10/13/2012 ~ A look at life in the Empire
One of the most remarkable things about the nation of Kalyyn is the complete lack of traditional economic classes (lower, middle, and upper). Instead, time has gradually shifted Kalyyn's economic structure to reflect it's status as one of the most militarized nations on Earth. Kalyyn's wealthy elite are composed of business owners and generals. These individuals live some of the most opulent lifestyles mankind has ever seen, and spend much of their time abroad spending this wealth. (It should be noted that Kalyyn produces almost any piece of military technology imaginable, but little else. Therefore, luxury items are typically purchased outside her borders or from one of her regional territories.)
Below the elite are the merchants. Still maintaining comfortable and often lavish lifestyles, this is the only "class" that contains more women than men. These are private sector workers. Almost without exception, these citizens hold jobs that in some way support Kalyyn's massive military. While they pay a small percentage of their income to the government every year to maintain Kalyyn's forces, the government splits any spoils of war among the citizens so that most years the taxpayers actually receive more money than they pay.
The next social/financial class are the soldiers. Kalyyn's military numbers at over two billion personnel, making this by far the largest class. Soldiers pay no taxes, and receive all of their living necessities from the government at no expense. Rather than a fixed pay, soldiers receive a higher percentage of spoils of war than non-military citizens, based upon their role and rank. This is done so as to provide personal incentive to each soldier to go forth and conquer in the Empire's name. Almost all men in the nation will at some point in their lives become a part of the armed forces.
The lowest financial/social class in Kalyyn are the un-assimilated. These are usually pacifists, or people of conquered nations who refuse to swear loyalty to the Empire and the God Emperor. Businesses typically will not hire these individuals, and as such their options are limited to starving to death or becoming criminals. Many will move to neighboring nations, only to find that their new homes are once again under Kalyyn's banner months later.