Other Jimness > Cinder Spires Spoilers
Social Status of Warriorborn
Second Aristh:
--- Quote from: cass on October 05, 2015, 12:58:51 AM ---Because, well, they're part-Cat, at least at some level. And given the view of cats among the elite of society--even among those knowing that they're sentient and intelligent-- it wouldn't surprise me that Warriorborn are associated with (tainted with) those views. So, as brightbane said, in short: racism.
--- End quote ---
The prejudice towards Cats seems odd anyway. Traditionally, cats were well regarded for their ability to deal with mice and other pests (one of the reasons ancient Egyptians were so fond of their cats). In an enclosed and crowded space like a Spire, dealing with disease would be more important than ever (see the verminocitors).
Also, racism rings hollow when the traits show up in noble lines and presumably in many families.
Mith:
It confuses me as well. Perhaps Cat temperament causes them to be seen as a necessary evil, rather then a valued member of the community.
Aesir:
Albion maybe a democracy in name, but it's one that is highly tilted in favor of an entrenched aristocracy who monopolize the positions of power. Children are not taught that all men and women are equal. High House members are born High House Members, and what makes them High House Members? It's their bloodline that makes them a "blue blood". As with many historical real world aristocratic societies, there is almost assuredly a belief that their very blood is superior, and thus the products of illicit sex with inferior bloodlines (such as "beasts" or wherever it is the warriorborn get their genetics) would be considered likewise inferior. That said, practicality can trump bloodline in certain instances. For example, if Bennedict were heir to House Lancaster then according to Gwen that "might" trump his mixed genetics when it comes to his eligibility as a suitable mate to a gal from another High House.
In the case of the warriorborn, there is a perception held by Bennedict's own cousin Gwen that they're too focused on the present, and lack the mental ability to consider the past and plan for the future the way members of the High Houses can and do. This perception is very likely shared by the other High Houses, and probably explains why it is considered "unseemly" for a High House to recognize one as a member, why they are not considered eligible as spouses for High House members, and why it is considered "outre" for a High House member to get romantically involved with one. Furthermore as per Major Aspira's thoughts, "if he had been born like Ciriaco (ie. a warriorborn) he wouldn't be a major in the Auroran marines" , and given that Ciricaco is only a sergeant, this further implies that the Aurorans likely don't consider the warriorborn to be good officer material, especially not high ranking ones. Whether or not there is any truth to these perceptions is up in the air, but a certain subtle prejudice certainly seems to exist as a result.
dspringer1:
Just a genetic tangent here. Some thoughts
1) I wonder if warrior born have issues breeding? Given an aristocratic house values the bloodline, they would avoid warrior born marriages simply because of the risk of no kids. Nothing said in the book on this, but it is possible.
2) Warrior born are clearly a genetic recessive "type", but obviously a very complicated one. It feels like they were bred into in people for some reason. Either the recessive gene provides some value or warrior borns cannot breed true. Either way, it makes for interesting social implications.
3) Warrior born seem uncommon. There were only a small number among the invading marines. Given the advantages of warrior born to a marine, that implies that they are very uncommon. Or possibly that they are urgently needed for some other purpose. the 2nd seems unlikely as there seemed no pressure on the warrior borns in the book to "serve in some specific way"
Moglorosh:
I only remember the term "half-soul" being used by cats as well, and given the way cats view the world, it probably refers to their feline half.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version