Per dignitas, nos prospicio.
General
Eugena is a small and warlike nation, but one that has prospered due to its raiding nature and easily defensible home. Society is strictly divided into 10 castes, ranging from the first caste, the Exalted, to the tenth caste, the Gifted. Each caste has its own district on Eugena, each surrounded by large walls and separated mostly from both the outside world and the castes around it.
These castes are strictly limited in number according to how highly they are ranked, with wealth evenly divided among all castes, but higher castes limited to fewer citizens. Standards of living increase greatly as you attain a higher caste, and transportation away from Eugena isn't viable at all in lower castes. The tenth caste is repopulated often via slaves and hostages taken during military raids, and these people become full Eugenian citizens, if only of the lowest caste.
Castes tend to operate as small states, and may collect taxes, offer public services, impose laws and sentencing, or have no true government at all. Politics operate just as everything else in Eugena: Citizens may do whatever they're strong enough to do. Even revolt is not illegal, but every succeeding caste has greater and greater resources with which to oppose any efforts, making revolution a rare thing.
Law
Law in Eugena is short and simple: Might makes right. Murder, theft, and any other manner of crime is legal, though an enterprising Eugenian criminal would do well to remember that just as they give, they may well receive in return. The only true codified laws have to do with advancement in castes:
1. Right of Vanquish: Any Eugenian citizen may claim the status of a higher caste Eugenian citizen by killing them and offering proof to a witness of their new caste. Alternatively, a vanquisher may forfeit his new status to any other Eugenian citizen who is not already of an equal or higher caste.
2. Right of Eugena: Any Eugenian citizen who dies a natural or accidental death, any Eugenian who leaves and renounces citizenship, or any Eugenian who is killed by another of the same or higher caste, forfeits their status to the military, who then distributes it to the highest ranked eligible and willing member.
3. Right of Blood: Any Eugenian citizen who has a child has one week in which to claim a caste and status for their child. During this time, the citizen is able to claim the status of a Eugenian of equal or lower rank. If, after one month, the parent has not claimed another position, either the child or the parent must revert to the tenth caste.
Military
Eugena is a primarily naval nation. The country is capable of growing its own food, but other resources tend to come from raiding and slaving among other nations. A member of any caste may join the military, but becomes a private no matter their status. With enough skill and bravery, it is possible to progress in rank and receive more training, to the point of becoming high leaders of the military.
Their peculiarly shaped island and high emphasis on naval ability render attacks within the channel nearly impossible. Landing on the outer ring, among the Fields, is more possible, but the members of the tenth caste tend to be alternatively helpless or defensive about what meager homes they may have, making warfare difficult, particularly as the higher castes will support the tenth caste in war.
Factions
Caste is the simplest manner of determining allegiance to others in Eugena. Those of the same caste tend to look out for each other, as they have equal status. A newly initiated member of a caste, however, tends to be welcome. The reasoning is simple: his replacement of the old member has increased the level of strength in the caste.
The Enforcers: the informal name for any of the many groups of people who work specifically for those of a higher caste. From butlers to bodyguards to "troubleshooters," these people are generally loyal to their patrons, and are often responsible for the death of members of lower castes through either direct or indirect means.
The Testers: the informal name for the thriving assassin business on Eugena. The business is encouraged by the government, but generally hated or feared by those of any caste but the tenth. Most successful assassins are members of the tenth rank themselves, and live unknown among the Fields. Only upon killing a member of a higher rank can they claim their position, or forfeit it to their client, so most simply never advance themselves. The Testers serve a vital role in Eugena's society: anyone who accumulates enough wealth may commission their advance in society.
Economy
The Eugenian economy operates on the "Merit" currency. Production of food in the Fields is the most common occupation, but business of all sorts can be seen in operation at different caste levels. Land is strictly allotted in all castes but the tenth caste, but any sort of development is allowed. The Fields operate with essentially no governmental controls, typically split into whatever large plantations individuals of higher castes can control. Wages are at the whim of employers, though small revolts aren't uncommon, and individuals are free to travel anywhere in the fields.
The Military is the second largest employer of Eugenian citizens, with members being paid relatively handsomely through spoils of raiding and occasional government controlled caste positions. Roughly half of all spoils go to military men, to be spent in the nation to support the economy, while the other half is distributed yearly to citizens of each caste except the tenth caste. Each caste one through nine receives one tenth of this wealth, to be distributed evenly among it's members, while the current ruler of the country receives the remaining tenth.
The economy is mostly stable, particularly in the upper castes, but members of the tenth caste are paid very poorly, often simply being intimidated into working. However, the abundance of food in the Fields makes it possible to steal food and survive with no wage at all.
Important Figures
Galton Cain (Caste 0): Very little is known about the ruler of Eugena. He rarely leaves the Center, if ever, but has been in control of the country for nearly a decade. He is extremely liberal with his power, allowing citizens to attempt whatever they wish, so long as the nation-wide rules of advancement are observed. Like any other position, the position of ruler of Eugena may be claimed by any citizen bold enough, but Galton has the might of the entire powerful Eugenian military, and is likely possessed of unknown capabilities himself.
