Chieftain

File:Chieftain-small.png
Chieftains are the leaders of Tribes. Often among the strongest warriors of a Tribe, Chieftains are also leaders and directors of their people. Chieftains are the executors of the will of the Tribe and answer only to the Elder Councils of their village. Chieftains are often ambitious individuals, nominated to their station or as a result of inheritance. They protect the people, enforce the law, negotiate with other Tribes, and enforce the will of the Tribe in war.

## Stat Card

**Core Stats**

* **Points** - 44
* **Movement** - Normal
* **Wounds** - 4
* **Base Size** - Normal
* **Acts** - 4
* **Morale** - 6 (LD)

**Roles**

* Onslaught
* Defend

**Special Rules**

* **Rites of Regrowth** - Chieftains are notoriously hard to kill.
As a Special Action, regenerate X - 1 Wounds.* **Rites of Protection** - Chieftains will gladly sacrifice their own lives to protect their clans.
Chieftains can opt to lose up to their current number of Wounds to ignore a Wound their DUF has taken.* **Rites of Wild Fury** - Each blow to their Tribe further enrages the Chieftain as she explodes with the fury of the wild.

Gain +X Acts. Gains Elite Role at the 3rd level of the Wild Meter.

## Lore

Chieftains and Chieftainesses (also called Chieftains) are the primary leaders of a Tribe. They act as the final word in leadership, direct the will of the Tribe, enforce its laws, and provide overall direction for the future of the Tribe. Chieftains answer directly to the Elder Council of a Tribe, and they act as the tie breaker when consensus on the Council cannot be reached. Their powers are near absolute as their position is essentially as a king of the Tribe.

Chieftains are often an ambitious sort, having risen to power within a Tribe by demonstrating effective leadership and magnetic charisma. Many times, Chieftains also come to power as the direct result of lineage, but this is not always so. A Chieftain only maintains power because he or she is effective for the Tribe. A weak Chieftain will often be replaced by the Elder Council as a direct result of the will of the Tribe. Therefore, to stay Chieftain, the Tribe must not only survive but thrive.

Chieftains are almost always charismatic as having the support of the hearts and minds of the Tribesfolk is paramount to their effectiveness. They are often fiery orators, able to drum up the emotions and spirits of their Tribe to great heights when needed and also able to direct their thoughts and will towards the greater good of the Tribe. They are also often leaders in battle, serving as an example to the rest of the Tribe. Chieftains are also often great thinkers, tacticians, and planners. Many are also consummate politicians, able to bring people together towards the common cause of the Tribe.

## Great Chieftains

Many stories and legends exist around particularly great Chieftains throughout history. These stories are told to children around social events, and many small children dream of one day leading their Tribe to great victories and to a glorious life. Such great Chieftains can be known for many reasons. Some are known for their conquests, able to conquer neighboring Tribes and create Great Tribes. Some are known for ushering in a golden age for their Tribe, through diplomatic negotiations with neighbors and allies and creating a lasting peace and economic surplus. Some Chieftains are known for having been responsible for cleansing the Great Forest of monsters, some by engaging in single-handed battle with the beasts.

As powerful leaders, Chieftains range in their personalities and ambitions. To become a Great Chieftain requires finding a place in the legends of the Tribes, and to do so requires a special person with great purpose. Great Chieftains have shaped the history of the Tribes and continue to mold their future. By forming great alliances, through conquest, through encouraging invention and trade, Chieftains have created some of the most powerful forces within the Tribes, and still, they continue to create those forces now.

## Rites of the Chieftain

Many Tribes have secret rites which are passed down from Chieftain to Chieftain over time. Often these are Magical items or trinkets, forged long ago by a Druid of particular power. These can take the form of jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces. They can also take the form of clothing such as cloaks, belts, wrist guards, or hoods. It is not uncommon for a Chieftain to have several of these types of items in addition to the weapons and armor that are passed down to her from her predecessor. These gifts of the Tribe are known as the Rites of the Chieftain.

Such powerful artifacts assist Chieftains in their duties. These can be powerful combat oriented artifacts, allowing Chieftains to achieve nearly super human feats and be able to survive otherwise mortal injuries. Some artifacts simply give the Chieftain enhanced mental capacity and perception. Some artifacts show the Chieftain the happenings in surrounding lands, allowing them to effectively spy on their neighbors while also keeping track of the movement of beasts in the forest. These artifacts not only belong to the Chieftain but they are also fiercely guarded by their Tribes as they are a representation of the age and power of the Tribe.

## In Battle

Chieftains, being the most powerful leader in a Tribe, march to war right alongside their strongest warriors. To fight next to a Chieftain is considered an honor, and the strongest warriors of the Tribe seek that distinction. Chieftains typically go into battle bringing with them some of their most powerful Rites. They also typically carry with them some of the finer iron or steel weapons that their Tribe is able to trade for or create. Such combat heirlooms are passed down through the ages, and they often are inscribed with insignia or symbols pertaining to the history of the Tribe or the personality of a Chieftain of long ago.

Already powerful warriors in their own right, then further fueled by magic infused Rites and weapons, Chieftains are a force of nature on the battlefield.

Return to Forest Tribes Army

--Neil (talk) 18:52, 18 October 2016 (AST)