Royalty in most societies is the social class composed of the wealthiest members of society, who also wield the greatest political power. According to this view, the 'royals' is generally distinguished by immense wealth which is passed on from generation to generation.
In most cases, aside from House Heartan, most cultures that are classed as being royalty, are descended from a certain monarchy. With the current memebers of House Heartan, their royalty class is above that of anyone else, because they are the only ruling royal family.
Meaning[]
Historically in all cultures, members of an royal family/descended often did not have to work for a living, as they
Royals are always the best dressed and educated
were supported by earned or inherited investments (often lands). Royal status commonly derived from the social position of one's family and not from one's own achievements or wealth. Much of the population that composed the royalty consisted of aristocrats, ruling families, titled people, and religious hierarchs. These people were usually born into their status and there was not much movement across class boundaries.
In many countries, the term "royalty" was intimately associated with hereditary land ownership. Political power was often in the hands of the landowners in many societies despite there being no legal barriers to land ownership for other social classes.
History[]
It is unknown when the first example of royalty was used in Amsnorth, but since the end of the First Age, royalty was often used by humans to discribe someone of great wealth and power. The culture was eventually adopted by different Races of Amsnorth, and those classed as being royalty were considered above the Upper-Class.
War of Kings[]
- See Also: War of Kings and Human Royal Government
Royalty was used by nearly every culture in the world, with the dwarves using it most of all. Because of the time period, dwarves held more wealth and political power than any other race in Amsnorth. This was however, until a
Jafier Heartan, the founder of the royal family
human man named Jafier Heartan took it upon himself to destroy all other reigning monarchies. In the war known as the War of Kings, Jafier won the great war, and proclaimed himself King of Amsnorth, and dismantled every other monarchy in Amsnorth, aside from the Wood-Elf Monarchy. After the war, most cultures that fell into the royalty category, were considered lesser than the royal family, House Heartan. But despite being lesser, their status as royalty still enabled them far greater power and influence over all other classes below them.
Income[]
Members of the royaly cultures generally do not have jobs, there are few who do, but most of their income comes from their lands and estates. Most royals have titles such as duke and duchess, and their govern over their area, and establish their own laws and taxes. These taxes go straight into their pockets, and also a small percentage of the market and trading.
Values[]
Royals are some of the most respected people in Amsnorth, and their voice and influence is herd above all else. Their status in power grants them many privileges, such as getting away with certian crime. All royals have a better chance at education and receiving the best teachers and studies, and also having far superior contacts. Most royals find themselves in politics, or in high status.