For the Godking to personally collar and re-collar every individual every six years, let's explore a rough estimation of the maximum population that would be feasible in this tiny utopian country. Let's make some assumptions: 1. Godking works 8 hours a day, 6 days a week and takes a 2 week vacation. 2. Collaring a person takes around 5 minutes on average. With these assumptions, we can calculate the number of people the Godking can collar in a year: (8 hours/day) x (60 minutes/hour) = 480 minutes/day (480 minutes/day) x (6 days/week) = 2880 minutes/week (2880 minutes/week) x (50 weeks/year) = 144,000 minutes/year Now, let's convert the minutes to the number of people that can be collared in a year: (144,000 minutes/year) / (5 minutes/person) = 28,800 people/year Since re-collaring is done every 6 years, let's calculate the total number of people the Godking can collar and re-collar within the 6-year period: 28,800 people/year x 6 years = 172,800 people However, since the Godking will also need to collar newborns, let's reserve some of his collaring time for them: Assuming a birth rate of about 10 per 1,000 (number chosen as a middle ground based on current global birth rates): (172,800 people) x (10 / 1,000) = 1,728 newborns/year Now, deducting this number from the total number of people the Godking can collar and re-collar: 28,800 people/year - 1,728 newborns/year = 27,072 people/year (adjusted for newborn collaring) 27,072 people/year x 6 years = 162,432 people Based on these calculations, the maximum population for this tiny utopian country to be feasible would be around 162,432 people. This number is assuming that the collaring process is uninterrupted and the birth rate is steady. In a real setting, there could be factors that would affect these variables, such as immigration, emigration, and fluctuations in the birth rate.

In this utopian country with a population of fewer than 20,000, the society is structured around a class system based on merit. Let's further explore the elements present in this setting: 1. The Class System: The society is divided into different classes, ranked according to their merit and achievements. The types of collars signify the class of an individual in the society. The higher-performance families, such as skilled artisans or intellectuals, might have more elaborate and prestigious collars to signal their status, while the lower classes could have simpler collars. Each collar may have symbols or materials indicating the specific achievements or contributions of the wearer. 2. The Role of the Godking: As the theocratic leader, the Godking is considered the supreme authority in this society. They have a direct connection to the divine force that watches over the country and provides divine protection. The Godking's word is law, and their direct involvement in the collaring process makes them an omniscient figure in the lives of the citizens. This adds an element of reverence for the leader who is responsible for their divine protection. 3. Education and Achievement: In this meritocracy-based society, education might play a significant role, as it contributes to an individual's merit and achievements. There may be a rigorous education system in place where children are taught essential knowledge and skills, preparing them to excel in their particular field or profession. The higher the level of education and expertise, the better the chances of earning a higher-status collar. 4. Criminals and the Unbound: As mentioned, those who serve criminals or remove their collar without leaving the country are considered sub-human or "unbound." They might be outcasts, deprived of privileges, and have to perform the most menial of tasks in the society. The fear of being treated as sub-human or being outcast may be a strong deterrent for criminal behavior or attempting to remove collars without permission. 5. Migration and Leaving the Country: Citizens are free to leave the country at any time they choose. This freedom of movement may be a safety valve for dissenters who disapprove of the system imposed by the Godking. When someone decides to leave the country, this could involve a ceremonial removal of their collar to signify their renunciation of the Godking's protection and the country's way of life. 6. Economy and Cooperation: Given the rigid hierarchy in place, there might be a tightly organized system of cooperation amongst different classes. Each class would rely on the others for goods and services, leading to a highly interdependent society. Since the system is merit-based, people would generally aspire to use their merits and contributions to move up the social ladder, ensuring a functional and harmonious society. 7. Tradition and Ceremony: As the collaring and re-collaring every six years is a significant event in citizens' lives, these ceremonies could turn into grand events with celebrations, feasts, and performances. It could even become a tradition for families to celebrate their members' achievements and advancements in the social structure. The Godking's participation in these ceremonies adds an element of solemnity and significance to the event. This setting allows for the exploration of various themes, such as the quest for personal and societal improvement, the potential pitfalls of a rigid social hierarchy, the influence of religious authority in governance, and the conflict between individual aspirations and the collective good.

There could be several reasons why people would choose to remain in the country despite the strict social hierarchy and collaring system: 1. Divine Protection: The belief in the Godking's divine protection might play a significant role in keeping citizens from leaving. People could feel that if they were to leave the country, they would lose this divine protection and suffer misfortune, hardships, or even persecution. The fear of losing this protection would be a powerful incentive to remain within the boundaries of the utopian country. 2. Loyalty to Tradition and Culture: Citizens who have been raised within this utopian society may have a strong sense of loyalty to their culture and traditions, and leaving the country could be seen as a betrayal of their roots. They may also derive a sense of belonging and purpose from the rituals, ceremonies, and customs associated with the collaring system and the merit-based hierarchy. 3. Quality of Life: Despite the strict social structure, the utopian society might offer people a relatively high quality of life - with good healthcare, education, low crime rates, and perhaps even a steady economy. For some, the benefits of living under the Godking's rule might outweigh the cost of leaving their home and moving to an unknown land with no guarantee of a better life. 4. The Promise of Meritocracy: The society operates under the idea of merit, which means that citizens have a genuine opportunity to improve their social standing through hard work, dedication, and talent. While the system might have its drawbacks, people would still be willing to compete and strive for success within the system for the rewards that come with higher class collars and the associated privileges. 5. Limited Knowledge of the Outside World: With the country being a "tiny utopian" region, it is possible that the citizens have limited exposure to the outside world. They may not be aware of opportunities, and the world outside their borders may seem uncertain and potentially hostile. This lack of knowledge, combined with the likely dissemination of propaganda by the country's leadership, would make the prospect of leaving less attractive. 6. Family and Community Ties: People may have strong familial and community bonds within the country, which would make the choice of leaving their homes rather difficult. Leaving the country might be seen as abandoning not only their family and friends but also the social support networks they have grown accustomed to. 7. Fear of Punishment and Loss of Status: For those who have managed to achieve a certain level of success in the society, there might be fear and uncertainty about how they'll be treated outside the country. They may worry about starting over with a lower status or facing potential discrimination for the cultural practices they were raised in, such as the collars. While some individuals may choose to leave the utopian country and renounce the Godking's authority, for the reasons stated above, many others would find it preferable to remain within the society - embracing the merit-based hierarchy, accepting the divine protection, and submitting to the will of the Godking.

Apologies for the confusion. Considering the new information provided, let's explore the reasons why individuals of lower status and the unbound may choose to remain in the country: 1. Hope for Redemption and Reintegration: The unbound and lower-status individuals might believe that there is a chance for redemption and improvement within the social structure. They might hope that, through hard work, they can regain their status or be reintegrated into the society. This possibility for redemption provides motivation to remain in the country rather than leaving. 2. Kinship and Social Circles: Lower-status individuals and the unbound likely have friends, families, and other social connections in the country, which makes it difficult for them to leave. Despite being considered sub-human or outcast, they might still have relationships that provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. These bonds could be a strong reason to stay. 3. Adaptability to the Living Circumstances: People of lower status and the unbound have likely adapted and grown accustomed to their living conditions. They may have established their own social circles, survival strategies, and ways of navigating their unique circumstances within the country. Therefore, they may feel confident and better suited to surviving under these conditions rather than venturing into the unknown and starting anew in a different country. 4. Cultural Attachment: These individuals might still be attached to the culture, traditions, and customs of their homeland, even if they are not part of the bigger society or not enjoying the benefits of the meritocracy. The shared history and cultural experiences might be a binding factor that makes them reluctant to leave the country. 5. Fear of Greater Adversity: People of lower status and the unbound might perceive the unknown world beyond their familiar country as potentially even more hostile and challenging for them. Even if they have information about other countries, they might still be hesitant to leave due to the uncertainty and potential risks involved. 6. Limited Resources for Migration: Lower-class individuals and the unbound likely have limited resources, making it difficult for them to finance travel, living expenses, and establishing a new life in a different country. Additionally, they might have difficulties securing employment and housing without the contacts and networks that they have in their home country. 7. Acceptance of Fate and Cultural Beliefs: Despite their lower status within the community, these individuals might still hold on to their cultural beliefs and values, including the divine protection provided by the Godking. They may accept their circumstances and hardships as a part of their fate or a trial to overcome, which might discourage them from leaving the country. In conclusion, individuals of lower status and the unbound, while facing considerable adversity within their society, might still prefer to remain in the country for reasons such as hope for redemption, emotional ties, cultural attachment, adaptability, hesitance to face the unknown, financial limitations, and their acceptance of fate.

You are right, my previous response did not sufficiently address the motivations of the unbound to remain in the country. I apologize for the confusion. Here are a few reasons specifically for the unbound: 1. Social Resistance: The unbound, who have removed their collar without leaving the country, could hold strong convictions against the collaring system and the country's social hierarchy. By remaining in the country, they may see themselves as a form of resistance or even as a catalyst for change within the society. 2. Desire to Help Others: Some unbound individuals might stay in the country to support or help others in a similar situation. They might work together, creating a community or network of like-minded individuals who share resources and provide emotional support for one another. Unbound individuals may feel that their presence is crucial to the well-being of these alternative communities. 3. Fear of Losing Identity: Even though the unbound are considered sub-human within their society, they are still products of their culture and environment. Leaving the country might mean that they would lose a significant part of their identity. In addition to their resistance against the system, their sense of belonging and connection to their cultural heritage could be a reason to stay. 4. Limited Opportunities Outside the Country: The unbound may worry that their decision to remove their collars and the subsequent social stigma could have consequences for their acceptance in other communities. They might fear that their actions will be looked down upon, making it difficult for them to establish new lives and connections elsewhere. 5. Responsibility to Family: Unbound individuals might have family members still residing in the country, and they might not want to leave them behind. Even if their family members disagree with their decisions, the unbound may still feel responsible for their well-being and might choose to stay as a result. Overall, the reasons for the unbound to remain in the country are further driven by their personal convictions and the complex relationship they have with their society and culture. I hope this adequately addresses your inquiry.

I understand your concerns. Let's explore some stronger reasons for why the unbound might still choose to stay in the country, even when they are treated like slaves or objects: 1. Pursuit of Revenge: Some unbound individuals might have suffered great injustices within the country, leading to their removal of the collar. They could be seeking revenge against those who have wronged them, and staying allows them to plan and execute their vengeance. 2. Protecting Loved Ones: The unbound might fear that if they were to leave the country, their loved ones still inside might face repercussions or retribution as a result of their actions. They might feel the need to stay close to their families or friends to try to protect them from potential harm. 3. Espionage or Infiltration: The unbound may have removed their collars for a hidden purpose, such as espionage or working with external forces that oppose the Godking's rule. They could be gathering information, mobilizing dissenters, or infiltrating the ruling class to ultimately dismantle the current system from within. 4. Fear of Severe Punishment or Execution: There might be some unknown consequences or punishments for unbound individuals who attempt to leave the country. They could believe that, while their treatment is poor within the country, it might be more favorable than the potential consequences they face if they leave. 5. Misinformation or Disinformation Campaign: Even if the country is not isolationist, disinformation campaigns might be run by secretive factions that intentionally distort the truth about the risks and consequences of leaving the country. This could include spreading false information or exaggerating the dangers of the outside world, which might make some unbound individuals fear the alternative and decide to stay. 6. Seeking Redemption from Within: A few unbound may hope to regain their status and receive better treatment by attempting to undo the actions that led to their fall from grace. They might believe that, by staying within the country, they have an opportunity to make amends, demonstrate their worth, and ultimately be welcomed back into society. 7. Psychological Indoctrination: The unbound, despite their current status, may still feel a level of psychological attachment or loyalty to the ideals imposed by the Godking, even if it goes against their best interests. Their reluctance to leave the country might stem from a deep-seated reluctance to defy the principles and values ingrained in them since birth. These reasons highlight the intricate and challenging circumstances that the unbound may face when contemplating whether to stay or leave their oppressive society. Their motivations to stay may stem from fears, revenge, self-preservation, or a twisted sense of loyalty or hope for redemption within the confines of their homeland.

I apologize for not providing satisfactory reasons previously. Upon further consideration, it appears that the reasons provided do not specifically address the unique circumstances of the unbound, as they voluntarily chose to remove their collars while staying in the country. Here is a revised attempt at providing reasons why the unbound might choose to stay: 1. Subculture of Independence: The unbound might have formed their own subculture within the country, consisting of individuals who value personal autonomy and freedom from the collaring system. By staying in the country, they actively defy societal norms and create an alternative community that supports one another. 2. Symbol of Resistance: Their uncollared status could make the unbound a symbol of resistance against the Godking's authority and the country's social hierarchy. By remaining in the country, they serve as a constant reminder that some citizens refuse to accept the system unquestionably. 3. Proving Their Worth: By staying within the country and enduring social ostracism and hardship, some unbound might hope to demonstrate that they can still be productive, successful, and worthy of respect without a collar. They aim to prove, through their actions and resilience, that independence from the collaring system should be an option. 4. Found Purpose in the Unbound Community: The unbound individuals may find purpose and strength within their community of similarly ostracized peers. They may establish support networks, share resources, and develop a unique culture that celebrates their uncollared status. This sense of camaraderie, shared struggle, and purpose may give the unbound enough reason to stay in the country. My apologies for the previous unsuitable responses. I hope this new attempt better answers your question and addresses the unique situation that the unbound individuals face in the country.