Munkaskattur
Munkaskattur (pronounced /ˈmuŋ̊kaˈskahtʏr/, from Old Hallic munkrskattr, or "monk tax") was a system of sociopolitical organisation that originated in Hallania, which is generally accepted to have dominated the islands starting in the 7th century, before being heavily neutered by early capitalism in the 15th century, and finally abolished in the 18th century by the absolute monarchy of the Hallanic Union. The system was stratified, and social class was an important distinction between individuals. Monks were an important pillar of society, acting as administrators, tax-collectors and governors. Over time, the importance of the monks declined, as the huskarls emerged as a dominant landowning class; the merchant class later become equally potent during the rise of capitalism. The modern legacy of munkaskattur can be seen in tax collecting methods, societal divisions, and the continued existence of Dísitrú monasteries.
Definition
The specifics of munkaskattur varied from region to region, though there were commonalities that differentiated the system from the similar feudalism that dominated the mainland of Cardia and Erdara. Across all variants, the monarch retained absolute secular and religious authority. The monarch was surrounded by the coterie; a group which contained important high-ranking advisors and other figures from across the realm. The coterie advised the monarch, and in exchange, the monarch legitimised their coterie.
Core to munkaskattur was the role of monks. Most low-level administrative duties in the realm were carried out by monks. Their most important duty was to collect the titular munkaskattur, which began as an optional tithe, but over time evolved into a sophisticated system of taxation. Seers were reverential members of the clergy that were believed to be bestowed with gifts of prophetic prediction or precognition, and tended to fill high-level administrative roles.
Skalds were bards, who are also generally well-versed in charismatic endeavours. Not only are they responsible for maintaining the important oral record of their kingdom, but additionally they were often employed in high-level diplomatic positions.
Dróttinn were military leaders, who were able to maintain small estates, and held high-level martial positions. They commanded and employed the Vikingr, who were members of the realm's professional standing army. Their raiding history and strong ties with merchants allowed them the necessary funding to exist semi-permanently. Huskarls were initially royal bodyguards, but over time evolved into a landowning class; similar to the Dróttinn, but without the constraint of their positions, they grew into a potent force in the late munkaskattur.