The economy of Kaeir The level of economic activity in Kaeir is quite high and sophisticated for the economies of the the Midsea, especially given Kaeir's size. The sea of course plays a central role in Kaeir. A high level trade passes tgrough Port Kaeir, thanks to its position on the North-South trade routes of the Midsea. The growing stability of Port Kaeir, cut off from the conflicts of Taltheran, and preferred by many as an alternative to the points of Mir, has made it the centre of Northern Midsea trade. Kaeirean efforts to open up new trade routes to the Rim mountains, the Calarnar and elsewhere have stimulated trade, and inspired a generation of Kaeirean youth to spurn the military life for that of the sea. Aside from commerce, hundreds of sea-villages in Kaeir are involved in the fishing trade in the Kaeirean Strait, and amongst the eastern shores of Celtehar and Celtelath, deep sea fishing and whaling in the Midsea. Finally, the third most important industry of Kaeir is that of agriculture. The majority of farmland is organised into large plantations worked by slaves and controlled by noble Houses and nouve riche merchant Houses. Large portions of Kaeir though are farmed on an individual basis, or by the collective village-based indigenous method. The plantation method is more widespread in the islands, where it was first introduced after the revolution. Its introduction into Tirmaeir is certain though, given the fact that Tirmaeiri agriculture could make Kaeir self-dependent for food. The plantation method has had three major economic impacts on Kaeir: firstly, a range of more exotic fruit, vegetables and grains are now grown in Kaeir, some of which is exported. Secondly, the role of slavery has grown more important in the economy, with a corresponding growth in demand. Lastly, the prospects for upward social mobility has dramatically increased. Slaves may earn their freedom, freemen may enter into commerce, successful merchants may establish plantations, and both the successful merchant or estate owner may gain noble status and thereby enter into the Republic's elite. The consolidation of villages into plantations or the establishment of estates in the wilder districts creates further demand for labour beyond that which the local peasantry can supply. In turn this fuels demand for slaves. The ideological attitude of the Republic towards slavery, give the origin of many of its leaders, prevents a tightening of restrictions on the rights of slaves. Overall, this complex social pattern acts as a great engine for ambition enterprise and initiative. The native Kaeirean villagers of the islands stand isolated and alone, the outcasts in an immigrant society where power lies in the hands of a dozen powerful individuals and the clans and organisations that created them. Even the native Kaeiran Houses, whilst sympathetic to their position, can only give preference in employment to them, given the constant economic pressure of the rivalries between the Houses. ================================ Confidentiality Statement and Disclaimer ================================ This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and contains information that is privileged and confidential. If you, the reader of this message, are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return email and delete the original message. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
