Im not sure if slavery has been abolished in Korvosa. The Korvosa guidebook seems to be contain no mention of Korvosa being a slave state except for the following two items:
* A comment regarding the King's harem mentions harem slaves - which implies slavery exists.
* A comment regarding the Temple of Asmodeus - "Rumors persist throughout the city that the temple of Asmodeus actively supports and encourages the slave trade. Frequent searches by Hellknights, Korvosan Guards, and Sable Company marines always turn up nothing, leading to further speculation that the temple hides a secret entrance to the Vaults." - Which implies slavery is illegal.
Is Korvosa a slave state?
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Creative Director
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Yeah; slavery's illegal in Korvosa. Doesn't mean there aren't slaves IN Korvosa, of course, but those who keep them do so at least semi-secretly, and with greater power comes greater ability to keep slaves. Although I very much doubt that, say, a king would openly call his harem girls slaves in public...
Harem girls aren't slaves, they're collectibles!
Yeah; slavery's illegal in Korvosa. Doesn't mean there aren't slaves IN Korvosa, of course, but those who keep them do so at least semi-secretly, and with greater power comes greater ability to keep slaves. Although I very much doubt that, say, a king would openly call his harem girls slaves in public...
Thank you James (Its unbelievably cool how you guys even after all the work you do, are willing to answer our questions).
Now that I have buttered you up :-) I have a couple of extra questions.
1. Was slavery every legal in Korvosa and if so when did it stop?
2. What is the legal status of a slave owners slaves if they arrive in the city. Are they still considered property or are they freed immediately and is the owner compensated?
3. Does indentured servitude exist in Korvosa?
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well I am by no means James, but as a fellow dwarf running this ap I can give you my understanding, or at least let you know how I am doing things in my game.
1. Yes I am pretty sure slavery was legal in Korvosa. At least the way Magnimar's residents react to Korvosa seems to point to that. My best guess is that when Korvosa broke From Cheliax slavery was ended then or soon after. In my game some of the nobles still "technically" have slaves. It is a very private subject not discussed in polite company.
2.I highly doubt slaves are freed upon entering the city. I am sure that if the slave were to go through the proper channels, and file his/her paperwork correctly that said slave may be granted amnesty. Of course it is just as likely that owner of said slave may be presented with notice to leave Korvosa by a certain date, or said slave will be freed. As far as remuneration for said slave I am sure that if the proper forms are filed some sort of equitable solution may be found, including the indentured servitude of said previous slave until the debt of his/her purchase is paid.which leads us to question 3.
3.Yes, as a matter of fact this is how the issue of slavery is skirted in Korvosa. fines that cannot be paid, or other debts could very easily be the reason why one ends up in this situation. I also find it to be a handy explanation how some of the nobles get away with still having "slaves". Korvosa is such a litigious society that the right "red tape" could see someone shuffled around in the system long enough so that indentured servitude basically becomes a life sentence if someone is working to keep things that way. There are probably barristers who make their livelihood on doing nothing else then ensuring certain noble families indentured servants stay that way.
I hope that helps, and while not official that's the way I interpret Korvosan society.
Cool Stuff
Many thanks.