The Castes of Tanis

Deep in the western forest of Comalan lies the elven nation of Tanis. There, citizens hold a reverence for all life, which forbids even the destruction of trees for shelter, or the killing of animals for food. Tanis is a union of independent city-states that carve their homes from stone and bar their doors in metal. Their society is separated into three different castes, whose distinct cultures reflect values suited to different occupations. While the castes enjoy similar rights and accommodations under the law, the lifestyles of each caste are different.

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The Elder Caste

This class is often comprised of city councilors and their families. Members of the Elder Caste enjoy the best education and are often groomed for high-influence public service positions. The least ambitious of this caste often choose between joining the military or leaving the country to explore other cultures.

The Mercantile Caste

This class is comprised of the private business owners who make their living providing goods and services to the rest of the city. The people of this caste are typically the wealthiest in Tanisian society and many live decadent lives as a result. Despite this, some members of this caste take a hand in producing their own wares, which can be seen as a source of pride. Those who do not go on to form their own business in adulthood live without care on the finances of their parents. Regardless, the Mercantile Cast forms the economic backbone of Tanisian society.

The Worker’s Caste

This class consists of the miners and workers tasked with the expansion of the elven cities. The workers are highly educated in order to safely identify and preserve any important findings discovered while digging. Calling themselves the pioneers of their society, they are often the first to explore the depths of their land. They are often regarded with an air of respect for their adventurous tenacity. Workers can also be seen in other areas, such as maintaining public areas or serving in the military. The most desirable assignment for a member of the Worker caste is maintenance of the markets or elder streets, where they might attempt to court a member of another caste.