SOCIETY

[Admin Bot]

Greetings, traveler, are you new here? Well have no fear my good fellow as I am at your service. What’s this? You wish for me to disclose the types of denizens whom inhabit this city? Well that ain’t no problem at all. I’ll tell you all, free of charge! Now have a seat, warm yourself by that cozy fire, make yourself comfortable and I shall begin:

THE LAWBREAKERS

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Perhaps I should warn you of this country’s more distasteful denizens first so you can avoid trouble and keep yourself safe from harm. There are criminal organizations running in this city, namely those territorial fellows who associate themselves with a select mafia family. Some of these people are reasonably harmless, being merely bootleggers and such but all the same I would advise you to avoid such company as best you can. Most mafia members adhere to a strict code of loyalty and as such wouldn’t hesitant to sell you off for some scrap of praise from their boss. They’re like dogs, all of them, unpredictable and, on occasion, dangerous. They also arrogantly refer to themselves as outcasts who don’t belong in any conventional social order. Nonetheless, we still have a name for them here. MAFIA.


- Bootleggers: Reasonably harmless fellows who involved themselves with the delivery of the illegal substance of alcohol in an effort to maintain their livelihood or simply to stay alive. After all, this is the Great Depression and as people say, ‘we all need a means to live.’ Some bootleggers work outside the mafia and it is quite true to say that Bootleggers are the lowest Mafia rank and also the most benevolent.

- Thieves: Akin to Bootleggers, the city’s thieves and robbers alike don’t always belong to a specific mafia group and can be in the business solely for themselves. However, the danger levels of these criminals vary and you either walk away with a light bruising or lose your life in a confrontation.

- The Black Market: People who associate themselves with the Black Market are generally directly connected to the Mafia. However, in such desperate times some corrupt businessmen have also entered into this business seeking to make a quick profit. These are the figureheads, the dealers, in other words. They are reasonably powerful but generally refrain from killing since it is bad for business. Their customers are either near-desolate slum denizens or scavengers looking to make a profit.

- Debt Collectors: Employees of Mafia bosses or Mafia funded banks. If you are ever confronted by one be prepared to suffer. They’ll eventually strip you of all you’ve got, even your organs if the debt is big enough. When you’re poor it’s best to sleep on the streets than borrow from the employers of these men.

- Gunmen: Called by many names, they’re generally in charge of nothing but murder, sabotage, kidnapping, etc. They are the Boss’ trusted right-hand men and exist as ruthless killers only loyal to him (or her). Don’t expect sympathy or mercy from these folks. Their hands are so stained with blood that they wouldn’t think twice of taking another life.

- Mob Bosses: Depending on this individual’s personality they can either be easily contacted or extremely secretive. They can also either be fat and useless (depending solely on their trusted body-guards) or so dangerous that no one dares to challenge them. Friendly, manipulative, foolish, arrogant, etcetera, there’s no set stereotype for the highest rank of a Mafia organization but rest assured that if you offend one then all hell is going to break loose.

THE SLUMMERS

Oh, you’re wondering about those destitute people crawling all over the streets? Well let me assure you that it wasn’t always like this. No, most of those poor souls were hard-hit by the Depression. It took all they had and now they’ve been left with close to nothing…even exactly nothing in some cases. Of course, there are exceptions. Some of them were simply born poor and others have landed here as the result of their own decisions or actions. Whatever the case, don’t doubt that life is hard amongst the impoverished, trust me when I say that being a inhabitant of the slums is the worst situation you could ever land in.


- Beggars: Just like in all other societies, beggars are viewed with repulsion and disgust. They are literally the lowest rung on the social ladder and if you ever associate yourself with one prepare to be viewed with distaste! Funnily enough, most of these were once nobles who didn’t know how to work once the Depression took away all they owned.

- The Homeless: Pretty self-explanatory. If you’re homeless you’re homeless. There’s nothing you can do about it except hope that some charitable person will pluck you from your misery and present you with a home. You don’t have to be unemployed to be homeless either. In such hard times few jobs pay enough to accommodate you with a house and home.

- The Shanty-Town People: These destitute denizens have been fortunate enough to assemble some sort of temporary shelter from other people’s trash. They generally live in a cluster on some government-sanctioned property in very dense numbers. Due to crowding and a lack of a sewage systems such individuals are generally unhygienic and a horror to be around simply due to their distinct smell. You will occasionally find some of these people who try very hard to remain presentable in their time of such immense hardship but there’s not much anyone can do if they are in such a predicament.

- The Apartment Dwellers: These are generally regarded as the royalty of the slums since they can still afford proper housing despite being significantly impoverished. Mind you, their apartments generally smell of mould, have peeling wallpaper everywhere, leak when it rains even slightly, have carpet that’s practically shedding off the floor and the whole place generally look like it’s falling apart and decomposing right before your eyes. Nonetheless, to other less ‘fortunate’ slum dwellers these apartments are as impressive and unobtainable as Buckingham Palace.

- Countryfolk: Generally, but not always, optimistic country folk who come to the city in search of new beginnings will end up in the slums. However, some of them are fortunate and skilled enough to work their way up to middleclass or higher. They’re like a breath of fresh air to city folk and thus usually find it easier to find jobs.

THE BOURGEOIS

Bourgeois is just another way of saying ‘Middle-Class’. Rather fancy ain’t it? I believe the word has French origins. Anyway, I’m sure you’re familiar with this social category. Unfortunately it’s also the most complex and varied so I’ll prefer not to delve into too great a detail. I’m sure you’re already exceedingly familiar with it already. You’ve probably had the most first hand-experience with these fellows as well. Before the Depression this class was certainly the most numerous in this fine city. Well, I’ll make this quick so as not to waste your time speaking of things you already know.


- Servants: Bourgeois by association with their renown masters only. They are generally too pre-occupied tending to their master’s wishes to have any of their own leisure time. They also only receive minimal pay but are still considered to be better-off than slum dwellers since they usually get to live in the servants’ quarters on their master’s extravagant estates.

- The Employed: People fortunate enough to have found some form of employment. These can range from the more ordinary vocations such as cashiers and shop assistants to more notable professions such as doctors, nurses, teachers, librarians and etcetera. These individuals usually earn enough to afford a respectable house in the suburbs or downtown and as such do not fit the category of being a slum dweller.

- The Journalist/Reporter: If the multitude of conspiracy theories and rumors of clandestine secrets and covert organizations is to be believed then the people in this vocation probably know a thing or two. After all, isn’t it their job to do some delving into the unknown and unconfirmed? If truth is what you’re after then this is the job for you! However, it’s quite low pay and they say if you uncover something truly frightening then even your life could be in danger.

- Businessmen: These people manage their own businesses which can range from a small shop downtown to a large business uptown. The wealthier these businessmen are the more likely that they are accepted into the upper-classes. Unfortunately, their status is heavily dependent on their financial condition and their numbers have certainly decreased since the Depression struck. Some have since retired to live off their acquired fortunes and provide the occasional piece of advice as an experienced economist. Nonetheless, some are still able to hull in quite a nice profit despite the depression. With that said, not all businessmen are law abiding citizens and some choose to involve themselves in dealings with the Mafia and/or Black Market.

- Charlatans: These so called ‘businessmen’ are tricksters out to con you out of all you own. A rather notable and certainly successful example of such a company of these beings is the O’Ceallaigh Share Co. Most sham corporations are geniuses at concealing their tracks and seldom need the assistance of the Mafia or Debt-Collectors. It makes you wonder why they don’t use their formidable skills to establish a legitimate business instead.

- Scavengers: They differ from the charlatans in that they don’t utilize dishonesty in order to get what they want. No, the scavengers of society need only the misfortune of others to gain a profit for themselves. Now let’s not forget that in this era of financial Depression that misfortune is rampant and as such there is certainly no lack of profit to be made. All they have to do is buy something for next to nothing from someone desperate to sell and then resell that exact item for a much higher price. Most rely heavily on transactions that take place during bank auctions or in the Black Market. As more businesses crumble these distasteful individuals are growing fatter by the day, at least in terms of riches anyway.

- Witches: Those employed (and paid lavishly) by the government to manufacture Rouge. Whether they actually possess magical abilities is still very much a topic of conjecture and there is currently no substantial proof of whether they do or don’t. Most prefer to keep their occupation (as ‘witches’) a secret for fear of getting shunned if it were to be revealed. Due to their mysteriously large amount of wealth, most witches who keep their profession a secret are greatly respected in society simply due to their riches.

- Alchemists: Erudite scholars who are devoted to the pursuit of science. They generally belong to the higher-bourgeois yet if they are of noble birth they may also sustain the status of being an upper-class gentleman/lady. Alchemists generally have an educated opinion concerning Rouge and are either for or against it although an Alchemist will NEVER drink the controversial concoction himself/herself. Due to their intellect, Alchemists are usually held in awe and esteem and often act as the advisors to those higher on the social ladder than themselves. Regardless, just because one chooses to pursue knowledge doesn’t mean that one is without sin and accordingly Alchemists can be evil too. After all, it was a group of these fellows who designed that despicable substance Rouge in the first place.

- Police: The law enforcers. You’ll expect these people to be the epitome of Justice and Liberty, right? Well unfortunately in this era of financial Depression there are certain instances when you would be wrong. After all, it’s exhausting being selfless all the time and it is only human nature that some members of the police force resort to corruption eventually. In spite of everything, being good isn’t always as rewarding as being bad.

THE MILITARY

Military hierarchy is about as complex as a game of Chess. What? Not that complex, you say? Well, try winning a game of Chess against a professional! You’ll soon see how intricate and demanding a ‘mere’ game of Chess is. Seriously speaking, the workings of the military could fill an entire novel so I’ll just give you a brief summary of the essentials.


- The Dogs: A dispensable force that basically acts as the pawns in the military game of Chess. Usually just out of military school, these ambitious soldiers will do anything to gain recognition amongst the higher-ups in an endeavor to increase their rank. In a military game of tactics these personnel are generally sacrificed in order for their superiors to gain an advantage. Due to their complete obedience to the military rather than to their conscience, these underdogs have acquired quite a distasteful reputation among the public. Ever heard the saying ‘dog of the military’? It’s a blatant insult.

- The Puppets: Originally ordinary people from all walks of life, the ‘puppets’ of the military are usually only obedient to the military due to coercion in the form of bribery, blackmail or both. Their actions are generally not done under their own volition (although some may actually enjoy doing what they do) as they are only complying with military instructions and demands. Typically, society is kept in the dark about the true nature of things, leaving the poor puppet to look like the bad guy.

- The Hawks: They’re the eyes of the military and earn their keep as spies. They snatch at information like rabid dogs and only slow down to process the data that’s been gathered after there’s nothing more to be unearthed. Whether you’re a good spy or not depends on the relevance and accuracy of the ‘facts’ you turn in. A skilled agent will know not to run after false leads or take the bait without doing some background research.

- The Strikers: Another covert faction of the military. However, unlike the hawks, strikers are less benevolent and typically deal in the department of assassination, sabotage and torture. Just like the gunmen (hit-men) of the Mafia these people show no mercy when it comes to slaughtering their targets regardless of whether their victims are innocent or not. The only difference is that these people work for the military and thus are supposedly ‘good’.

- The Officials: Personnel who have acquired a notable rank in the military. These ranks vary greatly and include: lieutenant, colonel, major, general, and etcetera. Such individuals are frequently not satisfied with the status they have acquired and often seek to gain more fame, power, wealth and recognition. In other words, most officials have quite an obvious promotion-complex. It is best to avoid dealing with these cunning individuals as they are experts at being manipulative.

THE UPPER CLASS

Ah, now at last we have arrived at the subject of those select few fortunate persons who inhabit those extravagant mansions uptown and have servants to attend to their every need. Such a life fills one with envy, doesn’t it, especially in a time as harsh as this Great Depression. This exclusive group seldom interacts with the lower classes which they often perceive with unveiled disgust. Well, being a person of many experiences I still have a thing or two to say about these posh and elegant creatures.


- Nobels: Otherwise known as the ‘landed-gentry’, these ancient families have a long tradition of being rich and powerful and often keep a detailed family-tree of their impressive blue-blood bloodline. It is almost certain that the nobles you meet will have a certain degree of arrogance about them and enjoy conversing proudly on the topic of their noble heritage. (Yet, keep in mind that not every noble is like that.) These families generally earn their income from the produce and payments they haul in from their various estates and seldom involve themselves in any major business…well…not anymore. Most of the noble class who had dared to invest in the stock market are now nothing more than beggars and homeless slum dwellers.

- Influentials: Politicians, either retired or concurrent, who managed to obtain enough wealth and/or distinguished connections to climb their way up to the upper-class. However, keep in mind that for those still involved in parliament their position as a member of the upper-class is shaky as they are prone to being assassinated or ousted from the government without warning. Essentially, these people count as upper-class because of their influence.

- The Wealthy: Exceedingly successful businessmen who have managed to accomplish the impossible, sometimes even after beginning from nothing. By and large, these businessmen keep the secrets of their unparalleled success to themselves and it is often impossible to uncover the truth even if you set a few zealous detectives on their tails. Once again, they’re either retired or still actively involved with the economy. Managing to make a profit in this era of financial adversity is undeniably amazing! Such individuals are upper-class simply because they are filthy-stinking-RICH! After all, who doesn’t love money?

- The Powerful: Current or retired military officials who held or still hold highly distinguished positions. They’re upper-class purely because they are feared by all. Really, what idiot would risk offending someone who could quite literally have you and your entire family murdered in their sleep? Better just to make friends instead of enemies.

THE POLITICIANS

What? You want to know about those boring folk? Well I suppose I could tell you something although I really can’t tell you much. They’re all the same to me, talking about reforms and such that usually never happen. Well, this is the Great Depression so I guess you can’t really blame them. They can’t really do much when it’s money that everyone desires.


- The Ordinary: Just your ordinary selection of politicians no matter what political party they originate from. It seems like they all support the manufacture and promotion of Rouge. However, it could just be that the ones against it are too afraid to speak out due to their fear of being assassinated by their more influential peers.

- The Blood: Businessmen who were given positions in the government after agreeing to manufacture Rouge in their factories. They are coldly called the ‘Blood’ by those who are aware of the adverse effects of Rouge. However, by the ignorant they are fondly referred to as ‘the angels in charge of making that delightful miracle cure.’

- Feminists: People who advocate the equality of the genders. You don’t even have to know anything about politics to join them. All the knowledge you need is the conviction that women are just as capable as men. Enough said.

- The Resistance: Those opposed to the government, particularly the government’s production and promotion of Rouge. These individuals are well aware of the adverse effects of that devilish crimson concoction and are currently searching for a cure and/or alternative (such as convincing the government to make Rouge illegal or to stop its manufacture altogether). However, among the members of a more radical branch of the resistance there has been talk of a Coup d’état (rebellion against the government). The government views the resistance as a threat and have no intention of cooperating with any of their demands.



Note: You are not restricted in your choice of how many of these categories a single character belongs to. If you want, he or she can belong to all these categories as long as it somehow makes sense.

OTHER IDEAS?

Have an idea for a group, organization or social class that failed to get a mention? Why not send in a description of your proposed category to Rad so that she may view and possibly approve it.