Luria Nova/A Treatise on Economic fulfillment, the funding of the nobility and the Theme system
Preface
The preface of this treatise will be kept simple, as it is no exhaustive academic article and contains much personal opinion on matters of governance. What is more, it pertains to Lurian methods of management. Those who are culturally and intellectually different to the Lurian people may struggle to access some advanced concepts. Nevertheless, enlightenment might shine onto any lucky enough to obtain a copy of this, and I certainly hope this is the case. May all realms achieve the same prosperity and culture that Greater Luria has achieved.
Firstly, I will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a well maintained economic system, how to achieve such, and the various systems in place to maintain this prosperity.
Secondly, I will discuss the rents and taxes a noble should be due, the sizes of their estates, the arming of their retinues and how government should supplement those that fall short of such.
Finally, I will discuss the importance of the realm at large in achieving economic prosperity, realm peace and the efficient use of funds, as well as the structure of the realm itself.
~ In truth and glory, Matthew Coffey
The Economy of a Realm
To begin, I shall list off the basic features that a realm must prioritize to find economic well-being, in order of their importance.
- Food production. Without it, the realm would be starving and meaningless. The nobility would be forced to war with their own people for scraps of food like mongrel dogs. Due to its significance, a realm must be conscience of their current food production, potential stores and the location of their caches. Should a realm find themselves producing less than their population demands, I advise the conquest of new fertile lands to bring internal production up to consumption levels. As such, I warn each and every realm to safeguard their farmlands with the utmost aggression, as all wealth flows inevitably from the earth. As I write this, I remind myself of the unwavering diligence shown by the Grand Panetier, Margravine Ciarghuala Dubhaine. An exemplar in administration, to which I suggest all realms send their prospective bankers to learn under.
- Population. Once ample food production has been achieved, a realm should focus on populating their hinterlands. Without people, who would work the farms, craft wares for the market, or pay taxes? In order to achieve this, I suggest that regions that produce surplus be given double rations and advisory tax rates, to expedite their growth and maintain high productivity levels. Other regions should have their rations halved, in order to balance out this demand. Once populations in the realms hinterlands are full, return them to adequate rationing and begin the lengthy process of increasing urban populations via full rations and advisory tax rates.
- Social Well-Being. Whilst this may seem a foreign concept to many realms, the well-being of the Lurian people is at the forefront of realm management, and I shall explain why. From the happy, productive peasant does gold flow willingly and in great quantities. To achieve this, a realm should aim to have: full rationing in each province, ample militia, stores of surplus food, moderate tax rates, clear borders, widespread state endorsed religion and regular regional management performed by the court. Of course, I shall tackle each point in more detail further on.
- Gold. For many, the lure of wealth would seem the first reason to pick up this book. Indeed, we would be remiss not mentioning it. However, as you can see already, the acquisition of gold is the least important facet of economic management, and should not be focused upon. Why? If a realm has followed the process detailed above, then one should see their regions providing gold far in excess of their previous management. More importantly, this level of income is sustainable, as the commoners will endeavour to provide so long as the detailed conditions are met. From this, all other aspects of this treatise can be accomplished.
For the next chapter of this work, I shall discuss the importance of food to a realm in more detail.
