| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Thromdor |
Posted - 12 Jul 2008 : 22:49:01
Hello, I'm obsessed with everything dwarven. I'm having trouble though figuring out how the economics would work for a dwarven clan stronghold.
They're usually run by a king or the equivalant, so it would be somewhat like a feudal government. However, I just don't see dwarven society as a bunch of serfs slaving away for the aristocracy.
On the other hand, given their highly clannish nature, it appears they would have an almost socialist or communist type of arrangement, everyone working for the betterment of the entire clan.
However that doesn't gel with things like dwarven merchants. Also, as far as mining and the like goes, if all the ore and gems were put into the community kitty, that doesn't go along with dwarves coveting and enjoying their personal treasure. And if each miner gets to keep what he mines, every dwarf would insist on being a miner.
If it's similar to a modern capitalist economy, who 'owns' the mines? Do the armorers, weaponsmiths and blacksmiths purchase the ore they use?
If it's not feudal, socialist or communal, where does the 'king' get the funds to keep the stronghold going? I can't see a dwarven clan using a human 'tax-based' economy.
Help! Your opinions? |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 16 Jul 2008 : 18:36:14
quote:
Originally posted by Thromdor
Good point about the king in a non-feudal system.
Anyone have any thoughts on the whole issue of the mines and the like? Who would own them, who would recieve the profits? If a clan stronghold is communal (or even if the king 'owns' the mines), where would individual dwarves get their wealth and personal treasures?
I think the issue of food (or anything else) could be asked the same way...surely the clan wouldn't let a destitute clan member starve... Is the food distrubuted communally, or does every dwarf purchase their own sustenance?
It's likely that it's both partially communal and partially capitalist. Most dwarves work the mines and make stuff -- and they all get a share of the profits. Dwarves that have to do more specialized stuff, stuff that would directly or indirectly increase the amount of money and goods coming in, get an increased share. They may also deal directly with their customers, which would also increase their income.
So generic miners and generic smiths get the same pay. But the guys who do masterwork swords or who do armor with gold inlays and gem insets get more pay, because their work brings in more money than the generic guys. |
| Thromdor |
Posted - 16 Jul 2008 : 18:23:01
Good point about the king in a non-feudal system.
Anyone have any thoughts on the whole issue of the mines and the like? Who would own them, who would recieve the profits? If a clan stronghold is communal (or even if the king 'owns' the mines), where would individual dwarves get their wealth and personal treasures?
I think the issue of food (or anything else) could be asked the same way...surely the clan wouldn't let a destitute clan member starve... Is the food distrubuted communally, or does every dwarf purchase their own sustenance? |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 13 Jul 2008 : 03:57:54
quote:
Originally posted by Thromdor
They're usually run by a king or the equivalant, so it would be somewhat like a feudal government. However, I just don't see dwarven society as a bunch of serfs slaving away for the aristocracy.
I just want to point out that one can have a king without using a "feudal" system (and the term "feudal" is considered by historians to be problematic anyway, but I don't want to get into that). |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 13 Jul 2008 : 02:32:21
As far as the "taxes" go, can you picture the individual clans having a traditional tribute that they pay? In other words, the king doesn't so much send out tax collectors and set rates, but dwarves, being lawful and traditional sorts, and the types that would know that the overall clan hold needs to be maintained, decide what they will pledge to the king every year. Its just a thought.
I don't remember for sure, but there is some information on clan holds and mining operations in the 2nd Edition Complete Book of Dwarves. |
| Thromdor |
Posted - 13 Jul 2008 : 02:20:27
Oh, I have it. In fact I was pouring over it again the last couple days, but it doesn't really answer my question. Unless I missed something. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 13 Jul 2008 : 02:00:33
I'd recommend you purchase a copy of Ed Greenwood's FR11 Dwarves Deep. The tidbits on dwarven trade and economy will prove useful. |
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