Bretonnian Feudalism is the system from Warhammer Fantasy, employed in the Kingdom of Bretonnia. It is absolutist, feudalist, traditionalist and strongly religious.
Feudal system
The functionality of the Bretonnian feudal system is based upon oaths of loyalty between individuals within a society or nation, from which there is little to no direct form of a centralised government. The peasantry give their goods and loyalty to the nobles for protection and rights. It is also an absolute monarchy, with the king (Royarch), having unlimited power and is allowed to pass any laws and command as he wishes. However, before someone should become a Royarch, he must be a Grail knight. Grail knights are chosen from the most honourable and noble men of Bretonnia, they then compete and king is chosen by fey enchatress, who is believed to be representative of Bretonnias goddess, the lady of the lake. This is to ensure the king wont be corrupt. Royarchs main job is to assure lesser nobles dont exploit their paesantry.
Rules of chivalry
In Bretonnian culture, honour and chivalry means everything. This is strongly reiforced in their laws. Every Bretonnian noble must follow the seven commandments:
- To serve the Lady of the Lake.
- To defend the domains entrusted to him.
- To protect the weak and fight for the right.
- Always to fight the enemies of virtue and order.
- Never to give up the fight until the foe be defeated.
- Never to break faith with a friend or ally.
- Always to display honour and courtesy.
There are also rules of honour, which have to be followe, if a noble wants to be respected in Bretonnian society. Some most notable rules include:
- A knight may only fight hand-to-hand, with sword or lance; he may not use a missile weapon.
- A knight shall always accept a challenge towards personal combat.
- A knight shall not draw sword against his fellow Bretonnian knights, except in trial by combat or within a tournament.
- A knight shall not allow himself to be captured alive.
- A knight shall not flee from the enemy, nor retreat without proper tactical cause.
Religion
Bretonnians worship a goddess know as the lady of the lake. Her clergy is comprised of women chosen by her. All her priestesses have magical powers. Bretonnians belive that she will reward and bless them if they are honourable and virtous. The religion is directly linked to Bretonnian laws and culture.
Society
Bretonnian society has a strict hierarchy. Peasant are, by the law, uneducated and have little to no rights. This is why future nobles, have to prove themselves worthy by winning glory in battle as knights errant and realise the true value of their serfs. There is also a middle class, known as freemen, who are somewhat educated, but are restricted by law from gaining too much influence and gaining aristocratic status.
Gender roles
Bretonnian society ha strictly divided gender roles, but is not patriarchal or matriarchal, as both sexes play important role in society. Women hold spiritual power and men own land. But exceptions are not impossible, as demonstrated by female duchess and paladin Repanse de Lyonesse.
Relationships
Friends
- File:Kislev tzarism icon.png Kislevist Tzarism-Honourable men who fight chaos
Enlightened absolutism-For the king!
Maternalism- For the lady!
Agrarianism-I will protect you, plebe.
Frenemies
Enemies
WAAAGH!ism-Have a thee, scum!
Tau'va-A coward from alternate universe that dislikes honourable melee combat!- File:Khornef.png Khorne
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