The Stratum System
The Stratum System is a long standing form of rigid and legal class distinction within the Nyx Coalition. Often compared to a caste system, the Stratums are far more strictly enforced the high up the chain one goes. There are seven distinct Stratums, with some internal division within them. Because of this system, the Coalition cares little for the ethnic make up of its population (few statistics on the subject even exist). Instead one's Stratum is the largest determiner in their social life.
The ArisenThe highest Stratum, the Arisen are easily the smallest. Only Sanctified Avatars, Harbingers, and the Ascendant are Arisen. Meaning it is very possible for the the Ascendant to be the only Arisen within the entire Coalition. Arisen are considered part of the state- they live on state grounds, they contribute no taxes, and they can not be arrested or prosecuted. In a case of extreme heresy, an Arisen is tried by a council of all other Arisen. This is an extremely rare event- instead unruly Arisen are often confided to a sort of house arrest. Arisen are thought to be directly tied to the Gods- often receiving messages and dreams from them. As such, they are extremely influential religious figures. The religious allegiance can be used to exert heavy control over governmental matters.
The HighbornThe Highborn are the nobility of the Coalition. In Siross and Erebyx, these are old and longstanding bloodlines. Even the Imperial Bloodline is part of the Highborn. The longstanding obsession with blood purity means the Highborn are prone to a number of genetic disorders. The Imperial Bloodline is rarely able to produce a healthy and long-lived heir because of this. Despite this, the Highborn rarely agree to marry outside of their Stratum, even to Arisen. Highborn often are major political and military figures and live off their familial wealth. While the Highborn are not above the law, many of their digressions are looked past. In Asuria, this Stratum is not hereditary. It is earned by women when they become Maidens, the highest domestic office in Asuria, excluding the Matriarch.
The AzrulThe Azrul are those that devote their lives to The Sect of Necra. Often times, Azrul were born to the Agni or the poorest of the Vi. It is strictly forbidden for them to come from the Jeric. Their families for whatever reason chose to give their children to the Crypt. The Crypt takes them in and raises them as their own. They grow up learning history, statecraft, etiquette, and religion. When the Azrul turn 17, they reach adulthood and take a formal position within either the Black Crypt or the Vom Chancery. The vast majority of these positions are as government bureaucrats responsible for the middle management of the Coalition. The Jisu Guard are also considered Azrul, but live and operate separately from the rest of the Stratum.
The ViThe Vi, or commoners in English, are the middle class equivalent. They are by far the largest Stratum and most diverse. This diversity is mostly focused on economics. There are rich Vi and there are poor Vi and there are the shades in between. The Vi can further be divided into Brackets. The name comes from which tax bracket they belong to.
The AgniThe Agni are the lower class. They often work as unskilled laborers. Agni live in tight knit communities, similar to communes. Children are the responsibility of the everyone, often not knowing their true parentage. The Agni are often viewed through an extreme lens- either as a plague and scapegoat for society or their devotion and selflessness are seen as admirable. While it is quite simple for any Agni to become a Vi- they just have to have a stable job that pays enough, it is much harder in practice. Education is a key factor and most communities can often only afford to educate one or two children within a generation. In addition, when an Agni becomes a Vi, they must renounce their former family and cannot remain part of the community. As such, most Agni in Vi professions keep their Stratum a secret and continue to provide for their communities. One of the most stable and secure jobs for the Agni is military service, after which they are automatically become Vi.
The JerlicThe Jerlic is less of a unified social class than any other Stratum. The Jerlic are unbelievers, or anyone that lives within the Coalition that doesn't follow the Necrova. Often times, Jerlic are foreigners that live in the Coalition either as diplomats or part of international businesses. Jerlic enjoy most basic rights, with a few stipulations. They have to pay an additional tax every year and are barred from certain holy sites. There parts of the Coalition that cater to the Jerlic- restaurants, theatres and nightlife. These are also hotspots for international tourists.
The DollicThe Dollic are a historic Stratum. The latest remaining group of Dollic are the Death Dolls, which are a government secret. The Dollic can be simplified to slaves, although it is more complicated than that. Death Dolls are comprised of unwanted children, often orphans and abandoned street babies. From birth they are taught three skills- acting, singing and dance. Once they reach puberty, Dolls undergo a cleansing ritual that removes their souls from their bodies. Because of this, Doll are not considered humans. This is the important factor of all Dollic, while they live as chattel slaves- this is distinctly justified by the removal of their souls.