The general idea I am working with is that there are very old families with many a stories ancestor, and that these represent the most ancient and illustrious class. Then, there are the various larger and less glorious classes with various traditional mores, customs, and so forth.
My hope here is to provide both some interesting lore and a chance for galdori players to have an excuse to sneer, belittle, or strive for social status.
And now, without further ado . . .
My hope here is to provide both some interesting lore and a chance for galdori players to have an excuse to sneer, belittle, or strive for social status.
And now, without further ado . . .
On The Galdori
The galdori of Anaxas, though comprising the highest and most influential position in the social hierarchy, are themselves not without divisions. Ancient families with glorious ancestors who can be traced back to the misty and legendary past occupy the pinnacle of influence and landed wealth. Lesser landed families vie with each other for control over the country itself, its mores and customs. Ancient, if less storied families with deep roots in the cities and towns of Anaxas try their best to cling on to their ancient position as gatekeepers of civic and mercantile life. And a rising class of new and name as-yet unstoried families vies for a place at the table.
The Great Families (Magnates)
The Magnates are the most storied and elevated class of the galdori, being descended from the
founding families of the estates and ancient principalities that would become Anaxas. Many of these families still control vast estates living upon the rent of tenants and the proceeds of their properties. Historically, the Magnates do not engage in base commerce, though in recent centuries this has been largely ignored and now commercial as well as landed concerns provide continued wealth and status for the Magnates.
Many an Incumbent and Magister hail from this class, even today, and it is considered correct and proper that such illustrious families who have endured down the centuries retain their primacy
Not all galdori who belong to this class have maintained their wealth and lands down through the generations. Such families are considered to be ‘rich in ancestors, poor in cash’, and their status is often rather precarious. Some live the lives of their class only through elaborate webs of debts, strategic marriages, and political favors.
founding families of the estates and ancient principalities that would become Anaxas. Many of these families still control vast estates living upon the rent of tenants and the proceeds of their properties. Historically, the Magnates do not engage in base commerce, though in recent centuries this has been largely ignored and now commercial as well as landed concerns provide continued wealth and status for the Magnates.
Many an Incumbent and Magister hail from this class, even today, and it is considered correct and proper that such illustrious families who have endured down the centuries retain their primacy
Not all galdori who belong to this class have maintained their wealth and lands down through the generations. Such families are considered to be ‘rich in ancestors, poor in cash’, and their status is often rather precarious. Some live the lives of their class only through elaborate webs of debts, strategic marriages, and political favors.
The Gentry
A step down from the Magnates, are the gentry who comprise the landed classes that possess smaller estates and less stories ancestors. These are the ladies and gentlemen of fine houses, elegant gardens, country dances, and often of good local political connections.
The Gentry is a fairly broad class, covering everything from landowners who rival the Magnates in wealth, down to gentlemen farmers and the managers of small estates. Many of the Gentry maintain both country and city dwellings and much of what is considered to be proper and dignified manners originate with this class. With less storied ancestry, their status is ensured through civilized behavior and decorum.
The Gentry is a fairly broad class, covering everything from landowners who rival the Magnates in wealth, down to gentlemen farmers and the managers of small estates. Many of the Gentry maintain both country and city dwellings and much of what is considered to be proper and dignified manners originate with this class. With less storied ancestry, their status is ensured through civilized behavior and decorum.
The Optimates
The Optimates comprise a somewhat heterogeneous class of enterprising businesspeople, merchants, professionals, and others without much claim to estates or property. As such, the Optimates find their most comfortable place in the cities and towns of Anaxas (where they seem to have originated) and many an official, noteworthy lawyer, physician, or captain of industry has been produced by this class.
If there is a stereotype of the Optimates it is that they value skill, attainment, acumen, and a keen engagement with the affairs of the nation. In recent centuries, Optimates have come to comprise a disproportionate number of politicians, sorcerous scholars, and others of that ilk.
If the Gentry based their status upon civility and decorum, then the Optimates live by their connections, their savvy, and their ancient civic gravitas.
As a rule, there is considerable tension between the urbanized Optimates and the more landed Gentry. An Optimate who purchases estates in the country may be frowned upon as an interloper by the Gentry, a person with no ties to the land, and a parvenue. Similarly, a member of the Gentry who seeks to make a name for themselves among the occupations and places traditionally dominated by the Optimates my find themselves considered as a country bumpkin, as naive, or as unsuited to the demanding and often faster-paced life that Optimate families have known from their very beginning.
If there is a stereotype of the Optimates it is that they value skill, attainment, acumen, and a keen engagement with the affairs of the nation. In recent centuries, Optimates have come to comprise a disproportionate number of politicians, sorcerous scholars, and others of that ilk.
If the Gentry based their status upon civility and decorum, then the Optimates live by their connections, their savvy, and their ancient civic gravitas.
As a rule, there is considerable tension between the urbanized Optimates and the more landed Gentry. An Optimate who purchases estates in the country may be frowned upon as an interloper by the Gentry, a person with no ties to the land, and a parvenue. Similarly, a member of the Gentry who seeks to make a name for themselves among the occupations and places traditionally dominated by the Optimates my find themselves considered as a country bumpkin, as naive, or as unsuited to the demanding and often faster-paced life that Optimate families have known from their very beginning.
The Boni
The Boni, or the Good, are perhaps the largest class of Anaxi galdori. Essentially comprising ‘the rest’ of the galdori, those of this class can be found across the nation and in any profession, occupation, or degree of wealth. They are often considered to be the ‘poorest in ancestors, and the richest in opportunity’ for they have nowhere to go but up.
Governesses, tutors, ladies companions, are over-represented among the Boni.
Governesses, tutors, ladies companions, are over-represented among the Boni.
The Ancient Names and The New Names
Orthogonal to the traditional classes of the galdori is the concept of the Ancient and New Names. The Magnates belong to the most Ancient Names, but members of other classes often seek to ‘make a name’ for themselves by rising to positions of importance and influence. Any family who can claim a Headmaster or Headmistress in their lineage can be said to have made their name. Less illustrious are those who rise to high political or academic office. A Chair in the family is nearly always enough to secure the luster of significance for a time. The same can be said for rising to the office of Incumbent. Better still is a position as Chancellor or as Prime Minister. A string of recent relatives who rise to such offices is considered a great feat indeed, and may well be enough to secure a social luster that can last down through many generations.
