Ruling caste | Dominants |
Social castes | Dominants • Subjects • Exiles |
Central concept | Dominance |
Moral framework | Justifies the power and privileges of Dominants over the other castes |
Post-apocalyptic world | True |
In post-apocalyptic Earth, dominance has evolved as the basis for social, political, and economic organization. In this harsh and unforgiving world, the principle of dominance has become a necessity for survival and the foundation of the social order.
Following the collapse of modern civilization, humanity was thrust into a state of chaos and competition for resources. Over generations, the concept of dominance emerged as a means of establishing order and protecting the interests of those most capable in a new world.
The dominant civilizations that emerged were characterized by hierarchical social structures, with power concentrated in the hands of the strongest and most capable individuals. This led to the development of a system of castes, which stratified society according to the ability of its members to bend the world to their will.
The Dominant caste is composed of the most capable individuals in society. They possess exceptional physical strength, intellectual prowess, or innate spiritual power—gifts that set them apart from the majority of their peers and mark them as natural-born leaders.
The Dominants exert total control over all aspects of society, from politics and economics to culture and philosophy. They are the ruling elites, whose power and privileges are secured by their innate abilities and righteous moral principles.
The Subject caste is composed of those who do not possess the superhuman abilities of the Dominants but still have a significant role to play in society. They are the laborers, artisans, and thinkers who support the structures and technologies of the world. While the Subjects do not wield absolute power, they enjoy many of the benefits of Dominant rule, provided that they submit to the authority of the ruling caste.
The Exiles are those who are defined as the other. Either unable or unwilling to assimilate into the dominant order, the Exiles are excluded from society and forced to eke out a marginal existence at its fringes. Some are completely cut off from the rest of humanity, living in secret enclaves on the edges of the earth. Others survive through scavenging, theft, or banditry.
The moral framework of dominance is based on the belief that power is a natural extension of ability. In this worldview, it is just that those who possess the greatest gifts should also wield the greatest power. Because of this, the Dominants are afforded a privileged moral status, and their actions are seen as expressions of the divine will. So long as they act within the bounds of propriety and do not abuse their powers, the Dominants are free to exercise their authority as they see fit.