Northern Character Theme Seminar

From SCross

Editor's note: Log of a seminar held on August 8th, 2007, chaired by Bahumat.

Bahumat says: "Alright folks, welcome in. A few quick ground rules before we get started: There'll be times I'll solicit comments and questions from you all, but otherwise, please hold them as I get the groundwork laid out. I'd like to start off by setting the agenda for today's seminar:"

Contents 1 1. Northern Theme, In Broad Strokes 2 2. Recommended Reading Material 3 3. A Review of the Environment of the North 4 #4. A quick overview of the various major clans. 4.1 Tglinkgit 4.2 Khaluet 4.3 Wound Clan 4.4 Other Clans 5 #5. Guidelines for Northern RP! 5.1 Narrative Opportunities 5.2 Children. Are. Everything. 5.3 Northern Justice 5.4 Conflicts 5.5 Marriage and Divorce 5.6 All Father Religion Cultural Penetration 5.7 General Open Questions

1. Northern Theme, In Broad Strokes

Bahumat says: "Starting off with #1, Northern Theme, in broad strokes. First of all, this is more than Generic Fantasy MUCK With Winter. The northern land represents the last frontier in an otherwise relatively civilized Gaia. Even by comparison, the western barbarian lands hold more civilization."

Bahumat says: "The fundamental realities of the north: The weather can kill you. If the weather doesn't kill you, starvation can. If not starvation, monsters. And if not those, Gaia herself. The most important fact of life to remember here: Gaia /is out to kill you/. You, personally, you, collectively."

Bahumat says: "Consciously, intentionally. Lifestream and firestone (lava) don't just erupt here randomly. They CHASE you. Gaia sets traps. Gaia does her (ponderously slow) best to wipe out as many conscious people here as she can. She's still guarding an old wound in that crater, and even if it's mostly healed, she's instinctively protective of it."

Bahumat says: "The winters here are lethal, easily so. Even northern natives do their best not to have to get out into the cold beyond -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) when they can afford to. Winter preparations are the bulk of their lives; spring comes around, everyone does their best not to starve while they gather supplies, hunt nearly non-stop for caribou, and trade for what they can't hunt or gather. Summer, same thing, a contination of spring. Autumn brings the same; the twice-annual caribou migration only lasts a few days, but it is the source of over 50% of the total calories a typical inland northerner native will eat."

Bahumat says: "Life here is brutal, it is short, and it is surrounded by the hardest environmental and living conditions the world offers. Most northern natives are lucky to live to 45."

Bahumat says: "And for every family that has 12 children, only 4 will typically survive to full adulthood and rear children of their own. THAT is how lethal this land is."

Bahumat says: "But, all is not all doom and gloom in the north! Life goes on, despite the heavy toll and cost. People survive, and thrive. And with that survival, comes many interesting facets of the people here. First of all, surviving in legend and song, is the richest source of knowledge of pre-holy times. The people of the north might not have much of hard fact, but they are, in all honesty, the most informed of all the cultures on Gaia about the pre-holy times."

Bahumat says: "The oral history passed on from generation to generation is vibrant and rich, and best of all, it's there for you as players to work out, to tell. This is your story too, and by god, you're going to have plenty of chances to tell it. :)"

2. Recommended Reading Material

Nukka says, "Nanook of the North!"

Bahumat says: "First, I should have to mention it, but I will: The Wiki, specifically the following links."

Bahumat says: "Biggest and most important of all, is the Northerner story, that first set the tone for what life in the north is really like: Northerner"

Bahumat says: "Next is the details of life as a Tglinkgit, the tribe you're most likely to interact with as a Northerner, or as a player on this MUCK: Tglinkit"

Bahumat says: "Next, after that, the feared and barbaric Khaluet, the cannibalistic tribe whose territory is Highwind Point's closest neighbour. Khaluet_Tribe"

Bahumat says: "The Wound Clan, the guardians of the northern crater, the epitome of survivalists in the hardest of the hardest lands. Wound Clan"

Bahumat says: "Now, this next link, I can't stress enough. It's not a nuts-and-bolts reading, but it is, instead, the best examples of northern theme put to words, and that is the poetry of Robert Service. [1]

Bahumat says: "Especially Recommended Reading: "The Law of the Yukon", "The Cremation of Sam McGee", "My Friends". But most of the poetry there will be of value to you as a storyteller, to get a feel for what this place is like, through the words and eyes of a fellow storyteller and poet."

Bahumat says: "Also, Incredibly Recommended Reading: Farley Mowat's "The People of the Deer". Written by a man who lived amongst the Inuit regularly over the course of his life."

Nukka especially recommends "The Cremation of Sam McGee"

Bahumat says: "Now, at this point, does anyone here have any other recommended reading that I haven't mentioned? Just chime up if you do."

Respite recommends people read up on the spirituality of realworld subarctic cultures.

Heather says, "That depends on how accurate Jack London is?"

Respite says, "Especially if you play anything remotely related to spirits or monsters. It gives a decent frame of reference for how these people look at their world."

Nukka suggests any biography on the folks who trekked and adventured on the North and South poles, to read their experience with the cold, ice and barren lands.

Bahumat says: "Wikipedia has some remarkably deep information on Inuit cultures and folk lore. And the folk lore of the Inuit in particular is amazingly remarkable and rich."

Cecania says, "Do we do Potlach here?"

Bahumat says: "Potlach, Cecania? What do you mean?"

Cecania purrs deeply, "Where the elders of the village get together to give everything they own away. The more you give away, the higher your status."

Bahumat nods. "Yes, in fact we do. Tglinkit tribe carries on that particular tradition heavily, as you'll note in the theme file there." :)

Bahumat says: "Alright. Now I have a question for you all."

Bahumat says: "Tell me what a Gaiman is, and why they are the most fundamental pillar of any northern community."

Nukka says, "They guard against the rage of Gaia."

Nukka says, "Only they can tell when she is stirring and it's up to them to move people out of harm's way."

Cecania purrs deeply, "Gaimen are those, through power and influence, who can soothe and redirect the anger of Mother Gaia away from those she would inflict. And if one is inflicted, sometimes if one is worthy they can remove the stigma."

Bahumat says: "What would happen to the average nomadic village without a Gaimen (or preferably, more than one) present?"

Mauja says, "A Gaiman is a person who with communion with Gaia have gained insights into her methods and have a limited ability to read the signs that she makes before springing her traps. Using this, they help guide their tribesmen and hunting parties away from the more dangerous areas. Or, when push comes to shove, have ability in temporarily diverting her wrath. "

Nukka says, "Death."

Nukka says, "Or worse, mutation and sterility."

Nukka says, "Visits by firestone and lifestream."

Mauja says, "They would likely be returned to the planet. Either swiftly, or after being afflicted with Gaia's touch."

Bahumat says: "Very good. Now, Feralis. The second pillar of the tripod. Who are they, why are they important?"

Nukka barks, "Protection against the ravages of Gaia's chosen... monsters.

Nukka says, "To ensure the meat you eat is safe."

Nukka growls, "For eating tainted meat will spell your doom."

Bahumat says: "Very good, Nukka. You've been doing your reading. :)

Mauja believes those are the tribesmen who are familiar with those closest to Gaia's Voice, who act to purge her of the perceieved threat.

Heather says, "Also to a lesser extent, to nudge the typical beasts in favor of the village's survival."

Nukka wags her tail, "Yupyup, been reading before this talk began. Have been planning this nu mou for a while."

Bahumat says: "A Feralis is known in the southlands as a Blue Mage. They ward away monsters, they help guide the hunts, they're well-learned and informed about how to deal with beasts, monstrous and mundane. Most of their job is simply keeping monsters away."

Cecania purrs deeply, "To ensure the Monsters are guided past, soothed to quietness, or have their bodies destroyed, and their spirits assuaged so they do not come back as spirits."

Bahumat says: "Finally, the last of the three pillars, the Shamans. What are their two most important, sacred duties?"

Cecania raises her hand. "Guilty!"

Nukka wags her tail more, "They are the guardians against the final third... spirits! They make pacts with friendly spirits and elementals, and drive off the bad ones. Three protectors, the shamans, the blues and the gaimen, against the spirits, monsters and the mighty Bitch herself."

Mauja says, "Shamans keep communion with the Spirits of Gaia as well as the spirit of the Tribe in ways of lore keeping, healing and other tasks that are associated with the upkeep of their culture. "

Nukka says, "Also, the shamans provide talismans, to ward off evil... to be worn for life."

Bahumat nods to Mauja and Nukka. "Their foremost duty is managing the many wild spirits that roam over the north; a land this wild still has many primeival spirits, some friendly, most neutral, some malicious, all potentially dangerous. Their secondary duty is, as Mauja said, to upkeep the culture. They keep the stories, they tell them, they teach, they serve as a cultural nexus."

Bahumat says: "Their creation of talismans is, while strictly speaking, not a necessity, it is very welcome."

3. A Review of the Environment of the North

Bahumat says: "Alright folks, hold your questions and comments again, we're moving on to #3: A review of the Environment of the north."

Bahumat says: "First of all, obviously, winters are /Cold/. How cold? It reaches -50 Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit) here. At approximately -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit), human skin, uncovered, will freeze and suffer frostbite in usually less than sixty seconds. An adult male, weighing about 200 pounds, can be expected to retain consciousness at this temperature, unsheltered and uninsulated, for approximately 20 to 30 highly uncomfortable minutes."

Bahumat says: "Symptoms of hypothermia must be recognized, of course. [2]"

Cecania purrs deeply, "Yet people walk around saying "Furs are fine. See! I have a fur muff! That protects me totally!""

Bahumat says: "I said hold comments for now please."

Nukka comments that he's been to the Yukon and NWT. "At that temperature, spittle freezes and CRACKS before hitting the ground. And if you were to urinate ... well, let's not ponder that."

Bahumat says: "But, besides the crazy cold, there's high winds. There's deep snow which will VASTLY slow down your rate of travel without things like snowshoes and sledges. And indeed, as Nukka points out; get to about -35 Celsius (-31 Fahrenheit), and yes, spit will actually freeze before it hits the ground."

Bahumat says: "I want to stress this, kids: A heat rock, or a fire amulet, while VASTLY helpful against the cold, still won't save your life. It won't make walking through waist-deep snow any less exhausting."

Bahumat says: "It won't protect you from biting wind chill. Or snowblindness."

Bahumat says: "Anybody here ever had snowblindness, or the equivalent, welder's arc flash? Just raise your hand if you have."

Heather raises. Partial. Ouch.

Mauja has. Snowblindness.

Bahumat says: "[3]"

Bahumat says: "Not a lot of fun, is it? Very aggravating injury."

Nukka raises his hand. "Yeah, I don't suggest skiing afterwards.

Nukka says, "Bahumat, don't forget the sunburn, and windburn."

Bahumat says: "Beyond snow blindness, being that exhausted makes you easy prey for monsters. It makes you much less likely to have the energy to hunt, and game is often scarce in the winter. So, cold is the biggest element, but far from the only one. Wind. Exposure. Exhaustion. Famine. And if you're holed up in a village, disease."

Respite says, "What kind of disease exchange has there been between the natives and newcomers?"

Bahumat says: "Plenty. The mage plague hit the north as hard as any. And with lots of two-way communication and transmission, diseases will continue to be passed between them. Unlike in RL history, with the rapid two-way transport the teleporters give, there's more than a few diseases spreading from the north outwards, just as they, in turn, are being hit by new diseases all the time. With each spring season of trading, more disease spreads."

Bahumat says: "But, surprise surprise, there's more than the winter to think about."

Bahumat says: "Let's talk about spring for a bit. Nukka, you've been to the land of the blackfly. Care to describe the experience? :D"

Bahumat says: "Well, in case Nukka's napping. Insects, in particular biting black flies and mosquitos, are tremendously common there. Disease again an issue, particularly skin infections from being bitten by blackflies. As the snow melts, stagnant water forms everywhere, and insects breed in the trillions. And, as spring here is very cold, how much fun do you think a pounding rain at 4 Celsius (39 Fahrenheit) is?"

Nukka says, "Yes, blackflies. Deerflies."

Nova warks, "About as fun as it is here in Toronto :P"

Nukka says, "Deerflies will take strips of skin from you."

Cecania purrs deeply, "Mosquitoes the size of dragonflies."

Mauja shudders.

Nukka says, "Everything explodes into growth, so everything is active, bugs *everywhere*"

Bahumat says: "Summertime can be mercilessly hot, with temperatures pushing 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) plus, and let's not forget, eighteen to twenty-two hours of sunlight throughout the day means there's no respite from the heat. "

Nukka shudders.

Nukka says, "I have been there during the midnight sun, and the reverse, the month or so of near complete darkness."

Bahumat says: "Autumn is the closest thing to a "nice" season here; everyone is usually busy slaughtering caribou and preparing for the winter. Late summer and early autumn tend to represent the "best" time of year."

Nukka says, "Though, the largest problem these days is polar bears."

Nukka says, "Yay for a father who worked for the government.  :D"

Bahumat says: "One of many predators, monstrous or mundane, that stalk this land as well."

Bahumat says: "And believe me, to an ignorant southerner, the distinction between a massive polar bear and a monster is probably only clinical."

Bahumat says: "Either way, it's big, angry, and eats your face."

Cecania says, "and likely from the inside."

Nukka says, "For the record, the largest polar bear was able to sink large fishing boats, and had to be chased off and killed by a navy destroyer."

Bahumat says: "But, enough about polar bears, moving along to other hazards."

Bahumat says: "As far as other environmental issues go: Remember that issue about firestone and other volcanic activity? Gaia loves this one: [4]"

Bahumat says: "Hydrogen sulfide is a hideously, HIDEOUSLY toxic gas, even in absolutely tiny quantities."

Bahumat says: "Hydrogen sulfide regularly vents from volcanic activity. As a point of reference, the best military nerve toxins require five times the parts-per-million level in the air to kill, compared to Hydrogen Sulfide."

Bahumat says: "H2S, being heavier than air, is particularly dangerous in low-lying areas, especially valleys."

Bahumat says: "Aside from H2S, winter eruptions usually leads to powerful floods and mudslides."

Bahumat says: "Spring rains also bring powerful mudslides and rockslides."

Cecania neglects to mention the pyroclastic cloud

Bahumat says: "There is a Northern saying: "Gaia waits by the water." Indicating that many of the dangers are at their worst in low-lying areas."

Bahumat says: "Solstice, your question?"

Solstice says, "It's a little off topic. This is all really valuable information, and it's very interesting... I'm just... not sure how I'm gonna manage to keep track of it all during daily RP. There's a lot.  :P"

Orenda agrees.

Bahumat says: "You're going to read this log here and there, and familiarize yourself, and do as you do with the rest of the game: Learn it, read it, learn it more, read it more, ask questions, and when it doubt, fake it reasonably. :D"

Mauja says, "Reasonable faking, yay!"

Heather says, "Which isn't to say that you should RP being nothing but miserable, mind."

Solstice says, "And while all that stuff about gas from volcanoes and intense winter cold is all true iRL... I mean really, who wants to roleplay just getting randomly gassed to death by volcanic venting, or staying inside their homes for half the year? On that latter, I've been seeing constant encouragement to get /out/ of our homes. To the point where not everyone even gets one."

Nukka giggles and wurfs, patting Solstice, "Don't worry, just be sensible. It's a dangerous land, with dangerous inhabitants, and it's DAMN cold most of the time. This means no long jaunts to the store, no rutting in the woods, and no going anywhere alone. Follow these tenets and you'll be fine. For, just like Jason, Gaia only kills those having a good time."

Bahumat says: "Solstice, this i the theme of the game, and the IC reality."

Bahumat says: "Gaia is out -to kill you-."

Bahumat says: "You, personally."

Solstice says, "That's great, but doesn't answer my question."

Bahumat says: "That's because your question was rhetorical."

Respite says, "Wouldn't it be more balanced to say that the North is simply very dangerous, and that the Northerners do their best to survive in a hostile land?"

Geosha says, "Doesnt a fire amulet allow people to be outside for tolerable amounts of time even in winter?"

Bahumat says: "You're welcome to say that all you like, Respite, but the truth is much more complex than that, and that's what we're covering today."

Geosha says, "I mean maybe not stay outside but not be in danger of death while walking from one building to another"

Solstice says, "It wasn't intended as rhetorical. I just want to know: Staff has been trying really hard to get us to go /out/ of our homes, all the time. Now you're saying that we should stay inside for half the year. Which is it?"

Bahumat says: "Geosha, the fire amulets, as covered earlier, are certainly an incredibly valuable survival tool. They protect you from the cold, but they don't last forever, and if you're reliant on just one of them, and it dies, you probably do as well."

Geosha says, "I think there is such a thing as plot physics to allow RP to continue normally. I dont think anyone should suddenly be told 'bang you're dead' or anything if they are going outside :p"

Talith says, "So basically.. if you're a mainlander.. never leave the colony. If you're a Northerner.. expect to create new PCs alot."

Bahumat says: "They also won't do a thing about wind, pushing through waist-deep-or-worse snow, or any of the other 'thousand manifold doooms'."

Respite says, "Explain to me why Gaia is out to kill you, please?"

Bahumat says: "Ladies and gentlemen, respectfully hold your questions and jeers at this point."

Bahumat says: "As covered earlier, Kamira, Respite: Gaia is out to kill you because while she is no longer furious, she is still angry. She is angrily guarding a (to her) freshly healed wound, and sees humanoids too close to it as being a threat. As such, she reacts to their presence, by chasing them, by trying to kill them."

Bahumat says: "Gaia doesn't think fast; she thinks slow, she reacts slow, usually, but she has time and patience on her side. She can afford to set traps, and to work in vast scales."

Respite says, "Right. I understand that. You just make it sound personal. In reality, she's just defensive with humans near a soft spot."

Bahumat says: "Correct. And some of it /is/ personal. Gaia knows it was humans that sucked out some of her Mako."

Geosha says, "Didnt Gaia become really happy as part of the plot recently?"

Bahumat says: "She was momentarily pleased over something, but that didn't solve the "Leave my freshly healed bruise alone, you assholes." instinct."

Geosha says, "So what was the point of telling us whe was momentarily pleased if it changed nothing? :p"

Bahumat says: "Because it was an event that transpired. Your life probably won't change anything in the grand scheme of Gaia, should we ignore you? :D"

Bahumat says: "Any questions specific to environmental hazards?"

Respite says, "I want to know about volcanic activity in the north."

Respite says, "Is there any? Was there any in the past?"

Bahumat says: "Sure. There are active volcanoes, quite a few of them. There's been for a long time. The continent is probably the most tectonically active in Gaia."

Nukka says, "Not to mention the stuff stirred up by the (geologially) recent cratering."

Respite says, "In almost every way, this place bears no resemblence to the actual arctic. Would it be a fair analogy to say that the topography of the region is somewhat analogous to regions like the far North of Canada or Greenland?"

Nukka says, "Iceland."

Bahumat says: "An ambiguous mix of siberia, northern canada, greenland, iceland, etc."

Bahumat says: "It's a point that we're deliberately non-specific on, for the most part. We leave the landscape conditions up to the storyteller or room descs, as appropriate."

Nukka says, "Iceland works best, in the mix of harsh arctic climate, and volcanic activity.  ;P"

#4. A quick overview of the various major clans.

Tglinkgit

Bahumat says: "Tglinkgit: Approximately half of this population are, essentially, Tauren, or other bovine animal-kin, with the rest being a happy mix of northern humans and animal-kin. Moose-kin, deer-kin, most ungulate-kin, chances are pretty good you're a Tglinkgit. The Tglinkgit are by far the most commerce-oriented clan out there; they tend to serve as a focal trading point for many clans of the north, and springtime is a busy year of trade for them."

Bahumat says: "The Tglinkgit are by far the most commerce-oriented clan, and in the springtime they tend to serve as the central trading point for a number of other clans in the north. They're shrewd, good-natured, and they tend to use the misconception of their people as being "dull" or "slow" to get out of bad business deals."

Bahumat says: "They practice some small amount of agriculture, but for the most part, they are subsistence hunters and fishers, and their value as trading partners has ensured that even the Khaluet won't frequently raid them, as they risk losing too much trade if they lost favor with them. In short, the Tglinkgit are what passes for the financial power amidst the northern people, and they're generous, giving, and while they'll bargain hard and shrewd, it's not unusual for them to gift back to other peoples richly. Many clans owe the Tglinkgit many favors, and they have no real enemies."

Bahumat says: "Tglinkgit craftsman are arguably the best in all of the northern peoples; they can afford finer arts and work than other clans can, such as their massive totem poles. They also happily serve as information exchange; their storytellers are usually the closest to the pulse of the People, northern-continent wide.""

Bahumat says: "From the Empire's perspective, the Tglinkgit are perfect neighbours; helpful, willing to trade heavily, and peaceful."

Bahumat says: "Oh, one point of note; the Tglinkgit Village isn't the only village; it's just the most major one. There's others, and Tglinkgit territory is considerably large on the continent. I'll have a map showing tribal control areas up soon."

Khaluet

Bahumat says: "Next, the Khaluet."

Bahumat says: "The Khaluet border Highwind Point to the east, and occupy much of the eastern section of the continent's shoreline. They're broken down into six surviving subclans. Their history is a rich one, filled with war and blood feuds. They're warlike, fierce, and cannibalistic, and have taken a disturbing twist on the religion of the All Father and adapted it to fit as moral justification for their ways. They are a danger to Highwind Point, arguably; they've raided before, they'll raid again, and they've enough warriors to be a serious thorn in the Imperial side if they want to be. As such, their minor raiding now and then has gone mostly ignored, but that may soon change."

Bahumat says: "The Khaluet have no allies, but they're formidable enough that they don't really need any; and while they're reluctant to raid the Tglinkgit, they still will, now and then, and will happily consider any other clan as fair game."

Bahumat says: "Both for murder and consumption."

Bahumat says: "That being said, one can never paint any clan with one brush; the Khaluet have their own peaceful traders, fishermen, healers, etc."

Wound Clan

Bahumat says: "Wound Clan, next. A very small clan, at most 1500 people, and presently much smaller than that due to the depredations of Glacious. They are veritably the Fremen of the North, if you like; eking out their living in the hardest of the hard lands. That far north, there's hardly any game; they eat monster meat almost exclusively, and live amidst the most hellishly dangerous place on earth. Their territory is considered undesirable, and their only really significant contributions economically throughout the north are monster parts and rare ingredients. They guard the North Crater from interlopers, though in truth, Gaia doesn't need their help, considerable as it is. Right now, the Wound Clan is in an awkward place where more than half of it's surviving members aren't even in clan territory; they're the ones who've voluntarily left the hard clan lands to find easier living amidst the more southerly clans. Leaving approximately 300 around the Crater, and perhaps another 500-800 scattered all over the North."

Bahumat says: "The Wound Clan features what is most likely the most elite Gaimen and Feralis the world will ever know, but they're far too valuable to go anywhere else; and as such, the world will only likely ever see their weaklings, the ones who couldn't hack it up that far north."

Other Clans

Bahumat says: "These are the Big Three, but there are many, many other clans out there, mostly scattered and nomadic, and travelling all over Gaia, or keeping to her shores for fishing, sealing, and whaling."

Bahumat says: "If the Big Three don't appeal, feel free to talk to me about making up another clan to work with, or just go with a more "generic nomadic northerner" if you don't need something elaborate. :)"

Bahumat says: "Oh, there's also the Black Claw tribe which, I confess, I don't know much about yet, gotta do some reading, as Benjamin-player did the lovely write-up on them."

Bahumat says: "Alright, questions on the major clans?"

Kamira says, "yea, if the tribes like the tglinkit are making villages, how do they handle gaia's attacks?"

Nukka says, "They move about, Kamira."

Bahumat says: "Actually, a very good question, Kamira."

Nukka says, "They rarely stay in one spot for more than a season."

Mauja says, "The Tglinkgit village is pretty stationary though, yes?"

Kamira says, "so the village on grid keeps moving?"

Nukka says, "Dunno how they handle that. Just going with what's on the wiki."

Nova warks, "Sure... are they all available to play?"

Bahumat says: "Most of the Tglinkit, and most other clans, are either nomadic, seldom keeping their village anywhere longer than a few weeks to a month. A few others, such as the major Tglinkgit village, are lucky enough to sit on thick plugs of granite."

Bahumat says: "Yes, Nova, though most of the clans have specific merits and flaws you'll need to take, in particular the Khaluet."

Kamira says, "what merit is the tglinkit's?"

Bahumat says: "And those thick plugs of granite are studiously maintained by the Gaimen."

Nukka says, "Oh, like what, Bahumat?"

Kamira asks, "how? alter land is useless within 1 mile of a settlement" to you.

Nukka says, "What merits/flaws would we need for Tglinkit?"

Bahumat says: "Khaluet require Scape Goat and Alternate Form. Tglinkgit have no specific merits and flaws, but there's a few I'd readily suggest, in particular Stereotype: Big dumb oaf-cow."

Nova warks, "Also will there be opportunity for political interactions between the various northern tribe... Considering we got an actively hostile tribe it could be fun"

Nova warks, "You get that stereotype for free with Animal Kin: Cow"

Bahumat says: "It's a big plug of granite, a few miles across. And that alter the land restriction is actually just in place to keep PCs from being jackasses with it."

Bahumat says: "Indeed, you do, Nova. :)"

Bahumat says: "And yes, Nova, there certainly could. It's my understanding in fact that there's a TP brewing that will feature a meeting of clan chiefs."

Bahumat says: "Especially fitting since spring is coming, and with it, heavy trade in the Tglinkgit village."

Bahumat says: "Folks, I also ask, as a favor for my own sanity: If you want to make up a clan, come to me, talk to me about it... but please, minimize the "gimmick clan", okay? I don't want applications of "This clan is all of X species, and they all share Y wonderful-special-unique-power!"

Bahumat says: "Impress me with culture, not with Magical Snowflake X Syndrome. ;)"

#5. Guidelines for Northern RP!

Narrative Opportunities

Bahumat says: "First, I cannot stress enough how much opportunity for narrative and story exists in this setting. You in the high north, a place of grand adventure, lonely wastes, and a warm and generally welcoming people that view communal survival as the necessity it is here."

Children. Are. Everything.

Bahumat says: "Secondly: No matter the clan, no matter the race: Children. Are. Everything."

Bahumat says: "Nothing. _Nothing_. /Nothing/. Is more important to any northern native, than children. To the point that many social norms for the rest of the world are considered lunacy here."

Bahumat says: "A simple rule of thumb: As a northerner, you probably love children with all your heart. Yes, even if you're a Khaluet. The concepts of patrimony and bloodlines are very silly concerns; who cares who fathered or mothered the child? You'd be a madman to turn any child in need away."

Kamira says, "question"

Bahumat says: "There is no such thing as a Northern orphan, typically. If a child's parent's die, there will be other adults quick to bring in the children into their family."

Bahumat says: "Yes, Kamira?"

Kamira says, "does this mean that a khaluet would avoid hurting children of another clan?"

Bahumat says: "Yes."

Mauja says, "Cross-clan children abduction?"

Kamira says, "does this mean that when clans fight, the victor will absorb the children of the defeated clan into its own?"

Nova warks, "I guess that might be a possibility for how they keep their numbers up too. Easy to brainwash children to your way of life and such"

Bahumat says: "For the most part. Some simply can't control themselves, of course. And yes, Mauja, Khaluet can and will adopt the children of other clans, as would any other. And yes, Kamira, orphaned children will be adopted, absorbed, etc."

Bahumat says: "These aren't absolute rules, of course, but these are fundamental bedrock of northern culture. The world, and their lives, absolutely revolve around children. And they have to."

Mauja nodnods.

Bahumat says: "12 children born, on average, 8 will die before making you a grandparent."

Nukka says, "That would make females second most important. No females, no kids."

Bahumat says: "Hence why, by simple necessity, there's more women doing the domestic living here than in the rest of Gaia. Children, children, children."

Bahumat says: "Age of marriage is typically 12-14, with the first children usually expected around-abouts 16."

Bahumat says: "And most northern women will spend most of their lives pregnant."

Kamira says, "wait wait. big question"

Bahumat says: "Yes, Kamira?"

Kamira says, "no character on the mu is younger than 16. does that mean we are expected to have kids already coming into play?"

Nova warks, "you know that'd be almost impossible to adhere to without prior arrangement between players due to the 'no characters below 16 years old' rule"

Bahumat says: "Of course not. But you may, if you like, chargen your characters as already having a kid."

Bahumat says: "In any village, any child in need is your child, so to speak. Nobody would hesitate a moment to feed or clothe a child that was hungry or was cold. A northern village is the safest place in all of Gaia for a child to be, in all likelihood."

Nova warks, "So a kid that ran away from the settlement would likely survive if they managed to stumble on some nomads before freezing to death"

Bahumat says: "Nova, the nomads would take that child in without hesitation."

Bahumat says: "To the point that anyone refusing a child's need like that would be considered a madman."

Northern Justice

Bahumat says: "Next, guideline for RP: The system of justice to the north."

Bahumat says: "The northern system of justice is very simple, and communal: There are three stages of punishment. Ostracization. Exile. Death."

Bahumat says: "Ostracization is applied at all levels, from very gentle, all the way to banishment, and it is a WIDE spectrum within it."

Bahumat says: "And it's effective. Survival in Gaia requires community, even if just a small one."

Bahumat says: "Ostracization is 99.5% of all the justice system the People have ever needed. For the remaining half a percent, there's exile for the peaceful ones, and a spear in the belly for the ones that are dangerous or won't stay exiled."

Bahumat says: "In the case of a need for arbitration, the Gaimen, the Shaman, or clan chiefs may be asked to render judgement."

Bahumat says: "The concept of personal possessions is fluid, in the north; survival is communal, and as such, many tools are as well. Barter is the method of choice for solving economic inequalities, and if that fails, then one can ask others to render fair judgement."

Conflicts

Bahumat says: "War is rare, and usually a very limited thing; it'd be rare for more than one hundred warriors to come together on any 'army' at once; and instead of outright murder, it's usually minor skirmishes and raids."

Bahumat says: "Blood feuds between small groups are VERY common though; minor family clans might be sworn to kill some other minor family clan on sight, and usually solved by an arranged marriage, or formal exchange of peace gifts."

Marriage and Divorce

Bahumat says: "Any questions on this so far?"

Bahumat says: "I'll open the floor to questions at this point. Please try to keep them one-question-at-a-time, topical, and non-rhetorical, and I'll answer as best I can. :)"

Respite says, "I've got one."

Nova warks, "So arranged marriages must be pretty common then? :)"

Bahumat says: "Arranged marriages are very common, yes."

Bahumat says: "Divorces, however, are socially acknowledged and accepted."

Bahumat says: "If your marriage partner sucks, divorce is a pretty simple process: Move back in with your family and publically declare you're divoricing so-and-so, and that's that."

Nova warks, "Ah one other question... wouldnt this divorce thing cause friction between those from the Imperial lands and the Natives?"

Bahumat says: "It possibly could, but the northerners aren't likely to care about Imperial opinion on their marriage customs."

All Father Religion Cultural Penetration

"Alas, the All Father church, despite high adoption rates amidst the clans, isn't doing a very good job at actually changing their culture."

Respite says, "That's another question. Did the Tglinkgit in the game adopt the new religion presented to them as readily as the actual people they're based on?"

Respite says, "I believe the actual Tglinkgit had become predominantly Christian something like just under two-hundred years ago, which was really fast for an American tribal people."

Bahumat says: "Actually, the northern people, as a whole, are taking well to the religion of the All Father; it represents some sorely needed hope in their eternal struggle of survival upon Gaia. "

Bahumat says: "Unfortunately for the Church, Northern culture is old and strong."

Respite says, "So is that true for all of them?"

Bahumat says: "And as such, the teachings of the Church are ending up getting changed more to fit northern culture and lifestyle than the religion is changing the culture."

Kamira says, "allfather? yea nice spirit, but shiva's the one I ned to ask not to freeze my loincloth"

Bahumat says: "As a general rule, yes. The further you get from Empire lands, the less chance of all father penetration."

General Open Questions

Respite says, "Why the need for a territorial chart?"

Bahumat says: "Just as, like many things, guidelines, Respite. So that people have a frame of reference."

Orenda notes earlier that women spend alot of time birthing children and other matronly duties, correct?

Orenda says, "Does that apply to Shamanesses?"

Bahumat says: "Yes. In this way, the north is a bit of an odd duck; throughout most of Gaia, gender roles aren't nearly so dictated. Here, simply by dint of necessity, women tend to be more domestically oriented. There are no taboos against women filling any role in the clans."

Bahumat says: "Women can be any role in the tribes."

Bahumat says: "And, in fact, you'll likely find more female Shaman than male, as the Shaman role is one that fits more comfortably with the domestic side of life."

Cecania says, "do ronso follow the same patterns?"

Nova warks, "might I suggest one thing... Putting the reccomended/required merits/flaws in the Wiki for the various tribes? I recalled you said something about scape goat and alternate form for the Khaluet Tribe, I assume others have their own requirements."

Bahumat says: "Khaluet already clearly states that, Nova."

Bahumat says: "And in time, as we develop the clans, some will see suggested or mandated Merits and Flaws."

Bahumat says: "I personally prefer suggested merits and flaws to dictated ones."

Bahumat says: "I think most of you do too. :)"

Orenda says, "...Okay..Well..Shaman are typically the ones to deal with spirits and healing and all that. "

Bahumat says: "And yes, the Ronso are no different than anyone else in that regard. Babies, babies, babies."

Heather says, "A note about that."

Orenda says, "What I'm getting at is if it's alright for a Shamanesss not to have children right away."

Bahumat says: "It would be alright, but it would be unusual, Orenda."

Heather says, "This does not, however, mean that two people of opposing genders and similar species are contractually obligated to hook up."

Bahumat says: "Socially speaking, Orenda, it'd be weird. You'd have a lot of people going: "When are you going to get married? When are you going to have kids?" All the time. ALL the time. Like, everyone is your goddamn gramma and mom asking for grandkids. :D"

Orenda says, "Well, for a Shaman in training with partical powers; it might be so unusual."

Bahumat says: "Aye, if they're in training, they have good reason not to have children immediately. Taking babies into the Spirit realm is seriously dangerous business."

Bahumat says: "The unborn are far too easy targets for posession."

Respite says, "You can possess an unborn child?"

Bahumat says: "If you're a malicious spirit in the spirit realm looking for a host, why not, Respite? :)"

Respite says, "I don't know. I figured there would be some means by which the mother could protect the child. If there's magic in everything, shouldn't spirit follow form, to an extent?"

Heather says, "It's like quickbuying an auction ten minutes after it goes up.  :p"

Bahumat says: "Hence why an expert Shaman/Summoner might go into the spirit realm with pregnancy safely enough, but a novice probably shouldn't."

Orenda says, "What sort of aquatic life is around up north? "

Bahumat says: "Aquatic life? In freshwater, lots and lots (and lots and lots) of fish."

Mauja says, "Seals! Whales! Monsters!"

Bahumat says: "In the ocean, seals, whales, monsters. Dammit, Mauja. Beat me to it."

Mauja chuckles.

Orenda says, "Would a Shaman with summoning capabilities be viewed as strange?"

Bahumat says: "No, they'd be pretty standard, as a Shaman is, in system terms, identical to a Spirit Mage/Caller/Summoner."

Bahumat says: "Just as a Feralis is, system-wise, a Blue Mage."

Bahumat says: "Gaimen and Geomancer are just different enough to justify a seperate job."

Bahumat says: "Though closely related nonetheless, when compared."

Nova warks, "They even have similar requirements to achieve those jobs"

Kamira says, "anything special to note for a story teller?"

Nova warks, "Are the shamans primarily the storytellers?"

Bahumat says: "Not particularly, Kamira. A good Mundane, or minor mage jobs for the higher Lore and Folk Lore points works well. "

Bahumat says: "And Shamans are primarily the storytellers, but a non-shaman can just as easily be a storyteller too."

Heather says, "It'd be more about how well you craft a tale, and how sharp your memory is, than any real tribal position."

---

Return to RP_Logs