Lorn: Poltics and Citizenship

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The Kingdom of Lorn: Political Structure & Citizenship The Atlas Major Kingdoms Lorn
Lorn is a feudalistic state, like many human kingdoms, but its structure is significantly different. Lorn is a highly centralized monarchy: the King oversees every aspect of his kingdom and retains a great deal of control even on the most local level. For example, in order to operate any kind of permanent business, one must first receive a royal charter, signed by King Hælor himself. The Kingdom of Lorn is divided into only a handful of provinces, and within each, unlike Lorn’s neighbor, Stephen, a number of cities and towns may be within the border – or there may be none at all. The King appoints and awards not only provincial titles, but, as mentioned before, more local positions as well, including the mayorship of cities and towns.
Lorn has tight restrictions upon citizenship: only elves may be citizens of Lorn and enjoy the privileges and rights thereof. Lornian citizens have four major rights and privileges:

Taxes. Citizens of Lorn pay taxes not to their provincial lords, but directly to the King, onve every spring on the 26th day of Novochassé. While non-citizen residents of Lorn are exempt from this royal tax, they are taxed by the local government, typically both the mayoral and and provincial lords levy taxes upon these people, which often run at least 30% of all property and income. In comparison, the royal tax is usually only 20% at the most.
Military protection. In times of war, the Royal Army of Lorn's only duty is to protect citizens of Lorn. Non-citizens may not seek asylum or any kind of official protection. In times of extremes, even those unofficially harboring non-citizens may be ostracized. Furthermore, only Lornian citizens may join the Royal Army. Such positions are sought-after for both the great prestige and income. It is important to note that the Royal Army of Lorn swears fealty directly to the Crown, and that local dukes and duchesses often raise and maintain their own forces, but which are commonly held to the same racial standards as the Royal Army - e.g., only citizens (elves) may join.
Free Travel. While non-citizens of Lorn may still travel the roads of Lorn, they must have an official pass from a local noble of the Province that they are leaving. This pass must name all members of the travelling party and their intended destination. Any Lornian authority may demand these papers from travelling non-citizens at any time. The infraction of this law is a serious offense - punishments usually vary from a few months in prison to exile or even execution.
Education. As ancient as it is, there are many libraries and scholarly institutions throughout Lorn. Many of these are state-sponsored collections of scholars and sages. Citizens of Lorn are guaranteed access to any of these collections (within bounds, especially for private collections opened to the public.) Non-citizens may be able to gain entry, but it is usually difficult if not impossible. Note that this law does include the Royal Archives of Starglow, but not the numerous magical academies throughout the kingdom.

    While the above are the state-sanctioned benefits of citizenship, a certain bias (and in some individuals overt racism) has manifested itself in the Lornian people. Non-citizens will find it difficult to get a job, meet any kind of official, or even simply strike up conversations in a tavern, particularly in some of the most central provinces. However, this is a just a tendency – thee are always exceptions of the rule: open-minded and fair Lornian citizens who are trustworthy and trustful. On the whle, once a non-citizen has proven himself to a Lornian, or even a community, he wil become much more accepted. The greatest exception of the Lornian prejudice is quite possibly Mentowne.
    Becoming a citizen is a relatively simple process. There are only two requirements: 1) one must be an elf of no more than 1/8th non-elfin blood, and 2) one must publicaly swear fealty to a Lornian noble and consequently to the Lornian crown. An elf whose parents are both Lorinan citizens is considered a citizen, de facto – unless he swears allegiance to a non-Lornian sovereign.
    There are royal exceptions made this rule: Kane Heras is a human hero of great renown. For returning the fabled Emerald Wand to the court of King Hælor, Kane ws granted both citizenship and the mayorship of Mentowne by the King.