Arloa
Agricultural Region
Arloa is a province that has maintained an unusual level of independence from Su'ndi tradition due to the peaceful alliance which brought it into the Su'ndarian Empire after years of war. They were the only Province that kept its own noble house when joining the Empire. The Province follows the general structure of the Empire but has many differences in specific areas. The barriers between social classes are much stricter and it would almost be possible to link the upper classes to the extinct nobility in all but name. These wealthy upper classes own massive plantations and run much of the government. In turn these plantations employ much of the population as labourers and servants - skilled or not. Most of the individuals sentenced to indentured slavery within the empire will end up serving out their term on one of these plantations. The Arloan are also very divided in terms of gender roles and the division between feminine and masculine activities is heavily divided. Arloan women and men do not attend the same schools. Women are restricted from entering the priesthood, military and the other professions which require a great deal of education such as doctor or architect. Women are also unable to do many of the very physical jobs although there are always jobs for them on the plantations working to extract oils, thresh grain or milk goats and cows. These restrictions work both ways and a man could not perform one of these traditionally feminine jobs. It is not technically illegal but no man would hire someone to work in the wrong area. Matriarchs still exist but they sit upon a seperate womans council which provides advice for the main, patriarchal council. Despite these limitations on both men and women the population seems determined to maintain the traditions that they have had for so many generations.
Arloa is located at the southernmost point in the Empire. It has miles of lush agricultural land, although little of it is appropriate for rice, and as a result it produces and exports much of the coffee, spices, pottery and dyes in the empire. The current governor is a member of the Anuj family - a House that traces its ancestry back to the old Arloan royal house, and the Province symbol is a saffron flower on a red background. The population is estimated to be 120,000 souls (excluding indentured slaves) and they have a standing military of approximately 6000 Infantry, 500 Royal Guards, 600 Cavalry and 3 Warships.
Arloans are said to be a subdued people with an immense respect for tradition and a nature that seems patriarchal. In contrast to their subdued manners they like bright clothing with colourful floral designs. The most common form of dress is a robe with a broad, brightly coloured collar. The robe is worn wrapped about the body, with felt shoes, a felt hat and a cloth veil. The veil is worn to protect against harsh weather whilst out in the field and traditionally women and many men keep their faces covered when outside, even within the city. This habit probably developed because the Kaffoans are amongst the fairest in the Empire with light skin, light brown hair and grey eyes and a fair complexion untouched by the sun is considered to be a mark of social rank and beauty.
