Zy-Rodun: basic info

[Nathaniel]

Zy-Rodun is a hilly, tropical and lush island in the Gulf of Khaz.

The population is small, around 250 000 registered inhabitants, most of whom are rather poor.

The island's industry is based on agriculture, and services and industry associated with agriculture.

The island is feudal in a classic Shirerithian sense. Below the Marquess there are the Township Lords. The Township Lords in their turn hold power over the Lords of Manor, who in their turn hold power over serfs. The Lords of Manor own their land, and all persons living there must obey the commands of the Lords of Manor. The Township Lord owns the decisions on intra-manor trade and exchange, and any contract between manors must receive the appropriate township lord's (or lords') approval.

Serfs are legally free, but may not reside in any other land than their master's, without that master's consent, and the consent of the master of the other land, and from all appropriate township lords'. Serfs pay their rent (for being allowed to live on the land) through work and the fruits of their labour, and may not leave their land without consent from the appropriate lordships.

Each lord sits as judge for offences under the law. The lord judges only the persons below him. The serf is judged by the manor lord, the manor lord by the township lord, the township lord by the marquess, and the marquess by the kaiser.

[tbc]

[Noor bint Daniyal]

Zy-Rodun might in a way be described as a Shirerithian Amish island. Previous feudal lords over the island have restricted the use of machinery and electricity on the island. Farming is hard, and many people die prematurely due to worn out bodies. The feudalism on the island restricts the movement of people, and the movement of technology.

Manor lords are usually allowed electricity, but electricity itself is scarce. The island bans petroleum and other fossil fuels, and there are no general streams on the island to generate electricity. The roofs of the manors are therefore often clad in solar panels. It is not often enough for the household, as storms and heavy winds reduce the sunlight.

As such, life on the island is hard, but not so very hard for the manor lords and their families. The manor people have not only the freedom to leave the island, but also the means. Yet, they stay, and fight for their class. For societal control and harmony, they support the electricity restrictions, as long as they are given certain exceptions that serfs could only dream of.

[Altea Lomax]

Perhaps wind farms should be installed?

[Noor bint Daniyal]

It's an option but the manor lords oppose it. Apparently it would upset the view of the landscape, visual pollution. They also say that the unique ecology of the island would be disturbed by the construction and maintenance of them. Birds in particular would be victims.

There's no hope for this place...

[Altea Lomax]

Perhaps a reshuffle of manors is in order...

[Noor bint Daniyal]

Perhaps you could, as Seneschal, recommend some changes?

[Altea Lomax]

Perhaps.

[Altea Lomax]

Clearly the restrictions on movement of people, movement of technology, and movement of electricity also need to be reëxamined.