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faction:hidden_sun_clan:slaves

Râyjo Vonai (Bound People)

The Poku Saeruo Degonjo practices a form of Slavery. The Clan refers to its form of slavery by the term râyjo vonai , meaning bound people. This is because the subject is bound to the person who 'holds their bindings'; this person is called The Rây'a (binder).

Becoming Bound

Most Bound People in the clan were once prisoners captured in battle under the Ra-alu Jyaon (Prisoner Rules). Poku'vonai often ask prisoners if they would elect to become Bound People, rather than the alternatives. It is notable that the alternatives for prisoners often includes execution, abandonment on an uncivilized world, or a ransoming back to a faction that may not care to pay for their release.

Those becoming bound swear an oath of service to the person who is to hold their bindings. The binder, similarly, swears an oath to treat the bound person with care and respect.

Status of Bound People

Slaves are not treated as property under the Bound People system, and they cannot be bought, sold, or traded for other slaves. It is notable that prisoners captured in a battle can be ransomed; this practice is allowed under the prisoner rules, but once a prisoner is made into one of the bound people, selling them is forbidden. The slaves actions reflect upon the holder, and the holder is accountable for the slave.

Transferring Control

The control over a Bound Person can be transferred in specific circumstances. If the holder of the bindings becomes ill or dies, the control over the bound person is given to an appropriate member of their Punla (Family).

Cultural Beliefs About This Practice

The making of a Bound Person is considered to be a way of honoring a defeated opponent who fought well. Normally, the person taking the slave would see some sort of potential in the person being bound, or they may feel compassion for their situation, and believe that ransoming a prisoner would lead to their being harmed.

Freedom

A binder may release a bound person at any time, but they remain responsible in case the bound person immediately causes harm to the Clan upon release. Release almost always means the bound person becomes a Poku'vonai, and a retainer of a family and a House. In most cases, they become a retainer of the family of the binder, but some bound people form connections with other families, and their wish to become a retainer for that other family is granted upon their release. It behooves freed Bound People to attempt and pass the Baqnor (move from youth), if they have not done so already prior to becoming Bound.

Failing the Baqnor

One unique rule for bound people attempting the baqnor is as follows: former bound people who fail the tests are not required to commit Sou Fofi (Cleansing Death). After failing, they are still permitted to live as a retainer, but they would not have clan status.

Unique Instances of Bound People

A few historical instances of the Bound People practice are notable:

Niko Yârme (Free Neko)

A portion of the former NMX Nekovalkyrja of the planet Âmuar (Dream) were made Bound People, as part of their transition into Clan society. These Nekos passed the baqnor, and became the Niko Yârme (Free Neko) under the Clan.

Bound Clones of the Weakening

During the events of the Niumte (Weakening) in 537 CY (YE -182), the Clan created Qaktoro clones in order to keep their society functioning, and to help the Qaktoro repopulate. These clones were made Bound People upon their creation. When the crisis passed, the clones were permitted to undergo the Baqnor (move from youth) and become citizens. Others chose to remain Bound and live out their lives. The descendants of those clones are not looked upon any differently than the descendants of any other Qaktoro.

Violating Bound People Rules

Anyone mistreating any Bound Person is subject to punishment under Clan law, and their actions shame their family and House. Any conspiracy involving the illegal transfer or sale of bound people is severely punished. The act of binding a person is meant to be an honorable state by which a person who is not of the Clan can, potentially, complete a term of service and become a Poku'vonai.

OOC Notes


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faction/hidden_sun_clan/slaves.txt · Last modified: 2024/03/10 15:43 by hollander