It is implied through gameplay mechanics that the two kingdoms at war in chess both formally permit regnal polygamy, allowing the King to take at least nine wives of equal status, and that marriage can be bestowed as a military honour, but curiously that honour - in stark contrast to the conventional attitudes of the aristocracy - can only be bestowed upon soldiers of the unlanded class, leaving great questions to be asked of the material interests and stability of these kingdoms' aristocracies
also, their horses lack limbs & their castles are small
yknow the smallness of the castles is FAR from their most interesting distinction from the noticeably immobile ones we are familiar with
I think it actually makes a lot of sense. It's difficult to become a queen; it only happens to pawns that survive the way across the whole board. That is, to peasants who prove themselves with particular skill and dedication - to them, the King grants additional power, to continue to guard him. But a Queen's power comes at a cost: she is also a primary target for the entire opposing army. So, the peasantry are promised great power and respect IF they first prove themselves by pushing into ever-increasing danger (very few survive this), and the reward brings them into potentially even greater danger as they continue to protect the King and serve in his forever war.
