Tribal Bonds (EoA)

Tribal Bonds
The rules of conduct (or lack thereof) that govern an elfs dealings with outsiders do not apply once you enter the tribal community. Within the tribe, elves must obey a strict code of honor. There are definite limits and guide- lines, established by tribal law and tradition, concerning the liberties that can and cannot be taken with the rights of other tribe members. Two major factors contribute to the trust and loyalty that elves demonstrate to their tribe mates: the elven concept of equality and the need every desert dweller has for aid and companionship.
Elves have no problem treating those they consider less than their equals with disdain and deceit. This view allows them to carry out their normal business practices without guilt or shame. By tradition, however, all full members of a tribe are equal. With this equality comes a special rule of elven conduct: treat those who are your equal as you yourself want to be treated. Remember, only members of an elfs tribe and a few select outsiders ever receive this level of equality. By definition, outsiders can- not be an elfs equal until they have not only proven their trustworthiness, but have also passed trials similar to the elven rites of passagejust like the elfs tribe mates.
Like all those who seek to survive in Athass burning wilderness, elves need the help and companionship of those they can depend on. They must be able to place their lives in the hands of others and trust that those hands will not fail. No matter what peril springs up in an elfs path, as long as he is the member of a tribe he never has to face the peril alone. All tribe mates are brethren, defending each other from every danger that comes along. A tribe is a close-knit community, an extended family that takes care of its own. Even the most fiercely independent elf needs help from time to time, and his tribe mates are always nearby to provide it.
This is not to say that every member of every tribe loves (or even likes) each other, but they all offer the same amount of respect and assistance they wish to receive in return. If there is one thing in all of Athas that an elf can count on, it is the support of his or her tribe.
The bonds of tribal loyalty are like ancient steel, forged in the fires of adversity and linked by the chains of tradition. Care for each other as you would have the world care for you, Coraanu Star Racer told the mem- bers of his tribe (according to accepted legends sung by ritual dancers). All elves know that Athas has no regard for those who inhabit its wastes, so they find comfort in the bosom of their tribes.
Members of a tribe stand together against every hard- ship the now may hold. The elements, outsiders, even the land itself will rise against the tribe. That is the way of things on Athas, and it is no more and no less than an elf expects. But the elves face these challenges as one, stronger for every elven link in the tribal chain. If you need me, my run brother, I will be there, the elves of the desert tribes sing. They add, I am your shadow, your strong right arm. Know joy since we are one! Find comfort in our union! These are more than words to the elves. These are truths that survive the sun and wind and shift- ing sand.
Few acts can break the bonds that hold tribes together. If an elf does transgress against a tribe mate, there are lit- erally dozens of ways to mend feelings and egos. From
contests of strength and skill to gifts of apology, most social blunders can be repaired in the context of tribal life. There are transgressions, however, that require a greater price be paid. Spilled blood must be compen- sated with spilled blood, and death (brought on by acci- dent or intent) must be answered with death. The foulest crimes usually lead to the guilty party being cast from the tribe, as elves abhor killing tribe mates. Once outcast, the abhorrence quickly fades away for the elf is no longer a member of the tribe. A death sentence can then be car- ried out if the tribe so chooses.