After some IG debate on members of the Cir'thowe and Enery siding with outsiders, my character posted this on the Communal stone. IRL, I am not a member of any tribe, so I don't know these things, but from doing some research on "tribes" and how they function as well as trying to put it into persepctive of other tribes in Forgotten Realms, and the Y'Tellarien wiki here, I came up with this list of behaviors and expectations, and would like to get some other players perspectives on them.
In-Game, my character has said this a number of times, so it may be familiar to some... A tribe of elves does not function like a noble elven house of Evermeet, nor does it function like a citystate with citizenship. This is my effort to help define how to behave like you are in a tribe. This is a fictional tribe, after all, so we can make it whatever we want as long as it remains in the guidelines of what the DM's have put forth. This is my take on our little fictional tribe:
BELIEFS THAT DEFINE A TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP
I know we all bring our own experiences and RP to the game, and I think that we should collectively agree on what our expectations are between characters that consider themselves part of the same 'tribe'
In-Game, my character has said this a number of times, so it may be familiar to some... A tribe of elves does not function like a noble elven house of Evermeet, nor does it function like a citystate with citizenship. This is my effort to help define how to behave like you are in a tribe. This is a fictional tribe, after all, so we can make it whatever we want as long as it remains in the guidelines of what the DM's have put forth. This is my take on our little fictional tribe:
BELIEFS THAT DEFINE A TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP
- The Tribe Before the Self – An elf of the Two-Tribes is part of something greater than themselves. The well-being of the tribe comes before personal ambition, grievances, or desires.
- Loyalty to Kin – A tribesman stands with their kin before outsiders. When disputes arise, the tribe must present a united front. No elf of the Two-Tribes should side with an outsider against their own without absolute cause.
- Honor the Ancestors, Honor the Land – The ways of the past, the teachings of those who came before, and the sacred duty to protect the Wealdath must be upheld. To forsake these is to sever oneself from the tribe.
- Strength Through Unity – The Two-Tribes are a single people, bound by shared history and purpose. To divide the tribes is to weaken them. All efforts must be made to strengthen these bonds, not break them.
- Justice and Retribution – Wrongs done to one tribesman are wrongs done to all. Mercy may be offered, but betrayal is not without consequence. A tribe that does not defend itself will not survive.
- Defend the People and the Land – Every tribesman must be willing to take up arms or serve in the protection of their kin and homeland. Cowardice in the face of threat is not tolerated.
- Speak and Act with Honor – Deception, manipulation, and dishonorable dealings weaken the tribe. Truth and forthrightness are virtues expected of all members.
- Respect the Elders and Traditions – The wisdom of the Elders and the ways of the tribe are not to be discarded lightly. Challenges may be made, but with reverence and reason.
- Aid Your Kin in Need – No tribesman is left to suffer alone. To ignore the plight of one’s kin, whether in hardship or danger, is to betray the tribe itself.
- Hold Outsiders to Account – Those who are not of the tribe may visit, but they are not owed the same trust or privileges. An outsider who seeks to harm or divide the tribe is to be expelled or punished, not embraced.
I know we all bring our own experiences and RP to the game, and I think that we should collectively agree on what our expectations are between characters that consider themselves part of the same 'tribe'
