Slavery quibble

[Kernel Kwatz!]

I've been watching Michael Brookes' video on slavery within Elite and I have a quibble to make.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrv3yC3wrg8

The practice that describes within the Empire is actually a form of indentured servitude rather than the modern association of slavery with chattel slavery.

I'm not suggesting that either system is morally good. Rather, I'm suggesting that there should be a meaningful distinction between the two.

 

[Veljex]

I'm sure that you will hardly see a distinction between the two as Michael mostly works with lore which, sadly, isn't always fully brought through into games.

 

[Iskariot]

Whatever type it is in the game I hope FD will build a bit of game play around slavery in the game. I would like there to be some kind of slave freeing organization I could work for; attack slavers, liberate slaves, bring them to the 'underground railroad' so to speak.
I could put my heart into that kind of gameplay.

 

[Kernel Kwatz!]

That's a shame because ED seems to have spent a helluva lot of time on scientific accuracy (to my untutored eyes) so why not social and historic accuracy?

 

[Mephane]

That's a shame because ED seems to have spent a helluva lot of time on scientific accuracy (to my untutored eyes) so why not social and historic accuracy?

It could be as easy as "slavery" having taken on an expanded meaning over the course of centuries to explain the discrepancy.

 

[Nemesis-T-Warlock]

That's a shame because ED seems to have spent a helluva lot of time on scientific accuracy (to my untutored eyes) so why not social and historic accuracy?

In the books slavery is a choice that can be made as an honourable way to pay off debts, can be forced to pay off those debts, or can simply happen through kidnap/scooping of pods and selling into slavery.

In these models slaves are 'meant' to have rights and be treated fairly but it isn't always the case.

I think they have a very rich description of slavery in Elite Lore.

 

[Capt. Hook]

as an aside - is that ship mining in the background?

 

[Splendour]

Slavery as a concept and description doesn't just apply to the classic Roman imperial style of ownership of a person. It is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of states throughout history. Indentured service to a state or corporation, Negro cotton pickers, Norse thralls, Japanese forced labour, Syracusian rope benders. All very different, all slavery.

 

[Googol]

That's a shame because ED seems to have spent a helluva lot of time on scientific accuracy (to my untutored eyes) so why not social and historic accuracy?

Splendour make a good point regarding the varied social conventions (or excuses) surrounding slavery. Personally I think that a game set in the future is free to create its own rationalisation, based on a social background that draws upon an additional 1200+ years of "future history". IMO it wouldn't be required to explain itself from a twenty-first century perspective as long as the explanation is consistent in 3300.

 

[Veljex]

as an aside - is that ship mining in the background?

I'd highly recommend watching through all of the official Frontier development diaries on YouTube as they do let you in on a lot of ideas. There's also a few of David explaining in detail how certain class' will work, including Mining =)

 

[Kernel Kwatz!]

Slavery as a concept and description doesn't just apply to the classic Roman imperial style of ownership of a person. It is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of states throughout history. Indentured service to a state or corporation, Negro cotton pickers, Norse thralls, Japanese forced labour, Syracusian rope benders. All very different, all slavery.

That is a fair point. But I would think that in modern times the main image that spring to mind is that of a white suited, bourbon swilling brute of a slave master in a cotton plantation somewhere in the Deep South.

I think that Michael did a good job of making a distinction in the video between two forms of slavery. It makes sense to me that this is carried through into the game somehow. If nothing else it's an education.

But as I said it's my own quibble and as such I don't expect people to be up in arms over it.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

There are gameplay around slavery planned, including liberating slaves. Read DDF.

 

[Kernel Kwatz!]

Yes, I know. I'm talking about granularity for something that will be in the game

 

[Fallout300]

Well I've got no quibble with slavery, I plan on selling a fair few in the empire. You can make a nice profit with that type of cargo.

See you out there Cmdrs.......weapons deployed......

 

[IcyLemon]

Based on a DDF there is going to be a distinction between "Imperial Slaves" and "Slaves"

http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7276

"Imperial Slaves" I will need cabins to transport and yes are basically Indentured Servants.

"Slaves" are classed as cargo (Though a cargo life support system will likely be needed) and have more in common with the more traditional usage of the word in the modern west.

 

[Iskariot]

There are gameplay around slavery planned, including liberating slaves. Read DDF.

Yes there is a little bit in there. Most is about slaves as a commodity though.
I will just have to be patient and see how it plays out.

When planetary landings are in I would love to bring slaves to a secret colony somewhere on the outskirts of known space, where they can live the life they want. Would be cool to receive the coordinates after proving myself to the 'Underground Railroad'.

Perhaps I could visit once in a while, do some lucrative trading with them etc.

 

[Biffa]

Similar to traditional indentured servants and adding an extra 1200 years or so you could say they're paying off their flight to the various planets instead of their passage on a boat to the new world.

 

[Patrick_68000]

Will we see the galleys and the galley slaves of the space ?

 

[Perseus]

I expect it to be a generator of substantial dilemma, drama and conflict in the final game. Everything from obscene profits to daring rescues to ruined reputations. It's an emotive subject that we can comfortably fantasize with in ED.
Would you take the 4 cryogenic pods to the secret medical research ship in orbit around Morgor? Get paid 11,000 credits a pod and your career off to a flying start? Not sure about your soul or reputation and gods help you if a white knight PC rumbles your trade run but it would be a welcome cash injection in a cruel Galaxy.
If you don't do the run, some other commander will.