Argent Favrelauch
First Post
meritocracy
Stratified social structures are actually an artifact of a more advanced civilization. During the Dark Ages, and many other periods (ie any time there was a frontier, or any more loosely governed territories) one could rise as high as one's abilities allowed. Where do you think 'nobles' came from? The founders of the noble family were either rewarded with land and title for service, or they had land and title because they took it. The very concept of the adventurer eventually becoming a noble, often by taming a wilderness region, building a stronghold, etc., is fairly realistic...if one assumes a Dark Ages equivalency rather than High Medieval. Note that the same thing happened in nearly every era during colonization, like in the Americas.
I actually feel like there is less upward mobility *now* than in many historical periods. Do you actually know anyone who has gone from rags to riches? If so...do the old money actually accept them? Its possible, sure. But not common.
Stratified social structures are actually an artifact of a more advanced civilization. During the Dark Ages, and many other periods (ie any time there was a frontier, or any more loosely governed territories) one could rise as high as one's abilities allowed. Where do you think 'nobles' came from? The founders of the noble family were either rewarded with land and title for service, or they had land and title because they took it. The very concept of the adventurer eventually becoming a noble, often by taming a wilderness region, building a stronghold, etc., is fairly realistic...if one assumes a Dark Ages equivalency rather than High Medieval. Note that the same thing happened in nearly every era during colonization, like in the Americas.
I actually feel like there is less upward mobility *now* than in many historical periods. Do you actually know anyone who has gone from rags to riches? If so...do the old money actually accept them? Its possible, sure. But not common.