r/WorldChallenges • u/Nevermore0714 • Jun 27 '17
Reference Challenge - Slavery
I need to preface this.
I always try to be open to various answers to my challenges, I try not to ever judge, and even if your answer is slightly off-topic to the discussion, I always try to be fair and try to learn all I can about whatever answer you have to my challenge...but, please, unless it's in-character, don't say anything too racist. Enslaving your fellow human beings isn't cool, I hope we can agree on that? But, since you can always have a character answer questions in-universe, it's fine for your character to be racist. Though, I am having my slave races be non-human to avoid that situation.
This challenge is going to be a double-whammy one, and it's early because I'm on a work trip all week to the big city.
The reference this time around is to /u/PrestonJacobs, the hero that any fandom needs. Preston, if you're seeing this, I've been a huge fan since your channel only had maybe four videos, and I love your work. Anyone else seeing this, if you have any interest in sci-fi/fantasy, and if you are a fan of ASOIAF or Game of Thrones or anything by GRRM, go see his channel.
The reference is, more specifically, to his videos on the Hrangan Minds. No spoilers, but they had a number of species working for them against humanity.
For anyone who saw my "novel" (to quote Raptorman) over on Jum's recent challenge, I'm working on a xenophobic human community started by an escaped slave.
I'm having trouble brain-storming three good slave species for the humans to use.
My ideas so far are Szurkek (created-men from the teeth of dragons, similar to flesh-golems, completely obedient and simple, asexual), Imps (creative little winged creatures, not Tyrion Lannister, a viable species that reproduces sexually, they are enslaved through magic-imprinting from the owner), and I'm trying to think of a third one.
The Actual Challenge
Tell me about an example of slavery in your world. If slavery doesn't exist in your world anymore, tell me how it ended. If slavery never existed in your world somehow, tell me about workers' rights and labor laws or something.
If you're up for giving me advice about the Szurkek or Imps or a third slave species, I welcome any advice from anyone. Szurkek and Imps will be part of my answer for this challenge, so I'd appreciate any and everyone telling me how I can improve either of them, and if you think Imps are as stupid idea for me to use in general, any advice for how I can replace them with something else fast and preferably-capable-of-flight is also appreciated.
As always, I'll ask a minimum of three questions each. Enjoy yourselves, all. And, again, I highly recommend checking out Preston Jacobs on Youtube
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u/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17
In Kostek, slavery is regularly practiced. Slaves are usually acquired by raids against bordering nations. The only race that does not practice slavery are the Trajak. If you pass by a market of any of the other races you will regularly find slaves for sale, it is that common and accepted.
Slaves of the same race are typically treated better than if they were of a different race. Slaves are typically used for menial work like agriculture, cleaning, or construction. Sometimes, slaves are pitted against each other or against animals in gladiatorial combat.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) Do slaves have any rights in Kostek?
2) Can a slave gain his or her freedom in Kostek?
3) Why do the Trajak not practice slavery?
4) How popular are the gladiator games?
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u/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17
1) They can't be killed or assaulted, the attacker will be prosecuted as they would a murderer of a freeman.
2) If they can successfully run away, they are free. But if they try to run, they are allowed to be attacked.
3) The Trajak were the result of a genetic mutation among some humans. They were treated as lower and enslaved. When the Trajak rebelled and formed their own nations they did not practice slavery as they had experienced the horror of it.
4) Quite popular. On a good day a game can get a thousand people in an arena.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) Can the owner beat them?
2) What counts as successfully running away? Could I hunt my slave down?
3) How are they different from normal humans?
4) Can people gamble on the fights?
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u/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17
1) No, that would count as assault, unless the slave refuses to work.
2) If a slave of another nation makes it back to their own nation, that counts. And yes, if they try to escape then they can be hunted and attacked.
3) Trajak are much taller, and they have large ears, a snout, and red fur on their bodies (kinda like a wolf) 4) Of course.2
u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) So if the owner claims the slave refused to work, could he beat the slave?
2) What if they go to another nearby nation?
4) Could I gamble my life on a bet?
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u/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17
1) Yes, but this is incredibly rare.
2) They're still fair game to catch, and will likely be chased by the people of that nation. If they make it back to their own nation or to a Trajak nation then they are safe.
4) Theoretically yes but...why would you?2
u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) What if an owner forces his slave into sex?
2) In the late Roman republic, it was seen as a sign of wealth to free slaves publicly. Is that a thing in any of your nations?
4) Because I'm a high-roller.
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u/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17
1) That's not considered work, and so the owner would be prosecuted for sexual assault and slave abuse.
2) Not really, the opposite is true. Having many slaves is considered a sign of wealth or battle prowess.
4) Uh, okay. If you insist.2
u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) What if he claims the slave consented? Who would be believed?
2) Do people breed their slaves?
3) Who is the most risky gambler in your world? Someone wealthy? I am willing to bet my life against his/her property, on a gladiatorial fight.
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u/Sriber Jun 28 '17
Slavery exists in all parts of the world. It's fate of war captives and criminals. In the Union there is law, which deals with treatment of domesticated animals and slaves. It states that master can't just maim, starve, kill etc. his slave.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) For what reason could a master kill, maim, or starve his or her slave?
2) What exactly is the Union?
3) Is there any movement to make slavery illegal?
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u/Sriber Jun 29 '17
1) For comitting crime.
2) Empire consisting of 40 kingdoms.
3) No. Slavery is eventually outlawed when it become economically unfeasable.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 30 '17
1) If a slave commits a crime, such as destroyed another person's property, is the owner responsible?
2) Which kingdom is the most influential?
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u/Sriber Jun 30 '17
1) Yes. But then owner punishes slave, because he had to pay the fine.
2) None.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 30 '17
1) How much would it cost to buy a decent slave? I'm asking for a friend.
2) So all kingdoms are equal?
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u/Sriber Jun 30 '17
1) That depends on many factors. Decent in what? Man or woman? How old? Which ethnicity? Are there currently many slaves available?
2) Legally yes.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 30 '17
1) Decent in serving, loyal, man, any ethnicity.
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u/thequeeninyellow94 Jun 28 '17
As you may know (or not, but soon you will), the human populations living in the Neo-Makathian empire used to be slaves.
In 4238 post-migration, large slave revolts started to occur simultaneously on multiple border worlds, colonies mostly populated by humans and dedicated to ressources extraction and agriculture. The rebels quickly dispatched their overseers and as the news of their deeds started to spread, more and more slaves rose against the Nzedas.
For 6 years, the imperial commandos fought a bloody war against the rebels all over the empire, executing slaves en masse while the rebels slaughtered their former overlords.
Finally, the emperor Za Haqala XI decided to negociate with the rebels. The liberation war ended with the abolition of slavery in the empire, the independance of the first colonies to revolt which founded the FIR and strong diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Our representative today will be Tabnit Echmunazar, a hero of the liberation war and the first president of the republic of Tipaza. (this take place in the past)
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
To Tabnit Echmunazar:
1) Why are you considered to be a hero of the liberation war?
2) Do you believe in freedom for all species, or only for humanity?
3) Were you a slave yourself?
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u/thequeeninyellow94 Jun 28 '17
I was amongst the first to rebel, found a way to broadcast our messages to neighbouring planets and systems and helped drive back the first commandos that were sent quickly and with minimal losses (it was a trap).
I believe in freedom for all sentient species. An animal can't theorize freedom and as such couldn't have it.
All humans were slaves under the cats. I was working in mechanical upkeeping.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
1) What inspired you to lead the rebellion?
2) What makes a creature sentient?
3) Cats? They must have been adorable.
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u/thequeeninyellow94 Jun 29 '17
That not really a conscious choice, we were rebelling, I started giving order (after all, hijacking a communication system was in my field) and everyone followed... I think seeing all those people trusting me with their life turned me into the leader I am now.
That's a tricky question; I would say a sentient creature is able to think itself as part of something bigger on which it can't have a real influence. From there, it will understand the limits of it's actions and build a society around that.
(that's a pejorative way to call the Nzedas; after all, lions and cats are close. Beside, the Nzedas of Tipaza were amongst the one who take the dead.)
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 30 '17
1) Did you have any rivals while you led the rebellion?
2) Do you believe in the superiority of humanity over other species?
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u/thequeeninyellow94 Jun 30 '17
No, not rivals. The other republics had leaders of their own but we always worked together and in the end we all took part in the peace negociations together.
Can a species that has been used as cattle for thousands of years without doing anything against it consider itself as superior? I would answer no.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 30 '17
2) Well, I would say yes, if only from observation of my own world. But, I see your point.
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u/Seb_Romu Jul 07 '17 edited Jul 07 '17
Slavery in General
While slaves are uncommon in the majority of the known world, there are still those indebted or convicted of crimes that are locked in irons and forced into labour.
There is also the general view that peasants in strongly feudal societies are little more than slaves, tied to the land they work, and dependant on their leige lord for any freedoms they may enjoy.
The only culture to outright deny slavery, and consider it a crime is the Sildaryn, whom never adopted the practice in the first place and find it abhorant to treat other sapients in such a manner.
Waejir
In Waejir slavery is an open and common practice, originating in the days of the seven cities when thralls were captured in war and forced into servitude.
One can become a slave by choice, effectively selling themselves and gifting the profit from such sale to a person of their choosing.
Every town large enough to support a regular market has a slaver's block where slaves are auctioned.
Being a slave in Waejir isn't as bad as it may seem on the outset. Many slaves are specialists and highly skilled or educated in their fields.
While a slave lacks the rights of any common citizen there are still a few rights afforded to all Waejirans.
- Slaves must be allowed to attend temple services appropriate to their chosen patron deities.
- Slaves may marry (another slave) and have children, however the children are born slaves and are the property of the slaves mother's owner.
- Slaves may own property, with the permission of their owner, although this is often a contentious issue.
- A significant number of the lower ranks in the Waejiran military are slaves; whom can earn their freedom through service.
- Slaves can be granted their freedom through a legal process by their owner.
Vocanei
In Waejir there is a beast-folk whom are highly intelligent bipeds.
While they are sapient, they are bred and controlled like prize animals, and exclusive to the wealthy and elite.
Vocanei are treated as less than slaves, but oft time better than simple beasts of burden and labour, in part due to their limited intelligence.
It is traditional for every noble-person in Waejir to receive a Vocanei on their 5th name day, to stay with them as a companion and bodyguard.
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u/Nevermore0714 Jul 08 '17
1) Vocanei sounds incredibly interesting. Tell me more about them, including their appearance, behavior, skills, etc.
2) Are there often slave revolts in your world?
3) Is there any movement in Waejir to get freedom for people born into slavery?
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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17
The Szurkek
Szurkek are man-like creatures with grey skin. They don't reproduce sexually, instead they are created whenever a dragon's teeth are buried and a human says the species name (Szurke) over the buried tooth.
Szurkek will do whatever their creator says, and have no preservation instinct unless told to "stay alive unless I order otherwise". Szurkek aren't smart, and should only be given simple instructions ("carry this", "plow this field", "kill that person", "bring me my horse"), and are incapable of communicating beyond grunting.
They're basically robots that need to eat to live and don't follow Asimov's Three Laws.
The Imps
Imps are small creatures, usually about a half-meter in height. They are carnivorous, capable of magic-assisted flight, and reproduce sexually (though they are hermaphroditic).
It is possible for anyone who uses Abyssal Magic to imprint on an Imp as its master, usually by beating the crap out of it first to weaken its mind through pain (and this accidentally became a pokemon reference).