The High Duchy of Râurile

Râurile and its people are often viewed as a contentious and contradictory place. Five noble families choosing among themselves to pick a new High Duke. Their unity kept together more by language and some loose cultural bonds then by actual love of one another. At times this country finds itself unified and thanks to its geographic position hard to invade. It holds a claim to fame as it repelled a attempted invasion early on in its history from the mighty Empire of Vallonde. They are also a country that has had multiple civil wars over disputed elections and noble families arguing over ancestral lands and so forth. It is a country that possesses many contradictions. They can be the most welcoming people and push for acceptance of new people from across the continent, and on the same foot be superstitious and intolerant. Close to the coast and the city the people can be welcoming, charming and possess a level of civilization that would make one see them as an up and coming state with so much potential. But far off into the vast wilderness that is within the domain of Râurile, villages are small, quaint, and seen as backwaters. People there have folklore and legend that transcend the nation, they are slow to trust and quick to place blame on outsiders for their woes.   Life for the people of this nation tends to follow a curious social structure. There is no direct ‘peasant’ class, instead there exists a class of ‘freefolk” They are not bound to the land, and can move provided they have the ability to. Most tend to remain where they were born however as lords do their best to make their situation contented within their territories. Above freefolk who tend to remain towards an agricultural lifestyle, are the Zanatli, the artisans and skilled labor. Often few remain in the rural regions and retain prominent roles in those communities. While the vast majority of this class dwells in large cities or fortresses where the majority of their business can be had. Above these artisans the Emporos, or the merchant class has risen to be a small but powerful part of society. Despite their rise in prominence they often are kept a close eye on as the nation is warey of those who put business first before the benefit of the nation. Above the merchants are soldiers, those who devote their lives to the protection of their country are often given a great deal of respect by the populace in the social order. This does not equate to wealth. Above them lie the Clergy of various gods and deities who hold a respected rank and are given a great deal of exceptions within the law. Above them are the Lower Nobility, Barons, Knights, Courtiers, the Five Old families are the members of the highest class of Nobles as Counts, The High Duke is above them all as the ultimate top of society.