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In Calradia, the structure of its society heavily relies on the balance between villages, castles, and cities. Each of these plays a critical role in the sustenance and protection of the various empires and kingdoms. They form the backbone of the region, providing the essential resources, strategic defense, and political power that maintain the balance of power. The symbiotic relationship between villages, castles, and cities is crucial for the survival of any empire, and understanding this interplay offers insight into the vast complexities of the Calradian way of life.

Villages: The Heart of Calradia's Economy

At the core of any empire lies its villages. These small, yet vital settlements, are the backbone of Calradia's economy. The farmers, cattle raisers, and artisans of the village provide the essential resources required to sustain life in the empire’s more developed parts. Without the produce and labor of these rural areas, no empire could survive.

Villages primarily focus on agriculture, with a strong emphasis on grain production. Grains, such as wheat and barley, are the staples of every Calradian's diet. Fields stretching far beyond the village boundaries provide sustenance, and the successful harvests ensure the survival, from the peasants to the noble lords. Alongside grain, many villagers raise cattle, pigs, goats, and chickens. Livestock is not only a vital source of food but also contributes leather and wool, which serve as important trade goods for cities and other larger settlements.

Villages vary greatly in size, typically housing between 50 to 300 inhabitants. However, larger villages could grow to accommodate up to 500 people. The geographic features, climate, and resources of the surrounding area largely dictate the size and prosperity of each village. In fertile areas, villages thrive, supporting blacksmiths, carpenters, and other artisans who provide essential tools and services. These communities are often clustered around a central feature like a manor or a church, a reflection of the village's collective dependence on both protection and spiritual guidance.

Villages may appear simple on the surface, but they are designed with practicality in mind. Houses and workshops are tightly clustered together to maximize the use of arable land and make the village more defensible. Paths and small roads wind between the buildings, providing a sense of closeness that is essential for fostering community ties. Many villages have an unofficial council, typically led by a headman, who oversees day-to-day operations. This figure holds a low noble status and commands respect among the villagers. Depending on the region, the title of the headman varies. In Valandia, they are known as Barons, while in the Aserai lands, they have a different title altogether.

The village headman is responsible for collecting taxes, organizing defense in times of danger, and serving as a mediator in disputes. Though the headman’s power is limited compared to higher-ranking nobles, their influence over village life is considerable. Most headmen are chosen from respected families within the village, earning their position through reputation rather than inheritance. In this way, villages maintain a somewhat democratic system, though always subject to the overarching power of the empire or kingdom in which they reside.

Castles: Bastions of Power

Castles stand as monumental structures that serve as the first line of defense for any empire. Situated strategically on mountain passes, riverbanks, or high ground, these fortresses dominate the landscape and ensure no invaders can easily pass through. Castles are essential for maintaining the stability of the region, as they are tasked with defending both the villagers they protect and the surrounding lands.

The governance of castles is entrusted to higher-ranking nobles, often those who have proven their loyalty and military prowess. In the Aserai lands, for instance, these leaders are known as Aghas, a title denoting a noble with the authority to command over 300 troops. This is not a task for the faint-hearted, as the responsibility of guarding a castle also means safeguarding the surrounding villages and controlling the flow of commerce and goods that pass through the region.

Inside a castle, life revolves around military discipline. Castles generally house between 200 and 300 soldiers, many of whom live with their families within the walls. Despite being heavily militarized, castles also serve as homes for the families of the garrison. The soldiers and their families rarely leave the safety of the walls, except when trading with villagers or traveling to nearby cities. Villagers, in turn, are not allowed inside castles, but they may trade their goods at the stalls set up outside the gates. These interactions allow the castle to stockpile food, weapons, and other essential goods in case of a siege.

Castles are not just military installations—they also serve as centers of governance and justice. Nobles who govern castles have the authority to pass judgment on low-born individuals, particularly those who commit crimes in the surrounding villages. Castles also have dungeons where criminals are kept before their trials or punishments. Law and order within the castle’s domain are typically strict, as they reflect the will of the noble who governs the stronghold.

Another crucial function of castles is their role in commerce. Castles are often bound to two or three villages, and these villages are expected to provide food and other resources to the castle in return for protection. However, castles also have ties with merchants, who buy the produce of these villages and transport it to larger markets. This relationship between the castle and the village not only ensures the survival of the villagers but also strengthens the economy of the entire region.

The protection offered by castles allows villagers to live without fear of raiders or invading armies, but it also comes at a cost. The taxes imposed by the castle can be heavy, particularly in times of war. Villagers often find themselves burdened by the demands of their lords, forced to produce more food or goods to meet the needs of the garrison. However, they know that without the castle, their lives would be much more precarious.

Cities: Centers of Wealth and Power

Cities in Calradia are the true heart of its empires. These bustling urban centers are much more than just enlarged villages; they are hubs of trade, politics, and culture. Cities originally grew from villages that expanded due to their economic success and strategic importance. They are characterized by their tall walls, which offer protection from invaders, and their diverse populations, which can range from 1,000 to 10,000 inhabitants.

A city is often governed by powerful nobles who wield considerable influence over the realm's politics. In the Khuzait lands, these nobles are called Khans, a title synonymous with authority and power. The presence of a noble family in a city signifies its importance, and their governance is usually tied to a castle and several villages in the surrounding area.

Cities are also home to large garrisons, typically consisting of around 600 troops. These soldiers are responsible for maintaining order within the city, protecting its citizens, and defending the walls in the event of an attack. Cities are vital military outposts as well as political centers, and their garrisons often include both infantry and cavalry units. However, cities are not as rigidly militaristic as castles; they have a more diverse populace that includes artisans, merchants, scholars, and even criminals.

One of the most important functions of a city is its role in trade. Cities act as industrial hubs, where goods from the surrounding villages and castles are brought for processing and sale. Blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, and other artisans ply their trade within the city walls, producing everything from weapons to textiles. Merchants buy these goods and sell them both locally and in distant lands, enriching the city’s economy.

The bustling marketplace is the heart of any city, where traders from all corners of Calradia come to buy and sell goods. Merchants have extensive connections, and their caravans bring exotic goods from the far reaches of the continent. A well-established city might be home to wealthy merchants who have more influence than some of the lower-ranking nobles.

However, cities also harbor a darker side. Criminal organizations like the Hidden Hand operate in the shadows, manipulating trade, politics, and even military affairs. These organizations are a constant threat to the peace and order of the city, and their influence can stretch far beyond the city walls. Noble families must be vigilant, as criminal gangs can undermine their authority and create unrest.

Despite these challenges, cities remain the jewels of any empire. They are the economic and cultural centers where innovation thrives, and their walls offer protection not just to their citizens but also to the empire as a whole. In times of war, a city’s survival is often the key to the empire’s stability.

Conclusion

The interdependence between villages, castles, and cities in Calradia is the foundation upon which empires are built. Villages supply the food and basic resources, castles offer protection and governance, and cities serve as the centers of trade and political power. Without one, the others could not survive, and this delicate balance is what allows the various kingdoms and empires of Calradia to endure in the face of war and conflict. Understanding the role each plays in this grand tapestry reveals the true complexity of life in Calradia, where power, wealth, and survival are constantly intertwined.

A table for reference about the names of the heads of the settlements in these kingdoms, Since the protagonist has been mostly traveling in Cities he already met a few governors.

Kingdoms

Villages

(will be called Elder in most cases)

Castles

Cities

Head of Kingdom

Valandia

Baron

Earl

Duke

King

Aserai

Kadi

Agha

Pasha

Sultan

Khuzait / Khujait

Bagha

Noyan

Khan

Khan of Khans

Sturgia

Karl

Hersir

Jarl(Earl)

King

Battania

Chieftain

Graf(Count)

Dux(Duke)

Ri (High King)

Western/Soutern Empire

Vicarius

Magister Militum

Governor

King/ Queen /Emperor/ Empress

Northern Empire

Vicarius

Magister Militum

Governor

Consul