Skraelings in Outer Vinland

Skraelings in Outer Vinland are those inhabitants (not necessarily citizens) of the Republic of Outer Vinland who, not being of white skin, are deemed to be of inferior, non-Norse descent by the government.

Official position on Skraelings

Enslavement

"Skraelings", that is in practice non-white Vinlanders, are not accorded the same status as white people. They are not entitled to state education and, as a consequence, are usually unable to hold more than the most basic of jobs. Any "Norse" man may take possession of a Skraeling by branding or tattoing his name onto the victim and registering him with the Ministry of Skraeling Affairs. He is then issued a document certifying his ownership of the Skraeling in question, and may then do with his new possession as he pleases. Most "Norse" men put Skraelings to work, although some use them for more sinister purposes, ranging from involuntary organ donation to torture for fun or sexual satisfaction. Frequently, a Skraeling's family offers itself to their relative's new master in order to avoid separation.

Abuse of Skraelings

Any "Norse" man may kill a Skraeling in any way he pleases with impunity; indeed there is no behaviour that Skraelings are legally protected from, be it abduction, physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse, or eviction from their homes. Some "Norse" gentlemen take day trips to areas where Skraelings are known to live, chase them with dogs, and shoot them for sport; this sort of behaviour has gained widespread social acceptance and has even inspired Outer Vinland's favourite TV show (see below). One is not, however, permitted to harm a Skraeling who officially belongs to another man; if such a deed is done, the offender must compensate the injured party financially for damaging their property.

The Exodus of the Skraelings

In view of all this, there has been an exodus of Skraelings from towns and into the surrounding countryside, where they are more likely to escape the unwelcome attention of their neighbours. Many Skraelings have taken to a nomadic life of banditry, moving from place to place to avoid capture by the authorities or other Vinlandic citizens whilst supplying their needs through raiding. Others live in low-profile villages in remote areas, where they subsist on basic farming. The presence of hostile Skraelings in the countryside has led to a widespread collapse of rural law and order which is barely contained by Vinland's police and paramilitary forces.