Bronze and Ruby

The Bronze and Ruby factions are an oppositional pair of political-social groups that are central to the functioning of Daligashi society, from economics to lineage matters to the military. Named after the decorative elements worn (sometimes prominently) by their members, the Bronze and Ruby are exclusive - one can only belong to one or the other. Somewhat over 80% of Daligashi citizens are at least nominally members of Bronze or Ruby factions although in practice, fewer than half of those are serious about their commitment. Nevertheless, for advancement in politics, particularly in the cities, or the military, Daligashi must take these seriously as they provide one of the key pathways to power for both nobles and non-nobles alike. Marriages across faction are rare (and one or both members always leaves their faction when they do occur) and lineages tend to follow one or the other (although some large lineages have both Bronze and Ruby branches).

The faction system emerged in the mid-fifth century, during the waning years of the old Daligashi monarchy. At this period, the rigid class system found in some of the other successor states was rapidly dissolving, and particularly in the capital city of Lunduso, alternate alliance systems were emerging. The earliest clear attestation of the system is from court records from 451 IE, although something like the system had existed for at least a few years previous.

Outside of Daligash, Bronze and Ruby factional ties are largely meaningless. A few border communities in northern Malfan and eastern Choradan fit into the Bronze-Ruby system.