GH - Clan Member (Tribesperson)

This is an advanced background. These advanced backgrounds are a tool for giving some added flavor, flexibility, and power to a normal background. These are meant to provide deeper immersion into the setting as well. Unlike regular backgrounds, advanced backgrounds allow characters to advance in their chosen background as they also advance in their class. It’s suggested that if one character uses advanced backgrounds, all should. This helps maintain both a roleplaying and a power balance between all the characters in the party.

The major kingdoms of Etharis are far from the only bastions of culture to stand against the current darkness. From the frozen north to the Gulf of Lions, numerous tribes have chosen to keep to their traditional lifestyle, living in harmony with the spirits of the wild. Where hunting and gathering aren’t sufficient to support their population, many have turned to raiding the more “civilized” regions. This has garnered the tribes a reputation as barbarians and savages, but this ignores a rich history and a deep, abiding respect for nature. Clan members are generally more at home traveling through the wilds than their urban counterparts. Their close ties with nature and the spirits of the wild also gives them a unique perspective on many problems, and they are less quick to condemn things they are unfamiliar with. Those that leave the tribe often make good guides, trackers, and mercenaries

Life in a small tribe is, by definition, more close-knit than living within a city. Tribespeople work together daily and depend on one another to survive, treating each other as one step away from family. Making up the majority of the tribe, they work at all the necessary jobs to maintain their way of life, from gathering food, crafting weapons and tools, or governing disputes among tribe members.

 

Rank 1 – Tribal Member

You are a member of one of the tribes of Etharis. Given the dangers of the wilderness, your tasks keep you within the camp or village that your tribe calls home. Simple craft work and maintaining the tribal dwellings are the main tasks allotted to you, but should you prove yourself able and willing, the elders may see fit to grant you greater responsibilities.

Holdings

• Food and lodging within the tribe, either in a modest home or in a communal dwelling.
• Tales from a traveler that outline a spot in the wilds with good hunting or other resources

Progression

Gain permission from an elder to venture out into the wilds on your own.

 

Rank 2 – Hunter-Gatherer

The elders of your tribe have granted you permission to venture outside the boundaries of your settlement. As a hunter-gatherer, you are responsible not only for procuring food, but also dealing with minor threats to the tribe and exploring for new resources and possible locations for expansion.

Holdings

• The tools to perform your duties, including basic hunting and fishing gear, materials, and aid from local craftsmen.
• The ability to recruit other tribe members to aid you in retrieving goods from the wild or helping to set up small camps outside your home territory

Progression

Display excellent leadership and aid the tribe during a crisis.

 

Rank 3 – Elder

Elders oversee many of the day-to-day issues within a tribe and advise the chieftain on matters of importance. Your actions on behalf of the tribe and your good judgement have earned you a place among them. The words of an elder carry great weight within the tribe, and an elder has the power to decide minor matters unilaterally. When issues require greater consideration, a number of elders may consult on the matter before rendering a decision.

Holdings

• Authority over the vast majority of tribe members.
• A fine dwelling and free access to tribal goods and services.

Progression

Serve the tribe wisely in times of trouble.

 

Rank 4 – Chieftain

By election, trial, or some other method, you have been selected as the leader of your tribe. At home in your tribe, others may advise you, but your word is law. Where multiple tribes band together, you speak for your people.

Holdings

• Counsel from the elders, warlords, and spiritual leaders of your tribe.
• Final authority on all tribe decisions and disputes, and complete authority over all tribe members.
• The grandest house in the camp or village, which doubles as a meeting place for important meetings and visiting dignitaries.

Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Choose one from Athletics, History, Nature, Perception, or Religion.

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one tool proficiency.

Languages: Choose one standard language.

Equipment: Basic clothing, a basket, a hatchet, 10gp, one tool kit of your choice and a waterskin.

Suggested Characteristics

None.