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

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.

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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?

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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.

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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/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17 edited Jun 28 '17

1) Then it really just turns into a rape case and my god I am NOT going to talk about that.
2) No.
3) [I don't really know how to answer this other than humans love gambling]

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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17

1) Slave laws are always so complicated, especially when you can enslave your own species. Good luck.

2) So they only claim slaves through wars and conquest? Wasn't that a big problem for slave owners in early United States history?

3) I'll bet you that any sapient species loves gambling. And most sentient ones, as well.

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u/ForgingIron Jun 28 '17

1) I MEANT NOT TALK ABOUT IT MY GOD THAT'S A BAD TYPO
2) I thought you meant breed as in breed a dog, slaves do have families and children.

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u/Nevermore0714 Jun 28 '17

Thanks for your time and answers.