Maintenance

Maintenance refers to the act of maintaining order and harmony within a society or empire, encompassing both practical and spiritual elements.

Society and class

In many societies within the timeline, Maintenance is performed by a specific social caste or class known as the Maintenance, who are responsible for resolving conflicts and ensuring harmony. They hold a central role in administering to the daily needs and social cohesion of their community. The Maintenance class is typically known for its wise governing and respectful demeanor, and usually maintains a balance of power with the military and clergy in the ruling of societies. They may be drawn from the educated classes, the intellectual elite and members of the aristocracy.

Dispute resolution and justice

As primary mediators of disputes, the Maintenance often employ nonviolent methods to resolve conflicts and ensure a peaceful resolution to disagreements. Their tools of arbitration include, but are not limited to, a combination of negotiation techniques, social pressure, and incentives. Sometimes they may be granted discretionary powers by the state to maintain the overall harmony of their community, allowing for impartial administration of justice.

Harmony and spirituality

Maintaining societal harmony is regarded as both a practical necessity and a spiritual duty. In some cases, the Maintenance might have significant religious or mystical roles, responsible for preserving the spiritual balance and equilibrium in communities. This can involve connecting society with the spiritual realm, or ensuring that the cosmic order is kept in alignment with the community's needs. In many cultures, the Maintenance may have special religious or ritual functions or lead in ceremonial events to ensure harmonious relations with the divine.

Consequences of societal disharmony

The failure of the Maintenance to maintain harmony can result in destabilization and internal chaos, which, in turn, may endanger the safety and security of a society. In some cases, the Maintenance may be called upon to restore order in situations of unrest, insurrection, or invasion, in addition to dealing with the natural calamities that might threaten a community.

Noted Maintenance castes in history

Some memorable examples of Maintenance castes throughout history include:

• The Arbiters in the Imperial Republic of Vellor were known as wise and respected members of society, using mediation and negotiation to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
• The Celestial Councilors within the Ethereal Empire of Tilara served as both a judiciary and a spiritual class, ensuring religious observance and balance alongside the administration of justice.
• The Guardian-Knights of the Unified Baelondian Kingdom maintained the balance and harmony required to keep their complex political organization from devolving into chaos.