Government -

In the Kingdom of Ethyn, the feudal government system is still in place. The king is the ultimate authority and he grants lands and titles to the lords in return for their loyalty and military service. The lords, in turn, give land and protection to their vassals, who are obligated to serve them in times of war. The vassals, in exchange, offer various goods and services to their lords.

The king has a council of advisors who help him make decisions and rule the kingdom. The council is made up of the highest-ranking lords and officials in the land.

The feudal system has its strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, it provides a clear chain of command and a way to maintain law and order. On the other hand, it can lead to corruption and abuse of power, as well as a lack of mobility for those born into lower classes. Despite these challenges, the Kingdom of Ethyn continues to be governed by a feudal system.

In the Kingdom of Ethyn, the nobility holds a significant amount of power and privilege. The noble class is typically made up of wealthy landowners who hold titles such as dukes, earls, barons, and knights. These titles are usually passed down through inheritance and come with certain rights and privileges.

One of the most significant privileges that the nobility has is exemption from many taxes and other fees that the common people must pay. They are also entitled to receive a share of the crops and other products from the lands that they own, which are worked by peasants and tenant farmers. In addition, the nobility often have access to higher education and prestigious positions in government or the military.

Members of the noble class are expected to be model citizens and leaders, as they hold a great deal of power and influence in society. They are also expected to display proper etiquette and manners, and to uphold the traditions and values of the kingdom. In return for their privileges, they are expected to serve the monarch and the kingdom in various ways, such as providing military service, supporting the crown financially, and upholding the law.

Despite their privileges, the nobility are not immune to the law, and they can face punishment for crimes just like any other citizen. However, they often have access to more lenient justice systems and are sometimes granted pardons or reduced sentences due to their status and connections.

As in any society, there is a level of crime in the Kingdom of Ethyn. However, due to the strict feudal government, crime is typically kept at a lower rate. Most crimes are petty theft or minor property damage.

There are some instances of organized crime, particularly in the larger cities like Harbour Bay. These criminal organizations often involve smuggling, extortion, and racketeering. The most notorious of these criminal organizations is the Black Hand, which is known to have a presence in Harbour Bay.

Despite the presence of organized crime, the crime rates in the Kingdom of Ethyn are relatively low compared to other regions. The feudal government enforces strict laws and harsh punishments for criminal behavior, which serves as a deterrent for many would-be criminals. However, there are still some areas of the kingdom that are known to have higher crime rates, particularly in the slums of the larger cities.

In the Kingdom of Ethyn, taxation is based on the feudal system, where the peasants or serfs are required to pay a portion of their crops or labor to their lords. The lords, in turn, pay taxes to the king in the form of goods, labor, or money.

There are also various other taxes levied by the king and his officials, such as a property tax on land and buildings, a sales tax on goods sold in the marketplace, and a tax on imported and exported goods. These taxes are collected by tax collectors and officials appointed by the king and are used to fund the royal treasury and support the infrastructure and services of the kingdom, including the army, roads, bridges, and public buildings.

Tax evasion or failure to pay taxes is considered a serious crime in the kingdom and can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or even banishment.

The Ivory Knights are the military arm of the Kingdom of Ethyn, and they are renowned for their skill and honor in battle. They are named for their white armor and tabards, which bear the emblem of the kingdom: a stylized white swan on a field of blue.

The Knights are organized into a number of orders, each with its own particular role and responsibilities. Some orders focus on combat and are responsible for protecting the kingdom from external threats, while others are more focused on training and maintaining the martial traditions of the kingdom. All of the orders are overseen by the Grand Master of the Ivory Knights, who is responsible for the overall direction of the military.

The Ivory Knights are based in a number of fortresses and castles throughout the kingdom, each of which serves as a training ground and base of operations for the knights assigned there. In addition to their combat training, the knights are also required to undergo extensive education in philosophy, history, and other subjects to ensure that they are not only skilled warriors but also well-rounded and educated individuals.

The Ivory Knights are widely respected and admired throughout the kingdom, and their temples are often a focus of local communities. They are known for their bravery and chivalry, and they are frequently called upon to mediate disputes and provide assistance to those in need. Despite their prominence, the Knights are not exempt from the law, and those who violate the kingdom's laws or the order's code of conduct can face severe punishment.

Overall, the Ivory Knights are a key part of the Kingdom of Ethyn's identity and culture, and they are an essential part of the kingdom's defense and stability.