Freeborns are men and women who were not born into slavery, but became slaves through punishment, debt, or capture. In most of Chinderia, enslavement is the standard consequence for criminal offences. Once convicted, the accused is inked with a slave tattoo and the process is regulated by the Domestic Assets Trade Union (DATU).

Once enslaved, freeborns typically undergo basic training. Depending on their perceived value, they may be sent to a merchant’s warehouse or a training ranch where they’re taught obedience, physical skills, or combat. Compared to purebreds, the training is less intensive but still brutal.

Like all slaves, freeborns are expected to abide by the Acts of Defiance — a strict behavioural code designed to suppress resistance. But while the rules and punishments apply equally, freeborns often preserve more spirit and resistance than their purebred counterparts. They remember life before chains. Many dream of escape. Some even attempt it.

Purebreds are conditioned from birth for compliance. Freeborns are not. And while this makes them harder to manage, it also makes them more unpredictable — and occasionally, more dangerous.

Freeborns are often treated poorly as they are seen as less valuable than purebreds. Most house slaves are freeborn, performing domestic labour, while young and attractive ones end up as flames.

Some freeborns, particularly if they have prior experience as fighters, become beasts, trained to fight in the arenas. While purebred beasts usually dominate these matches due to superior training and experience, highly experienced freeborns can match them. Freeborn beasts also tend to perform better in Apex Contests — battles against wild animals.