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Gender Roles in the Realms
Gender Roles in the Realms: Amongst most humanoids, females are physically slightly weaker or smaller in sheer bulk/stature than the normal male of the same species, and where survival is a daily pressing concern it limits them to fewer societal roles (though does not necessarily lessen their value). There is more equity among those of higher social standing than Commoners. A top-down hierarchy is still the dominant social structure in most things.
Males hold most of the dominant positions of power, and in general the cultures are patriarchal (less so in the past). Key exceptions to this are some Pine Tribes clans, Skraelings (and many Halfling enclaves), Ducateons (caste, not gender is the main factor), Wyld Aelf clans, the places like the Grand Duchy of Dunstrand and the Duchy of Aelmir (wherein lies Oerdney – the seat of the High King); females are treated as equals in many things – legal standing, property, marriage, and business. Education is seen to be of general value, and only in the most survival oriented climes or cultures is access to it (though few and far between in general) limited by gender/sex.
The binary of female and male conform to definitions brought on by appearance and sexual characteristics. “Krasals” are a form of hermaphrodite that is common (2% of humans) in the southern heartlands and are typically androgynous in appearance; they are accepted there and in the central heartlands without issue. The Pine Tribes accept without issue the “Wind Wending” – those among them with atypical sexual and gender preferences (homosexuals, hermaphrodite, cross dressers and others) both in appearance and sexual characteristics. Those of the Wyld Faith are much more accepting of sexual and gender fluidity than either the regimented Light Bringers or Unholy Trio of Darkness.