Estaria is the land where human innovation, ambition, and greed know no bounds. Their slight separation from the rest of the civilized world and lack of many vital resources has led Estaria to become one of the greatest nations in terms of economic and magical power. A small number of Coinlords hold power purely through monetary value, but the sheer determination and inventiveness of Estarians has kept this nation from crumbling for a surprising amount of time.
Structure
Most native Estarians fall into one of five social classes, separated by wealth. Movement between these groups is uncommon, but many Estarians live their whole lives stuck in one role.
At the top of the order are the coinlords. They rule the goldhouses and have absolute power over governing Estaria. The vast amount of resources available to the coinlords gives all Estarians reason enough to obey their rules, and the coinlords enforce order to keep their assets safe and the economy of Estaria ever-growing.
Immediate family members of the coinlords are called golds. Because of the prestige and resources available to those with this title, many coinlords "adopt" dozens of their most trusted advisors. Legally these people are considered children of the coinlords, but functionally they serve as leaders of the goldhouses and distinguished allies of the coinlords.
Below the golds are the silvers. These are craftsman, artisans, inventors, spellcasters, and other skilled individuals that have caught the attention of a coinlord. The coinlord acts as a patron, providing housing, income, resources, and protection in return for a cut of everything the silver produces. A particularly influential or famous silver is often "adopted" and promoted to the rank of gold.
Coppers are the police and military power of Estaria. Coinlords employ them to keep the peace and defend Estaria from internal and external threats. Often considered "dumb brutes" compared to the silvers and golds, coppers actually include many more spellcasters than other, more traditional militaries. The generals and admirals of a coinlord's force are usually golds rather than coppers, however.
Anyone not under the direct employ of a coinlord is considered "dirt." Dirt live in the slums and outer districts of the cities, so they have no protection from the thieves and brigands that struggle to survive as dirt themselves. Most dirt do all that they can to become a copper or silver, but dirt still makes up the largest majority of Estaria's population.