The elites of each bloc

Before the Cataclysm, the elite on the continent was defined by hereditary lineage + contacts with the Crown. After the Cataclysm, three divergent models consolidated as each political bloc organised itself:

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I. Independent Kingdoms — a preserved hereditary aristocracy

The 4 Kingdoms (Königsmark, Vykhradia, Brytonia, Meridia) keep the pre-Cataclysm model: inherited nobility + direct contacts with the monarch define the upper caste.

Königsmark

• A Junker-analogue aristocracy: families with extensive estates and a military tradition. The lord of the house = an officer by birth in the royal army.
• Notable houses (provisional): von Reichmann, von Eisturm, Nordhauer, Kal'arn-stein (a family with rumoured fallen-Watcher blood).
• Social ascent only by way of exceptional military service + a strategic marriage.

Vykhradia

• A magnate aristocracy: a few families with immense estates (each holds land equivalent to a small principality).
• Light cavalry = the hereditary trade of the nobility. The magnate-horseman.
• Notable houses (provisional): Ostrowski, Zborovsky, Cherniwicz, Bielski-Szóstak.
• Mobility almost nil. A serf is a serf until he dies.

Brytonia

• A rural aristocracy + an industrial bourgeoisie in coalition.
• The houses of the Chamber of Lords (Brithon) vs the Chamber of Commons (industrial representation).
• Notable houses: Caer'n-Ashby, Highmoor, Liverhal-Vance.
• Mobility exists — an industrial magnate rises to "Lord" by way of a title bought from the Crown.

Meridia

• A Mediterranean mercantile-military aristocracy.
• The families control the fleet + the Ardentine refineries + extensive vineyards.
• Notable houses: Stromoni, Cassinari, della Lava, Aurifluum-Coroni.
• The Meridional Schism (the Riti Meridionali) frequently aligns with the local aristocracy against the Pontiff.

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II. Republics — Entrepreneurs and Merchants

The 2 Republics (Velinia the Most Serene + the Kantonal Confederation) abandon hereditary aristocracy. Power = capital + mercantile influence.

Velinia the Most Serene

• A patriciate of 99 Mercantile Houses. Owners of the largest naval companies. They sit for life on the Council of Captains. But places fall vacant by death and dishonour — and are filled by election among the emerging rich families.
• The Doge of the Sails elected for 7 years (not renewable) — the formal head of State.
• Mobility: high. A successful mercantile company may buy a place on the Council within 1-2 generations.
• Notable houses (provisional): Mattei (the present Doge), Sereno, Veneto-Doro, Cavalli-Marittimi.

The Kantonal Confederation

• The Council of the Just: 22 cantons send 1 representative a year. Elected within the canton by male suffrage with a qualification (owner of land or of a business).
• The cantonal banks = the real economic power. The owners of the banks = an elite parallel to the Council.
• Alpine mercenaries (captains of a hired regiment) = a parallel military caste.
• Notable houses: the banking families Helvetum-Goldberg, Bernkanton-Stein, Zürikanton-Vogel.
• Mobility: the greatest among the blocs. With no formal aristocracy.

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III. The Clerical Order — a hierarchical clerical institution

The elite in the Order is NEITHER lineage NOR capital — it is ecclesiastical hierarchical position. A radically different model.