[Glorantha] Outlawry and kin

I'll wade into the Orlanthi outlawry argument again to make a few points. Keep in mind that Orlanthi law is based on three axioms: (1) no one can make you do anything; (2) kinship is the defining important relationship for men and the gods; and (3) if you do something that offends someone, they or their kin might kill you or your kin. Orlanthi generally don't kill someone without a good reason, because if they do, that person's kin will kill them in retaliation - or even worse, they'll kill your kin. Much of Orlanthi law is dedicated to the traditional means of resolving or preempting these feuds without resorting to more violence.

Outlawry and other severing rituals remove you from your kin - they aren't your kin anymore. For most people, this is a death sentence - anyone can kill you without retaliation (unless you find a new protector). If you are a troublemaker with poor social skills, your kin might just agree with the folk that you've aggrieved and outlaw you - so watch your step, adventurers!

Some Orlanthi accept exile instead of outlawry and physically remove themselves from their community - usually to remove themselves from a situation where they might create a feud. During the Lunar Occupation, you'll find plenty of exiled Orlanthi in places like Heortland, Pavis, Balazar and beyond. They've left so that they aren't in a situation where they might do something that their kin suffers for. However, exiles are still kin.

Other Orlanthi fit into this system. Kill a Tarshite and his kin may well avenge him. Real foreigners do not and they better be damn carefully travelling through Orlanthi lands.

Jeff Received on Wed 03 May 2006 - 17:59:26 EEST