Post by FATE on Sept 24, 2016 15:26:43 GMT
GENERAL INFORMATION
technology the tribes, while all specializing in different areas of technology according to resources, have access to the same basic things - better versions can usually be bought through trade. though clay and stone are the default and most basic materials used, arrowheads, pots, utensils and jewelry made from copper and brass are quite common. they can make cordage from animal sinew, rawhide, and the fibrous tissues of many plants.
clothing made from tanned leather, furs, cotton, or a linen-like cloth made from the inner bark of trees. feathered capes and headdresses are reserved for important occasions. as their clothing has no pockets, they often wear bags and pouches (made of tanned leather or furred hides) around their waists, wrists, and necks.
religion each tribe has their own worshiped animal, but all of the tribes consider nature to be worthy of reverence. they thank it for the bounty it supplies - from food to clothing and materials, nothing is taken for granted. to harvest from an animal who has not yet matured is considered cowardly; to harvest from plants that are not thriving is wasteful.
society men and women are generally considered equal within the tribes. they fight side by side in wars, they hunt together, and the tribes can - and have been - lead by women. nursing or pregnant women, children, and elders are given priority in emergencies.
the top positions within the tribes form a council, with the highest being the chief - their word is law and final. they oversee their tribes and make moves for their best interest. as a chief ages or falls fatally ill, the council will choose a new one. their partner, should they have one, is also considered a chief - well respected, but without the powers of the primary leader. the next is the shaman, the healer and spiritual guide of the tribe. they communicate with the spirits of the past, passing on wisdom and ancient knowledge of medicine. they often take on a young apprentice, and their arts are complicated to learn. after the shaman is the war chief - a strong warrior capable of arranging scouting parties and battalions. while not a part of the council itself, elders are often called upon for their wisdom and insight. these men and women, who have retired either to age or ailment, are highly respected by all members of the tribe.
from the age of five, all members are responsible for performing duties for the tribe. the younger children help cook and clean, while the older and more able ones carry water, gather, create supplies, and eventually join the hunts. at the age of sixteen you're considered a full-fledged adult.
animals that are found abandoned that align with the tribe's spirit are adopted. they are prized, and have the choice of staying with the tribe, or rejoining the wild when they are able.
interbreeding between tribes is strictly prohibited and will not usually produce children.CAVEKEEPERS
worship the cavekeeper tribe worships the grizzly bear, as it encompasses the main spirit of the tribe. they are strong willed and protective, willing to stand their ground in open warfare as opposed to attacking from the shadows. killing a mother bear with cubs is strictly taboo - an offense with a heavy punishment at the chief's discretion. they are wise and strict, paragons of integrity. nonsense beyond childhood is not tolerated well. bear claw necklaces are believed to bring power, strength, and luck.
specialties beautiful jewelry can be made from the stones of the rainbow spring on their territory. they're believed to be blessed, to bring good fortune and peace of mind to the owner. easily distinguished from the other tribes' jewelry, as the rainbow spring jewels seem to shine brighter and warmer than others - not to mention the wider range of colors.MISTRUNNERS
worship the mistrunner tribe worships the gray wolf. they are social and family oriented, distrusting of all outsiders. powerful and swift, they're quick to chase prey and enemy alike. there's no thrill like the thrill of a chase - any victory without one is considered hollow. strong, courageous and loyal, you won't find the mistrunners leaving anyone behind. the fang of a gray wolf, killed with honor, is said to bring happy hunting and fleet feet.
specialties farmers by trade, the mistrunners grow an abundance of crops including rice, corn, and wheat. the forest floor of their territory is littered in nuts and herbs, used for both cooking and healing. there's also crops of cotton, used for making softer clothing and blankets than the other tribes can normally get.THUNDERFOOT
worship much like their worshiped animal, the white-tailed deer, thunderfoots tend to be rather nimble and flighty. they're a wary but peaceful people, always moving from camp to camp. they are considered weaker than the other tribes in one-on-one combat, but together they're formidable, especially since they're hard to ambush. the bones and antlers of their kills are used to make weapons and jewelry. at their coming-of-age, young adults are typically given a wooden deer head pendant, said to bless them with fertility.
specialties the thunderfoot excel at making strong, durable baskets, woven from the grasses of their territories. when lined with fur or cotton, these baskets make excellent baby carriers once strapped to one's back - a popular option for those with infants and toddlers up to three.BLACKFEATHER
worship the raven suits the blackfeather tribe perfectly. although heroic and capable of doing great deeds, they're also greedy and highly opportunistic, even at the cost of someone else. they're devoted to their own families, although quarrels among them are common. impatient and quick to swarm, the blackfeather's need to be wished sense, not luck. they typically wear jewelry or clothing adorned with raven feathers to grant them patience and protection.
specialty despite all their impatience, the blackfeathers make excellent fishermen, and often sell off their abundance of different fish for necessities or shiny trinkets. the biggest, best tasting fish seem to swim through their valley, and they've managed to perfect the art of catching them quickly and efficiently. occasionally fish will be traded at a lower price due to the talon marks of an impatient youngster.NIGHTSTALKERS
worship much like the cougars they worship, the nightstalkers are a reclusive group, sticking mostly to the shadows. they're most comfortable when they're hidden from sight, stalking their prey. they are typically slender and swift, adept at climbing trees and rocks. secretive and aloof, nightstalkers are viewed with both caution and respect, as they're the least likely to start trouble beyond their borders. often times they receive a tattoo of a cougar's pawprint, said to grant them quiet feet and steady hands.
specialty thanks the their giant berry patches, nightstalkers usually have plenty of paints and dyes to trade. the berries themselves may be procured upon request - if the merchant is willing.